Chesta Jain, PhD
“I wish I could tell you that I planned this out. Things just sort of kept on happening. My coursework was pre-designed. I studied way too much science, honestly, too much of everything and a whole bunch of chemistry, because I didn’t want to make a decision about what I wanted to do.”
Chesta Jain, a PhD candidate in molecular & integrative physiology, grew up in New Delhi, India. Fascinated by many educational subjects, Chesta decided to concentrate on math and biology, usually paths leading to a career in engineering or as a physician. However, when it came time to test into a college program, Chesta found that neither of those choices felt like the right fit.
“When I got into my undergrad, I didn't even know what I wanted to do after, but during college, I did a lot of research-based internships. It gave me a sense of what research means, and it also gave me an excuse to stay in school longer while I figured out what to do with my life.”
A professor encouraged Chesta to participate in a summer research exchange program between India and the U.S. to broaden her experience. Joining the program forced her out of her comfort zone: she had to get a passport, find a research sponsor, and travel away from home for the first time. The decision to join Yatrik Shah’s lab would change her life.
“I worked with a grad student who was finishing up his paper. He was an amazing person to work with. I had a really good experience, and I ended up on a paper at the end of the summer. But, I had to go back home and finish my master's. I wanted to apply to PhD programs because I was enjoying research. My PI kept encouraging me to apply. I would say that I was lucky that I got to try Michigan before committing. That positive experience influenced my decision to attend. It was an easy transition to come here.”
Today, Chesta continues to study in Shah’s lab, researching how iron homeostasis regulates colorectal cancer. She is exploring careers in academia & industry as she begins to wrap up her graduate studies and is very involved in SEEK, a program that provides supplemental science education to local elementary schools.
