1. I had the opportunity to hear you speak about social robots helping children learn during curiosity conference recently at IIT Gandhinagar. I am curious, could you elaborate more on what you do?

I study how people learn. Specifically, I am interested in what and how people learn when they make things. Whether it is making Lego or doing Origami or cooking, people learn when they make things. I am interested in understanding how that happens; what are the productive behaviours when people make, that allow them to learn. The goal is to then design learning environments that allow these productive behaviours to emerge, and help people learn. Social robots are one part of these learning environments - they can be a tutor or a facilitator providing the right guidance at the right time.

To give you an example, I love to bake. When I taught myself to bake, I would not only follow recipes detailing the steps but also understand the reasons behind each step and the importance of the sequence.

Occasionally, things would go smoothly, resulting in a delicious and well-presented cake. But, more often than not, despite careful planning, the cake would collapse or burn. It was in these moments of “failure” that I truly learned the art of baking. I would meticulously document what I believed went wrong, and on the next attempt, I would make changes and try again. This process allowed me to grasp the science behind baking, such as the delicate balance between protein, fat, and sugar. And ultimately, the world was a whole lot sweeter!

2. Can you share a pivotal moment or experience from your career journey that led you to your current role?

When I was a graduate student in Communications Engineering at The Ohio State University Columbus, I was the teaching assistant (TA) for a design project course. At the start of the course, the instructor had to set the specifications for the project, and he did that by making some estimations on a piece of paper lying on the desk. I was inspired by witnessing how he could perform what seemed to me a really complicated calculation so effortlessly.

Later in the semester, to better support the students, I spent a lot of time in the lab, making and re-making the project multiple times. It was through this experience that I learned what engineering was about — not only the application of scientific concepts but also experimentation, practical considerations and making estimations. Ironically, it was also through this experience that I realised my deeper interest in studying engineering learning and learning in general rather than engineering itself!

3. Transitioning from a background in communications engineering to educational technology and learning sciences is quite a leap. What inspired you to make this transition?

The foray into educational technology was somewhat by chance and faith. Given my interest in engineering learning but due to a lack of awareness of the learning sciences field, I was considering switching to a career in teaching engineering when I came across the Interdisciplinary Program in Educational Technology at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. Discovering the kind of work happening there, I felt it would appeal to me. So, I approached a faculty there, who decided to take a chance and hire me as a research assistant. Within three months, I knew I was in the right place because I was excited about the role of technology in learning, and designing to help people learn better.

The decision to delve into the learning sciences happened after I read contemporary theories of science and engineering cognition. I felt a resonance with the curiosity from my communications engineering days - how do engineers work and learn - which inspired me to enter this field of research.

4. Your work focuses on technology-enhanced teaching-learning environments. Could you elaborate on a specific technology or tool that has had a significant impact on improving students' real-world problem-solving skills in your experience?

There is no technology or tool that can, by itself, improve students' real-world problem-solving skills. It is what students do — the quality of their interaction with the technology or the tool— that matters in improving students skills. For instance, as part of my PhD, I designed alearning environment called MEttLE to help engineering students learn estimation. What we found was that what distinguishes students who learned from those who didn’t is how they went about solving the estimation problem in MEttLE. Students who learned went through cycles of building models and reflecting, while those who did not learn went superficially through building models without reflecting.

Similarly, in other work with children trying to solve a minimum spanning tree problem in a learning environment called JUSThink, we found that teams who learned engaged in path-building actions, along with reflecting, while teams who didn’t learn, only performed path-building actions with much less reflection. So, the key lies in cycles of doing and reflecting. The question we should then ask is this: does the tool provide students the opportunities to have these quality interactions i.e. do and reflect?

5. Making and creativity seem to be central to your teaching philosophy. How do you strike a balance between structured curriculum and open-ended, creative exploration in your classroom?

Making and creativity are central to my classroom as well. The goals of my courses are that students should be able to analyse current learning experiences to identify what is and isn’t working, and design novel learning experiences that are likely to be more effective. The only way I know how to help my students achieve those goals is to make them analyse and design in my classroom!

Yes, we discuss concepts related to how people learn, but these discussions are interspersed heavily with activities that require students to be hands-on and minds-on by immediately applying the concepts to a small learning experience. The emphasis is not on the curriculum itself but on skills that I want students to take away at the end of the course.

