Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.19 ||

Guest: Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty 🇮🇳🇺🇸

How does a physicist transition into biophysics, move across industry research, national laboratories, and academia, and eventually build her own research group?

In this episode of the DPT Podcast, I speak with Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty, an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University, about her scientific journey from physics to biophysics, her experiences across different research environments, and the practical lessons she learned while navigating PhD life, industry research, postdoctoral work, faculty applications, and academic leadership.

This episode is full of actionable suggestions for students, PhD researchers, postdocs, and anyone thinking about building a career in academia.

Highlights from this Episode:

✨ Transitioning from physics to biophysics

✨ Choosing a specialization and following research questions

✨ Preparing for a PhD in the United States

✨ Challenges of moving abroad for graduate school

✨ Differences between academia and industry research

✨ What writing a patent involves

✨ Research experience at National Laboratory

✨ Applying for professorship positions in the US

✨ Advice for academic job hunters

✨ Building and leading a research group

✨ How to network effectively in science

✨ Learning from failures and career transitions

🎙️ About The Guest:

Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty is an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University. Her research journey connects physics, biophysics, computational modeling, industry research, national laboratory experience, and academic leadership.

She completed her B.Sc. in Physics from Presidency College, Kolkata, and her M.Sc. in Physics from IIT Guwahati. She then pursued a PhD in Biophysics at the University at Buffalo. She has worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center and as a CNLS Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

🎖️Her work has been recognized with several awards, including the Wiley Computers in Chemistry Outstanding Research Award by the American Chemical Society in 2020, recognition by the Consortia for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development in 2019, and the National Institutes of Health Early Stage Investigator Award in 2023.

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=eXHIOyUAAAAJ&hl=en

Webpage: https://coe.northeastern.edu/people/chakraborty-srirupa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srirupa-chakraborty-50b13350/

🔗 Resources & Links:

Presidency College, Kolkata, India: https://presiuniv.ac.in/web/

IIT Guwahati, India: https://www.iitg.ac.in

National Brain Research Institute, Gurgaon, India: https://www.nbrc.ac.in/newweb/

SUNY, Buffalo, US : https://www.buffalo.edu/home/ub_admissions.html

Los Alamos National Laboratory, US : https://www.lanl.gov

Northeastern University, Boston, US: https://www.northeastern.edu

Roger Penrose’s book on consciousness: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadows_of_the_Mind

Bette Korber: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bette_Korber

Anthony Auerbach : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=fpLNu8cAAAAJ&hl=en

Sandrasegaram Gnanakaran: https://www.biophysics.org/profiles/sandrasegaram-gnanakaran

Charudatt Kadolkar: https://www.iitg.ac.in/iitg_faculty_details?fac=b21kZlZLYUlqRHU3dld5UW5qdXpjZz09

SymBioSis Lab: https://sites.google.com/view/simbiosyslab

Glacier webpage: https://glacier-simbiosys.com

The DPT Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music and all other major podcast streaming platforms.

👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host):

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd

🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

04:37 – From Physics to Biophysics: How the Transition Began

07:58 – Childhood Curiosity and Falling in Love with Science

16:00 – How to Choose a Specialization Without Getting Stuck

22:25 – Bachelor’s and Master’s in Physics: Lessons from India

27:15 – Preparing to Move to the US for a PhD

30:17 – Challenges of Starting a PhD in the United States

34:33 – Her PhD Research Question in Biophysics

42:55 – How Physicists Think Differently About Biology

46:01 – Transitioning to Industry Research

51:27 – Academia vs Industry: What Really Changes?

57:12 – How Patent Writing Works in Research

01:04:00 – Postdoctoral Life at Los Alamos National Laboratory

01:11:45 – Award-Winning Work Related to Coronavirus Research

01:18:19 – Applying for Professorship Positions in the US

01:26:28 – Academic Job Search Advice for PhDs and Postdocs

01:34:49 – Building a Research Group from Scratch

01:38:42 – What Makes a Good Research Group Leader?

