Previous Institution: Cornell University 

Pronouns: she/her

Neethu is a Ph.D. candidate in the Preston Innovation (PI) Lab and Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, co-advised by Professor Daniel J. Preston and Professor Pulickel M. Ajayan. She completed her bachelors at Cornell University in Materials Science and Engineering in May 2020 as Rawlings Presidential Research Scholar and Jacobs Scholar. As an NSF-Graduate Research Fellow, Rice Innovation Fellow, and inaugural Rice Venture Scholar in Rice's Office of Innovation, Neethu explores the exciting intersection of materials engineering and food technology with a focus on entrepreneurship. She is currently developing innovative, sustainable food and climate solutions through food coatings and 3D food printing. She is passionate about all things food, policy, and entrepreneurship!

Fun Fact:

I was born in Japan!

Favorite thing about Rice:

The lovely, supportive Rice community and of course, the beautiful campus!

Favorite thing about Houston:

Love the diversity in cultures and food! And the weather!

Why did you decide to go to graduate school?

I wanted to explore the interdisciplinary study of materials science and food engineering and learn more on creating innovative sustainable food technologies.