Pavithra Viswanath, PhD

Dr. Viswanath is a Professor in Residence in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at UCSF. Trained as a biochemist at the Indian Institute of Science, she brings broad expertise in cancer metabolism, immunology, drug discovery, and non-invasive MR metabolic imaging. Her laboratory studies how oncogenic drivers and the tumor microenvironment shape both tumor and immunometabolism, and how these metabolic vulnerabilities can be visualized and therapeutically targeted in brain cancers.

By integrating fundamental biology with clinical translation, Dr. Viswanath’s work aims to transform how tumors are diagnosed, classified, and treated. At UCSF, she leads a collaborative team of biomedical engineers, chemists, and biologists, each contributing a distinct perspective to the shared mission of advancing cancer care. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading, hiking, practicing yoga, and playing board games with her husband and children.