Awanthi obtained her PhD from UOW, Wollongong (in collaboration with UNSW, Sydney). She has published in peer-reviewed material journals and serves as a reviewer for cosmetic journals. With over 18 years of experience in R&D, she has worked with manufacturers, research institutes, universities, and luxury brands. During her tenure, she led the development of more than 100 new formulation types for commercialization. These ranged from personal care, cosmetics, and fine fragrance delivery systems to aerosols and therapeutic hydrogels. Currently, she holds the position of NPD Lead (Senior Chemist) at Moorebank Aerosol Fillers and works as an independent R&D consultant.