Sita Paudel is a PhD student in the Program in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her undergraduate degree in Nepal, followed by MS in Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota (UMN). During her master’s research, she identified and characterized a new plant para-retrovirus, Pelargonium (Geranium) Vein Banding Virus, which shares similarities with human HIV. While working on the identifying and diagnosing plant diseases in collaboration with Plant Diseases Clinic at UMN, she developed a strong interest in human pathology, leading her to pursue doctoral studies at Pitt.

Sita is passionate about understanding host–pathogen interactions and disease pathogenesis. Her current research focuses on elucidating the trafficking mechanisms of central memory T cells into the brain.

Outside of research, she enjoys practicing yoga and meditation, reading spiritual books, visiting temples, and cooking.