01:43:22 – How to Join Her Research Group

01:49:14 – Networking Tips for Young Scientists

01:55:34 – Fun Facts About Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty

02:05:30 – Advice to Her Younger Self

02:10:00 – Final Thoughts

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.18 ||

Guest: Dr. Aritri Bir, MD, Associate Professor 🇮🇳

In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Aritri Bir — a medical doctor, researcher, and educator working at the intersection of biochemistry, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolism, and medical education.

As someone trained in physics, I have increasingly become fascinated by how the brain works — how neurons communicate, how memory forms, and what happens when these delicate systems slowly begin to fail. In this conversation, Dr. Aritri Bir helps us explore the science behind neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, and how our lifestyle choices today may shape the future health of our brain.

Highlights from this Episode:

✨ Understanding Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease

✨Mitochondria, metabolism, and brain degeneration

✨ How lifestyle choices affect long-term brain health

✨ Does reading and writing actually help the brain?

✨ Effects of stress and hormonal imbalance

✨ The realities of medical education and MD life

✨ Future role of AI in medicine and education

✨ Preventive healthcare and healthy aging

...and much more.

🎙️ About The Guest:

Dr. Aritri Bir completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Medical College, Kolkata, followed by an MD in Biochemistry from the Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata. She later earned a Diploma in National Board (DNB) in Biochemistry, where she received the prestigious President’s Gold Medal.

Over the years, she has served as:

Associate Professor at IQ City Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Durgapur

Associate Professor at MGM Medical College, Kishanganj

Assistant Professor at the Dr. B.C. Roy Multispeciality Medical Research Centre, IIT Kharagpur.

🎖️President’s Gold Medal (DNB)

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8eikQsoAAAAJ&hl=en

Webpage: https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/department/SH/faculty/sh-aritri

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=Aritri%20bir&origin=GLOBAL_SEARCH_HEADER

🔗 Resources & Links:

Medical College, Kolkata, India : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_College_%26_Hospital,_Kolkata

Dr B C Roy Multi Speciality Medical Research Centre : https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/navpage/admissions

Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata :

Prof. Sasanka Chakrabarty : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DPk6nF8AAAAJ&hl=en

🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

03:57 – How She Decided to Become a Doctor

06:41 – Biggest Surprise After Entering Medicine

08:21 – Role of Parents, Teachers & Mentors

13:06 – Taking Career Decisions Early

15:30 – Influence of Her Mother

17:22 – Medical Entrance Preparation

24:19 – Challenges During First Year of Medical College

25:52 – Support from Seniors

29:41 – Career Options After MBBS

32:17 – Teachers and Role Models in Medical School

38:36 – Why Pursue an MD After MBBS

40:36 – Career Paths After MBBS

43:60 – Choosing MD in Biochemistry

45:51 – Research Topics During MD

49:16 – Her Research Thesis Topic

59:52 – Understanding Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s Disease

01:06:49 – Early Detection and Warning Signs

01:08:41 – Lifestyle Choices to Prevent Neurodegeneration

01:10:43 – Collaborations During Research

01:16:08 – Has Awareness Increased?

01:18:14 – Does Reading & Writing Help Brain Health?

01:24:58 – Does Stress Affect the Brain?

01:25:29 – Hormonal Effects on Health

01:27:52 – DNB in Biochemistry

01:32:11 – Coming to IIT Kharagpur

01:34:53 – Early Career Research Challenges

01:37:03 – Her New Research Topic

01:45:31 – Metabolic Health Effects

01:48:22 – Vision of AI in Medical Education

01:56:27 – Fun Trivia About Her

02:04:59 – Advice to Her Younger Self

02:07:55 – Final Thoughts

The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music and all other major podcast streaming platforms.

👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host):

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd

#DPTPodcast #BrainHealth #Alzheimers #Parkinsons #MedicalResearch

#Neuroscience #Medicine #WomenInMedicine #MedicalEducation

#LifestyleAndHealth #AIInMedicine #STEMPodcast

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.17 ||

Guest: Prof. Igor Mazin 🇷🇺🇩🇪🇺🇸

In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we sit down with Prof. Igor Mazin — a theoretical and computational condensed matter physicist whose scientific journey spans the Soviet Union, Germany, and the United States.

But this conversation goes far beyond scientific achievements.

