1. Can you tell us about yourself, your educational background, and the key milestones in your career journey?
I am Aarti Sevilimedu, I completed my bachelor’s in industrial biotechnology at Anna University before pursuing a PhD at Cornell University in John Lis’s lab. A pivotal milestone for me was my PhD, which solidified my commitment to research and helped me shape my essential life skills. It enhanced my ability to stay organised, plan effectively, manage multiple tasks, and navigate stress. I consider PhD as a multi-degree program. I now work as a Senior Principal Research Scientist at DRILS. 

2. Do you have any role models in life? Who are the individuals who have inspired you the most?
During my PhD, I was inspired by a highly efficient postdoc–Karen Adelman in John Lis’s Lab. She had an intense focus with a structured workday. She showed me that research doesn’t have to consume your entire life and you can excel scientifically while pursuing other interests. In my recent years, I have drawn inspiration from Radha Rama Devi, who is a renowned doctor, in her late 70s. She continues to see patients and drive research in rare diseases with unwavering dedication in the hope of finding solutions and also getting scientists to work on these problems. 

3. As a mentor for YIM 2025, what advice would you give to young scientists striving to make a mark in research?
We do science because something about it excites and interests us. My advice would be to trust your instincts and follow your passion. Concerns about funding, publications, or attracting students are valid, but they shouldn’t dictate your path. 

If you truly enjoy your work and pursue what excites you most, success will follow naturally. Satisfaction in your research is the key to success

4. You work on rare genetic diseases. Can you tell us more about that?
A rare genetic disease is defined as any disease affecting fewer than 1 in about 2,000 people. While each rare genetic disorder impacts a small group, collectively, over 7,000 rare diseases affect 70 – 90 million people in India alone, predominantly children. Developing treatments is challenging as these are genetic disorders with limited commercial interest from pharma companies due to the small market size. Additionally, the lack of models hinders research. However, if the scientific community leverages its expertise to study relevant genes, meaningful progress can be made.

5. How can scientists and policymakers improve rare disease diagnosis and treatment in India?
Rare disease patients face two major challenges: diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis can sometimes take 7 – 10 years due to a lack of awareness. While sequencing helps confirm cases, functional validation by scientists is crucial to support clinicians. Small experimental studies can aid this process.
On the therapy front, only 5% of rare diseases have treatment options. Developing disease models and studying relevant genes can accelerate therapy discovery. Though India has a National rare disease policy, the long-term solution lies in implementing stringent newborn screening programs, which are still lacking in public healthcare. Expanding these programs could significantly improve early diagnosis and treatment access

6. To support this, Center for Rare Disease Models (CRDM) has been established at DRILS. Can you tell us more about it?
Yes. The center was established in 2024. The lack of proper models to research rare disorders led us to establish this centre. Through the centre, we are trying to establish a research community and also industrial collaborations to develop therapies. Our goal is to create disease models using zebrafish and cell culture and make them freely available if possible. We welcome collaborations for developing therapies or screening molecules.

The centre also accepts PhD students through the institute. We routinely host master’s students for thesis work, preferably for at least six months. Additionally, we welcome high school students interested in research.

7. You are part of a Research and Development (R&D) institution, but it’s not a typical academic institution. Could you explain your objectives in choosing your career?
I have always loved research. However, the constant stress of securing grants and managing multiple students was not something I wanted in my professional life. Further, I am comfortable outsourcing the initial stress of ideation while driving projects forward. Such roles are rare in India, but this position in DRILS allowed me to be an ​‘academic’ while also being part of ​“industry” projects, so I took it. Earlier, immediately after my training, my anxiety and risk aversion held me back despite my mentors’ confidence in me. Now, with more experience and fewer family obligations, I enjoy my role as an academic researcher.

8. Do you think more research positions with a specific focus on (R&D), without the burden of training students would help more researchers?
Training students is an integral aspect of doing science — so I don’t think that is the problem. Finding funding, and deciding on an area to work on, to me, seems like a bigger issue. Many student postdocs still face this dilemma. Most choose research areas that closely align with their PhD or postdoc work, rather than exploring new fields. This is partly due to the system — grant applications often require preliminary data, expertise, and a proven track record, pushing researchers to stay within familiar territory. But it seems unlikely that, in a lifetime, one would be deeply interested in only two topics. Many researchers are open to broader explorations but feel constrained by these expectations.

9. Are there any personal anecdotes from your journey that you believe would inspire the next generation of scientists?
All my stories are from my students. My current PhD student comes from a family where she is the first one, and a girl, to aim for a postgraduate degree. However, she was determined to pursue research. She worked as a JRF to gain experience before committing to a PhD in my lab and has since become highly independent, securing fellowships and presenting at international conferences. Students like these continue to inspire me every day.

10. What is your key message for aspiring women in science?

Every journey is different and personal. Finding your way and adapting to the flow of life is the key to thriving if science is your passion.