Hi there! I'm Dr. Alisha Arora, Research Scientist for India's National TB Elimination Programme, PhD from AIIMS New Delhi in infectious disease immunology, and CSIR-UGC NET-JRF qualifier (AIR 72, first attempt). I've been on both sides of nearly every milestone in a research career-as a student figuring out what's next, and now as someone building a scientific career after it. I mentor across the full journey: UG/PG guidance: choosing a research direction, building a research profile early, finding the right PG program or project NET-JRF exam preparation: strategy, preparation approach, and what actually worked to clear it on the first attempt PhD entrance & interviews: how to prepare your SOP, research interest pitch, and interview approach PhD survival: lab logistics, BSL-3 work, data analysis (SPSS/biostatistics), managing your advisor relationship, staying sane Publications: manuscript writing, peer review, rebuttal letters (including major-revision rebuttals) for international journals Grant writing: travel/conference grants (DST-SERB, FIMSA, EMDS) and research grant proposals, from framing the narrative to structuring aims and methodology Scientific career building: what a Research Scientist role in public health actually looks like and government research career paths If you're anywhere between "should I do a PhD" and "I have a rebuttal letter due," I've probably been exactly there.