Shashi Wadhwa facts for kids

Shashi Wadhwa, born on July 20, 1948, is a famous Indian scientist. She used to be the dean at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Dr. Wadhwa is very interested in how the brain develops. She also studies tiny structures using special microscopes. Her work mainly focused on understanding the human brain as it grows.

Her Journey in Science

Shashi Wadhwa started her science journey by getting a degree from NSCB Medical College in Jabalpur in 1970. After that, she joined the Department of Anatomy at AIIMS. There, she continued her studies to earn her MS and PhD degrees.

Her Career at AIIMS

Dr. Shashi Wadhwa at the 40th Annual Convocation of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), in New Delhi on October 16, 2012

Dr. Wadhwa worked at AIIMS until she retired. She was a Professor and later became the Dean of the Anatomy Department. Since 1972, she taught and trained many students. These included university students and those studying for their master's or PhD degrees.

She has written many research papers. She has 67 international and 37 national research publications. She also wrote 27 chapters in different books. Plus, she helped edit or co-edit 13 books and special reports.

What She Studied

Dr. Wadhwa's main research was about:

• How the brain and nervous system develop.
• Measuring and studying the shapes of body parts.
• Using powerful microscopes to see tiny details.

Her lab mostly studied the developing human brain. They looked at the human spinal cord and parts of the brain that help with sight. They also studied the cerebellum, which helps with balance. Her team also researched the nerves that control the human bladder.

These studies helped show important times when these body parts are sensitive. Changes in a baby's environment before birth could affect them. Her research gave basic information to compare with sick tissues. It also helped scientists understand how these areas develop at a very small, molecular level.

Awards and Honors

Shashi Wadhwa is a respected member of the National Academy of Medical Sciences. She has received many awards for her important work. In 1990, she won the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize. This is a big award from the CSIR. In 2013, she also received the BK Bachhawat Lifetime Achievement Award.

She is a lifelong member of several important groups, including:

• International Brain Research Organization
• Indian Group of International Society for Stereology
• Indian Academy of Neurosciences
• Electron microscopic Society of India
• Delhi Association of Morphological Sciences

Since 1999, she has also been a member of the Indian Cancer Society.