معرفی
Suryatapa Jha serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology in the Keck Science Department at the Claremont Colleges, which supports Scripps College, Pitzer College, and Claremont McKenna College. Based at the W.M. Keck Science Center in Claremont, California, she leads research on plant responses to environmental stressors and anthropogenic climate impacts.
Her work investigates cellular mechanisms plants use to withstand environmental extremes, with particular focus on retromer-mediated vesicular trafficking pathways. The Jha Lab explicitly emphasizes creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible research environment for all scientists, reflecting commitment to diversity in STEM.
Recent publications demonstrate strong interdisciplinary trends spanning cellular plant biology and ecological anthropology, examining both molecular pathways like retromer function and cultural significance of species such as Indigo. This dual approach connects fundamental cellular processes with broader climate change implications.
Dr. Jha actively mentors undergraduate researchers, including Imogen Brooks (Scripps College, Class of 2024), who received the Scripps Johnson Summer Fellowship for senior thesis work on retromer cell biology in the Jha Lab.
The Jha Lab maintains dedicated research facilities within the Keck Science Department, fostering collaborative projects that bridge plant physiology, environmental science, and cellular biology while prioritizing inclusive scientific practices.
