Twenty-five years ago, Shaw M. Akula migrated from India to the US to pursue his higher education. He is a veterinarian by training and a researcher by choice. Currently, he is a biomedical researcher at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine in Greenville, North Carolina. Dr. Akula’s current research focus is on understanding the roles of miRNAs in virus pathogenesis and cancer biology. Apart from reviewing grants, he also serves on editorial board of peer-reviewed scientific journals. Dr. Akula draws inspiration for his essays from his experience as a researcher and his daily life. His natural sense of humor helps lighten deep topics, making for fun and insightful reading. He continues to enjoy research, teaching, travelling, playing tennis and spending quality time with his family.