Igor shares what it was really like growing up in Moscow during the Soviet era as part of a Jewish family, navigating a highly rigorous educational system and entering the world of Soviet theoretical physics. Through vivid storytelling, he paints a fascinating picture of the scientific culture of that time — from the famous Landau theoretical minimum examination to working with Nobel Laureate Vitaly Ginzburg.

Highlights from this Episode:

✨Differences between Soviet, European, and American education systems

✨What made Soviet theoretical physics so unique

✨Scientific intuition and “running before the crowd”

✨Moving from Russia to Germany and later to the US

✨Immigration challenges, residence permits, and job searching abroad

✨Handling rejection in scientific careers

✨The importance of writing skills in research

✨What skills truly matter for long-term success in science

...and much more.

🎙️ About The Guest:

Prof. Mazin earned his PhD from the Lebedev Institute in Moscow, one of the historic centers of Soviet theoretical physics. Over the course of his career, he worked at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, the Carnegie Institution in Washington D.C., and the Naval Research Laboratory, before becoming a Full Professor at George Mason University.

His scientific contributions to superconductivity and condensed matter physics have been recognized through prestigious honors including:

🎖️APS Fellow

🎖️Heraeus Research Award

🎖️John Bardeen Prize

Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=UIfDhcIAAAAJ&hl=en

website: https://science.gmu.edu/directory/igor-mazin

🔗 Resources & Links:

Igor’s memoir: https://arxiv.org/abs/0708.1947

Moscow University of Steel and Alloys: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_University_of_Science_and_Technology_MISIS

Max Plank Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, Germany : https://www.fkf.mpg.de/en

Carnegie Institution in Washington D.C. USA : https://carnegiescience.edu

Naval Research Laboratory : https://www.nrl.navy.mil

George Mason University, Washington, USA : https://www.gmu.edu

Landau’s Theoretical Minimum: https://chair.itp.ac.ru/index.php?sub=minimum&lang=en

Vitaly Ginzburg : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitaly_Ginzburg

Daniel Khomskii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Khomskii

Michelle Johannes : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=XCuB6JYAAAAJ&hl=en

David Singh : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Joseph_Singh

Ole Andersen : https://www.mpg.de/427848/solid-state-research-andersen

🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

03:08 – Growing Up in Moscow During the Soviet Era

10:33 – Comparing Education Systems: Russia vs Europe vs USA

16:58 – The Unique Teaching Style of Soviet Special Schools

20:36 – Role of Parents in Shaping Scientific Thinking

25:17 – Why He Chose Condensed Matter Physics

31:31 – Landau’s Famous Theoretical Minimum Exam Explained

41:08 – Influence of Scientific Peers and Research Culture

43:43 – Working with Nobel Laureate Vitaly Ginzburg

51:11 – Experience Inside Ginzburg’s Research Group

53:34 – Experimental Physics in the Soviet Era

55:21 – Moving to Germany: What Made It Possible

01:08:37 – Challenges After Moving to Germany

01:11:46 – Superconductivity Research Landscape in the 1990s

01:19:34 – The Career Chapter After Germany

01:24:28 – Moving to the United States

01:30:17 – Dealing with Rejection in Scientific Careers

01:32:28 – Real Challenges of Jobs Abroad & Residence Permits

01:36:57 – Advice on Scientific Writing Skills

01:45:42 – Current Role at George Mason University

01:47:18 – Views on the Future of Research Fields

01:54:29 – The Most Important Skills for Success in Science

01:57:42 – Fun Trivia About Igor Mazin

02:05:52 – Advice to His Younger Self

02:07:27 – Final Thoughts

The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music and all other major podcast streaming platforms.

👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host):

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd

#DPTPodcast #IgorMazin #CondensedMatterPhysics #Superconductivity #PhysicsPodcast #ScientificCareers #ResearchLife #SovietScience #TheoreticalPhysics #AcademicJourney #ScienceCareers #STEMPodcast

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.16 ||

Guest: Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar 🇮🇳🇺🇸

In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar, a theoretical and computational physicist and Associate Editor at Physical Review Letters (PRL) — one of the most prestigious journals in physics.

This conversation goes beyond a traditional academic journey. It is about self-awareness, clarity, and making intentional career choices. From choosing physics as a student to narrowing down into condensed matter physics, transitioning into computational research, and eventually stepping into the role of a journal editor — her journey highlights the importance of understanding yourself deeply.

