Niharika Arukonda

[email protected]

My master’s research project focuses on understanding the evolutionary genomics of the tropical plant genus Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae) from Sulawesi, Indonesia- a key biogeographic region within Wallacea. The main goal of my study is to assemble a high-quality reference genome for one Cyrtandra species using a combination of long read (PacBio HiFi) and short read (Illumina) sequencing. Through this, I aim to understand how genetic and environmental factors shape flower colour diversity and how new species evolve in tropical ecosystems.

I have always been interested in plants and their amazing ability to adapt to different environments. During my bachelor’s degree in agriculture, I learned a lot about plant life and enjoyed working closely with nature. These experiences inspired me to explore plant evolution more deeply using modern genomic tools. Through my research, I hope to learn more about how Cyrtandra has evolved and to contribute to the understanding of tropical biodiversity.