Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
@kdevarakonda.bsky.social
Scientific writer/editor | Neuroscientist | 👩🏽🌾 🧶 🦅 | Work with me: www.kavyadevarakonda.com
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Kavya Devarakonda | Scientific Writing and Editing
A neuroscientist with expertise in writing and editing. As a freelancer, I work with biomedical researchers in academia and biotech to write and edit grants, manuscripts, conference posters, and other...
kavyadevarakonda.com
I see other people doing re-intros and realized I never did a proper intro here 🙈
Hi! I’m Kavya and I help scientists communicate their science. These days that mostly looks like writing and editing NIH grants but I also work on papers and other grants. For more: kavyadevarakonda.com
Hi! I’m Kavya and I help scientists communicate their science. These days that mostly looks like writing and editing NIH grants but I also work on papers and other grants. For more: kavyadevarakonda.com
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
Just got an email from my SRO for the study section that was missed in October. Good news is that they are trying to reschedule ASAP (Dec/Jan). The bad news is that CSR is mandating that only the the top third (not half) of applications will get discussed for the next 2 rounds.
November 13, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Just got an email from my SRO for the study section that was missed in October. Good news is that they are trying to reschedule ASAP (Dec/Jan). The bad news is that CSR is mandating that only the the top third (not half) of applications will get discussed for the next 2 rounds.
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
A really good podcast description of the chaos imposed on NIH this year. 🧪
#NIHGrants
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
#NIHGrants
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
975 - A Tumultuous Year for NIH Funding
Podcast Episode · Public Health On Call · 11/12/2025 · 24m
podcasts.apple.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:17 AM
A really good podcast description of the chaos imposed on NIH this year. 🧪
#NIHGrants
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
#NIHGrants
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
Thrilled to share our new paper, out now in @natneuro.nature.com, uncovering how estradiol, the most potent estrogen, modulates reinforcement learning and reward prediction errors across biological levels. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
#blueprint 1/7
#blueprint 1/7
Estrogen modulates reward prediction errors and reinforcement learning - Nature Neuroscience
Dopamine encoding of reward prediction errors naturally fluctuates over females’ reproductive cycles with estrogenic signaling due to reduced expression of dopamine reuptake proteins.
www.nature.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Thrilled to share our new paper, out now in @natneuro.nature.com, uncovering how estradiol, the most potent estrogen, modulates reinforcement learning and reward prediction errors across biological levels. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
#blueprint 1/7
#blueprint 1/7
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
🚨New preprint alert🚨
We used closed-loop optogenetics to causally test the importance of inhibitory spike timing in network function and found that manipulating PV+ cell theta phase locking in the dentate gyrus can shift seizure susceptibility (both ways!)
We used closed-loop optogenetics to causally test the importance of inhibitory spike timing in network function and found that manipulating PV+ cell theta phase locking in the dentate gyrus can shift seizure susceptibility (both ways!)
September 11, 2025 at 5:07 PM
🚨New preprint alert🚨
We used closed-loop optogenetics to causally test the importance of inhibitory spike timing in network function and found that manipulating PV+ cell theta phase locking in the dentate gyrus can shift seizure susceptibility (both ways!)
We used closed-loop optogenetics to causally test the importance of inhibitory spike timing in network function and found that manipulating PV+ cell theta phase locking in the dentate gyrus can shift seizure susceptibility (both ways!)
Excited to share that my PhD work has been published! www.nature.com/articles/s41... 🧠🧪
Amygdala–liver signalling orchestrates glycaemic responses to stress
Nature - Studies in mice show that acute stress activates hyperglycaemia via activation of a medial amygdala–ventral hypothalamic circuit that controls glucose metabolic responses in the...
www.nature.com
September 12, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Excited to share that my PhD work has been published! www.nature.com/articles/s41... 🧠🧪
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
Another piece on the NIH responding to the deluge of AI-written grants www.404media.co/nih-capping-... #nih #artificialintelligence
The NIH Is Capping Research Proposals Because It's Overwhelmed by AI Submissions
The NIH wrote that it has recently “observed instances of Principal Investigators submitting large numbers of applications, some of which may have been generated with AI tools."
www.404media.co
July 22, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Another piece on the NIH responding to the deluge of AI-written grants www.404media.co/nih-capping-... #nih #artificialintelligence
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
I am not going to call this a Bluetorial, because I do not want to sully that term (which, at least I, find joyful).
Let’s call it a Orwellial.