6. Drawing from your own experiences, what advice would you give to young women who are aspiring to pursue careers in STEM fields, especially those that involve both technical and creative aspects?

In my experience women, especially young women, often demand perfection from themselves and feel like failure is the end of the world. That mindset is beneficial in a way because it reflects their hardworking and persistent nature. But it is also unsustainable.

My advice would be to become comfortable with tinkering and failing, and then standing up again.

I have found that it is important to accept that failure is a part of being human and own your failures as part of your life story. And when you stand up again, be observant, reflect on why you failed, and learn from it. Finally, be willing to adapt, and engage with the new path that has come your way.

7. During this entire journey, what do you consider your biggest successes? What have these taught you?

The ability to balance my multiple identities and interests – being a mom, a researcher, a cook, a friend, a writer and a woman - and embracing each identity wholly has been my greatest success.

I never shied away from any of them and made every attempt to grow each one of them through exploration of its facets. For instance, I took creative writing classes and joined a writing group to improve my craft. I dedicated hours to improve my cooking and baking skills. When my son was little, I devoted all my time and energy to provide him the space to explore and grow. This experience taught me that life cannot be compartmentalised, and our efforts to do so are counterproductive.

What we experience and learn from one role will always help us in other roles, so we must indulge and grow our interests. For instance, observing my son’s explorations inspired me to experiment with certain theories of cognition and learning, constantly improving my research.

8. In addition to your academic pursuits, I read that you’re interested in technical and creative writing. How do you find ways to merge these two seemingly different domains in your work and life?

Technical writing is my bread and butter as an academic. Being an academic means writing about your work, so it fits nicely with my interests. For creative writing, I took a few courses and there was a conversation in a creative nonfiction course regarding where one gets the material to write about. I like to think that my work and life is the muse for my creative writing - I live a life with multiple occupations to get material to write about! A poem is a way to express and process a difficult moment in life or work. An essay is a way to elaborate and think about a complicated decision. Ultimately writing is a tool to think and learn.

9. What is one change that, in your opinion, would hugely benefit aspiring women scientists?

A male professor, while advising me against considering a postdoc in a very prolific research group, told me it was a very “masculine” space and that “Masculinity inhibits cognition”. I think what he meant was that the research group’s culture emphasized abstractness, objectification, competition and control. In my opinion, having a culture in science that balances masculinity and femininity i.e. abstractness, objectification and control, balanced with collaboration and the recognition of subjective experiences and multiple paths to doing good science, would create a more inclusive environment for women in science, particularly for aspiring women scientists.

That said, I have been very fortunate that I have always been in - and continue to be in - such inclusive environments. So, such environments do exist, and I would encourage aspiring women scientists to not be discouraged by the existing scenario and seek out such inclusive environments.

10. What is the best advice you have received?

Decades ago, when I failed to clear the IIT-JEE, a very close family friend told me, “You are feeling sad because you are looking at your present, but the `master’ is looking at your future, and he sees something good.”

I am not very religious, but what I took away from her statement was this: don’t get bogged down by a present failure because there is a future, and that means there is hope.

This advice helped me get back up every time I failed and keep trying new things, and moving forward. This advice taught me to keep the faith.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in marine biology?

I had an innate interest in science since young. At five, I asked my dad about the hidden wonders beneath the ocean, curious if it held more than just the fish, mussels, and lobsters I had seen on my plate. Throughout my school days, I tossed between pursuing medicine or environmental studies.

After earning a degree in Zoology, on one sunny day, I stumbled upon an advertisement for a Master’s course in Marine Biotechnology. Without hesitation, I met S. Lazarus, the institute head, who later became my doctorate supervisor. Despite his initial skepticism on if I could wait for a year, I enthusiastically committed to the program by embarking on my marine science journey in 1995 through a Postgraduate Diploma in Coastal Aquaculture.

2. What has been the most exciting research project in which you have been involved?

Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work on fascinating marine projects involving lobsters, octocorals, and sponges in places like India, the Maldives, Oman, and Australia. However, my current project as a Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Excellence fellow at Stony Brook University, New York, is the most striking. This project involves investigating the existing sponge microbiome and metagenomics over different latitudinal gradients. It will undoubtedly reveal fresh insights that can contribute to the advancement of ocean research.

