Padma Venkatraman's writing is as multifaceted as her life: an eventful life that included wonderful experiences... diving in the Indian Ocean; backpacking across Europe; directing a school in England; and leading research cruises on the Baltic Sea. She has written novels, biographies, picture books, poetry, scientific journal articles, and over a hundred popular science articles for children and adults. Padma Venkatraman uses her last name when she writes for adults, and writes for children as T. V. Padma.