Lavanya is a PhD candidate in Agricultural Economics at Purdue University. She graduated from the University of Chicago with a Master’s in Social Science with a special focus in Economics. She has a bachelor’s in Economics (hons.) from Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi. With a particular interest in macroeconomics and development economics, she pursued the Applied data fellowship at Harris school of Public Policy, University of Chicago. She also worked as a learning specialist with Proximity Learning Inc., focusing on building and teaching curriculum in economics and mathematics for high school and early undergraduates. Lavanya is trained in Kuchipudi dance, Veena, Carnatic and Hindustani music. She enjoys reading and writing poetry.