Bhuwan Abbot

Bhuwan (“Boo-one”) is a fourth year doctoral candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences. In the lab, she works on the evolution and genetics of a symbiotic relationship between bacteria and fungi. She is interested in using bioinformatics, molecular biology and microbiology to answer questions about mechanisms of these symbioses. 

Bhuwan did her Bachelors in Biotechnology at Shiv Nadar University in Delhi, India, where she spent three years doing research in plant epigenomics. During her Bachelors, she lived on a residential campus and was a part of clubs focusing on community building in mental health, financial security, and queer and feminine identity. She realized that it is of utmost importance to bring in her whole identity as she progressed into graduate school. She hence aims to create an environment where graduate students feel safe in showing up as they are.

As a graduate student, Bhuwan has served as the vice president of SACNAS Charlotte, advocating for true diversity in STEM. For the 2026-2027 academic year, she is a Doctoral Writing Fellow at the Graduate and Postdoctoral Writing Center (GPWC), assisting graduate students in writing, and emphasizing that going through the milestones of graduate school takes a village. She is also the Parliamentarian at Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG), putting her in a position where she can directly speak up for your needs and have access to resources.

“We as graduate students are a diverse community of people across age groups, cultural and religious identities, and financial responsibilities. As your Resident Graduate Life Fellow, I hope to make Niner Woods a community full of fun, shared experiences and growth; a community you know you belong in, no matter where you come from. 

Connect with me via email or meet me at a CGLL event to discuss residential life, writing, and being an international student or a PhD student.”