3. Tell us more about your research as a Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Excellence fellow?

The sponge-microbe symbioses play a crucial ecological role. About 40-60% of marine sponge biomass comprises of microbes that contributes to host carbon metabolism. Furthermore, the symbionts of marine sponges almost mimic the functions of mammalian guts and plants. Despite their importance, the ecological factors and the functional potential of sponge microbiome remain a mystery. In Robert W. Thacker’s lab, we aim to investigate the specific sponge-microbe consortium, their ecological and biological functions, as well as the divergence and evolution of sponges across different latitudes.

This exploration involves utilising microbiome sequencing, metagenomics, and metabolomics techniques. Additionally, we plan to develop a comprehensive database on sponge systematics, including microbiome details of Indian and Long Island species. As a Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence fellow, in addition to grasping the advanced macromolecular analysis and eDNA techniques, I teach sponge systematics and Geographic Information System to scholars of the Ecology and Evolution department.

4. What are the intriguing facts about sponges and the importance of your taxonomy research?

Sponges are one of the ancient life forms on Earth and play essential functional roles in our oceans. They possess intriguing characteristics and are popular with their biomedical properties, especially in cancer research. Despite lacking complex organs, they exhibit unique features, such as diverse skeletal structures called spicules, which make them truly remarkable. As an exceptional filter feeder, they efficiently recycle nutrients and facilitate connections between different marine habitats. Their totipotent nature, adaptability to diverse ocean conditions, and flexibility to change shapes in response to adverse environmental conditions make them valuable subjects for climate change research. Hence understanding their taxonomy is tremendously imperative for any research on sponges.

Through SCUBA diving, I have been fortunate to explore pristine locations in South and Central-West India, including breathtaking islands like Lakshadweep and the Gulf of Mannar. As a taxonomist, I have documented and described numerous sponge species, some of which were previously unknown in India and discovered for the first time along the West Coast. However, what continues to astonish me is the puzzle of different sponge species exhibiting similar appearances but possessing distinct anatomies. This fascinating enigma never fails to captivate my attention in the realm of sponge taxonomy research.

5. What is your impression of marine biology research in India?

Peninsular India stands out as a remarkable hotspot for marine biodiversity due to its unique environment, currents, and wind patterns. The abundant resources present in India offer great potential for uncovering significant marine discoveries that can contribute to solving complex environmental challenges. However, it is important to note that most maritime expeditions and fish distribution studies conducted in India have focused on depths over 1100 meters.

Having had the opportunity to work in marine institutes and laboratories across various countries, I strongly believe that India needs to attract and support talented scientists who can lead marine research initiatives. With the Ministry of Earth Sciences' 'Deep Ocean Mission' in place, I am optimistic that several marine projects can be implemented to explore remote locations and greater depths of the Indian marine region. This would unveil the mysteries hidden within our ocean resources and align with international standards in marine research.

6. As the first Indian woman scientist with a diving certificate in 2003, tell us about your diving experience ?

It's interesting to note that I didn't know how to swim until I pursued my master's degree. However, driven by a sheer desire to explore the underwater world, I started enjoying being in the pool and the sea. Initially, my diving capabilities were limited to a depth of 20 meters with my first Open Water diving certification. Later on, I obtained an advanced certification in Maldives allowing me to dive upto 40 meters. At the current Rescue diver level (certified in Australia), I acquired additional skills as a marine researcher.

With over 300 research dives under my (dive) belt, each dive feels like a new life, and everything I encounter in the sea is cardinal to me. I fathomed that when we surrender ourselves to the water, there is an unimaginable oneness with the ocean. It is a sort of 'Water Meditation' in which we start observing life around us and feel like a tiny grain of sand in the vast ocean. The vastness of the ocean, its diverse flora and fauna, always serve as a reminder that there is so much more to discover, comprehend, and preserve for future generations.

7. How can a woman turn her passion into work and carve a niche in the field of science?

With determination and resilience, women have the power to transform their passions into fulfilling careers, even in the face of challenges. As a curious child, I enjoyed collecting shells, observing animal behaviour, and immersed myself in ocean documentaries on Animal Planet and Discovery channels. The vastness of the ocean enthralled me, and I often wondered if I could explore it myself. This childhood allure served as a driving force, motivating me to pursue a career in science as I grew older.

It is important to remember that when you focus on a particular desire, the universe responds to your stubborn determination. In my case, I could venture into the sea, explore its wonders and carve a niche in marine science.

