Interview with a Biologist (BioProduction)

Arti Manohar is a Biologist and is currently working as Production Biologist at American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Manassas, Virginia. Born in Delhi, India, Arti received early education in Biotechnology from US schools and ended up becoming a successful Biologist in a Biological Resource Center and research organization based in United States. This is her career story.

- What is Biology? What does it mean being a Biologist?

Arti - Biology is concerned with study of life and living organisms. Biologist is a scientist who studies living organisms in its environment.

 - Can you please tell us about your workplace?

Arti - ATCC is a biological resource center and research organization. We acquire, authenticate, produce, preserve, develop and distribute microorganisms and cell lines for research. My workplace is like a retail store for raw materials used in life science research.

ATCC tends to the needs of Life Sciences R & D. For example, Pharmaceutical companies perform numerous experiments on microorganisms and agents before bringing out a drug to the market. This is where ATCC comes in and supplies authentic and standardized microorganisms and reagents like bacteria, viruses, antibodies, DNA, RNA etc.  for companies to perform tests.

- What do you do at ATCC?

Arti - I work as a Biologist in the Immunology Core of ATCC. When Customer Service receives a request for a vial of a hybridoma cell line or antibody from a customer (research institution), a work order is generated. After receiving the work order, I work in a team to grow, propagate and bank the hybridoma cell line, and/or extract and purify antibody from it. Hybridoma cell lines are immortal cell lines capable of producing antibodies specific to a particular target. The antibodies we produce are mostly used in infectious disease research, but in general can be used in any disease research to identify and locate cellular proteins.     

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

Arti - I liked Biology and Mathematics concepts in my +1 and +2 and wanted to pursue a career that involved laboratories and experimentation. After research and guidance, I came to know that I get to do everything I liked in Biotechnology. And here I am taking part in Biomedical research.

- How did you pursue your passion in Biotechnology?

After my +2 in Maths, Biology, Physics and Chemistry, I enrolled in a Twinning program in an Indian University and got my Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology from North Dakota State University. Biotechnology is a vast field, and I wanted to specialize in biomedical research, and therefore I signed up for a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering immediately after. I then worked as a Lab Technician in a research laboratory for 2 years before landing my current position. Education and work experience helped me get to where I am today.

- What right steps do you think you made in this career path?

Arti - I was lucky to get +1 and +2 education in Mathematics and Biology, in addition to Physics and Chemistry. This preliminary education made it easier to get into Biotechnology programs. One needs to obtain both Mathematics and Science knowledge to pursue a career in Biotechnology.

Getting work experience during and after school helped me gain skills that are necessary in entering this field.

- What advice and suggestions do you have for young students planning to pursue a career in Biotechnology?

Arti - I would encourage students to get a lot of experience and pick up a variety of lab skills through internships/externships along with the education in Biotechnology. The infrastructure and facilities available for biotechnology research are great in the US, but companies in this field don’t easily sponsor visas, so it is very essential to have a broad skill set and experience to get a good job. 

Interview with a Material Science Professional (Glass Science)

Udaya Vempati is a Research Professional in Materials Science. He is currently working as a Research Scientist in Glass Science Division at Owens Illinois Inc in Perrysburg, Ohio, United States. Udaya was born in Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India and never received any formal education in Materials Science in his early years. But he found himself lost in Materials Science and pushed him to apply for Ph.D in Materials Science. The following describes how Udaya pursued his passion in Glass Science, a subset of Materials Science.

- What is Materials Science?

Uday - Materials Science deals with the discovery and design of materials. Research in Materials Science generally involves studying synthesis, structure, properties and performance of materials. Materials can be anything from metals, ceramics, glasses, to polymers, biomaterials and more.

- What do you specialize in?

Uday - I specialize in glasses. When I say glass, the first thing that comes to mind are glass containers, window glass etc. But there are different types of glasses and I have dealt with chalcogenide glasses, metallic glasses and oxide glasses in my research.

- What are you currently working on?

Uday - I am currently working as a Research Scientist in Glass Science division within the Research & Development department at Owens Illinois Inc. (O-I). O-I is the world’s leading glass-packaging maker and makes billions of glass containers every year to serve a wide range of customers. My every day work at O-I involves design and execution of experiments that support, improve, and innovate the glass container manufacturing process.

- When and how did you first discover your passion for glass science?

Uday - When I was doing my Masters in Electronics & Computer Engineering, I became interested in the work of a professor on chalcogenide glasses. These glasses have many applications in electronics industry. They can be used in rewritable storage media such as DVDs or in fiber optics, for example. I did my Masters thesis on structure and properties of these glasses and just fell in love with glasses in general and glass science in particular.

Crystalline materials, such as aluminum, turn from solid state to liquid state at a sharply defined temperature known as their melting point (which for aluminum is at ~660C). But glasses slowly transform from a solid state to a liquid state upon heating. There is no clear demarcation in glasses, as in crystalline materials, of this phase transformation. When I first learned of this phenomenon, I was fascinated and knew I had to dig deep into glass science.

