Right place at the right time
“The idea of pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience wasn’t initially on my radar. However, as I reflect on my journey, I realize it was a series of fortuitous encounters that led me down this path. While studying Computer Science during my BTech, I discovered that the traditional corporate trajectory didn’t align with my aspirations. It was during my second year that I stumbled upon the IAS summer research fellowship, igniting a spark of curiosity within me. Securing a spot, I went on to do an internship at IIT Ropar, where a casual conversation with my supervisor by the canal led to my first foray into research. I mentioned to him about my liking for bird watching and he suggested I work on building a dataset for migratory birds. It dawned on me that identifying problems was as much our responsibility as researchers as solving them.
A subsequent internship at IISc in the CNS department further solidified my desire to pursue a PhD, particularly in neuroscience. Serendipity struck again when I chanced upon a small advertisement in The Times of India for a PhD position at NBRC. Without overthinking, I applied and, to my surprise, secured an interview. With a newly minted supervisor from a Physics background taking a chance on me, I dove headfirst into my PhD journey fresh out of my BTech.
Under his guidance, I was afforded the autonomy to craft my own research agenda, an opportunity that both challenged and empowered me. Investigating the neurological underpinnings of resting-state across different age groups became the focal point of my doctoral research. In a world that extolled the virtues of perpetual productivity, my findings underscored the importance of boredom in maintaining mental well-being.
When I joined NBRC, I didn’t understand or speak Hindi. Navigating the linguistic and cultural nuances of the place proved to be an unexpected hurdle, with a comical yet poignant encounter highlighting the challenges of communication in a new environment. In my first week there, I had asked the Superintendent to provide me with the key to the washing machine room. His reply seemed like he was shouting at me (since the Haryanvi accent might sound rough to an outsider, but is actually a sweet language) and I started crying. However, with time and perseverance, I overcame these barriers, immersing myself in both the language and the research culture.
The pinnacle of my PhD journey came with the publication of my first manuscript in the esteemed Journal of Cerebral Cortex, which my supervisor made me write myself. I had no idea how to do it at first! Not only did that paper get published but we also made it to the cover of the journal. It was one of the most fulfilling moments of my PhD.
The final year however posed its own set of challenges, as disparate projects necessitated weaving a cohesive narrative for my thesis. Yet, with grit and determination, I successfully defended my thesis despite the doubts that plagued me along the way.
In hindsight, my journey underscores the importance of embracing new opportunities and taking calculated risks. While the allure of a conventional career path may be enticing, the rewards of exploration and research are immeasurable. During my academic journey, I learned that an open mind and a willingness to leap into the unknown are the catalysts for true innovation and discovery.”
-Nisha Sastry, PhD in Neuroscience, National Brain Research Center, Manesar
Interviewed and written by Payel Das
