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Vidya Chamundeswari Narasimhan
Scientist, New Age Meats
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Let no one stop you from aspiring to reach the stars.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am a scientist at an upcoming cultivated meat startup in Berkeley. My day to day activities include R&D in cell line development amongst others.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
I am and have always been passionate about stem cell technology! Completing a PhD in bio materials and having worked with stem cells for tissue engineering for a while, I was drawn to the cellular agriculture arena mainly because of the promise and potential it holds in solving the meat crisis and in preventing future episodes of COVID like diseases. Further "clean meat" without animal slaughter is exciting for a meat eater like me to know that the food I am consuming was not due to merciless slaughter of another creature.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
That balance I am able to maintain without compromising on my passion for science, opportunities to mentor young students in STEM and my love for travel ! I never imagined as a kid that young girls growing up today could have access to such a brilliant pool of talented mentors who will help to push them ahead! I never had that as a kid.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I wake up looking forward to making an impact in the way we consume food! I love working in STEM as I get to be my own version of "Dexter" (from cartoon network) , contributing in my own way towards addressing a globally persistent crisis.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Reach out to your role models, create and take up opportunities to learn, do not ever shy away from asking questions and most of all believe in science and technology with all your hearts and break the barriers! Let no one stop you from aspiring to reach the stars.
INSPO / FUN FACT
“Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.”