Rajalakshmi, R. (1926–)

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Rajalakshmi, R. (1926–)

Indian biochemist. Born Lakshmi Ramaswami Iyer (added Raja to given name), 1926, in Quilon, Kerala, India; dau. of G.S. Ramaswami Iyer (postal audit officer); graduate in mathematics from Wadia College in Poona, 1945; earned teaching certificate from Lady Willingdon Training College, 1949; Banaras Hindu University, MA in philosophy, 1953; McGill University, PhD in psychology, 1958; m. C.V. Ramakrishnan (professor), 1951; children: 2.

Worked in foods and nutrition department at University of Baroda (1964–67), then biochemistry department, rising to full professorship (1976) and serving as department head (1984–86); developed economical and accessible nutrition programs for people of India that utilized readily available plants; after retirement (1986), moved to US with husband (1990s).