8. Are there any Indian women scientists who have acted as your role models?

I am inspired by Janaki Ammal's ground breaking work in cytogenetics, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's entrepreneurial achievements in biotechnology, Kalpana Chawla's incredible journey as an astronaut, and Aditi Pant's trailblazing participation in the Indian Antarctic expedition—they all ignite my admiration.

9. What is one change that, in your opinion, would hugely benefit aspiring women scientists?

The attitude towards oneself and science is crucial. In conflicting debates or scenarios, whether at work, home, or within the family, it is important to adopt the mindset of an observer and absorb information like a "sponge." This does not imply that we should become passive receptacles for others' opinions. As women, we possess the strength to make well-founded decisions and channel our passion in a positive manner. This empowers us to reach limitless horizons, much like the vastness of the ocean.

Ships don't sink because of the water around them;
Ships sink because of the water that gets in them;
Don't let what's happening around you get inside you and bring you down.

10. As a scientist, how do you find yourself mentoring young women who want to work in the field of marine biology?

I am deeply passionate about supporting and guiding young women who aspire to leave their mark in the field of marine biology. I encourage them to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their dreams, as the realm of marine biology is vast and brimming with endless possibilities. It is truly astonishing to contemplate that we have only explored a fraction, less than 10 percent, of the ocean. This realisation leaves ample room for young researchers to embark on their own journeys in marine science.

As I sat with my friends, enjoying a cup of tea, an email arrived from my supervisor, informing me about the start of applications for the prestigious Australia India Research Students (AIRS) Fellowship 2023. I had always wished to work at a renowned global university in Australia, known for its diverse nano science research projects and a rich intercultural environment, so this opportunity seemed perfect. The following day, I met with my supervisor, and together we made the decision to pursue this fellowship. By a stroke of luck, our ongoing partnership with a scientist at The University of Queensland played a pivotal role, as they wholeheartedly embraced the idea and agreed to back our collaborative undertaking.

This program was jointly proposed in November 2019, at the fifth Australia India Education Council (AIEC) in Delhi, and was launched in August 2022 at the sixth AIEC meeting. The program receives funding from the Australian Government’s Department of Education and is managed by the Australia India Institute. Typically, the application for this fellowship opens in October, and the selected fellows are required to complete their fellowship within a specified timeframe of 4 to 8 weeks as part of the AIRS program.

Since I am part of the very first cohort of AIRS fellowship awardees, I am yet to begin my fellowship, which will start soon. I will be working with my collaborator Andrew Whittaker's group at Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN). This fellowship has opened numerous doors for me, offering invaluable resources and endless prospects for personal and professional development. It will provide me with essential tools, mentorship, and a collaborative platform with researchers from Australia and India.

The AIRS Fellowship offers a remarkable opportunity for individuals seeking exposure, expertise, and invaluable research experience in Australia. This initiative aims to facilitate a balanced exchange of early-career researchers and research students between Australia and India, promoting a harmonious flow of knowledge and expertise.

Here I break down the application process for prospective applicants:

Are you eligible to apply?

• Both, Indian and Australian citizens are eligible to apply for the AIRS fellowship.
• However, only higher education institutions based in India with established engagement activities with Australian institutions are only eligible to apply for this program. A memorandum of agreement (MOU) for academic cooperation between Indian and Australian institutions can serve the purpose.
• The fellowship is open to master's students, doctoral research students, and post-doctoral scholars enrolled at eligible institutions.
• The fellowship must be completed at an eligible institution in Australia.

Propose a suitable research project

If you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step in the application process for the AIRS Fellowship is to find a suitable research project. Take your time to explore various research areas that interest you and align with your academic background and career goals. Look for projects that align with the research interests of the collaborating Australian institution and have the potential to contribute to your thesis or an existing research project.

• Structure a well-defined defined research proposal that clearly outlines the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of your project. This proposal should demonstrate your understanding of the research area and your ability to conduct independent research.
• Ensure that your application includes a well-written statement of purpose, as this is a crucial requirement for the evaluation process. You can access the project proposal template on the fellowship website, which will guide you in crafting a strong and comprehensive statement.
• Additionally, prepare a comprehensive CV that highlights your educational background, research experience, publications, academic honours, and any relevant extracurricular activities or leadership roles you have undertaken.

You will need letters of support

Request letters of recommendation from professors at both the host institution and your home institution. These letters should attest to your academic abilities and potential as a research student. It is important to choose recommenders who are familiar with your work, research capabilities, and can provide strong support for your application. Be sure to provide them with sufficient time to write the letters and provide them with any necessary information or materials that can help them write a comprehensive and compelling recommendation on your behalf.

