Lavanya studied Biochemistry at the University of Bristol, before obtaining a PhD in Microbiology and Biochemistry from UCL and The Francis Crick Institute. Her PhD research was focused on characterising the metabolic adaptability of the commensal-pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae, and understanding the relationship between bacterial metabolism and virulence.

At Bactobio, Lavanya is working on optimising the microbiological isolation pipeline to discover previously unculturable microbial species and screening for high-value chemical producers.

Outside the lab, Lavanya likes exploring London’s art and culture scene, watching films, and writing. She also loves to read and will happily spend the weekend with a book (+ preferably her cat!).