Testimonials

Shekhar completed his PhD in Neuroscience in 2020 and was awarded the Lt. Col. Balan Krishnan Memorial Gold Medal for the best PhD thesis in the department. He is currently a researcher at the University of Cambridge, UK, and an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK.
Reflecting on his time at CNS, Shekhar says: "Joining a young lab made my experience at CNS unique, and it turned out to be the most rewarding research journey I have had so far. The intellectually enriching environment fostered by the lab and the department as a whole is truly among the best in the world."

Sridevi completed her undergraduate degree from IISc and did her bachelors thesis at CNS. She went on to get her PhD from the University of Toronto and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Hospital for Sick Children and Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto and is a recipient of the prestigious Schmidt Science Fellowship. “I was exposed to neuroscience for the first time through attending courses at the CNS as an undergraduate.
This opened my world to cutting edge experimental and computational approaches to study the brain that I still use today. I got to peek at neurons through one of the first super-resolution microscopes at the time and this remains a top thrilling moment in my scientific career. I cherish the lessons and the mentorship I received at CNS.”

Simran earned her MSc in Human Cognitive Neuropsychology from the University of Edinburgh in 2013 and joined the Center for Neuroscience at IISc soon after. As a project associate in the Cognition Lab and later on, for the Tata Longitudinal Aging Study (TLSA) in collaboration with NIMHANS (2015–2018), she contributed to key research in cognitive and aging sciences. Simran recently completed her PhD in Cognition & Perception (Visual Psychophysics) at New York University under Prof. Marisa Carrasco. She is, at present, exploring opportunities to apply her expertise in interdisciplinary research to create impactful applications or products benefiting neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals. During her time in the lab Simran contributed to multiple studies in the lab including TLSA, and co-authored a paper published in PLOS Computational Biology (2021). "My time at IISc was extremely fulfilling, offering hands-on experience with two dynamic projects that laid the foundation for my PhD and ongoing research career. Collaborating with brilliant colleagues and mentors at the Cognition Lab and on the Tata Longitudinal Aging Study helped me hone my skills in experimental design, data analysis, and interdisciplinary teamwork. The vibrant intellectual environment and the lush, inspiring campus remain some of my most cherished memories. IISc continues to be a hub for cutting-edge research, and I’m proud to have been a part of its legacy."

Ayesha worked in the Cognition Lab at CNS as a Project Assistant in 2018-19. She is currently wrapping up her PhD at Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon, Portugal. During her time in the lab Ayesha wrote a co-first author paper on mechanisms of attention and eye movements, which was published in Science Advances (2024). “My experience at IISc was transformative — I learned about the wide spectrum of cutting-edge tools and approaches that neuroscientists use to study neural function through the seminars at CNS. I also developed essential skills in data analysis, scientific communication, and critical thinking by working on collaborative projects and engaging in regular discussions during lab meetings and journal clubs. Overall, this period was pivotal to my growth as a scientist and continues to guide me in my research career. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of such a vibrant and dynamic research community.”

Vinay Shirhatti completed his Ph.D. in 2018 under the interdisciplinary program ‘IISc Mathematics Initiative’ (as a joint student between CNS and the Department of Mathematics). He is currently a Postdoctoral scholar at the University of Chicago.
My time at CNS helped me greatly in developing experimental skills along with different methods of data analyses, a critical mindset and rigour essential for research. I carry memories from this experience very fondly with me.”

Siju Surendran worked as a Senior Research Fellow from 23-12-2019 till 30-09-2023 He is currently pursuing his PhD at University of Fribourg, Switzerland.
In retrospect, I have come to understand that effective research depends not just on the science but also on the processes and individuals that enable it. I learnt the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation, communication, and efficient management during my stint at CNS.

Ananya Passi completed her BS-MS degree at IISc in 2023. During her undergraduate degree, she did both her BS and MS thesis projects at the Centre for Neuroscience. She is now a PhD student in Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University, USA.
“I really enjoyed my time at the Center for Neuroscience (CNS). I was trained by phenomenal mentors on skills such as critical thinking, experiment design and scientific writing. Most importantly, I learnt the importance of scientific rigour and integrity. These experiences shaped my approach to research and deepened my interest in the subject.”

“CNS is without doubt the crucible where I honed my research and critical thinking skills. IISc ignited within me a profound curiosity and passion for science that continues to propel me forward in my life and career.” N Apurva Ratan Murty completed his PhD from CNS in 2017 and his postdoctoral research with at MIT in 2023. Since 2024, he is a faculty member at the Department of Psychology in Georgia Institute of Technology, USA

Laxman was a Project Associate between June 2019- July 2022 He is currently pursuing his PhD at Rutgers University, USA Transitioning from cognitive science, I found CNS's environment conducive to rapid learning. The center's intellectual climate, fostered by talented faculty and graduate students, consistently challenged my ideas and kept me at the forefront of cutting-edge research. This collaborative atmosphere has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of the field's current landscape."

Sumitash completed his PhD from CNS in 2017. He joined the Dept. of Psychology, University of California San Diego, CA for his postdoctoral research. In 2021, he joined as an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. “My time at CNS, IISc was a truly enriching experience. The journey was challenging but it laid the foundations for the career that I have today. I have little doubt that CNS, IISc are at par with the best neuroscience departments across the world.”