Some additional requirements

After gathering all the required documents, submit your application following the guidelines provided by the AIRS Program. Pay close attention to the deadlines and ensure that you include all the necessary materials. Remember to tailor your application to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the research project and how it aligns with your academic and career aspirations. Highlight any relevant experience, skills, or accomplishments that make you a compelling candidate for the fellowship.

The fellowship award

The selected candidates receive fellowships of up to AUD $10,000 for a duration of 4-8 weeks to undertake short-term research exchanges in India and Australia.

• The fellowship program covers select eligible expenses. These expenses include single return international economy airfare, Australia/India visa, accommodation, travel and health insurance, transport costs, standard living expenses, language training and translation services, conference registration, and costs related to research events.
• Additionally, it is advisable for fellows to discuss their travel plans with the host Institution to ensure coordination with their hosting arrangements.
• Candidates are usually notified of the outcome via email, and there are typically no interviews conducted.

The selection process is solely based on the information provided by the applicants, including the research proposal and academic achievements. So, it is essential to carefully prepare, and submit, a strong application that highlights your qualifications and research potential.

1) As the first Indian recipient of the SRL emerging leader award by ISAC, please tell us about the programme and the SRL concept.

Flow cytometry and image analysis are complex technologies used by scientific laboratories today. The term ‘Shared Resource Laboratory’ (SRL) designates the difference between a simple ‘core facility’ and a dedicated ‘cytometry core resource’ in terms of additional scientific responsibilities and cooperative capabilities to enhance the scope of biological research eventually. These SRLs, equipped with high-end instrumentation and upskilled cytometrists, are not just service providers but critical partners in experiments, requiring necessary acknowledgement and operational support.

The four-year SRL Emerging Leader program recognises and develops the next generation of emerging leaders in SRL, offering them opportunities for mentoring, networking, and collaboration. Being a part of the The International Society for Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC) has allowed me to start establishing an SRL in India and be an integral part of this non-disruptive creative concept.

2) What is your impression about the current SRL culture in India?

There are plenty of opportunities in terms of funding and schemes to support this concept in India today, as there are many core facilities. We have impressive national facilities for flow cytometry and microscopy at National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore; Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore; All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, to name a few. Recently, start-up industries have also catered to some of these needs.

What we should work towards is bringing more awareness about this concept and incorporating the "best practices of SRL" while running these cores, which can revolutionise the scientific output from the existing facilities we have and expand their usage to all. It is a value addition to the running core facilities and hence not a replacement with a new concept.

3) You shifted gears several times in your career. Please tell us about your journey.

Although I was never particularly ambitious, I had certain goals that I was unwilling to compromise on. It all started when I began my PhD at Bose Institute, Kolkata and later went to Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore in 2008 to pursue my dream of becoming a molecular mycologist. But, when I was expecting my child, I decided to shift gears for the first time, and take a break to explore other opportunities. That’s when Udaykumar Ranga, one of my mentors from JNCASR, introduced me to the world of technology platforms, which turned out to be a major turning point in my career.

In 2013, I became Facility-In-Charge at JNCASR, where I was responsible for operation and maintenance of the instruments, scientific data analysis, teaching, and training in flow cytometry and microscopy. It was during this time that my other mentor, H. Krishnamurthy, introduced me to the world of cytometry. Later, I moved on to a similar role at IISc. Gradually, after gaining proficiency in operating a vast range of flow analysers, cell sorters, microscopes and different sample types, I began to develop a keen interest in single cell analysis, particularly in understanding the cell biology of the immune system. This interest led me to establish my research group in stem cell cytometry and imaging at Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine (MIRM), Bangalore in 2019, where I currently work as an Assistant Professor. I am thankful to Gopal Pande, then the Dean of MIRM, who believed in me and my vision.

4) Such an interesting journey. Tell us more about your endeavours at MIRM, Bangalore?

At MIRM, our lab is also committed to developing an SRL for cytometry and imaging. With the help of a K-FIST L2 infrastructure grant received from the Government of Karnataka, we are working towards implementing the best practices of SRLs. Additionally, we are dedicated to spreading knowledge and awareness about this field to students from various backgrounds.

