Dr. Shanthi Lakshmi is a renowned expert in the field of precision medicine, with over 14 years of experience specializing in nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics, and behavioural science. Her expertise in integrating advanced nutrition and genomics methodologies has made her a transformative leader in health and wellness innovation.
Dr. Shanthi's career is highlighted by her roles in driving significant health initiatives and developing cutting-edge solutions for a diverse clientele. She has pioneered the integration of mind-body genomics into practical health applications, impacting over 1000 clients through her innovative approaches in product development, nutrition software, and health app creation. Her leadership in research and development is exemplified by her skilful integration of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), molecular techniques, and digital health technologies, focusing on advancing personalized well-being.
Her academic journey began with a PhD in Physiology from Maharishi University of Management in Iowa, USA, where she conducted NIH-supported research on the effects of diet and lifestyle on telomerase gene expression in hypertensive African American populations. This work laid the foundation for her deep understanding of the genetic and lifestyle interconnections in managing hypertension. Dr. Lakshmi also holds an M.Sc. in Human Genetics from Ramachandra University, Chennai, driven by a personal quest to understand the genetic roots of mental challenges and menstrual issues, leading her to significant discoveries about Fragile X Syndrome within her family.
She has an impressive repertoire of certifications, including advanced training in NGS Data Analysis from Raza Life Science, Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching from IIN USA, and specialization in Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics from Manuka Life Science, Australia. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge reflects her dedication to staying at the forefront of scientific advancements in her field.
In her recent role as the Chief Scientific Officer at Answergenomics Pvt Ltd/Nugenomics Foundation, Bangalore, Dr Shanthi spearheaded extensive research to identify genetic polymorphisms and their associations with specific traits in the Indian population. She led the development of over 5000 recipes and health recommendations for the Nugenomics health app, addressing more than 500 health conditions. Her work in training nutritionists in nutrigenomics and health coaching has elevated professional standards and contributed significantly to healthcare excellence. Dr. Lakshmi's efforts have fostered robust research collaborations with renowned institutions like IIT Mumbai, Monash University Malaysia, and Madras University, leading to multiple scientific publications.
Before her tenure at Answergenomics, Dr. Shanthi served as a Life Science Research Analyst at Uber Health Tech Pvt Ltd, Bangalore. Here, she conducted comprehensive research on habit formation apps and mindfulness meditation, contributing to the full-scale development of the "Aware" mindfulness meditation app. Her innovative approach to integrating neuroscience principles into mobile applications has advanced the field of behavioural science.
Dr Shanthi's earlier roles include her position as Senior Research Scientist at Dharma Systems, where she developed neuro-based scientific games and secured patents for solutions targeting key behavioural traits. Her contributions to standardizing molecular biology laboratory tests at Global Value Web and her role as a part-time Assistant Professor at the Institute of Biomedical Research demonstrate her versatile expertise and commitment to advancing scientific research and education.
Her prolific publication record includes influential papers on personalized nutrigenetic-based diets, the impact of mindfulness meditation on psychological disorders, and the utilization of machine learning in nutritional science. Dr. Shanthi’s work inspires advancements in precision medicine, nutrigenomics, and beyond, positioning her as a strategic asset in achieving excellence in health and wellness.
Dr Shanthi’s holistic approach to integrating genomic insights with practical health applications exemplifies her as a trailblazer, dedicated to pioneering solutions that enhance personalized well-being and healthcare outcomes.