Sonali Chaturvedi, M.S., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Systems Biology
Institute of Integrative Genome Biology
Interdisciplinary Center for Quantitative Modeling in Biology
Center for RNA Biology and Medicine
Center for Infectious Disease and Vector Research
Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology
School of Medicine Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine (MOLMED)
Stem Cell Center
The University of California, Riverside
900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521
Positions and Scientific Appointments:
2024 Member for HIVD Study Section, NIH (ADHOC)
2024-Present Assistant Professor of Virology, University of California, Riverside
2021-23 Research Investigator, J David Gladstone Institutes
2019-21 Scientist, Gladstone Institutes
2014-19 Postdoctoral Fellow, J David Gladstone Institutes/UCSF
2009-14 Ph.D. in Virology, University of California, Riverside
Honors:
2024 Member for HIVD Study Section, NIH (ADHOC)
2024 Regents Faculty Fellowship Award for Assistant Professor, Academic Senate, University of California, Riverside
2022 Distinguished Achievement in Scientific Leadership Award. The J. David
Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco
2021 Distinguished Achievement in Science Award. The J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco
2019 Best Poster Award. The J. David Gladstone Institutes Retreat, San Francisco
2019 Best Abstract Award. International Conference on Antiviral Research, Baltimore
2018 Best Poster Award, Bay Area Virology Symposium. University of California, Berkeley
2018 Career Advancement Award. Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco
2014 Calavan Award in Recognition of Excellence in Research. University of California, Riverside
2014 Homer and Daisy Chapman Endowed Scholarship. University of California, Riverside
2013 Student Travel Award for 31st American Society of Virology Annual Meeting. American Society of Virology
2013 Klotz Memorial Travel Award, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology. University of California, Riverside
2013 Dissertation Year Program Award. University of California, Riverside
2012 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award. University of California, Riverside 2009 Dean's Distinguished Fellowship, University of California, Riverside 2005 University Merit Rank 1 in BS in Industrial Microbiology. Sardar Patel University, India
Summary:
Dr. Sonali Chaturvedi is an Assistant Professor of Systems Biology at the University of California, Riverside, where she leads the Systems, Synthetic & Quantitative Biology Lab. Her group investigates how complex biological systems make decisions, and how these processes can be modeled, engineered, and directed to improve clinical outcomes. By integrating systems and synthetic biology, the Chaturvedi Lab studies cellular and molecular circuit architecture at the interface of development, oncogenesis, and host–disease interactions.
Her team develops complementary experimental and computational platforms to tackle these questions. Their work includes building synthetic circuits to probe network logic, engineering single-cell technologies to track cell-fate decisions, and designing predictive models that combine machine learning with emerging quantum-computing approaches. Viewing biology as a dynamic, information-rich system, the group uncovers generalizable design principles that guide therapeutic innovation.
The lab maintains a strong translational focus. Working with clinical partners across the country, Dr. Chaturvedi’s team applies these principles to engineer therapies with enhanced resistance barriers, develop strategies to improve transplant safety, and optimize care for patients with chronic infections.
Dr. Chaturvedi established her independent laboratory following training at leading research institutions including the J. David Gladstone Institutes, UC San Francisco, UC Riverside, Hyderabad Central University, and Sardar Patel University. As an early-career PI, she is supported by an accomplished mentoring group that includes clinicians, members of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Inventors, strengthening the long-term impact of her research program.
She actively recruits and mentors graduate students from programs such as Microbiology; Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics; Computer Science & Engineering; Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology; Bioengineering; and Biochemistry & Biophysics.