- How did you continue to pursue your passion in glass science?

Uday - I have realized during my Masters that there are outstanding problems/unanswered questions in glass science that I would be interested in exploring. I also found during my Masters that much of the research work on glass materials was taking place in Materials Science departments. These two factors motivated me to pursue a Ph.D. in Materials Science. I studied structure-property relationships of metallic glasses during my Ph.D and I used high-energy x-ray scattering as a characterization tool to relate peculiar mechanical behavior of these materials to their underlying microscopic structure.

- What challenges did you face in this career journey?

Uday - My undergraduate and Masters degrees (and coursework) were in Electrical & Computer Engineering. I did not have enough exposure to Materials Science (courses) until Ph.D. I had to quickly integrate myself into the Materials Science field during the first year of my Ph.D. and that posed a few challenges.

-How did you overcome these challenges?

Uday - I learned basics of Materials Science by taking numerous courses in the subject while doing my Ph.D.

- What advice and suggestions you have for young people?

Uday - I strongly urge young people to question how objects that they interact with everyday are made and how they work. For example, one could ask how are window glasses made? How are automobiles made? How are cellphones made? One can gain a tremendous amount of knowledge in several scientific fields, and Materials Science in particular, by just wondering about objects that they see and interact with every day.

Interview with a Mechanical Engineer(Heat Transfer)

Subbalakshmi Pisipati is a Mechanical Engineer and is currently working as Research Engineer at Electrolux, South Carolina, USA. Born in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, India, Lakshmi found her way into becoming a Research Engineer at a very large Electronic Appliance manufacturing company. This is her career journey.

- What is Mechanical Engineering?

Lakshmi - It is about applying principle of engineering, physics and materials science for mechanical systems.

- What did you specialize in? Can you please explain your specialty?

Lakshmi - I specialize in heat transfer. Heat transfer is about studying how heat moves through vacuums, gases, liquids and solid objects.

Let me explain in a different way…As a mobile consumer, we always notice our mobile phones getting hot after long use. This is because of the excessive heat generated by components inside the mobile. When this heat becomes excessive, mobile device becomes inefficient. This is where I come in and help manufacturing companies make better appliances/electronic devices so that deleterious effects of heat transfer is limited.

- What are you currently working on?

Lakshmi - I work in Food Preservation division of Electrolux, manufacturer of electronic appliances. Electrolux manufactures appliances like refrigerators, cooking ranges, washers, dryers etc. I work in the R & D for refrigerators.

In refrigerators, there are multiple components like compressor, evaporator, fan etc. With proper design, assembly, making of these components, we get a well functioning refrigerator in which cool air flows uniformly. As a research engineer, I observe operation of several refrigerator models using a simulation software and see if the cool air flows uniformly and as per specifications. 

- Can you explain chain of tasks involved in your line of work?

Lakshmi - Our R & D Manager prioritizes work orders and assigns them to our team. Based on the work order specifications, CAD designers design the virtual object/3-dimensional refrigerator on the computer and I receive the geometry model. Using computational fluid dynamics software, I make the design simulation ready and run the software. I analyze the results, make a report and forward it to my supervisor and the person who requested the work order in the first place.

Minimal heat transfer/ uniform air flow implies well performing refrigerator. All this work is about manufacturing a well functioning and good quality refrigerator.

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

Lakshmi - I have always been very curious about how things work in real world. That’s what mechanical engineering is about right. I became very interested in automobiles during my 12^th grade and wanted to pursue a career in mechanical engineering and especially in automobile industry.

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- How did you pursue your passion in mechanical systems?

Lakshmi - I chose to major in Mechanical Engineering in Bachelors of Technology. And went on to specialize in Automation and Robotics in Masters of Technology from Osmania University, Andhra Pradesh, India. I then applied for Ph.D at State University of NewYork and received a doctorate from Watson School of Engineering and Technology

- What challenges did you face in your pursuit?

Lakshmi - I came from a very traditional family and was raised on the salary of a lecturer at Polytechnic College. It was hard to dream big and have high expectations.

One of my biggest challenges was to land a job after my Ph.D in US. Immigration status became the biggest obstacle and it was very hard to get a job offer with visa sponsorship. Luckily, all my hard work paid off and Electrolux offered me my dream job.

- How did you overcome these challenges?

Lakshmi - I have a very supporting family and they were always behind me in every step. Hardwork and passion really kept me focus on my goals.

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

Lakshmi - I advice young children to discover what they are passionate about and they should run with it. As far as Mechanical Engineering field is concerned, look around you in this 21^st century and have zeal to explore and know the physics and mechanism behind every “machine”.

If you are already doing Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, training or experience in following software packages might give you an edge over someone.

CAD-CAM Packages: Pro/Engineer, Auto CAD, CATIA

CFD/FEA Packages: CFX, ANSYS, Flotherm, COMSOL Multiphysics, Star CCM +

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.