Vandana C Padmanabhan is a researcher and practitioner who has worked at the intersection of climate resilience, sustainable housing, and community-driven design. With over seven years of experience, she has led interdisciplinary projects integrating technical research, policy engagement, and grassroots implementation.
Vandana holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from IIT Delhi and has worked on thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainable housing. In her role as the Lead, Materials and Technology at the Community Design Agency, she spearheaded climate-resilient housing projects, focusing on material innovation, participatory design, and policy advocacy to improve housing for vulnerable communities.
A strong advocate for gender equity in STEM, she is passionate about leveraging science and design for inclusive and sustainable cities.