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

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.

Amanda Decker

Amanda Decker is a master’s student in the Environmental Horticulture Department. Amanda graduated from UF in 2022 with a bachelor's in plant science with an emphasis on plant breeding and genetics. Her current research focuses on exploring seed lipids and carbohydrates in salvia species and studying the impact of abiotic stresses on lipid metabolism in Camelina sativa. Her long-term goal is to serve her community and open the doors to opportunities through county Extension services. In her free time, Amanda enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, and creating art. 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

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.