Dhanya is a 2019 Khorana Scholar. She worked with Dr. Stephen Nowicki at Duke University, exploring how animals communicate using colour. Studying how birds perceive colour and how this affects mate choice using the fundamental principles of behavioural ecology was an exciting and valuable learning experience for her. She completed the Bachelor of Science (Research) program from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and is currently set to pursue the MEME (Master’s in Ecology and Evolution) program with an Erasmus Mundus scholarship. Apart from science, she is passionate about animals, the environment, science communication and education. She also enjoys engaging with music and dance, and keeps herself busy with small art projects.