Profile

• Time Zone

  Central

  
  
• Organization

  Texas Tech University

  
  
• Role

  Scientist Mentor: I will mentor teams of students online

  
  
• Research Interests (300 words)

  "I am passionate about understanding how plants interact with their environment and other organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, to improve crop growth and resilience. Specifically, I am interested in studying how soybeans produce certain compounds called flavonoids, which play important roles in forming beneficial partnerships with soil bacteria and fungi. By understanding the mechanisms behind these interactions, I hope to contribute to developing more sustainable agricultural practices that enhance crop productivity and environmental health."

  
  
• Profile Question 1

  What is best about being a scientist?

  
  
• Answer the question you selected for profile question 1 here (300 words):

  Being a scientist is not a job but an exciting challenge every day. It can be called thrilling: from diving into the unknown with curiosity and a passion for discovery, to the joy of unraveling mysteries in the universe, be it one at a time for a single cell or remote galaxies.
  And yet, being a scientist is much more than making a groundbreaking discovery. It is making a positive impact on the world. It is finding new ways to combat diseases, developing sustainable technologies, or understanding the effects of climate change. Scientists have the power to shape the future for the better.
  The thing about being a scientist is that you are just a part of a group of people trying to solve some of the biggest problems in the world together. It is like being a team player where everyone comes in with their own unique skillset or flavor, and it’s challenging but rewarding.
  But what makes science worth doing is how satisfying it feels when you find something out? When you’re looking through your microscope or telescope, and you see something you know nobody else has ever seen before – there’s nothing else quite like that feeling. I mean sure, I imagine winning an Olympic gold medal must feel pretty good too — but unlike being an athlete who can only experience this once in their life if they’re lucky enough… As scientists we get to experience this moment again and again Which means each time becomes even more amazing because now, we know what’s possible!

  
  
• Profile Question 2

  When and why did you decide to go into a science career?

  
  
• Answer the question you selected for profile question 2 here (300 words):

  I’ve always found the scientific world and its nature quite fascinating since my undergraduate days. I have always wanted to know how things work, right from photosynthesis in plants to mechanisms of diseases. But at Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India, is where this love for science came about.
  It all started within a plant biology course that placed me in the vibrant field of molecular genetics and its applications in agriculture. Crop improvement depends on genetics; this made me see how through science we can change food systems to enhance global food security. What captivated my attention even more was the fact that under climate change and environmental degradation, plant biotechnology offers new ways of ensuring crop resilience as well as productivity.
  Internships at NIPGR and ICRISAT played a key role in consolidating my interest in research work. Being able to collaborate with great scientists while doing practical experiments really opened up my eyes to see firsthand what scientific inquiry can do in real life situations thus solidifying a career path towards becoming a scientist.
  In simple terms, I decided to become a scientist because I wanted to contribute positively back into society by using science as an instrument for solving world problems.

  
  
• Profile Question 3

  Do you have advice for students about preparing for a science career?

  
  
• Answer the question you selected for profile question 3 here (300 words):

  The advice I give to students going into any kind of science is that they must have curiosity, be able to persevere and always want to know more. The field of science is constantly changing; it’s like a living thing. Success in this discipline depends more on individual ability and readiness for new challenges than anything else.
  To begin with, passion should be the driving force behind every student’s choice of topic. Whether it is biology or chemistry, physics, or environmental science – whichever subject interests you most will also be the one where your questions are deepest and most meaningful. Take advantage of opportunities for excellence in different areas through coursework selection, research experiences outside school hours etcetera.
  Secondly, critical thinking skills need nurturing among learners so as they become good analytical people too . Science is not just about memorizing facts but rather being able to think logically, critically and solve problems based on evidence available at hand. Therefore, Students should practice asking questions, formulating hypotheses and testing them through experimentation .
  Thirdly , in order achieve success in science my learners must learn how analyze data from experiments conducted draw valid conclusions supported by the evidence gathered during investigation . They should also communicate their findings effectively using appropriate scientific language terminologies understood within discipline being studied
  Fourthly , failure should not be discouraged but rather seen as part of the learning process. Failure enables one to grow his knowledge understanding therefore teachers ought to design lessons which allow students fail safe environment so that they can learn from their mistakes without fear reprisals or castigation.
  Finally , students need hands-on experience while still young adults because this gives them an upper hand when applying for jobs later. I would therefore advise my learners to seek internships with various organizations involved in research activities related fields such as environmental conservation, among others.

  
  
• Capacity: How many teams at a time are you comfortable working with?

  5