Siddhi Balamurali
Research Technician (2023 - )
B.S., Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

Background: I was born in Chicago, but have lived most of my life in New York. I graduated from Cornell University as a member of the Class of 2023 with a double major in Biometry/Statistics and Biological Sciences with a concentration in Computational Biology with distinction in research. At Cornell, I completed an honors thesis titled: Investigating the Structural, Functional, and Biochemical Properties of PPi-dependent PEPCK Paralogs from Entamoeba histolytica. This project aimed to characterize PEPCK, an important enzyme that functions in the citric acid cycle. Because Entamoeba histolytica is a human parasite, its characterization holds great therapeutic implications. This project made me certain that I wanted to pursue research, especially within healthcare, specifically in cancer and disease research.

 Research Interests/Projects: I joined the Sethi lab in January of 2023. I hope to understand the biology of colorectal cancer and all its complexities, using computational and bioinformatic approaches. I also hope to apply previous knowledge from approaches such as small angle x-ray scattering to characterize and understand the molecular mechanisms of important proteins in pathways involved in cancer proliferation, which would ultimately contribute to therapeutic avenues and drug discovery. 

Fun Facts and Interests: I am an avid music and art lover. I played the clarinet for over a decade and have performed as part of honor bands in Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House. I love to paint, draw, hike, and travel in my free time. I’m a foodie, and hope to try out as many restaurants as possible!  I love reading, especially fantasy and sci-fi novels. You can catch me at a café with a good book on the weekends!

Contact: [email protected]