I graduated from Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, renowned for its focus on Panchmukhi Shiksha, which emphasises holistic education inspired by Indian culture and simple living. My first exposure to a vibrant academic environment was at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi during a summer programme while I was pursuing my BSc (Honours) degree in Biotechnology. 

My scientific curiosity deepened during my MSc dissertation at the School of Life Science (SLS) at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi, where I cultivated a passion for research in biology and an earnest appreciation for life beyond academia through cultural exploration. This led to my doctoral studies in virology at ICGEB, Delhi, in collaboration with Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, and the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, USA.

I gained research expertise in diverse domains of advanced biology, such as viral immunology, allergy, immunopharmacology, and inflammatory cascades. Plus, I was enriched by experiences across the globe, from the CDC in the USA to the University of São Paulo in Brazil, the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Germany, and Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI), Israel. Currently, I am affiliated with SRM University, Delhi-NCR, and I stay committed to expanding my knowledge and contributing to scientific advancements. 

A turning point in my career path

I commenced my PhD under the supervision of Sunil K Lal in the Virology Department at the ICGEB, Delhi, focusing on the intricate dynamics of virus-host interactions. My family supported me in this academic endeavour. 

Over the years, I am often approached by aspiring students or their parents seeking guidance about opportunities in biotechnology. It is satisfying to see some of these young women achieve significant success and establish fulfilling careers.

During my PhD, I gained extensive knowledge and skills, thanks to the unwavering support of my supervisor, seniors, and colleagues throughout this challenging yet rewarding journey. I completed a significant portion of my research with Suryaprakash Sambhara at the CDC in Atlanta. 

It also brought personal challenges: I was newly married, and like many other women scientists, I found it difficult to balance a long-distance relationship with the demands of intensive research work. Many women face the expectation to prioritise family over their careers, but I was fortunate to have unwavering support from my husband & family. 

Making judicious decisions

The second major challenge was the next step. While at CDC, I explored postdoctoral opportunities in the United States, engaging with several scientists in the field. My search for a postdoctoral position was significantly hindered since research articles arising out of my PhD were yet to be published. This uncertainty underscored the importance of timing and academic publications in advancing a research career.

A key lesson was not to rush into a postdoctoral position immediately. 

In India, PhD programmes often span 4 – 6 years and involve multiple research projects and publications. It is crucial to maximise these opportunities and carefully select a postdoctoral lab that aligns with one’s long-term career goals. 

Finally, my husband, Abhinay Sharma, and I joined as CNPq postdoctoral fellows with Celia Garcia, a distinguished malaria researcher at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. However, adapting to life there posed challenges, particularly as a vegetarian. Personal and professional considerations had to align, as we wanted to extend the family. Considering this, we eventually moved to the HZI in Germany.

My tenure at HZI was particularly rewarding, as it resulted in my highest-impact publication to date. My research focused on viral-host interactions, particularly in metabolic syndromes such as obesity.

Balancing motherhood and a science career 

I was deeply involved in two major projects on obesity with Dagmar Wirth at HZI when I received the joyous news of my pregnancy. While I was thrilled personally, I also faced a dilemma — how to balance this with my research work? Strict German regulations on pregnant women working with animals posed additional challenges. Thankfully, my supervisor, husband, and lab colleagues provided encouragement and assistance. 

I focused on manuscript preparation, ensuring that my research continued. I learnt valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of a strong support system in overcoming professional and personal challenges.

The arrival of my child began a new and challenging phase with emotional and physical adjustments, especially as a first-time mother. After much reflection, I took a step back for a year to fully embrace motherhood – these early moments with my child were irreplaceable. I acknowledge that not all mothers in science have this privilege due to varying circumstances. However, I firmly believe it is important to carve out some time for themselves when possible. 

I resumed my career, albeit with new challenges. We successfully published one article, but balancing family responsibilities and academic pursuits became more demanding. While transitioning to a new country, I submitted the second manuscript to my supervisor, maintaining the project’s momentum despite the move. 

Persistence and strategic planning are essential in managing both personal and professional milestones.

To Einstein’s HUJI and returning to India

Moving to Israel introduced me to an entirely different culture, both in research and personal life. I began contemplating returning to India, given the age constraints for securing academic positions. Aware that time was against me, I took on four to five projects simultaneously to make up for my career break. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, I got a significant publication in immunopharmacology with Francesca Levi Schaffer.

After much deliberation, I decided to return home, in part due to family circumstances. It was not easy and felt like a professional and personal setback initially. I faced difficulties in securing a position at government universities in India. I applied for positions through the Sci-ROI platform, attended interviews, and soon received an offer from GITAM University to join as an Assistant Professor. 

I remained determined, balancing the demands of a new job with raising my young son. This required immense effort and resilience, but my unwavering commitment to both my family and career continued to drive me.

Establishing my research group

Soon, I joined SRM University as an Associate Professor. I established my own research group and focused on grant writing and publications to lay a strong foundation. Two master’s students successfully completed their thesis under my guidance, with one moving to the USA for a PhD.

One of my priorities was to initiate collaborations, which helped me set up my lab and begin preliminary work. I also secured a seed grant from the university. My PhD student is progressing well in her research on host-pathogen interactions. Although our group is small, we are steadily advancing, driven by determination and a shared vision for impactful science.