Public blog

Krishna Bhat, Ph.D., Senior Associate Consultant II, Cancer Biology

 

Tell us a little about your career trajectory and the impact that mentorship has had on you.

Growing up in India, my fascination with biology began early on. While weekends were typically filled with cricket matches, I found myself drawn to the world of science, often spending my free time dissecting mice or watching cells under a microscope. It was during this time that I developed a profound appreciation for the beauty of life at its most fundamental level. My biology teacher played a pivotal role as my first mentor, guiding me with patience and encouragement. I owe my passion for science to her.

What do you like most about your research specialty?

We work on a deadly form of brain cancer called glioblastoma. What truly excites me is the translational impact of our work. The knowledge that we stand on the brink of potentially transforming patients' lives and making a meaningful impact is immensely fulfilling.

What advice do you give to your students at the Graduate and PostDoc levels?

Research is not merely a job. It grants us membership in an esteemed community where we have the privilege of discovering something new and being the first to know about it. Mix in the ingredients of passion, persistence, perseverance and garnish it with a generous serving of hard work. It is absolutely worth it!

What is a passion of yours outside of research?

I love to cook and try anything vegetarian. When I get home from a busy day, I head straight to the pantry looking for ingredients. It is my ultimate stress buster, but my wife tells me it’s in my DNA (I come from a family of cooks).

If you could meet one person, living or dead, real or fictional, and have a conversation with them, who would you meet and what would you talk about?

Undoubtedly it would be Albert Einstein. Despite his supreme intellect, I read somewhere that he was humble, approachable and would talk to people from all walks of life. I would discuss cancer research with him and try to find a cure.

When you aren’t working, what do you do for fun/what you do for fun with your family?

We love to hike on the weekends and keep seeking newer trails in Arizona. During the winter and summer holidays, we travel often to international destinations. Experiencing different cultures has been profoundly humbling and rewarding.