Dr. Rakesh's research uses tools from developmental cognitive neuroscience to investigate how childhood socioeconomic status and exposure to environmental adversity influence brain and cognitive development as well as mental health during childhood and adolescence. Her work also seeks to understand how psychological and environmental factors can mitigate the effects of adversity, fostering resilience. Ultimately, Dr. Rakesh's research aims to leverage insights into individual variations in brain development to support children's overall well-being and academic success, fostering positive mental health and cognitive function in young individuals.

Prior to joining King's, Dr. Rakesh was a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard University, USA. She received her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Melbourne, Australia and her Masters of Research in Neuroscience from the University of Bordeaux, France. Before that, she completed an MBA from Mudra Institute of Communication and a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry at the University of Delhi, India.