Lakshmi N. Chilukuri (born November 7, 1961) is an Indian-American microbiologist, educator, and academic administrator. She is the Provost of

Sixth College Sixth College is the sixth and currently, as of April 2025, the third-newest residential college, college of the University of California San Diego, University of California, San Diego. It was established in September 2001. Sixth College's core w ...

and a Teaching Professor in the Division of Biological Sciences at the

University of California, San Diego The University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego in communications material, formerly and colloquially UCSD) is a public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in San Diego, California, United States. Es ...

. Chilukuri is recognized for her contributions to undergraduate biology education, her leadership in

diversity, equity, and inclusion In the United States, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are organizational frameworks that seek to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, particularly groups who have historically been underrepresented or subject ...

(DEI) initiatives, and her curriculum development.

Early life and education

Chilukuri was born in India and immigrated to the United States in the late 1970s. She pursued advanced degrees in the biological sciences after moving to the U.S. Her family traces its roots to the state of

Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh (ISO 15919, ISO: , , AP) is a States and union territories of India, state on the East Coast of India, east coast of southern India. It is the List of states and union territories of India by area, seventh-largest state and th ...

in India, and maintains ties to their cultural heritage. She obtained her doctorate degree in Marine Biology in 1998 from the University of California, San Diego, while working under the supervision of Douglas H. Bartlett and P.A. George Forbes at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Academic career

After receiving her doctorate, Chilukuri has been a faculty member at

UC San Diego The University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego in communications material, formerly and colloquially UCSD) is a public land-grant research university in San Diego, California, United States. Established in 1960 near the pre-existing Sc ...

for several decades, joining the Division of Biological Sciences and rising through the ranks to become Provost of

in 2018. As Provost, she oversees academic and student life for Sixth College, one of the university’s undergraduate colleges. She is also a Teaching Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology, where she coordinates the undergraduate microbiology teaching laboratory and develops curriculum for laboratory courses. Her teaching emphasizes evidence-based instruction, critical and analytical thinking, and the development of quantitative reasoning skills. Chilukuri has published peer-reviewed research in molecular biology and science education, including studies on protein synthesis and laboratory pedagogy.

Stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Chilukuri is widely recognized for her leadership in advancing DEI initiatives at UC San Diego. She was a founding member of the Division of Biological Sciences Diversity Committee and played a central role in developing a pioneering course, "Exploring Issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Relation to Human Biology" (BILD 60). This course examines race, ethnicity, and gender in biology and medicine, exploring the historical and contemporary intersections of science and social policy from a multicultural perspective. Chilukuri has mentored first-generation and underrepresented students, serving as a Marshall Mentor (2008–2010), and has publicly advocated for equity and inclusion in higher education. In communications to students, she has emphasized the responsibility of the academic community to address systemic racism and promote an inclusive environment.

Recognition and impact

Chilukuri has been described by UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla as a "creative and dynamic educator" with a demonstrated record of commitment to undergraduate education, equity, and diversity. Her innovative teaching methods and curricular leadership have been credited with improving student success and fostering a culture of inclusiveness. Former students and colleagues have noted her ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and her lasting impact as a mentor and educator.

Personal life

Lakshmi Chilukuri is married to Dr. Radhakrishna "Krish" Chilukuri, a professor of aerospace engineering at

San Diego State University San Diego State University (SDSU) is a Public university, public research university in San Diego, California, United States. Founded in 1897, it is the third-oldest university and southernmost in the 23-member California State University (CS ...

. They have two daughters, Shreya Chilukuri, an engineer, and Usha Chilukuri Vance, an attorney and the

Second Lady of the United States The second lady of the United States or second gentleman (SLOTUS or SGOTUS) is the informal title held by the spouse of the vice president of the United States, concurrent with the vice president's term of office. Coined in contrast to " first la ...

, married to Vice President

JD Vance James David Vance (born James Donald Bowman, August2, 1984) is an American politician, author, attorney, and Marine Corps veteran who is the 50th vice president of the United States. A member of the Republican Party (United States), Republic ...

Selected publications

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References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chilukuri, Lakshmi 1961 births Living people American microbiologists American women academics University of California, San Diego faculty Indian emigrants to the United States American academic administrators American people of Telugu descent