Dr. Meera Chandrasekhar, is a Curators’ Teaching of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Missouri. She was the recipient of the 2014 Baylor University's Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching. Her research focuses on optical spectroscopy of semiconductors and superconductors under pressure. Meera has also developed several hands-on physics programs for students in grades 5–12, and summer institutes for K-12 teachers. Born: 1949 Birth place: Andhra Pradesh, India Alma mater: Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College, Udupi B. Sc., Indian Institute of Technology Madras M.Sc., Brown University, Ph.D. Known for: High pressure studies of semiconductors; Hands-on physics programs for K-12 school students and teachers Spouse: H.R.Chandrasekhar Early life: Chandrasekhar was born in Andhra Pradesh, India into an ethnic Kannadiga family. Her father Chandrapal was an officer in the Indian Army, and her mother Kusuma was a housewife. Growing up, she lived in several towns and cities across India. She is married to H. R. Chandrasekhar, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Missouri. They have three children.