Interview with a Research Professional in Physics

Sajan Mushini is a Research Scientist in Physics and is currently working as a Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Born to professors of mathematics and science in East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, Sajan derived all the right skills in science and mathematics from his parents and is on the path to becoming a Physicist – scientist who specializes in Physics.

- What is Physics?

Sajan - Physics means “knowledge of nature”, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves. The subject matter of physics, distinguished from that of chemistry and biology, includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms.

- What do you specialize in? Can you please explain your specialty for us.

Sajan - I specialize in Space Weather. Space weather is a branch of physics concerned with the time varying conditions within the Solar System, including solar wind, and especially the space surrounding the Earth, including conditions in the ionosphere.

My research is studying GPS scintillations i.e., distortions in Global Positioning Systems (GPS) signals when Ionosphere becomes active.

When sun becomes active, solar flares can occur and cause ionospheric disturbances when these flares hit Earth. Any electromagnetic signals including GPS signals get distorted during these disturbances in ionosphere and result in errors/inaccuracies in position measurements. I analyze these disturbances along with the characteristics of these distortions in GPS signals.

- What are you currently working on?

Sajan - I am currently working on analyzing the distortions in GPS signals by Auroras.

Aurora is a natural light display seen at high latitudes. It is caused by charged particles mainly from the Sun entering the Earth’s atmosphere. Not only do I research on different type of auroras but I also study their effect on GPS signals.

- Who funds your research and what benefits entails your research?

Sajan - Canadian Space Agency funds my research.

There are two ways to benefit from my research.

a) Engineers can study my work and figure out methods to eliminate errors in GPS measurements caused by active ionosphere.

For example, a common man using a GPA/navigation system in his car can reach his destination accurately or military personnel using a GPS enabled missile can hit a target with no errors.

b) Organizations can study my work and plan their programs so that they benefit from the accurate GPS measurements.

For example, an oil company can schedule their drilling plans if they knew about the distortions in GPS signals ahead of the time. Because oil companies depend on GPS to determine the exact drilling location deep in the sea. Its like making travel plans based on the weather. 

- When and how did you first discover your calling?

Sajan - I first became interested in science, when I was flipping the pages of Britannica’s Children’s Encyclopedia. But my interest and curiosity peaked when I saw illustration of satellites and communications on TV in early 1990s. Back then Discovery channel aired shows on satellites and communications and they are quite wonderful to watch.I didn’t know that Physics was my calling until I finished my Masters in Radio Astronomy and Space Physics.

- How did you continue your passion in Physics?

Sajan - After my High School, I went for Bachelors of Engineering in Electronics and Communication. Every friend of mine was applying for MS program in foreign countries and I followed the herd. Though there were multiple specializations in Electronics Engineering. I chose MS, Radio astronomy and Space Science for two reasons: to take my interest in satellites and communications to next level and to take advantage of zero tuition fees in Sweden.

I then applied for Ph.D. and specialized in Ionosphere physics in Canada. As soon as I finished my Ph.D., I got an opportunity to work on a project funded by European Space Agency and I am now working on a project funded by Canadian Space Agency.

- Did you ever find any topics or concepts difficult to understand? How did you pull yourself through?

Sajan - Yes, of course. There were multiple times I was lost in academics. It took lot of self-studying. Reading same concepts from multiple books helps you understand complicated topics.

I have also learned that strong foundation in basics and visualizing helps understand topics quicker. For example, visualizing 3D graphs, understanding and visualizing mathematical concepts like integration, double integration, differentiation etc.

- What advice and suggestions do you have for young people?

Sajan - I would like to use a quote “Success is never final, failure is never fatal; it is the courage to stand that counts”.  I suggest young people not get discouraged if they don’t score well in competitive exams. Understand the basics thoroughly and study what you are interested in.

Interview with a Research Professional in Biochemistry

Harsha Kocherla is a Research Professional in Biochemistry and is currently working as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. Born for teachers in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, Harsha found passion in Biotechnology and is on path to becoming a Scientist in the field of Biotechnology. This is his career journey.

 - What is Biochemistry?

Harsha - Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.

- What are you currently working on?

Harsha - I specialize in Structural Biology, branch of Biology concerned with structure of macromolecules especially proteins and nucleic acids. And I use a method called Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Proteins to determine the structure of Biomolecules. My research and work helps in designing new drugs that are highly specific, thereby treating a disease.

- When and how did you first realize your interest in Biotechnology?

Harsha - After my high school, I signed up for Bachelors of Science (B.Sc.) program and became very interested in Biotechnology during the program. Besides classes, Bachelors program included Workshops, poster presentations and field trips to Biotech research establishments like Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). These out of the classroom activities during B.Sc. boosted my interest in pursuing a career in Biotechnology.

- How did you continue to pursue your passion in Biotechnology?

Harsha – Back then In India, the minimum qualification for junior positions at Biotech research institutions was having Masters degree. So I entered into Masters of Science (M.Sc.) program in Biochemistry. Later, I realized that the starting salary for a fresh graduate in the Biotech industry is very low in India. So I decided to get further education from top institutions, hoping to fall in a higher salary range. To accomplish that dream, I worked very hard, scored high in competitive exams and entered into M. Tech program at IIT-Madras (IITM) specializing in Medical Biotechnology. I secured a job at Novartis after M. Tech but my passion for research compelled me to go for Ph.D. I chose University of Zurich for its reputation in Biotech research, work culture, and amazing infrastructure. And I have been involved in research since then.

- What do you enjoy most being a Biochemist?

Harsha – Being a researcher, everyday is a challenge and the result from every experiment is exciting. This excitement motivates me to perform cutting-edge research, and hope to find a lead to the discovery of a potential drug molecule that has therapeutic potential.

For example, I am a Biochemist working in drug discovery and development line of work. To bring a drug to the market, it takes at least 10 years after first identifying the “lead/magic” molecule. My current work/research contributes to the development of new antibiotic that fights against bacteria. And the success of my work could lead to launch of new antibiotic in the market. And there is dire need for antibiotics in the market because most of the bacteria have become resistant to existing antibiotics.

- What challenges did you face in this career journey?

Harsha – I faced several challenges with employment and immigration in my journey.

The number of open positions and salaries are very low for a fresh Biotech graduate coming out of college in India. And even the median salary/stipend for Ph. D’s and postdoctoral fellows is low compared to tenured positions in Biotech.

And now it is very tough to overcome immigration challenge that comes in the way of finding full-time employment after Ph.D in Switzerland. I currently work at University with a residence permit for training and foreign student like me requires employment with permit in Switzerland.

- How did you overcome these challenges?

Harsha – Consistent support from my parents, guidance from my professors, and my passion towards research helped me focus on my research.

I hope to have a break-through in my research and then science publications in top journals would help me in becoming a scientist.

- What advice and resources do you have for young people who want to start their career in Biotechnology?

Harsha – I strongly suggest young people to get a thorough grasp of basics in chemistry and then dive deep into the Biochemistry and Microbiology.

For the information regarding Biotech career and institutions, internet is your go-to source.