Sanjana Sundararajan
Accessibility Subcommittee
National Institutes of Health

Research Interest

My research interests lie in uncovering the regulatory mechanisms that govern cell division, with a particular emphasis on mitosis. I have long been fascinated by the remarkable precision with which a cell orchestrates the equal segregation of its replicated chromosomes into two daughter cells. This highly coordinated process depends on the interplay of numerous proteins, and even minor errors in chromosome segregation can lead to aneuploidy—a hallmark of many developmental disorders and cancers.

Currently, my postdoctoral research focuses on the unexpected but increasingly evident relationship between key mitotic regulators and Nuclear Pore Complexes (NPCs). NPCs are classically known as the primary gateways for nucleocytoplasmic transport in eukaryotic cells. Intriguingly, recent findings suggest that several mitotic proteins localize to NPCs, while certain nucleoporins (Nups)—the protein constituents of NPCs—are also found on mitotic chromosomes and spindle structures. This dual localization hints at an unexplored functional overlap between nuclear transport and mitotic regulation. To investigate this, I employ a combination of advanced molecular tools, including Auxin Inducible Degron human cell lines, mouse models, and computational multimer prediction techniques.

Throughout my graduate and postdoctoral training, I have consistently focused on dissecting the molecular mechanisms that control cell cycle progression. My work aims not only to illuminate fundamental principles of cell biology but also to uncover how disruptions in mitotic fidelity contribute to disease. In the future, I plan to expand my research to explore the functional consequences of spontaneous, uncontrolled, and erroneous cell division, particularly in the context of disease initiation and progression. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to the development of targeted strategies for preventing or mitigating the pathological outcomes of mitotic errors.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most? 

Working as a researcher is immensely satisfying to me. Each day brings a new challenge, and the process of addressing those challenges at the bench continues to be deeply fulfilling. I am motivated by curiosity and a desire to understand complex biological systems through careful experimentation and critical thinking.

As I move forward in my career, my goal is to transition into more translational research on human health and disease. At the same time, I want to maintain a strong focus on my core scientific interests, continuing to explore how fundamental mechanisms contribute to broader biological outcomes.

In addition to research, I greatly enjoy teaching and mentoring. My experiences as a graduate teaching assistant and my ongoing opportunities to mentor students during both graduate school and my postdoctoral fellowship have reinforced my passion for education. These roles have helped me grow as a communicator, listener, and guide—skills I see as essential in any collaborative research environment. I value the opportunity to support the next generation of scientists and to foster a positive, inclusive scientific community.

Ultimately, I’m seeking a career that integrates impactful research with meaningful mentorship and collaboration.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise? 

I am deeply committed to advancing the scientific enterprise by helping to build a community that is both supportive and cooperative. Throughout my scientific journey, I have been fortunate to learn from outstanding mentors and educators who have shaped my development—not just as a researcher, but as a person. I hope to make a similar impact on others by fostering inclusive, collaborative environments where individuals feel valued, heard, and encouraged to grow.

This vision of service and community-building has guided me from an early age. As a high school volunteer with the Spastics Society, I supported differently abled students with their education—an experience that first taught me the importance of accessible learning and patient mentorship. Since then, I have continued to seek opportunities that help me grow in this direction. As a member of my college’s Entrepreneurship Cell, the Graduate Students’ Organization, and the Sigma Xi Honor Society at the University of Kansas, I gained valuable experience in outreach, leadership, and peer support. At the NIH, I’ve engaged with the Women in Science support group, which has deepened my understanding of the structural barriers many face in STEM.

Beyond research, I envision myself as both an educator and a mentor. My goal is to dissolve barriers to learning and make science education more inclusive and accessible to people from all backgrounds. Taking regular courses in teaching and leadership has helped me stay current with best practices in pedagogy, especially in recognizing and adapting to diverse learning needs.

In short, I want to contribute not only through scientific discovery but by shaping a culture that elevates and empowers others in science.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish? 

My involvement with the Genetics Society of America has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional journey. I’ve especially enjoyed organizing the Accessibility in STEM (AiS) workshops and being part of the team that launched the corresponding Genes to Genomes blog post. These experiences have shown me how powerful community-driven initiatives can be in shaping a more informed, engaged, and thoughtful scientific network.

As a leader, I’ve learned to pivot and respond thoughtfully in challenging situations—a skill I now see as central to leadership. My style is a mix of being collaborative, adaptive, and mentee focused. I strive to be a supportive, empathetic presence and someone that others can depend on. Over time, I’ve grown more confident in handling sensitive conversations and guiding teams through uncertainty, always with the goal of creating a positive and productive working environment.

Looking ahead, one of my main goals is to help strengthen the sense of community within GSA by encouraging deeper connections among members. I would love to develop a 1:1 mentoring and accountability program that matches members at different stages of their careers, creating space for ongoing dialogue, shared goals, and mutual support. I believe that a structured, yet informal support network could have a lasting impact on how people experience GSA—not just as an organization, but as a trusted peer community.

Ultimately, I hope to continue evolving as a leader while building spaces where people feel comfortable contributing, collaborating, and growing together.

Previous leadership experience

My previous leadership experience includes mentoring graduate students, postbaccalaureate fellows, and undergraduate students and the University of Kansas and the National Institutes of Health, mentoring students through the Bioscience Future Global Scientists Development Program at the University of Fukui in Japan, being a member of the Graduate Students Organization at the University of Kansas, and taking part in the Central Program for Youth Leadership in Science in India. 

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