Vaneesha completed her Bachelors degree in Physiology at the University of Bristol in 2011, followed by a Masters degree in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health in 2012. Vaneesha then went on to do a PhD investigating perioperative nutrition practices, also at the University of Bristol, with the Bristol Biomedical Research Unit in Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle. During her PhD, Vaneesha conducted a qualitative study exploring patient experiences of perioperative nutrition, led a Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of chewing gum for postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function, and designed and conducted an observational study exploring predictors and outcomes of early resumption of postoperative diet.