Rubai Mushtaq

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Rubai Mushtaq ​

rubai.mushtaq@gmail.com • +91 8530184722 • GitHub • LinkedIn

Profile ​

Currently in my third year at Ashoka University, I am a Biology major with a minor in Mathematics. During the past year, I have had the opportunity to really dive into evolutionary immunology and the physics of cellular functions, coupled with mathematical modelling. It was during this period of exploration that I developed an interest in dynamical living systems. Whether it's host-pathogen interactions, infection dynamics, or the perturbations of cellular functions, I hope to study these complex dynamics across all scales.

Education ​

Ashoka University ​

  • Duration: August 2024 - May 2028
  • Major: Biology | Minor: Mathematics
  • CGPA: 3.82 / 4.00 (Major CGPA: 3.90)
  • Dean's List: Monsoon 2024, Spring 2025, Monsoon 2025, Spring 2026

DriveChange Learning & Resource Centre (DLRC) ​

  • Duration: May 2022 - March 2024
  • Board: Cambridge International AS and A Levels
  • A Levels Final Grades: Mathematics: A*, Physics: A*, Chemistry: A*, Biology: A*

Vidya Valley School ​

  • Duration: June 2012 - May 2022
  • Board: Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE)
  • Final Score: 98.2%

Research Experience ​

NIUS Fellow | IISER Pune ​

Research Intern | Ashoka University ​

  • Duration: June 2025 - Present
  • Lab: Evolutionary Immunology Lab
  • Mentor: Dr. Imroze Khan, Principal Investigator
  • Focus: Investigating dual selection pressures of heat stress and bacterial infection on Drosophila melanogaster populations, analyzing evolutionary trajectories of immune responses, signaling pathways, and life history trade-offs.

Teaching & Leadership ​

Teaching Assistant | Ashoka University ​

Biology Student Representative | Ashoka University ​

  • Duration: May 2026 - May 2027

The Biology Society at Ashoka University ​

  • Role: Head of Events (August 2025 - May 2026)

Student Government | Vidya Valley School ​

  • Role: Head Girl (June 2021 - May 2022)

Fellowships & Camps ​

NIUS Biology Camp ​

  • Host: Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (TIFR), Mumbai (November 2024)
  • Activities: Rigorous experimental biology training, hypothesis testing, literature synthesis, and oral presentations.

Awards & Honors ​

  • Wg Cdr Suhas Clement Solomon Award for Extraordinary Achievement: December 2019, Vidya Valley School
  • National Silver Medal, Taekwondo: August 2019, Gujarat, India
  • Black Belt, Taekwondo: April 2019, Fighters Taekwondo Academy