Shambhavi Singh

Bio

Hi all! My name is Shambhavi (Sham) and I am a 4th year International Doctoral student in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. My work focuses on a niche of cells called macrophages, which are part of the immune system and are defined by their ability to engulf and degrade cells and cellular debris in a phagocytosis process. Macrophages have the ability to detect and destroy infected and cancerous cells and are the line of defense in an immune response. 

Interestingly, macrophages can switch functions between an immune attack mode and a homeostatic/regeneration mode. For example, during an immune response, macrophages will migrate to the site of infection and remove the infected cells.  Following the infection's clearance, the macrophages switch to a regeneration function, stimulating stem cells to divide to repair the tissue and recruit new blood vessels. This switch is often exploited by tumors, which use the macrophages to help them grow. Thus, understanding the mechanisms which underlie this switch is of utmost significance. We study a model organism that allows us to study this switch at unprecedented resolution, the invertebrate chordate, Botryllus schlosseri. Botryllus, along with the optimal size and shape, has a unique external, transparent vasculature; it allows us to study macrophages in a live animal into their vascular system, which is very important for the complete understanding of the function of macrophages.

Apart from my research work I have been very involved in mentoring students my entire career. I have a MS degree as well as have worked at UCI as a research specialist for three years and have continuously mentored students. I currently mentor students very closely in my PhD lab with their research and career and love doing that. You got questions about school, jobs, career in general or just want to talk to someone, I am your friend.