Simran Cheema

I have a keen interest in understanding the microbiome and various confounding factors affecting mother and infant health. 

My goal is to make a societal impact via my research interest. I had always possessed an affinity for micro-organisms, but just studying micro-organisms is not what I aim for. I always wondered why they exist in such a huge number and when I first learned about their outnumbering co-existence with humans all I wanted was to know why??

The major push for me was when I attended a talk by Dr.Yogesh Shouche in Industry-Academia Conclave. That is when I started reading more about the microbiome, I was sure of my research interests; as if the theory could interest me this much I knew it could drive me a long way. This is because microbiota not only affects human health and disease development at various stages of life but it also shapes the development of human health in a particular manner since birth. They are not only responsible for the production of various enzymes but also are associated with several deficiencies, intestinal function, and diseases. The gut microbes are also playing an important role in the antibiotic industry. This shows that the answer to living a healthy life was always within us; so I believe that we must discover our inner selves to find remedies to our health problems which will help us know what makes us who we are. I wish to pursue my work in the field where I can contribute my skills for the understanding of fundamental concepts and the effect of the microbiome on human health and disease development, which in turn will have a great societal impact. 

Currently, my research focus is to maximize the clinical impact of Human Milk on Necrotizing Enterocoilitis.