Jaya Yakha

Jaya Yakha PhD is a Molecular Microbiologist currently working at the New Mexico Department of Health since September 2025. Prior experience includes a Postdoctoral Researcher position at Argonne National Laboratory, where research focused on environmental signals affecting CRISPR-Cas9 efficacy, and the construction of a biological system for bisabolene production. Jaya's academic background includes a PhD in Microbiology from South Dakota State University, along with a Master's degree in Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology, and a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology from institutions in Nepal. Additional roles include Graduate Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant at South Dakota State University, Microbiologist at MEGHA HOSPITAL PRIVATE LIMITED, and various research and teaching positions at other institutions, reflecting a strong foundation in microbiology, research, and education.