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Background Before the Thesis
I come from India, from a family where I had the privilege of becoming the first graduate. My journey began with a successful four-year engineering program in India. The day I received my engineering degree remains etched in my memory as a moment of unparalleled pride. Tears of joy streamed down my face as I looked at my parents, who were beaming with pride, and my friends cheering me on. That adrenaline-fueled moment of accomplishment was priceless. It was then that I realized the transformative power of education—how it can elevate one's life to new heights.
Motivated by this realization, I took a leap of faith and embarked on my first-ever flight, leaving India for France. With the prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship, I pursued my master’s degree at the renowned École Normale Supérieure in France. My chosen field of study, Molecular Nano and Bio-Photonics, opened doors to a world of cutting-edge science and innovation.
Student Journey Until the Start of My Ph.D.
My two years of master’s studies abroad were transformative in every sense. It wasn’t just about mastering a subject; it was a holistic life experience. Living in a foreign country, I faced cultural shocks, learned to step out of my comfort zone, and adapted to a new way of life. I met people from diverse backgrounds, made lifelong friends and colleagues, and even picked up new languages. These experiences collectively shaped me into someone who could think differently, question assumptions, and approach problems with a fresh perspective.
Being surrounded by peers from across the globe was a revelation. We often discussed our aspirations, debated our paths forward, and envisioned what success meant to each of us. These conversations, combined with the guidance of exceptional mentors and friends, fueled my curiosity to delve deeper into the subjects I had encountered during my master’s program. It was during this time that the seeds of my Ph.D. journey were sown.
Can you tell us about your career path that led you to undertake a thesis?
During my master’s program, I pursued an interdisciplinary curriculum that bridged photonics, molecular biology, and electronics. This diverse exposure provided a broad array of career opportunities, but by the final year, I found myself at a crossroads: Should I step into the corporate world or continue my academic journey by pursuing a doctoral degree?
Making this decision wasn’t easy. I weighed the costs, time investment, and future possibilities of each path. It was a challenging dilemma, as both options seemed appealing in different ways. However, during my master’s internship at a research laboratory, my perspective began to shift.
Under the guidance of a Ph.D. student and a supportive professor, I spent six months immersed in a research environment. Initially, I was unsure if I fully understood the intricacies of my project, but working closely with a team of researchers opened up a world of learning and discovery. This experience was pivotal. It didn’t just provide the knowledge needed to complete my master’s degree—it ignited a deeper curiosity about research and the desire to explore new scientific frontiers.
Motivated by this newfound passion, I began exploring opportunities for doctoral studies. Through the Écoles Doctorales Sciences Pour l'Ingénieur portal, I discovered an open Ph.D. position at the Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics, and Nanotechnology (IEMN) in Lille. This opportunity felt like the perfect continuation of my academic journey, allowing me to delve deeper into the fascinating world of research.
Please briefly describe your thesis subject.
My thesis focused on developing a highly sensitive optical biosensor designed to detect pathogens in wheat crops. This research was part of the BIOSENS project, a collaborative cross-border initiative between France and Belgium, funded by the European Union. The project aimed to advance agricultural diagnostics by leveraging cutting-edge optical technologies for early and precise pathogen detection.
How did you experience your doctorate?
At the start of my Ph.D., I experienced significant stress and uncertainty. I wasn’t sure how well I would align with my professor, how our working relationship would develop, or how I would adapt to his expectations and perspective. A doctoral journey requires walking a long path with your guide, understanding their vision, and shaping your work accordingly—all of which felt overwhelming initially.
However, as the months progressed, I was fortunate to have a supportive professor and a positive working environment. These factors eased my worries, allowing me to settle in and embrace the process. Gradually, the stress gave way to curiosity and excitement, and I found myself genuinely enjoying each day of the journey.
From the first day of my Ph.D. to the last, it was a period of constant learning—gaining fresh perspectives, developing new concepts, and pushing the boundaries of my knowledge. The cross-border collaborations in my project added immense value, enabling me to gain experience from experts in interdisciplinary fields and enriching my overall research journey. Thanks to my successful PhD, currently I am working as a R&D scientist at a diagnostic company located in Belgium. Getting my position was due to the learning experience that I received during my doctoral studies.
What position do you hold today and how does your PhD help you?
I am currently working as an R&D Scientist at a diagnostic company (D-tek) in Belgium, a role I consider both prestigious and deeply fulfilling. This position became possible thanks to the knowledge, skills, and experiences I gained during my doctoral journey. My Ph.D. not only provided me with technical expertise but also instilled the ability to innovate and bring ideas to life.
I owe much of my success and current standing to the invaluable lessons and opportunities my Ph.D. journey provided. It laid the foundation for the scientist and professional I am today, and for that, I am forever grateful.
What advice would you give to a student who wants to embark on a thesis?
A Ph.D. is often perceived as a challenging journey, and while it is demanding, the experience of overcoming obstacles and reaching the finish line is truly indescribable. It is a transformative process that not only tests your resilience but also rewards you with unparalleled growth and fulfillment.
With the advancements in technology today, access to resources and learning has become more accessible than ever. What truly matters is your motivation and determination to persevere.
Earning a doctorate is more than just a personal achievement—it’s an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of the world. Use your knowledge and skills to create a brighter, more comfortable future for the generations to come.