Prerna graduated from Brandeis University with a degree in biology and a minor in legal studies. She completed her PhD at Harvard University under Dr. Chih-Hao Lee, and her postdoc at MIT in Dr. Jim Collins’ lab. Her interdisciplinary research has encompassed molecular biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, and cellular biology. During this time, Prerna also mentored dozens of high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. She has TA’d and taught several classes, from dance to medical microbiology. Through all these experiences, Prerna has developed a deep interest in supporting higher education and improving the classroom experience to make science more accessible, encourage more students to enter and stay in STEM fields, and support critical thinking beyond the classroom. She now spends her time teaching in the Biological Engineering Department, writing technical grants and decks, managing the Biological Engineering Data Lab, and developing new resources for mentoring and communication support in the department.
Prerna Bhargava
Instructor, Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Brandeis University, B.S. in Biology, Legal Studies
Harvard University, Ph.D. in Biological Sciences
GET TO KNOW PRERNA
What are you most proud of in your work or life?
Continually building out ideas to better help and support the people around me.
What are your passions and hobbies?
When I’m not working, I love to garden, dance, cook/bake, and cross-stitch.
Do you have a personal motto or other words to live by?
Do what you love, work hard, and let fate handle the rest.
Favorite snack food?
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups