Vishakha Mahajan
I am a PhD student studying Health Sciences at Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland. My research interests lie in the areas of reproductive biology, women’s health and epigenetics, and how aberrant gene regulation can contribute to gynecological disorders. My study is funded by Auckland Medical Research Foundation and is further supported by The Liggins Institute Doctoral Scholarship.
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder, affecting 10% of women worldwide. It is characterized by the presence and growth of endometrium (the lining of the uterus) outside the uterus and is often associated with progesterone resistance and estrogen overproduction. I am currently researching the involvement of epigenetic factors in the progesterone resistant environment seen in women with endometriosis, under the supervision of Dr. Anna Ponnampalam. Previously I have obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences from The Pennsylvania State University as well as a Master of Science Degree in Reproductive and Developmental Biology from Imperial College London.
Abstracts this author is presenting: