Bishakha Mona, Ph.D., serves as an Associate Advisor at the Science Philanthropy Alliance, where she offers tailored advice and assistance to foundations and philanthropists on science-focused philanthropy strategies. She advises to the WoodNext Foundation on science-related initiatives, as part of WoodNext’s membership with the Science Philanthropy Alliance. Bishakha joined the Alliance in 2019 as a neuroscience fellow and provided scientific support on advising project for neuroscience focused funders. In addition to working on neuroscience projects, she led the work on COVID-19 related projects at the Alliance in 2020.

Bishakha completed her Ph.D. in Genetics, Development, and Disease program at UT Southwestern, where she was awarded the Dean Discretionary Award for her work. Her graduate research was focused on uncovering molecular mechanisms governing spinal cord circuit development. Bishakha is the recipient of the Ida M. Green Award in recognition of her efforts to educate and encourage women about the importance of science. Prior to beginning her doctoral work, Bishakha completed her M.Sc. degree in Biological Sciences with a dual M.Sc. in Finance at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani in India. She is passionate about mentorship and volunteers for MAGIC, which provides mentoring in STEM for middle and high school girls.