One key takeaway from this episode:

👉 Sometimes, knowing what not to pursue is what helps you find the right path.

Highlights from this Episode:

✨ How family and teachers shape early scientific curiosity

✨ Choosing the right specialization: Astrophysics vs Condensed Matter

✨ Experiment vs Theory: making the right decision for yourself

✨ How to prepare for PhD interviews and research careers

✨ Why writing is a critical skill in academia (and how to improve it)

✨ Transitioning from research to becoming a journal editor

✨ What editors actually look for in a paper

✨ How PRL handles peer review and conflicting referee reports

✨ The importance of soft skills and learning on the job

✨ The role of AI in scientific publishing

✨ Why being open to change is essential for long-term success

🎙️ About The Guest:

Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar is a theoretical and computational physicist currently serving as an Associate Editor at Physical Review Letters (PRL). She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from the University of Pune, followed by a PhD from JNCASR, Bangalore, where she specialized in condensed matter physics and computational materials science.

She has held prestigious international research positions, including postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University and Rice University, and has also worked as a Research Scientist at Howard University. Her contributions to research have been recognized through awards such as the Outstanding Postdoctoral Research Award and the Malhotra Weikfield Foundation Nano Young Scientist Award.

Today, through her role at PRL, she plays a key part in shaping the direction of cutting-edge research in physics.

Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=B6z6dvkAAAAJ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmila-shirodkar-274aab146/

🔗 Resources & Links:

University of Pune, India: https://beta.unipune.ac.in

Fergusson College, Pune, India : https://fergusson.edu :

Dr. Raka Dabede : https://www.linkedin.com/in/raka-dabhade-047842385/

Prof. Waghmare : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umesh_Waghmare

Dr. Pratibha Dev : https://profiles.howard.edu/pratibha-dev

JNCASR, Bangalore, India :

Harvard University, USA :

Rice University, USA :

Howard University, USA :

🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

02:29 – The first spark in Physics: role of family and teachers

07:10 – Qualities of impactful teachers

10:47 – Choosing Physics for undergraduate

12:51 – Experience at college

13:35 – Exposures during Bachelor’s

16:26 – Why there was a Plan B

18:47 – Master’s experience at Pune University

21:54 – Preparing for PhD entrance exams and interviews

25:48 – Visiting Singapore for research after Master’s

28:25 – Choosing between Astrophysics and Condensed Matter

31:19 – Choosing between experiment and theory

33:50 – PhD research questions and projects

42:56 – Exposure and soft skills gained during PhD

47:12 – Tips to improve scientific writing

51:57 – Postdoc at Harvard

53:47 – Cultural differences during postdoc

58:24 – Research during postdoctoral studies

01:02:18 – Applications of her research area

01:05:23 – Transferable skills for an editor

01:07:04 – Current role as a journal editor

01:10:01 – What do journal editors actually do?

01:13:45 – Views on emerging research fields

01:15:40 – Handling conflicting referee reports

01:17:57 – Learning on the job

01:20:53 – What to check before submitting your paper

01:22:47 – AI in research: an editor’s perspective

01:25:26 – Most rewarding part of the editorial role

01:26:05 – Fun trivia about her

01:30:32 – Biggest challenge in her career

01:33:33 – Final thoughts

The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music and all other major podcast streaming platforms.

👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host):

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd

#DPTPodcast

#ScienceCareers

#PhDJourney

#AcademicCareers

#WomenInSTEM

#CondensedMatterPhysics

#ResearchLife

#PeerReview

#ScientificPublishing

#CareerInScience

#STEMPodcast

#LifeAfterPhD

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.15 ||

Guest: Dr. Estelle Inack 🇨🇲🇮🇹🇨🇦

In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Estelle Inack, a Research Scientist at the Perimeter Institute, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, and Co-founder & CTO of YiyaniQ, a startup focused on software optimization for solving complex computational problems.

Estelle’s journey spans Cameroon → Trieste → Waterloo, and beautifully illustrates how curiosity, resilience, and critical thinking can shape a global scientific career.

