Meerut born, Devika Sirohi, a doctoral student at the Purdue University, US adds another feather to the cap of India in contributing to decoding the Zika virus, a menace in the US and 33 other countries. The Zika virus causes birth defects among newborns, visibly resulting in shrinkage of the brain size. She was instrumental in the team of 7 who struggled to find a cure or a possible prevention of the same. According to her, it was a very difficult job that took a toll on the lifestyle of her fellow researchers too, they could barely sleep for an hour or two in the day.
Nonetheless, she expressed her happiness over the fact that the task was finally accomplished and paved the way for future researchers. Her qualifications include an M. Sc. From the TATA Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai and PhD in “Structure and Maturation of Flaviviruses” from Purdue University. Devika’s parents, Mrs. Reena Sirohi, a pediatrician and Mr. S.S Sirohi, a pathologist; are joyous over their daughter’s success.
We wish her all the best for her future endeavors and hope that she continues to do our country proud.
