Nagalakshmi Balasubramanian holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology with minors in Chemistry and Botany, and subsequently earned her Master's degree in Genetics. She then earned Ph.D. from Savitribai Phule Pune University, India, where her research focused on investigating the cross-talk between mitochondrial-nuclear epigenetics in a rodent model of mild traumatic brain injury. In 2021, Lakshmi relocated to the United States and became a part of the Marcinkiewcz lab. In this role, she actively contributes to various projects, including the role of CART neuropeptide in serotonergic transmission and its implications on anxiety/stress. Additionally, she investigates the impact of epigenetic-switches triggered by alcohol exposure in early-onset of Alzheimer's disease. Beyond her academic pursuits, Lakshmi has a diverse set of hobbies, which include birding, bird and wildlife photography, landscape photography, motor-biking, sketching, and hiking. For glimpses into her avian and natural world adventures, you can follow her on Instagram @accalia_avian_photography.