This month we are happy to introduce you to another amazing member of our squad, Ashwini Chidirala. Ash shares a bit about herself and her love of travel.

I am a Sr. Analyst at Nuvera, and excited to celebrate my 2-year anniversary in February. In my time here I have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects; the most exciting of which have been in the cell and gene space. My undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering and my masters in Innovation and Management provide a solid background that allows me to both understand the science and the business to best address the needs of patients.

What’s your go-to productivity trick? Working from home through the pandemic can make it hard to stay productive. My trick for this is to take productive reading breaks. I keep a novel on my desk and whenever I need a moment to rest my brain or eyes from project work, I read 1-3 pages.

If you could add one thing to Nuvera’s office, what would it be? We already have a wonderful office, but I think it would be even better with a ping-pong table! One of my greatest joys through college was being able to pick up brief games throughout the day with friends. Served as a productive break from studying as it got me moving.   

What’s a trip that changed you, and why? Last year I took my first solo trip. I spent twelve days in Japan travelling through the country on a loosely planned itinerary. Apart from being blown away by the kindness of strangers I was most moved by the city of Hiroshima. I took a tour around the city and got to see how it has been rebuilt with the conscious effort to remember its scars. I don’t have words to describe how it felt, but I can say with certainty that after having walked the streets of Hiroshima I am no longer the same person. I think I just have a greater appreciation for the present. 

What’s the top destination on your must-visit list? Paro Taktsang or commonly known as Tiger’s Nest is the number one location on my travel list. It is a beautiful Buddhist Temple built into the cliffside in the upper Paro Valley in Bhutan. It is actually my current screen saver. I’m hoping to go once it’s safe to travel again!

What’s your go-to karaoke song? Diamonds by Rihanna. Some of my fondest memories are deeply rooted in this song and its Rihanna’s, so what’s not to love?