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!!

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.

Larissa Laforest Larissa is a PhD student in Plant Molecular and Cell Biology (PMCB) program. Larissa graduated from UF in 2019 from the College of Agriculture and Life Science with a bachelor’s in Biology: Biotechnology. 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!

Carlos A. Montoya Flores Carlos is a Fulbright Ph.D. student in the Environmental Horticulture Department from Colombia. He is a microbiologist master's in Biology (Biotechnology) from the University of Antioquia, Colombia. Carlos is interested in the application of omics and gene-editing technologies toward answering questions in crop improvement against biotic and abiotic stresses. He also finds it fascinating to study the cascade of information between genes and plant-specialized metabolites looking for diverse applications in agriculture, industry, and health. His long-term goal is to work in the bioprospection of genes in plants and microorganisms to improve human lives. In his spare time, he likes hiking, biking, and taking pictures.

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.

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.

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.

Previous Lab Members

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.