Based at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, Dr. Sankaran's work focuses on advanced sensor technologies that detect and measure phenotypes—utilizing opto-electronic, biological, and chemical sensors for non-invasive, rapid and continuous monitoring of crop responses to environmental stress, helping create a faster and better understanding of how our food crops react to a changing environment. She is a member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, the National Association of Plant Breeders, the North American Plant Phenotyping Network, and the International Society of Precision Agriculture. She holds a doctorate in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, master's degrees in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Science, and a bachelor's degree in Zoology.