Nadakuduti Lab

LAB MEMBERS

Swathi Nadakuduti, PI

Ph.D. Michigan State University, US (2014)

M.Sc. Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany (2007)

B.Sc. Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (2005)

Swathi is interested in exploring plants for medicinal properties and agricultural uses. She is excited about identifying new phytochemicals for human use and genetically improving the plants by modern breeding and biotechnology methods. Besides research, she enjoys gardening and cooking. she loves to listen to and sing Indian classical music, and practice yoga in her spare time!!

Postdoctoral Research Associates

Larissa Laforest

Larissa is a postdoctoral researcher in Nadakuduti lab. She graduated with a PhD student in Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (PMCB) program. Larissa did her bachelor’s in Biology: Biotechnology at College of Agriculture and Life Science UF. Larrisa is interested in exploring the alkaloids of Mitragyna speciosa, a medicinal plant of interest in the lab and the genetics underlying the biosynthesis of alkaloids in this species along with establishing gene-editing pipeline for metabolic engineering in this species. Larrisa was born and raised in Haiti, and her dream is to be able to contribute to the island using the knowledge she acquires in her career. In her free time, Larrisa likes to dance, read, discuss philosophy, and watch anime!

Thiago Souza Campos

Thiago is a postdoctoral researcher in the Environmental Horticulture Department. He is an agronomist with a Master's in Plant Production from the State University of Goiás (UEG) and a Ph.D. in Agronomy focused on plant physiology from São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil. Thiago is interested in saw palmetto, a native U.S. palm valued for its therapeutic use in managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) complications. He aims to assess saw palmetto genetic variability through DNA barcoding and analyze the lipido-sterolic composition of its berries to support conservation efforts and promote saw palmetto as a specialty crop in Florida. When he’s not in the lab, Thiago enjoys nature photography, gardening, outdoor activities, and talking about human development.

Tianxiao Yang

Tianxiao is a postdoctoral associate in our lab. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology (PMCB) from the University of Florida, where he studied maize seed development using rough endosperm (rgh) mutants. Now, he is turning his attention to tomato—specifically, how chlorophyll gradients form during fruit development. When he is not in the lab, you will probably find him outdoors, enjoying the peace of nature preserves.

Graduate Students

Harjot Kaur

Harjot is a PhD student in the Environmental Horticulture Department, where she has been honored with the CALS Dean’s Award. She completed her Master's in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Punjab Agricultural University, India. Harjot's research is centered on investigating the molecular mechanisms that influence photosynthesis within tomato fruit. Her goal is to improve photosynthetic efficiency and nutritional quality by unraveling the genetic and biochemical pathways involved. Through her work, she aims to contribute to the development of more productive and nutritious tomato crops, promoting sustainable food production. Outside of her research, Harjot enjoys engaging in artwork, cooking, and traveling.

Katherine E. Ransden

Katherine is a PhD student in Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (PMCB) program. She received her B.Sc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a double major in History from Marquette University in 2024. Katherine is focused on unraveling the metabolic network of alkaloids in Mitragyna speciosa, a plant of medicinal interest. Her research includes investigating key transcription factors and transporters involved in alkaloid biosynthesis and regulation. When not in lab, Katherine likes to read, cook, and play with her cat.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Brooke M. Bucci

Brooke is a Class of 2027 Microbiology and Cell Science major in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) at UF. She is also pursuing a minor in pathogenesis and hopes to attend pharmacy school after undergrad. In her free time, Brooke likes to crochet or hike with her dog.

Christopher Khan

Christopher is a second-year biotechnology major and a Bright Futures Scholar, currently working in Dr. Swathi Nadakuduti’s lab through a CALS undergraduate research internship. Christopher's fascination with biotechnology began in high school, where he followed the BioDesign pathway at NeoCity Academy, a STEM-focused school. That experience sparked his passion for research and innovation in the life sciences. Originally from Queens, New York, Christopher brings a diverse set of interests to his academic journey. Outside the lab, Christopher enjoys longboarding, fashion, and beekeeping, and he regularly attends local band concerts in Gainesville.

Previous Lab Members

Pavithra Ramachandria

Pavithra is a Class of 2025 Biochemistry major at UF. She is currently studying monoterpene indole alkaloid diversification in Thai cultivars of Mitragyna speciosa. After obtaining her bachelor's, she hopes to join medical school. In her free time, she enjoys doing medical outreach and classical Indian dance.

Nidhi Uppal

Nidhi Uppal joined the lab as a lab technician. She graduated from Punjab Agricultural University, India in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in Biotechnology and earned a master's degree in Cell and Molecular biology with a specialization in small RNA biology from Texas Tech University. Nidhi is passionate about studying functional genomics and lipid metabolism in plants with significant medicinal value. Outside of the lab, she loves hiking, cooking, gardening, exploring national parks and dance.

Hannah Cardenas

Hannah Cardenas is a Class of 2025 Microbiology undergraduate student in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) at UF. She is interested in studying cancer, genetics, and medicinal plants. She hopes to combine her background in technology with these fields to be at the forefront of STEM innovation. Outside of the lab, Hannah enjoys gardening, cooking, playing sports, and exploring Florida’s state parks.

Megan Tachev

Currently, Megan is a postgraduate Associate in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at Yale University.

Brooke Hall

Brooke is a Class of 2025 Biology major in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS) at UF on the pre-medical track. She is also pursuing a minor in Chinese and hopes to help others in the future as a doctor. In her free time Brooke enjoys gardening, reading, and baking.

Blake Costine, Graduate

Blake graduated with a master’s degree in Horticulture from Dr. Nadakuduti’s lab. Blake’s research focused on exploring Florida native Scutellaria species for plant-derived pharmaceutical flavones and published his research work. Currently, Blake is a Horticulture Scientist in the Space Crop Food Production Facility at Kennedy Space Center.

Trisha Mutindi Mutisya, Undergraduate

Trisha is a junior at the University of Florida majoring in Plant Science and minoring in Bioinformatics. After obtaining her bachelor's, she wants to continue towards a master's degree in a related study. As a career, she hopes to work with like-minded individuals to find solutions to climate change. In her free time, she enjoys arts and crafts, gardening, and cooking.

DR. KEUN HO CHO, BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST

Experienced Biological Scientist having research professional acquiring a Doctor of Plant Medicine (2008) focused in Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Florida. Skilled in Plant Tissue Culture, Gene cloning, Bioinformatics, Genetic transformation, Crop protection, Microscopy, Data analysis, and Genomics

Nadia Mourad, Graduate student

Nadia received a B.Sc. in Microbiology & Cell Science, minors in Bioinformatics & Studio Art. She is currently a 1st year PhD student in the PMCB program and rotated in Dr. Nakuduti's lab, where she worked on CRISPR-based gene-editing technologies.

Please contact me at s.nadakuduti@ufl.edu if you would like to learn more about our current research projects and are interested to join our lab. Undergraduate and graduate student positions available.