Gayathri holds a doctorate in Bioengineering with specialization on Microalgal biotechnology. Her research interests are in the application of nano-technology in utilization of marine bio-waste, isolation of marine bioactive compounds and their therapeutic applications. She has published over 15 peer reviewed articles in reputed national and international journals. She has been in the Business Incubation ecosystem providing Pre-Incubation Support, Management/technical assistance, coordinating training and mentoring sessions for start-ups. She has also been into managing Govt funding Programs such as DST NIDHI-EIR and BIRAC-SPARSH during her association with IIT Madras- Healthcare Innovation Centre – MedTech Incubator. Her Role at Virginia Tech India would be to manage the programs and other research activities.