Shraddha Karve

I am trained as a microbiologist (Pune University). Currently, I am pursuing a PhD at IISER Pune in Population Biology Lab.

Environment is dynamic, complex and many a times, unpredictable. I use experimental evolution to explore the effects of such environmental heterogeneity. Using bacterial populations and multiple environmental backgrounds, I investigate the questions pertaining to fitness changes and evolvability. Going one step further I try to elucidate the mechanisms which lead to the observed changes in the fitness.

On a macroscopic scale, I am interested in the broad area of animal behavior and psychology. In addition to reading and commenting on the relevant literature, I have also formally undertaken investigations in human behavior. As a member of population biology lab, I have been a part of selection/ population dynamics/ life history experiments with Drosophila melanogaster as well.

Besides research, I enjoy teaching science. I have taught introductory courses in evolutionary biology and bio-statistics in Garware College, Pune University. I am also involved with outreach activities organized by IISER Pune which are aimed at conveying the excitement in research/science to high school pupils through lectures and experimental modules or small projects.

I like to fiddle with performing arts. I was embroiled in regional (Marathi and Sanskrit) theater, in the capacity of an actor as well as a director. I am trained in Classical (Bharatanatyam), Bollywood and Latin dance styles. I will "never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them"!

Publications

S. Karve, D. Bhave, D. Nevgi, S. Dey, Escherichia coli populations adapt to complex, unpredictable fluctuations without any trade-offs across environments. Journal of Evolutionary Biology (in Press). 10.1111/jeb.12972. bioRxiv.

S. Karve, K. Tiwary, S. Selveshwari, S. Dey. 2016. Environmental fluctuations do not select for increased variation or population-based resistance in Escherichia coli, Journal of Biosciences 41, 39-49. bioRxiv. [pdf]

S. Karve, S. Daniel, Y. D. Chavhan, A. Anand, S.S.Kharola & S. Dey 2015. Escherichia colipopulations in unpredictably fluctuating environments evolve to face novel stresses through enhanced efflux activity. Journal of Evolutionary Biology. Vol 28: 1131-1143.

M.Mangalam and S. Karve. Comment on “Number-space mapping in the newborn chick resembles humans’ mental number line”. Science Vol 348: 1438.

S. Karve, K. Shurpali, N. Dahanukar, S. Paranjape, M. Jog, P. Belsare, M. Watve. 2011. Money handling and obesity: A test of exaptation hypothesis. Current Science. Vol 100: 1695-1700.