Ahan Dalal
He/Him
I am queer and I am a plant scientist.//
I studied for my Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Botany Honors at the Presidency University, Calcutta (formerly Presidency College, affiliated to University of Calcutta), India, one of the oldest institutions of the world with more than hundred notable alumni including Eminent Scientists and Nobel Laureates. I embarked on my journey into the realm of plant stress research during my Masters and PhD in Plant Sciences from University of Hyderabad (a top-ranking public central research university), India. After receiving my PhD, I transitioned into the postdoctoral phase at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (ranked internationally among the top 100 leading universities and is home to nine Fields & Nobel Prize winners), Israel, and broadened my focus to the molecular physiology of plants’ response to both abiotic and biotic stresses. I worked as a Senior Researcher for a short period at Tel Aviv University, Israel, and then as an Assistant Professor at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Currently, I am a Humboldt Research Fellow at the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany. Among other things, I am interested in the mechanisms regulating the water balance of plants in stressful situations, and in the structure and composition of the Plasmodesmos pore components and their role in stress signaling.
Coming out as queer in India was challenging for me, but traveling and immersing myself in diverse cultures and communities around the world have greatly aided my growth. This exposure has expanded my vision, acceptance, inclusivity, and perspective, both personally and professionally. I aim to increase the visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in science and academia and hope to inspire and motivate others in the community.
On a personal note, I enjoy reading romantic and thrilling novels. I stay active by maintaining a healthy diet and regular training, and I relish attending music concerts and watching movies.