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Core Team
Co-Founder – Learning Science & Curriculum Innovation
Lavanya Prahallad
Lavanya Prahallad co-founded Research Spark Hub and plays a crucial role in managing the creation and development of innovative research projects and educational materials. Leveraging her expertise in linguistics, Lavanya is committed to applying advanced learning science methodologies and language technologies to enhance the effectiveness of our curriculum through cutting-edge research. She aims to empower learners worldwide, shaping the future of education with innovative solutions.
Director, STEM
Sandhya Athreya
Sandhya Athreya is an experienced educator in physics and biology, passionately teaching high school students and fostering a deep appreciation for the sciences. Renowned for her innovative teaching methods, she skillfully integrates hands-on experiments and real-world applications to demystify complex concepts. Her dedication to making science accessible and exciting has established her as a beloved figure in her educational community, inspiring students to pursue scientific inquiry with enthusiasm
Co-Founder – Entrepreneur & Startup Mentor
Sreerekha Madivala
Sreerekha Madivala is a seasoned professional with over 22 years of experience in both corporate and startup environments. Co-founder of multiple successful ventures in enterprise software and e-commerce, she's known for guiding businesses from ideation to profitable exits. Sreerekha's passion extends to co-founding Research Spark Hub, aimed at fostering a research mindset in high school students. Recognized by Forbes for her entrepreneurial journey, she's also an active angel investor in Indian startups.
Innovation Design Mentor
Shivani Sathyanarayan
Hi, I’m Shivani Sathyanarayan, a Mechanical Engineering graduate student at Purdue University with a strong focus on CAD-driven design, engineering problem-solving, and integrating AI into modern design workflows.
My experience includes advanced CAD modeling, design optimization, and translating concepts into practical, manufacturable solutions, with a growing emphasis on how AI can support smarter design decisions, faster iterations, and innovation beyond traditional methods.
As a mentor at Research Spark Hub, I aim to help students think like researchers and designers, understanding not just how to use tools, but how to question, analyze, and enhance designs using both engineering fundamentals and emerging technologies, so they can confidently explore research and build a strong foundation for their future academic and professional journeys.