Dr. Padmanabhan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Mysore, Master’s degree in Biology from the University of Bangalore, PhD degree in Cytogenetics from the Indian Institute of Science, and completed postdoctoral training in Cytogenetics and Reproductive Endocrinology at Ohio State and Michigan State Universities. She started her faculty career at the University of Michigan where she is now Professor Emerita (in service) of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Molecular and Integrative Physiology, and Environmental Health Sciences. Dr. Padmanabhan has made exceptional scientific contributions, trained dozens of clinician-scientists and basic researchers, published over 200 peer-reviewed papers. Continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health since 1988, her translational discoveries of the mechanisms governing 1) developmental programing of reproductive/metabolic deficits with maternal-to-fetal implications for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)/metabolic syndrome, 2) amplification of severity of PCOS phenotype by postnatal obesity, 3) transmission of PCOS traits across generations, 4) induction of lipotoxicity at peripheral sites, and 5) the impact of fetal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, have been crucial in our understanding of the increases in non-communicable diseases. She was Project Director in NICHD U54 fertility center, PI of NICHD P01, co-PI of an NIEHS-EPA P01, and Associate Director of leader of Research Program in NIEHS P30 Center, and MPI of an NIDDK T32 training grant. Dr. Padmanabhan’s scientific contributions and reputation are recognized worldwide.

Translational research centered on understanding the developmental origin of pubertal and adult reproductive and metabolic disorders. Specifically, our studies focus on the impact of maternal exposure to native steroids (testosterone, estradiol) and environmental endocrine disrupting pollutants such as bisphenol-A and phthalates in altering developmental trajectory of fetus and programming adult diseases. Utilizing integrative approaches ranging from cell and molecular biology as well as in vitro systems to whole animal physiology and human translation we seek to understand the mechanisms by which native and environmental steroids program reproductive neuroendocrine, ovarian and metabolic defects such as that seen in hyperandrogenic disorders like Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and identify prevention and treatment strategies.