Undergrad Institution: SRM Institute of Science and Technology, MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professionals

Hello, I am Selva! I am a second year PhD student in the Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology (SSPB) program. Currently, I work at the Hilton Lab where we study how human cells function so that we and others can design better genetic medicines and cell-based therapeutics to combat disease. I am originally from Madurai, Tamil Nadu (City of temples) located in the southern part of India. I moved to Houston for my masters at MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions in 2021.

One of my favorite things about Rice Graduate Program is the exceptional research we do and how its located right next to the Texas Medical Center (Best of both the worlds). That is one of the major reasons I chose Rice University for the graduate program. And the best thing about living in Houston is the diversity in food, culture, theatre and music. I love the 80s rock'n roll, new wave and the post-punk era music. I am a regular at the House of Blues! In addition to this, I eat, live and breathe movies. My favorite directors are Paul Thomas Anderson, Wong Kar-Wai, Denis Denis Villeneuve and Wes Anderson.

Fun Fact:

I speak one of the oldest languages in the world.

Favorite thing about Rice:

The beautiful campus and how it is located right next to the Texas Medical Center.

Favorite thing about Houston:

The FOOD!!

Why did you decide to go to grad school?

When I was doing my masters at MD Anderson Cancer Center I truly enjoyed learning new things every single day and really loved being in the academic setting.