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Enakshi Ghosh

Assistant Professor
  • Eco-immunology of Trophic Interactions
Enakshi Ghosh Headshot
enakshi@vt.edu
  • PhD in Biotechnology; Research area: Insect Ecology and Biological Control Indian Council of Agricultural Research-NBAIR, Jain University; 2014-2019
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Genetics, Bangalore University, India; 2008-2010
  • Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in in Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Genetics, Bangalore University, India; 2005-2008         
  • Research Scientist II (Trophic Interactions Lab, Applied Evolutionary Ecology Lab), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA; 2023-2025
  • Fulbright Post-doctoral Researcher (Trophic Interactions Lab), Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA; 2021-2023
  • Postdoctoral Researcher (Interactions Lab), National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research; 2018-2021
  • Senior Research Fellow, National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Bengaluru, India; 2013-2018
  • Senior Research Fellow (Cancer Biology lab); Niche Area of Excellence, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Bengaluru; 2011-2012
  • Research and Development Assistant (Behavioural Neurogenetics lab), Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, India; 2010-2011
Professional memberships
  1. Royal Society of Entomology
  2. Entomological Society of America
  3. American Chemical Society
  4. The Lepidopterists' Society
  5. Sigma Xi

Our lab studies how herbivorous insects interact with their environment, with particular attention to the ecological and evolutionary forces shaping their behavior, physiology, and immune function. We investigate how herbivore defenses evolve in multitrophic contexts, how insects use environmental signals to anticipate threats, and how they prepare to withstand these challenges. We also examine the costs associated with maintaining such defenses. The goal of our work is twofold: to advance fundamental understanding of ecology and evolution, and to develop practical strategies that support sustainable pest management and insect conservation.

For more information, please visit https://www.enakshighosh.com/

My lab is grounded in the philosophy that science is not only about questions and data, it is also about people. Science flourishes when carried out in an environment free from discrimination and hostility, and that commitment is non-negotiable. In the Herbivore Ecology, Behavior, and Immunology Lab, we embrace each person’s identity, background, and journey. We strive for a culture of transparency, integrity, and kindness. We see growth as a shared endeavor, value diverse ways of thinking, and hold inclusion as essential to the practice of good science.

A current list of publications can be found here.

HEBI Lab Website