I am a South Asian aquatic science enthusiast currently pursuing my master’s in Biology in the Department of Biological Sciences at Minnesota State University, Mankato. My master’s thesis focuses on the diversity of pupil shapes in freshwater fishes, combining morphology, ecology, and evolutionary questions to better understand how visual traits vary across species. In addition to my own thesis research, I enjoy engaging with my lab mates’ projects, especially those related to species co-occurrence and species distribution. These experiences have strengthened my interest in ecological patterns, community assembly, and the processes that shape biodiversity. I am currently seeking a PhD position in areas such as stream ecology, fish ecology, macroevolution, and species interactions. My long-term goal is to contribute to research that connects evolutionary history with ecological function in aquatic systems.