Deeksha M Rao holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from National Law School of India University, Bengaluru. Her first transition from a pure science background to the world of policy started with a restless passion and a policy-engagement internship with Centre of
Study of Science, Technology and Policy. Ever since, she has collaborated on various policy and research projects with organisations like ActionAid and Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy. She worked as a Research Consultant on the NSF-funded Speculative Urbanism Project at the National Institute of Advanced Studies and as an Academic Associate with the Centre for Public Policy, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. Her primary research focus has been on slum rights and its development, other low-income neighbourhoods and affordable housing.