Let’s call it a Orwellial.
a cartoon of homer simpson holding a card
ALT: a cartoon of homer simpson holding a card
media.tenor.com
March 2, 2025 at 1:57 PM
I am not going to call this a Bluetorial, because I do not want to sully that term (which, at least I, find joyful).
Let’s call it a Orwellial.
Let’s call it a Orwellial.
Ffs
From NIH Office of Research on Women's Health webpage
Sex as a Biological Variable tab
"Historic document published prior to January 20, 2025"
It looks like we are headed back to the good old days when women were consider to be small men for the purposes of research...
Sex as a Biological Variable tab
"Historic document published prior to January 20, 2025"
It looks like we are headed back to the good old days when women were consider to be small men for the purposes of research...
February 20, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Ffs
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
If the block on the Federal Register isn’t removed in the next few months, I fear a majority of labs will close within a year. This small procedural wrench has the power to kill US science indefinitely, losing an entire generation of discovery and innovation.
I had two grant proposals up for review in the NIH Bacterial Virulence (BV) study section. It was canceled without notice this morning.
Without those grants, my lab must close within a year.
And so the purge of scientific research in the US continues
🤬
#MicroSky 🦠🧫🧪🧬🔬
Without those grants, my lab must close within a year.
And so the purge of scientific research in the US continues
🤬
#MicroSky 🦠🧫🧪🧬🔬
February 19, 2025 at 2:09 PM
If the block on the Federal Register isn’t removed in the next few months, I fear a majority of labs will close within a year. This small procedural wrench has the power to kill US science indefinitely, losing an entire generation of discovery and innovation.
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
@nature.com “Are the Trump team’s actions affecting your research? Tell Nature” www.nature.com/articles/d41... via Signal:
Max Kozlov: mkozlov.01;
Dan Garisto: dgaristo.72;
Heidi Ledford: hledford.01;
Jeff Tollefson: jtollefson.11;
Alexandra Witze: alexwitze.01;
General Nature: naturenews.61 🧪
Max Kozlov: mkozlov.01;
Dan Garisto: dgaristo.72;
Heidi Ledford: hledford.01;
Jeff Tollefson: jtollefson.11;
Alexandra Witze: alexwitze.01;
General Nature: naturenews.61 🧪
Are the Trump team’s actions affecting your research? How to contact Nature
Use this form to share information with Nature’s news team, or to make suggestions for future coverage.
www.nature.com
February 16, 2025 at 10:24 PM
@nature.com “Are the Trump team’s actions affecting your research? Tell Nature” www.nature.com/articles/d41... via Signal:
Max Kozlov: mkozlov.01;
Dan Garisto: dgaristo.72;
Heidi Ledford: hledford.01;
Jeff Tollefson: jtollefson.11;
Alexandra Witze: alexwitze.01;
General Nature: naturenews.61 🧪
Max Kozlov: mkozlov.01;
Dan Garisto: dgaristo.72;
Heidi Ledford: hledford.01;
Jeff Tollefson: jtollefson.11;
Alexandra Witze: alexwitze.01;
General Nature: naturenews.61 🧪
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
ATTENTION (PARTICULARLY NIHers)
If anyone has information about the numbers and types of folks in your institute, center, office, or whatever who were were terminated, please share them with me by DM or on Signal (jeremymberg.78).
I am putting together an inventory.
If anyone has information about the numbers and types of folks in your institute, center, office, or whatever who were were terminated, please share them with me by DM or on Signal (jeremymberg.78).
I am putting together an inventory.
a man wearing a white shirt is standing in front of blue stairs
ALT: a man wearing a white shirt is standing in front of blue stairs
media.tenor.com
February 15, 2025 at 3:54 PM
ATTENTION (PARTICULARLY NIHers)
If anyone has information about the numbers and types of folks in your institute, center, office, or whatever who were were terminated, please share them with me by DM or on Signal (jeremymberg.78).
I am putting together an inventory.
If anyone has information about the numbers and types of folks in your institute, center, office, or whatever who were were terminated, please share them with me by DM or on Signal (jeremymberg.78).
I am putting together an inventory.
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
I thought it would be cathartic to start a list of bad advice for writing grants. I'll start.
Make sure to cram as much information in your grant as possible. The more you can say, the better your score.
Make sure to cram as much information in your grant as possible. The more you can say, the better your score.
February 12, 2025 at 1:14 PM
I thought it would be cathartic to start a list of bad advice for writing grants. I'll start.
Make sure to cram as much information in your grant as possible. The more you can say, the better your score.
Make sure to cram as much information in your grant as possible. The more you can say, the better your score.
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
A lot is happening in US science.
Bluesky is the best place to stay up the rolling political crisis in America that is crushing US science. It's also a good place to learn what we all can do.
