Our January MCDB Alumni Spotlight is highlighting Revati Dewal! Dr. Dewal is a Senior Editor at Nature Metabolism. She graduated from MCDB in 2021.
We asked Dr. Dewal some questions about her time in MCDB, as well as her career after graduating.
What is your current job and what does that entail?
I’m currently a Senior Editor at Nature Metabolism (https://www.nature.com/natmetab/content). As a full-time editor, I get to work closely with scientists to identify and highlight some of the most exciting advances in metabolic research. My role involves guiding authors through the entire publication process, from the initial submission and peer review all the way to final acceptance. Beyond handling manuscripts, I also stay actively engaged with the research community and participate in shaping the scientific direction of the field
How does your work relate to your time in the MCDB program? How did your time in MCDB prepare you for this job?
As part of the MCDB Graduate Program, I worked in the laboratory of Dr. Kristin Stanford, where I studied metabolic physiology and the role of adipose tissue in diverse contexts, including exercise, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. I also contributed to projects involving other metabolically active tissues such as liver, muscle, and even the brain. Beyond research, my excellent and highly talented colleagues in the lab, and the highly collaborative and friendly nature of the MCDB program, exposed me to a wide range of scientific topics and career paths, both academic and non-academic. That experience played a big role in helping me realize that a career in scientific editing was the right fit for me.
Are there any specific accomplishments that you're proud of since graduating that you would like to highlight?
Academically, I am deeply grateful for the support I received from people in my lab, in MCDB, the PCB and DHLRI departments, and from my mentor, Dr. Stanford, which gave me the confidence to apply for postdoctoral positions I never would have considered otherwise. That leap of faith (along with a lot of hard work) led me to an excellent postdoctoral position with Dr. Christian Wolfrum at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, something I never imagined when I began my PhD. Outside of academia, I am proud of becoming more confident in my skills, adapting to life and customs in three different countries over the past decade, and learning German – which has definitely been a challenge!
What is your favorite memory that you have of MCDB?
While my five years at OSU and in MCDB will always be deeply cherished, one of my favorite memories is my first conversation with Dawn and Tony, when I explained why I wanted to transfer from another graduate program into MCDB. Years later, hearing them say they were happy they gave me that chance was incredibly meaningful to me.
What is one piece of advice that you have for current MCDB students? (This can be related to finding a job outside of the program, lab work, something about campus, etc.)
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even the ones that feel silly. There truly are no stupid questions. And while it’s great to have a clear plan for the future, it’s also completely okay if you don’t. Take risks, explore different opportunities, and try new things. Sometimes the most rewarding paths come together when you least expect them.
What's something fun or interesting that you've done recently?
The past few years have been a whirlwind—in the best way. I’ve moved countries twice, adopted two cats, gone paragliding, and visited many new places around the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have a career that allows me to travel internationally, which was definitely a perk I considered when transitioning from postdoctoral research to an editorial role.
Is there anywhere online where students can learn more about your work or connect with you?