Reena’s academic journey has been a natural progression toward understanding the human dimensions of learning, work, and life. It began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial and Production Engineering from Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, grounded in systems, processes, organisations, and management, and continued through dual Master of Science degrees in Technology Project Management and Human Resource Development from the University of Houston, a Master of Computer Applications in Artificial Intelligence from Amrita University, a Master of Science in Psychology from Jain University, and the Venture Leadership Programme at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Behavioural Sciences at the Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, O.P. Jindal Global University, alongside continuing education that includes more than 30 professional certifications from leading universities and institutions worldwide.

Alongside this academic journey, her professional journey spans manufacturing, technology, management, learning and development, education, and behavioural sciences, with roles ranging from software engineer and director of training and development to educator, entrepreneurship mentor, researcher, and consultant. Her teaching spans postgraduate MCA and MBA programmes, along with English and life skills education in K–12 settings — experiences that continue to shape her approach to meaningful, context-sensitive learning. Her programmes and well-being services have reached more than 45 institutions across K–12 and higher education. She is also the founder of Greater Good Teens, a youth development initiative creating opportunities for young people to learn, serve, and flourish.

Her current research in Behavioural Sciences explores the conditions that enable inner peace and human flourishing, spanning cognitive well-being, academic resilience, purpose-driven learning, compassionate love, and forgiveness. Her recent work has been presented at IAFOR ACCS 2026 in Tokyo, on Brahma Muhurta and cognitive well-being; the UCL Centre for Behaviour Change Conference 2026, on the PEPPA Framework; and the Mindfulness Conference 2026 at IIM Bodh Gaya, on mindfulness as a self-study strategy. She also presented a case at the IPPA Student Division Case Forum on Positive Psychology in Practice, titled “From Failure to Flourishing.”

Reena has been recognised through academic awards, scholarships, and contributions to leadership, learning, and community development. During her graduate studies at the University of Houston, her work was recognised with two Research Day Awards—one for research on leadership and another for research on career planning. She also received a Doctoral Student Tuition Fellowship and was selected as the College of Technology representative to the Student Affairs Roundtable.

Her graduate experience also extended beyond academic research into student and community engagement. As part of her involvement with Pratham@UH, she designed and led a student team that created a UN theme-based musical play promoting girls’ education. The production won Third Prize at the International Explosion, organised by the Council of Ethnic Organization at the University of Houston.

Her recognitions have also included the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) National Research Scholarship, the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA) World Congress Scholarship, the Nudge Impact Award from the Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, and the HER Recognition Award from Ladies Circle India.

Alongside this professional and academic development has been a longstanding engagement with faith, culture, contemplative practice, and knowledge traditions. Growing up in South India and spending time in North India during childhood offered early exposure to different cultures, places of worship, satsang, scriptures, and traditions of reflection and inquiry.

Over time, these experiences came into dialogue with formal study and professional practice, shaping an approach that seeks to bring scientific inquiry and enduring wisdom into meaningful conversation.