JANANI S. IYER


SCIENCE
I am a fifth-year PhD candidate in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology at Harvard University.
My thesis research is in biomedical device development. Specifically, I am collaborating with other scientists to build an endomicroscope that can visualize cells inside the cochlea - the small, snail-shaped organ that shelters the primary sensory receptors for hearing - in living humans. I hope that our device will improve diagnostics for deafness, the most common sensory deficit in the world.
I am currently co-managing the Nasopharyngeal Swabs Working Group at the MGB Center for COVID Innovation. Our goal is to address the ongoing COVID-19 testing supplies shortage by clinically validating alternative nasopharyngeal swab designs for fast manufacturing and distribution.
PASTRY
I am always conducting experiments, whether in research labs, or in kitchens.
I have worked as a pastry chef at restaurants and bakeries in the United States and in France, and have attended courses in French pastry technique at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris.
I cater desserts for weddings, birthdays, and other special events. I custom-develop all of my dessert recipes.

LINKS
I am grateful for the mentorship I have received over the course of my time as a scientist...
Konstantina Stankovic, MD, PhD – Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Guillermo Tearney, MD, PhD – Massachusetts General Hospital
Ervin Hafter, PhD – University of California, Berkeley
Psyche Loui, PhD – Wesleyan University
...and as a pâtissière!
Ryan Boya and Benjamin Lacy, ArtScience Culture Lab and Café
Stéphane Traon, Pâtisserie Traon
Jackie Bowers, Petsi Pies
Rob Tschudin, Tschudin Chocolates and Confections
