Navigating the Journey of Academic Growth and Research
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Chapter 1: Early Influences and Academic Foundations
Growing up in an environment rich in academia, I was deeply influenced by my grandfather, a high school teacher with an extensive library. He would often guide my brother and me to specific books whenever we had questions, turning our curiosity into shared reading experiences. Additionally, my great-grandmother, though not formally educated, was a reservoir of folklore and mythological stories, and she even initiated a school for girls in Bangalore. These early exposures fostered my love for learning.
My interest in research blossomed during my undergraduate studies, particularly in a vibrant Zoology department where I was encouraged to explore the lab freely. Alongside friends, I embarked on small projects, experimenting with various components to optimize earthworm growth. Interestingly, only two professors held PhDs, yet their teaching methods profoundly inspired my research aspirations.
After completing my Master's, I spent a year in formal teaching before embarking on my PhD journey. On my first day, I engaged in a lengthy discussion with my supervisor, Prof. Amitabh Joshi, who provided me with research papers that were overwhelming at first. I distinctly remember a paper regarding the pupation height in Drosophila, and my initial reaction was one of confusion—why was this important?
Section 1.1: Discovering the PhD Experience
Entering the PhD program, I had a limited understanding of its demands. My supervisor played a crucial role in easing my transition, offering me the autonomy to approach science in my own way. He emphasized the importance of establishing my identity in the research world, saying, "Your PhD is your own; when this line of research is mentioned in the future, it should be your name that comes to mind."
In the lab, I was fortunate to collaborate with Rajamani, a talented individual without a PhD, whose expertise with Drosophila fostered a spirit of friendly competition that invigorated my research experience.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Challenge of Academic Writing
One of the significant hurdles I encountered during my PhD was the process of writing papers. While I relished conducting experiments and analyzing results, documenting my findings proved challenging. It took considerable effort to cultivate this habit. I now understand the critical importance of publishing—beyond the obvious benefits, failing to publish your work can lead to others presenting similar findings without crediting you, which can be disheartening. As a supervisor today, I often urge my students to write and share their results, empathizing with my own supervisor’s encouragement during my PhD.
Chapter 2: The Path to Postdoctoral Opportunities
By my fourth year, I was convinced I wanted to pursue a PostDoc. I had been reading the articulate papers of Adam Chippindale and wished to join his lab. When I reached out to him via email, his response—“I am a fan of your work”—was a remarkable affirmation that propelled me to join his group at Queen’s University in Canada.
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Transitioning to life in Canada was daunting at first. I vividly recall calculating the cost of bus rides, realizing I was spending over 80 rupees on commutes. There was also a memorable night when my wife and I attempted to make instant dosas, only to discover that the rice flour we bought was sticky. We found ourselves at 10 PM, unable to lift a dosa off the pan, which now provides us with laughter when reminiscing about those moments. Despite initial challenges, we gradually forged friendships from all over the world, enriching our experience in Canada.
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