For instance, every year, we conduct an educational workshop called “MYO” (Make Your Own flow cytometer) in collaboration with William G. Telford, National Cancer Institute, USA, for our Master’s students. We have also provided demonstrations to students at Shri Kodandaramaswamy High School in Mittur village, located in the Kolar district of Karnataka.

5) You are also building a start-up. Please tell us how it started.

Yes, I am currently working on developing a diagnostic tool for acute leukaemia using imaging flow cytometry, which will significantly reduce the time taken for testing and reporting. The need for such a tool became apparent to me during discussions with experts at the CYTO meetings of ISAC. After joining MIRM, I initiated talks with a US-based company that sells this type of cytometer and brought their instrumentation to MIRM on a contract basis. Additionally, as I was in touch with a group of successful entrepreneurs in North Bangalore, the idea of starting my own company began to take shape.

6) What were the challenges you faced while starting and how is the start-up going on?

It took me three years to build the team, and securing funding was the biggest challenge, which became even more difficult due to the pandemic. The work officially began in July 2022 with a seed grant from the University of Western Australia in collaboration with a group that are pioneers in this technology. Later, I received a BIRAC JanCare grant under the Healthtech category. However, the students who joined my lab in 2020 have been my strength right from the beginning, actively working with me with intramural support from MIRM. Currently, we are able to visualise the software that we are striving to provide to clinicians.

7) What message do you want to leave as an academic entrepreneur?

I strongly believe that there should not be a demarcation between parallel and mainstream research because both are indispensable to each other. This approach, which aligns with the SRL ethos, would have allowed me to advance my work much more quickly by obtaining patents and grants earlier in my career. I am grateful for the flexibility and support system at MIRM, which enables me to seamlessly pursue both as an academic scientist and entrepreneur.

8) What is one change that, in your opinion, would hugely benefit aspiring women scientists?

As a woman scientist, I want to emphasise the significance of a supportive work and research environment.

Even seemingly basic measures, such as having a childcare facility, can make a tremendous difference. One of my cherished memories was being part of a team of passionate and driven scientists in 2017, working together to establish a childcare centre at the IISc campus.

9) How difficult has it been for you to achieve a sustainable work-life balance?Do you think systemic support, such as clear provisions for applying for administrative and research management staff positions in project proposals, could help in this regard?

I have never looked at life while keeping work aside. I have been a persistent worker both when I am with my family and even when I am with my colleagues and students. My family understands the passion with which I approach my work and has been tremendously supportive.

Yes, to maintain this balance better, especially as I plan to transition into the world of entrepreneurship from being a full-time academic scientist, I believe having research management designations who can actively engage in scientific projects could be of great help.

10) What is the best advice you have received?

"The process will help you identify your goals, determine the resources required to achieve them, identify potential sources of those resources, and anticipate any potential threats and challenges," are the thoughts of one of my role models, Joanne Lannigan, CEO, Flow Cytometry Support Services, LLC, regarding establishing an SRL. She emphasises the importance of creating a robust business plan. I believe her words hold significance not only in one's career but also in various aspects of life.

I had applied for the Fulbright Fellowship as a third-year PhD student filled with dreams of conducting an unconventional aspect of my research project in the United States. And with this fellowship, I was able to take my academic journey to the next level.

As a Fulbright Scholar at the California Institute of Technology, USA, I experienced a world of opportunities that went far beyond my expectations. From collaborating with top-notch researchers to presenting my work at scientific conferences, participating in hackathons, mentoring STEM enthusiasts and students, and delivering invited talks and interviews as a subject matter expert, I could immerse myself in a holistic scientific experience. As an added bonus, I even got to try my hand at 3D printing and explore a world of different cultures and cuisines.

If you're looking to gain exposure, expertise, and invaluable experience in the United States, the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research (FNDR) Fellowship might be the perfect opportunity for you. The application process involves three steps:

• First, you need to find a host lab. This can be an affiliation with any US institution that provides you with a letter of invitation. While the letter is not mandatory during the first stage of application, it is highly preferred.
• For the FNDR application, you need to submit your research proposal, personal statement, recommendation letters, and other supporting documents online. If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview.
• Finally, if you're nominated by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), you'll need to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and secure the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) approval. The journey might be long, but the rewards are endless.
  

Here are some useful tips for prospective applicants:

Step I: Choosing a host institution

When it comes to securing a host institution for your Fulbright application, timing is everything. While it's best to start searching for potential hosts six months prior to the application call, it's never too late to get started. And even though you only need one U.S. host to support your application, it's always a smart move to have multiple hosts lined up just in case.

