Aashna Pandya

Aashna graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Medical and Molecular Biology and a minor in Health Psychology. Over the past year, Aashna interned as a Clinical Research Intern at MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health where she contributed to the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications. At her university, Aashna was also an Undergraduate Research Assistant in Dr. Bathri's Lab, investigating lnRNAs associated with dysferlinopathy. Additionally, Aashna undertook independent research projects on paternal postpartum depression and the impact of environmental enrichment on behavioral outcomes in mouse models. Her clinical roles as a Medical Assistant at Carbon Health, and an Operating Room Attendant at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center deepened Aashna's understanding of patient care and the importance of mental health in overall well-being. Her diverse clinical experiences have reinforced her commitment to healthcare, particularly in the mental health field. Recently, Aashna received honors for the best capstone project in her class, summarizing the relationship between decreasing telomere length and the onset of major depressive disorder and suicidality. After her time at the DCRP and CATSD, Aashna plans to pursue a medical degree in psychiatry or a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, driven by her desire to make a meaningful impact in mental health care.