RatnapriyaLab

I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine, where my research focuses on the genetics of retinal and macular degenerative diseases. I integrate genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic data to identify causal genes and mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and vision loss. I earned my Ph.D. in Human Genetics from JNCASR, India, and completed postdoctoral training in ocular genomics at the National Eye Institute. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and exploring the outdoors. Meet PI

I earned my Ph.D. from the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, India, in 2022 and joined RatnapriyaLab in March 2023. My research combines computational biology and integrative multiomics to understand gene regulation in retinal health and disease. My earlier work focused on non-coding RNAs, fusion transcripts, and the development of bioinformatics databases. At RatnapriyaLab, I investigate gene regulatory networks and molecular pathways underlying inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with the goal of connecting genetic variation to disease mechanisms.

I am a Ph.D. biologist with expertise in endocrinology, physiology, molecular genetics, evolution, and bioinformatics. My research explores how molecular and endocrine signaling pathways regulate development, tissue function, and physiological responses. I completed my doctoral research at Colorado State University, where I investigated the molecular mechanisms regulating molting in decapod crustaceans. My background bridges experimental and computational biology, with experience in RNA-seq, transcriptomics, gene expression analysis, comparative phylogenetics, molecular biology, and hormone quantification. My broader research experience includes developmental biology, insect physiology, metamorphosis, and mosquito transcriptomics. I am passionate about understanding how changes in gene regulation and molecular signaling translate into physiological outcomes. I bring an interdisciplinary approach to biological research, along with experience in teaching, student mentorship, and research training.

I graduated from Rice University with a Master's degree in Computer Science. I have joined the RatnapriyaLab in September 2026. I am passionate about translating my knowledge in Computer Science into the field of biology and medicine.

I am a freshman studying bioengineering at Rice University, serving as an undergraduate researcher here at the RatnapriyaLab! I am passionate about understanding the genetic basis behind common conditions as a part of the effort of developing “personalized medicine.” In particular, I am translating this passion to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), where I am analyzing single-cell sequencing data of the retina to construct a picture of the diverse cell types at play in AMD. I am so excited to continue my work at the RatnapriyaLab!

I am first-year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine. I did my graduation from Dartmouth College in 2023, with a major in Quantitative Social Science and a minor in Public Policy. My background as an ophthalmic assistant sparked an early interest in eye health, and I am very excited to contribute to research at the intersection of genetics and ophthalmology.