There are three main approaches you can take when it comes to finding a host institution. First, consider collaborating with any existing contacts or collaborators you have. Reach out to them and ask for their help in finding potential hosts. Alternatively, attend international conferences and use your networking skills to connect with researchers or individuals who work in relevant labs that may be able to assist you. Lastly, if you have no leads at all, don't be afraid to cold email researchers in your field of interest until you receive at least one positive response.

As a C. elegans researcher who was stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, I took the initiative to identify worm labs in the U.S. and cold email them. Additionally, I used my networking skills to connect with fellow researchers in the Genetics Society of America International C. elegans Conference. With some persistence and a bit of luck, I was able to secure a host institution for my Fulbright application. So don't be afraid to put yourself out there and make some bold moves in pursuit of your dreams!

Step II: FNDR Application

To help you prepare for the application process, here are some basic to-dos that you should keep in mind:

1. Start early: The Fulbright application process is lengthy and requires several supporting documents. So, even if you are still searching for a host institution, it's best to start preparing your application at least one month in advance.
2. Read the FNDR call details thoroughly: Make sure you go through the current FNDR call details at least thrice. USIEF has several online resources, such as interviews and research profiles of Fulbright Scholars on their website. Going through them can help you prepare a stronger application.
3. Pay attention to the research proposal: The research proposal is the heart of your application. Along with your main project, highlight the reasons for conducting research in the U.S., the unique resources or equipment available there, relevance in your field of research, opportunities for professional growth, and career development.
4. Personalise your personal statement: Your personal statement should reflect your personality and highlight your achievements, future aspirations, and plans to serve as a cultural ambassador of India.
5. Showcase your contributions to the field: Though having a publication is not mandatory for a successful Fulbright application, it's advantageous to show your contribution to the field. An original peer-reviewed paper is preferred, but you can also submit presentations from conferences or refined extracts from your research thesis.
6. Include all letters of invitation: If you have more than one letter of invitation, include all of them in your application. Even if you receive one or more letters of invitation after the application deadline, forward them to USIEF immediately.
7. Choose your referees wisely: Obtain recommendation letters from people who can advocate for your research, skills and contributions outside research, and suitability for the fellowship.
8. Reach out for help when in doubt: If you have any doubts, reach out to Fulbright Scholars with an active profile on LinkedIn. But always do your homework before seeking help.

Step III: Interview

For the interview, besides being well-prepared with a deep understanding of your research proposal and personal statement, brush up on your knowledge of the United States and its cultural ties with India. Don't forget to let your unique personality and strengths shine through, so that you can make a memorable impression on your interviewers.

Life takes you places you never expect. Growing up, I was passionate about biology, and this led me to join a gold medal-winning global team in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) synthetic biology competition in 2021.

The iGEM Foundation, an international non-profit based in Paris, organises this annual competition to advance synthetic biology education and encourage collaboration through an open community. Since its beginning nearly 20 years ago, the competition has challenged university, high school, and community lab teams to design biology projects that are safe, reproducible and have a realistic approach to solving local scientific problems.

Here is the story of our winding journey to iGEM 2021 gold.

Frugal Science course: a start

In 2020, I took an online course called Frugal Science, taught by Manu Prakash at Stanford University. The course taught us that science doesn’t need expensive equipment. Here, we created a team called Friendzymes, made up of students from different countries. We focused on developing frugal approaches to synthesise enzymes for biotechnology applications using cheap ingredients.

Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, we couldn’t use traditional wet laboratories so we came up with a way to make enzymes at home as suggested by our team leader Isaac L. We also found a way to make inexpensive equipment for protein extraction using plastic tubes with lids filled with silica (as a replacement to sophisticated chromatography columns!), which we presented as a prototype in the Frugal Biocourse. Our focus was specifically on a protein called Phusion polymerase, which is used in a process called Polymerase Chain Reaction to amplify DNA.

We also created a virtual platform called Friendzymes Notion to gather protocols for protein production. Our goal was to have a ‘DIY Protein Production Lab’ that could synthesise and distribute enzymes for free to science enthusiasts and researchers around the world, similar to FreeGenes which locally distributes genetic circuits and DNA sequences at no cost.