We have a starter pack for this. Please send your colleagues here too. 🧪
go.bsky.app/2K6jTi5
Bluesky is the best place to stay up the rolling political crisis in America that is crushing US science. It's also a good place to learn what we all can do.
We have a starter pack for this. Please send your colleagues here too. 🧪
go.bsky.app/2K6jTi5
February 12, 2025 at 6:49 PM
A lot is happening in US science.
Bluesky is the best place to stay up the rolling political crisis in America that is crushing US science. It's also a good place to learn what we all can do.
We have a starter pack for this. Please send your colleagues here too. 🧪
go.bsky.app/2K6jTi5
Bluesky is the best place to stay up the rolling political crisis in America that is crushing US science. It's also a good place to learn what we all can do.
We have a starter pack for this. Please send your colleagues here too. 🧪
go.bsky.app/2K6jTi5
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
also this same org has this super useful infographic, breaking down the difference between direct and indirect (also called Facilities and Administration) costs and what F&A costs can and cannot be used for at a research university or institute
February 12, 2025 at 7:56 PM
also this same org has this super useful infographic, breaking down the difference between direct and indirect (also called Facilities and Administration) costs and what F&A costs can and cannot be used for at a research university or institute
It's bleak out there. But it's my birthday week and I'm treating myself to Eagles Super Bowl content (still!) and the 2nd House in the Cerulean Sea book (delightful!) if anyone needs self-care ideas
February 12, 2025 at 4:52 PM
It's bleak out there. But it's my birthday week and I'm treating myself to Eagles Super Bowl content (still!) and the 2nd House in the Cerulean Sea book (delightful!) if anyone needs self-care ideas
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
The. Most. Philly. Thing. Ever. Everybody in the world thinks they are going to grind clock… and PHI goes deep for the TD. Grease the light poles. 🎉
February 10, 2025 at 2:21 AM
The. Most. Philly. Thing. Ever. Everybody in the world thinks they are going to grind clock… and PHI goes deep for the TD. Grease the light poles. 🎉
BABY COOPER!!!!!
February 10, 2025 at 12:43 AM
BABY COOPER!!!!!
Wow, first OPI the NFL has called all season and it’s to stop the Eagles from converting on a fourth down.
February 9, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Wow, first OPI the NFL has called all season and it’s to stop the Eagles from converting on a fourth down.
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
I have learned from several sources that NIH staff tried to find out how to transfer F31-diversity applications to other program announcements for funding but were not able to do this. I don't know whether this was technical (regulations) or ideological.
1/n
1/n
February 7, 2025 at 4:01 PM
I have learned from several sources that NIH staff tried to find out how to transfer F31-diversity applications to other program announcements for funding but were not able to do this. I don't know whether this was technical (regulations) or ideological.
1/n
1/n
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
On this ridiculous shit show of a week, congratulations to everyone who managed to get their NIH grant proposal submitted on deadline!
Well done.
Make it rain.
Well done.
Make it rain.
February 6, 2025 at 5:01 PM
On this ridiculous shit show of a week, congratulations to everyone who managed to get their NIH grant proposal submitted on deadline!
Well done.
Make it rain.
Well done.
Make it rain.
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
PLEASE SHARE 💜 With uncertainty in federal research funding & hiring, we are offering *FREE* resume/CV reviews for early-career scientists in the US who have rescinded job offers or who risk layoffs.
If you feel this support would benefit you, submit resume/CV here: forms.gle/CCbbu2X5GJwH...
If you feel this support would benefit you, submit resume/CV here: forms.gle/CCbbu2X5GJwH...
forms.gle
February 6, 2025 at 1:43 PM
PLEASE SHARE 💜 With uncertainty in federal research funding & hiring, we are offering *FREE* resume/CV reviews for early-career scientists in the US who have rescinded job offers or who risk layoffs.
If you feel this support would benefit you, submit resume/CV here: forms.gle/CCbbu2X5GJwH...
If you feel this support would benefit you, submit resume/CV here: forms.gle/CCbbu2X5GJwH...
Reposted by Kavya Devarakonda, PhD
Hi all, I am in contact with a reporter at Science magazine who would like to talk with a trainee or mentor who successfully applied for an equity/DEI-related NIH training grant or a training supplement but have not received the Notice of Award and probably won't get the grant.
February 6, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Hi all, I am in contact with a reporter at Science magazine who would like to talk with a trainee or mentor who successfully applied for an equity/DEI-related NIH training grant or a training supplement but have not received the Notice of Award and probably won't get the grant.