Aayushi has studied interactions between microbes and skin since her Ph.D. research on cutaneous papillomaviruses in Dr. Paul Lambert’s lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While traditional studies of infectious skin diseases have typically focused on singular pathogens within the host, skin is colonized by a diverse array of microbes, which likely exert significant influence on epithelial characteristics. Motivated by this question, Aayushi's postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania in Dr. Elizabeth Grice’s lab explored the role of the commensal microbiome in regulating the function of the cutaneous barrier. Her work demonstrated that the microbiota plays a pivotal role in both the differentiation and repair processes of the epidermal barrier. In the lab, Aayushi wears several hats such as conducting research, developing protocols and assays, writing, and making sure the lab has fun equipment.