Funding to register in iGEM 2021

After the Frugal BioCourse ended, we wanted to make our prototype a reality. We found a competition called iGEM competition 2021 that focuses on synthetic biology projects around the world. We needed funding to register but were initially unable to get it.

• Around this time, JOGL (Just One Giant Lab), a community-driven non-profit organisation, announced grants for sponsoring teams (and communities) affected by the pandemic wave called OpenCovid19 Initiative. We were fortunate to receive $200 as grant money to kickstart our project funding.
• To raise more funds, we also created a GofundMe page but it didn’t bring in much money.
• Fortunately, we found additional sponsors who were willing to support us through team members’ connections. The sponsors were Jenny Molloy (Shuttleworth Fellow, Open Bioeconomy Lab, Cambridge UK), Lee Redden (Co-Founder and CTO, Blue River Technology), Scot Bryson (Founder, Orbital Farm), and Andrew Hessel (author and co-executive director, Genome Project-Write). These sponsors helped us pay the $6000 registration fee for the competition! Our team was officially named ‘Open Sci Global’ in 2021.

• However, we were still lacking the iGEM Jamboree fee of $2,500. This expense is required for presenting our team’s model in the iGEM competition. Fortunately, we were able to get one of the iGEM Open grants called as Team Impact Grant for USD $2,500 provided by the Frederick Gardner Cottrell Foundation. This covered the expense for iGEM Jamboree.
• Additionally, every registered team was provided with a budget for 30,000 base pairs of DNA synthesis genes, sponsored by iGEM partners Integrated DNA Technologies Inc. and Twist Biosciences Inc. as a gift!

We took Kahlil Coroza’s Project Management Classes which helped us to work in a systematic manner across different time zones.

The wet-lab experiments

After successfully completing our funding and project management classes, we moved on to the practical laboratory work of our team. Our team was in the Foundational Advances track of iGEM, which focused on novel DNA synthesis. We re-modified our project objectives to focus on two model organisms, Bacillus subtilis and Pichia pastoris. To overcome the challenge of expensive tools for protein production, we used frugal approaches.

Our proposed implementation roadmap was designed for the extraction of frugal enzymes. To conduct our wet-lab experiments, we used four different laboratories:

1. A community lab (led by Scott Pownall),
2. The Bioblaze community lab in Chicago,
3. The Hive Biolab lab in Ghana, and
4. The Mindanao Genome Sequencing Lab in the Philippines.

As outlined in our roadmap,

• we aimed to grow specific organisms in our labs. It was primarily led by Scott and Ahmed conducted the experiments (Part I to Part V) in Canada.
• Additionally, protein production required a bioreactor in the lab-scale downstream fermentation process. To address this, our team member Diego built a frugal DIY bioreactor with temperature-sensitive controls (find more about it on our hardware page) that cost only $82.11.
• We also tested another frugal bioreactor (version 2). It was based on David Ischee’s model, and built by Sarah Ware (our secondary PI) at the BioBlaze Lab.
• We also made a frugal chromatography column consisting of a glass pipette, glass, sand and a towel sheet. This work was done at BioBlaze Chicago wet lab and helped us to extract pigments such as carotene and chlorophyll.

Overall, this advanced our hardware and allowed us to accomplish our proof of concept as per iGEM’s medal criteria!

Beyond lab bench

Since I had no lab access during the lockdown in India, I managed our collaboration objectives by connecting virtually with our team members around the world (an essential silver medal criterion).

• Our collaboration included a SynTrack Podcast with IISER-Tirupathi and eight teams including MIT MAHE Manipal BioMachines, team UPenn and team Aachen to name a few. While collaborating, I was more focused on the teams using Bacillus subtilis as model organisms. Eventually, this would help our transformant colonies to extract frugal proteins through it!
• Another team member Gargi, our Sci-Com expert mentioned that iGEM provided her with a platform to improve her graphic design skills and enhance her social media skills.
• Also, Harini, the team leader from India, was involved in managing the overall documentation of the project’s model, handling the wiki data, and overseeing the entrepreneurship model for the team.
• Ahmed played a vital role in the success of the project as the student team leader. His involvement in laboratory experiments, project management, networking and submitting the project promotion video was instrumental in meeting the requirements for the iGEM competition.

Overall, it was the collective effort of the entire team which made us reach Gold.

We enjoyed this Friendzymes journey as much as the amazing people we met along the way. We are proud of our accomplishments and are always looking for willing contributors to help democratise enzyme production through frugal means!