What inspired you towards a career in science?
I have always loved mathematics and the joy that comes from solving problems. I saw myself as a researcher very young in life and knew that I would really enjoy working on new ideas and bringing them to fruition.
What did you study and where?
I studied engineering for my Bachelor in India and moved to the University of Utah for my postgraduate studies. My Masters's and Doctoral degree were in electrical engineering, emphasising medical imaging.
What was the topic of the first thesis you wrote?
My Doctoral thesis was on developing methods to better visualise and quantify blood vessels in the brain using MRI.
Why did you choose that topic?
I was very fascinated by medical imaging after taking a course in the first semester of my Master's. The course interested me in the different steps of acquisition, reconstruction, and processing of medical images that allow us to see detailed anatomy in the brain. Several steps can be employed to fine-tune better visualisation of blood vessels on MRI. My doctoral thesis compiled various methods we proposed to address this problem. This work gave me a broad perspective on how a problem can be solved by taking a bird’s eye view and improving each system component.
Which role do you have right now and what are you investigating?
I am a Professor in the Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic Rochester. My team works on 1) investigating mechanisms through which protective and risk factors influence Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders and 2) developing and validating imaging-based biomarkers to improve the understanding and management of Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease.
What are the most enjoyable and the less enjoyable aspects of your daily routine?
The most enjoyable part of my day is being able to think through a problem and being able to write or discuss them with collaborators or mentees. Students bring enthusiasm and new perspectives to team Science, making mentoring a pleasant experience. The least enjoyable aspects of my daily routine are the administrative tasks and emails, which are necessary for any job.
What is the most important lesson you have learnt during your career so far?
Being a good Scientist entails career disappointments needed for pausing, regrouping, and pushing forward with better arguments. Every student experiences imposter syndrome early in their career, which I did with the rejection or critique of every paper. When I realised that it was an important part of the career path, I approached critiques with less disappointment.
What was the most challenging moment of your career, and how did you go through it?
After the birth of my children, I considered leaving academia (I had just started a faculty position) because the road ahead seemed too steep. I did not leave because I knew being a Scientist gave me joy, and I decided to take one year at a time. After the initial years of struggle and a brief period of slowing down, work-life integration has become easier.
If you could travel in time, is there a career decision you would like to change and why?
During my doctoral work, I should have spent more time networking and conducting informational interviews with established researchers. I was shy to reach out but did not realise that people are always willing to provide advice. This would have helped me plan my postdoctoral work and career path better.
Do you have any regrets career-wise?
None.
Who are your role models?
Everyone’s life is a combination of choices and opportunities, and there are several role models I have come across. Reading memoirs of women leaders always inspires me and have given me a perspective of the bold choices they make in life. I have come across several senior male and female Scientists who have found joy both at home and at work whom I aspire to be like. I am thankful for all the examples and have adapted advice from all different sources to my goal of having a rounded life experience.
Do you have a mentor?
Yes, I speak to seniors and colleagues at my current institution and a couple of friends outside the institution when I need guidance and advice. Touch bases with mentors often sprinkled throughout the year and/or as needed have really helped me make important decisions.
What did the mentor(s) teach you?
Getting an external perspective on the problem or decision you may be baffled with is extremely helpful. Even the art of articulating the problem or decision to a mentor provides immense clarity.
Which advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
I would tell myself to take time and enjoy life’s small moments. When you are worried about the next thing or overwhelmed by the list of things that need to be taken care of, you miss out on the memorable moments in life. I wish I had slowed down more during my 20’s and early 30’s.
What is your advice for young students who are unsure/undecided about their careers?
Reflect on your core values, things that give you joy, and the vision of the career and life you would like to embark on. I would encourage informational interviews with veterans in the field and talk to them about highlights of their career experience. Finally, embark on the journey knowing that a career is a marathon and not a sprint with several ups and downs.
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