Leela is a space scientist/engineer, creativity coach, and speaker. She received a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Space Sciences from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Leela has dedicated years to space science research, focusing on solar wind physics and space instrument development. She worked as an instrument engineer at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, leading the dust detector development for the Surface Dust Analyzer (SUDA) instrument that is on board the NASA Europa Clipper Mission spacecraft currently en route to Jupiter’s moon, Europa. Currently, Leela is contributing her physics and engineering knowledge to improving AI models for a leading AI company. 

Leela's personal story and passion for creative exploration has led her to become a creativity coach and public speaker. Leela inspires and hepls people tap into their creativity and sense of exploration to unlock their unique brilliance to improve innovation, engagement, productivity, and fulfillment in their professional and personal lives. Through her unique Explorer Mindset coaching program, Leela helps people push past boundaries and discover what is possible for them. She guides people to wire their brains for creative and exploratory thinking, enabling them to uncover the richness in their lives and work and reach their highest potential.

As a speaker, Leela has enthusiastically presented her scientific research at numerous conferences in the United States and Europe, as well as at NASA mission reviews. She has also spoken to general audiences as an inspiration and guide, sharing her powerful story and inspiring audiences to uncover their creative flair and inner genius.

On a personal note, Leela embodies the spirit of an artist and an explorer in the everyday. As a trained ballerina, she expresses herself creatively through dance. As an outdoor adventurer, she dives into her fascination with the natural world through alpine rock and ice climbing.