How are you?
Doing well, thanks! It’s a busy but exciting time, with several research and commercialization projects moving forward. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share a bit about my journey.
Please introduce yourself. What should the world know about Kavya Katugam-Dechene?
I’m originally from Massachusetts but relocated to PA for graduate school and then to NC for my postdoc. I’m trained in musculoskeletal biomechanics, and I’m passionate about translational science and accessible health solutions. Outside of research, I have a wide variety of interests, including board games, motorcycles, and crafting/DIY
In simple terms, can you tell us about your research area, what inspired you to pursue this field, and what projects you are working on right now?Â
My work sits at the intersection of academic research and real-world impact. I study how people move; specifically, how aging, injury, and disease affect walking and balance. I use motion capture, wearable sensors, and biomechanics tools to better understand mobility, with the ultimate goal of preventing falls and supporting joint health. I was first drawn to biomechanics after a serious knee injury in college. Tearing my ACL, MCL, and meniscus made me acutely aware of how much my gait had changed during recovery. That experience sparked my curiosity about how we achieve and maintain movement and balance – and how those processes can break down. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a broader interest in how we can apply research discoveries to create more accessible health solutions. I’ve become especially passionate about early-stage commercialization and the translation of academic findings into real-world tools and technologies. Currently, I’m working on several projects. My primary focus is on how footwear design influences stability and agility in older adults, in collaboration with industry partners and local community members. I’ve also contributed to several clinical research projects with populations that experience gait impairments, such as individuals with multiple sclerosis and those with chronic tremors.
You were part of the 2024-2025 Venture Catalyst Fellowship cohort. Can you explain what this is, how you got involved, and what that experience was like?
The Venture Catalyst Fellowship, run by UNC KickStart Venture Services, is a year-long program that equips postdocs and senior grad students with skills in research entrepreneurship. Through workshops, mentorship, and a guided capstone project, we explored how to translate academic innovations into real-world solutions. Each fellow was paired with a UNC-based startup and completed a defined scope of work, including participation in the NSF regional I-Corps program. I got involved because I’ve always been interested in industry-based R&D, especially when it comes to creating accessible health solutions. I wanted a more structured way to learn about customer discovery, regulatory pathways, and go-to-market planning. It ended up being one of the most formative experiences of my postdoc! The fellowship helped me clarify my career goals and gave me a practical toolkit I now use every day.
You’re interested in pursuing a career in industry after your postdoc. How does that shape the way you approach your research projects and professional development, knowing you don’t plan to stay in academia?
It’s made me more intentional about strengthening and clearly communicating my transferable skills. We develop a wide range of competencies during our doctoral and postdoctoral training that are incredibly valuable in industry, including project management, cross-functional collaboration, and data analysis. Often, it’s just a matter of learning how to frame those experiences in a way that resonates with industry audiences. It’s also shifted the way I think about research questions. I try to approach projects not only from a scientific lens but also through the lens of real-world application: Who will benefit from this work? What barriers might exist to adoption? How can we design for usability, accessibility, and impact? Viewing research through that broader scope has helped me stay grounded in outcomes that matter beyond the lab.
What other resources have you found especially useful as a postdoc in preparing for a role in industry?
Beyond the Venture Catalyst program, I’ve found a lot of value in informal mentoring, especially conversations with people who have transitioned from academia to industry roles. I often cold email industry professionals whose work aligns with my interests to request an informational interview. These conversations have been incredibly helpful for understanding different career paths, identifying skill gaps, and learning how others have successfully navigated the shift into industry research.
Overall, how would you describe your experience at UNC as a postdoc? Do you have any advice for new postdocs, or things that you wish you had known when you first started?
UNC has been a great place to grow as a postdoc, especially because of the strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation. I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive mentor who is dedicated to the development of all his mentees, tailored to each individual’s interests and long-term goals. My advisor has encouraged me to explore nontraditional paths and pursue professional development opportunities, like the Venture Catalyst Program, that aligned with my interests beyond academia. My advice: Be proactive in shaping your experience. Seek out cross-disciplinary projects, connect with people outside your department, and don’t hesitate to explore opportunities that fall outside your immediate research area. There are a wealth of resources through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and across campus – mentorship programs, career workshops, entrepreneurship training – and they can really help you find clarity and confidence in your next steps. Most importantly, give yourself permission to explore what success looks like for you!
Can you recommend any interesting things for postdocs to experience while living in the Triangle area?
Absolutely! The Triangle is such a vibrant place to live, with something for everyone. For live music, I love catching shows at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro for an intimate vibe, or at Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh for a great outdoor venue experience. If you’re into board games, The Gathering Place in Chapel Hill is a cozy, nerdy beer bar perfect for hanging out with friends, and Atomic Empire in Durham has a fantastic game selection and regularly hosts competitive events. The NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, North Carolina’s oldest museum, is a great day trip for both kids and adults. And for outdoor adventures, I highly recommend hiking the Eno River trails (a favorite for me and my dog!) or taking a scenic drive, preferably via motorcycle, out to Jordan Lake or Falls Lake for a picnic lunch or camping.
Can you share a book, movie, or podcast that has had a meaningful impact on you?
There are two books that come to mind. The first is The Power of a PhD by Dr. Isaiah Hankel. It helped me better understand how to frame my academic training as a strength outside of traditional academic paths and gave me a clearer vision of how my skill set translates into industry. The second is The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. As someone who tends to be pretty anxious, this book helped me shift my mindset from worrying about everything to focusing my energy on what really matters. I’m definitely still a work in progress, but aren’t we all?
Where do you hope to see yourself in the next 5 years?
In five years, I hope to be leading research and development at a company focused on wearable health technologies or movement science. I want to stay close to the science, but in a role where translation and impact are front and center. My goal is to keep building bridges between the lab and the people who benefit from the work.