Dr. Chinmayee Govinda Raj, Ph.D.

Scientist | Engineer

Dr. Chinmayee Govinda Raj specializes in analytical chemistry, bioengineering, and instrument design for astrobiology and space biology applications. As a recipient of the prestigious NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) fellowship, Dr. Govinda Raj works at NASA Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, California. Currently, she leads the ground unit mapping operations for the Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) project, upcoming CLPS mission lunar module. In this role, she oversees flight project development, including ground support mapping equipment design and prototype testing, ensuring the project’s systems are validated and mission-ready.

Dr. Govinda Raj holds a doctorate in chemistry and space engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She earned her bachelor's degree in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering from India, and her master's degree in Bioengineering from San José State University and NASA Ames Research Center. During her time at NASA Ames, she designed a sensor suite for an autonomous experimental evolution system for real-time biochemical analysis. Her expertise includes developing miniaturized, low-power, and low-cost optical and electrochemical instrumentation on microfluidic platforms for in situ exploration.

Dr. Govinda Raj has also demonstrated leadership in project management, overseeing instrument development, integration, and testing. She is skilled in managing cross-disciplinary teams, coordinating with vendors, and delivering flight-ready systems for space missions. Her career path has given her the unique ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with both engineers and scientists, making her a valuable bridge between these disciplines.