Interview with Prof. Priya Sande
· Please tell us about your background and about the things that motivated you towards a career in research, particularly CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)?
Parents encouraged my love for science early on, then I became the only student to get distinctions in all 8 of my Under Graduate seems doing Chemical Engg. So thought, this is a good sign. Later got the chance to teach at BITS and got a chance to research.
Why CFD? Fascination and intrigue. The fact that just one set of equations-Naiver -Stokes equations, crystalize all of the fluid behavior- that it can predict the shockwave of an explosion, how a poisonous gas will disperse, how smog will drift over Delhi, how water will shear a submarine, or air a racing car and one can ‘see’ all this in CFD simulations.
· How has your experience been as a researcher at BITS Pilani? Please share some anecdotes from your time at BITS Pilani?
Scientific research is by definition a slow and back-breaking process, with benefits clustered at the end. At BITS, research is more recognized, and that helped. The ‘quli’ exam was a big deal. A student helping me in some work, noticed my consternation because soon was the 9 subjects 3 days Ph.D. qualifier, as it was at that time. On hearing, she said, “mam, I am sure you’ll do just fine”, which was unexpectedly boosting.
Ph.D. affects every aspect of life, and when discussing this once with mentor and friend Prof. Surekha Bhanot, she told me how during her doctoral studies she figured out the puzzle of her circuit diagram in a dream! receiving mentoring was priceless for me. I would discuss so much with my supervisor Dr. Saumi Ray, and forget the time! she was as kind as she was scientifically astute. Also, I remember the morning I completed the defense, after, I had an ME elective class of 12 students at 4 pm. I was so overjoyed, it was the only time I invited all students to the canteen after class, though I did not give any clear reason. Maybe they were not a little surprised!
Also, I would make feeble attempts to speak Marwari with our office staff, so when I walked into the office, our staff said, “Mam, now that you completed your Ph.D., you can do it again in Marwari!”.
· Recently, we are seeing a push from industries and academia alike in promoting women in STEM fields, but plenty of hurdles still remain. How do you see the situation and what problems did you face as a ‘female researcher’?
The promotion could also be because we do need more workforce, at this point in our history. I personally did not think of hurdles, or even noticed any maybe?
· Students often do not have enough information regarding a career in research. What would be your advice to our budding undergraduate researchers regarding career opportunities, working culture, and the mindset required to excel at research?
Complex question:) Will suggest a starting point: find what interests you, learn, read about it, and with a Guide write a paper- for conference, review, blog, research notes, anything possible. Only when you write, you learn. The written word is what we go by in research.
· Due to advances in data technology and information sciences, improved awareness about the environment, and increasing automation in the industry, the field of chemical engineering has also seen a paradigm shift. How should students adapt to these changing dynamics and which fields related to chemical engineering are the most active these days?
In your courses, focus on concepts. Then think of an application immediately. Previously the approach was to gain lots of knowledge and then apply it later at work. Now it is possible to self-explore the applications, and that is what is checked in interviews.
The IT aspect simply means that new methods are being put in place everywhere, so it is not just about learning a method, but also about how to create/ develop a new method.
All of the chemical engineering is getting a ‘reshaping’ because of IT, so one can contribute in any sub-field, all are active!
· Our department offers a lot of study, design, and lab-oriented projects, and a lot of students wish to pursue them. Often, they don’t know what would be expected of them. Please shed some light on what you expect from students undertaking such projects.
The instructor assumes the student has read the bulletin, as regards SP/DP/SP. Student needs to only follow the process outlined and seek guidance from the instructor! In such courses, students mainly learn the process of research and can make meaningful contributions if they seek to interact regularly with Instructor.
· With the campus being closed, many students have not been able to get lab experience. Furthermore, along with economic slowdown and reduced number of opportunities, it has resulted in increased stress and anxiety among the students. How should students keep themselves motivated and what changes in their lifestyle/mindset would you suggest?
It is a time to get to know oneself, be responsible for self and care for oneself. The care extends to the mind, to put in meaningful content because what is put in, is what comes out. Routine and exercise are indispensable now. It is surely a time for self-study, reflection, and charting out a future path in hope. Whatever can be done within the limitations needs to be done. Potential employers will mainly ask, how did you use your time creatively?
