10 Questions With… Vaishnavi Padaki, fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in microbiology, who will be defending her thesis in April. Padaki has created mixed-media artwork for part of her thesis which is on display March 31-April 16 in the Strand Gallery in Strand Ag Hall on the Corvallis campus.
What drew you to Oregon State University initially?
I earned a master’s degree in biochemistry and aimed to explore microbial physiology. Algal labs in the U.S. were my primary focus. Upon researching Kimberly Halsey’s lab in the Department of Microbiology at OSU, I became interested in her research in algal-bacterial interactions and microbial ecology and desired to join her team.
What is the most exciting or interesting thing you’ve learned as you’ve studied marine microbiology?
As I investigate deeper into marine microbiology, I find myself with even more questions than before. I am fascinated by the metabolic processes occurring in the environment. What excites me most is not just understanding how algae grow and produce these organic compounds, but also learning about the dynamics and fates of these compounds. My research focuses on a subset of these organic compounds called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are released by algae, which have three important fates in the ocean: biological, chemical oxidation and sea-air emission. VOC sea-air emission plays a significant role in cloud formation and climate regulation. One of the most intriguing insights I gained from my program is understanding the dynamics of this VOC microbial cycling.
What makes you passionate about higher education?
My passion lies in grasping the basics of science, which fuels my creativity. I maintain that participating in scientific endeavors is vital for awareness of our environment and understanding sustainability. Thus, pursuing higher education has strengthened my beliefs. It has not only enhanced my critical thinking skills but also deepened my understanding of others.
How does your love of art enhance your skills as a researcher?
My passion for art stems from the ability to create works with a theme. I have been practicing zentangle art for over 15 years, where you draw structured or repeating patterns to produce detailed artwork; it serves as a meditative outlet. Since 2022, I have also been studying glass art under the guidance of Jerri Bartholomew. Art allows me to visualize scientific data creatively. For example, I often depict my scientific findings as puzzle pieces, connecting them to various scientific concepts. I applied this concept to develop an exhibition that transformed my PhD research findings into illustrations and glass sculptures.
What advice would you give the younger version of yourself who was just starting college?
Small improvements are good improvements, so be patient and less self-critical about yourself.
Is this the first time you’ve exhibited your work?
In 2022, I received an Art-Science fellowship, now known as the PRAX Science Integration fellowship. This marked the beginning of my journey at the intersection of art and science. For the first time, I explored working with glass, inspired and supported by my mentors, Kimberly Halsey, James Fox and Jerri Bartholomew. I have showcased my artwork in more than three exhibitions, and you can find my portfolio online. My overall experience has been quite fascinating; each exhibition has offered valuable insights about the audience engagement. During my 2024 Coastal Confluences exhibit with 11 other graduate students, I gathered surveys from attendees, which sparked the concept for my solo exhibition titled “Perspectives of the Phycosphere.”
What has been your favorite course in college?
Biochemistry (MB 599) and microbial ecology (MB548)
Can you describe the work in your current exhibit and how it ties mixed-media with your microbiology research?
“Perspectives on the Phycosphere” (2025) is a mixed-media exhibit inspired by my research in marine microbiology. This series offers abstract representations of the precise scientific data gathered over five years of my Ph.D. program. The work is centered on microbial ecology and physiology on a microscale, specifically exploring the relationships between algae and bacteria. Algae, which are microscopic plant-like organisms, function as the ocean’s primary producers, while the surrounding bacteria serve as consumers. The artworks underscore the variety of oceanic species, highlighting their shapes (morphology), behaviors and ecological functions. Glass is used as a medium, symbolizing the ocean, and every canvas illustration incorporates the water bloom technique, linking it to the microscopic realm of seawater. Overall, this collection encourages viewers to connect with scientific ideas, prompting them to have thoughtful inquiry into the questions they have.
What are your career plans after obtaining your doctorate?
I want to continue my academic career. I am hoping that I will receive a postdoctoral position.
What is your favorite non-academic pursuit or passion?
I love cooking and solving jigsaw puzzles. I enjoy developing recipes and using spices from around the world.
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