In this conversation we explore:

✨ The importance of resilience and constructive feedback

✨ The significance of critical thinking

✨ Transitioning from academic research to building a startup

✨ Advice for young researchers interested in academic entrepreneurship

...and many more.

A powerful takeaway from this episode:

Understanding a problem deeply is the first step to solving it.

🎙️ About The Guest:

Dr. Estelle Inack is a theoretical physicist and computational scientist whose work sits at the intersection of quantum physics, machine learning, and complex optimization. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics in Cameroon, before moving to Italy to pursue the Diploma Programme in Condensed Matter Physics at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste. She later earned her PhD in Statistical Physics from SISSA (International School for Advanced Studies), where she worked under the supervision of Prof. Sebastiano Pilati and Prof. Giuseppe Santoro, focusing on quantum simulations and machine-learning-based approaches to complex physical systems. After her PhD, she joined the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Canada as a Francis Allotey Postdoctoral Fellow, where she continues her research today as a Research Scientist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo. In addition to her academic career, she is also the Co-founder and CTO of YiyaniQ, a startup developing software solutions for solving large-scale optimization problems.

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estelle-inack/

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=khjqCIAAAAAJ&hl=en

Startup page: https://www.yiyaniq.com

🔗 Resources & Links:

ICTP : https://www.ictp.it

SISSA : https://www.sissa.it

INFN : https://www.ts.infn.it/en/

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Waterloo, Canada : https://perimeterinstitute.ca

Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Toronto, Canada: https://vectorinstitute.ai

Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18050143-zero-to-one

Sebastiano Pilati : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iegEPQgAAAAJ&hl=it

Guiseppe Santoro : https://cm.sissa.it/people/giuseppe-santoro

Roger Melco : https://perimeterinstitute.ca/people/roger-melko

Ycombinators : https://www.ycombinator.com

Yann le Cunn : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yann_LeCun

Deepmind : https://deepmind.google

Roger Melko: https://perimeterinstitute.ca/people/roger-melko

🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

02:57 – The First Seed of Research having Market Opportunities

04:52 – Real-World Problems with Quantum Physics

09:47 – Growing Up in Cameroon: Early Life and Education

12:25 – Transitioning from French to English Education

15:47 – When a Professor Misguided Her

17:15 – How Physics Ultimately Chose Her

18:36 – Family’s Role in Building Confidence

23:56 – Falling in Love with Physics

25:35 – Applying Abroad to Study Physics

26:45 – Settling Down in Trieste, Italy

28:43 – Diploma in Physics at ICTP, Trieste

31:36 – PhD Journey and Research Questions

33:44 – Two Pivotal Moments in Her Career

37:40 – How to Give Constructive Feedback

38:57 – Her Mentoring Style During PhD

41:58 – Exposure and Opportunities During PhD

45:31 – Postdoc at Perimeter Institute & Startup Beginnings

49:57 – Finding a Co-founder and Building the Startup

52:42 – Tips for Starting a Startup from Research

01:00:46 – Adapting to the Startup Mindset

01:03:16 – Challenges She Faced in Her Startup

01:08:33 – Complementary Roles of Co-founders

01:10:24 – Advice for Academic Startup Founders

01:13:18 – Building a Strong Startup Team

01:19:11 – Juggling Research, Teaching, and Startup Roles

01:20:37 – Vision and Plans for the Next Five Years

01:25:39 – Fun Trivia About Estelle

01:34:21 – Advice to Her Younger Self

01:36:31 – Final Thoughts

The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music.

👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host):

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd

#DPTPodcast #QuantumPhysics #WomenInSTEM #StartupJourney #AcademicEntrepreneurship #ResearchCareer

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.14 ||

Guest: Prof. Sebastiano Pilati 🇮🇹🇪🇸🇨🇭

In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Prof. Sebastiano Pilati, a computational physicist and Associate Professor at the University of Camerino, Italy.

In this conversation, Sebastiano shares insights from his journey through academia — from the early spark that drew him to physics to the challenges of a PhD and the responsibilities of leading a research group.

Here's the highlight of our discussion::

✨ How sports shaped his discipline and work ethic

✨ Why soft skills are essential in academia

✨ The growing role of AI in scientific research

✨ How young researchers can build successful academic careers

✨ What makes a good PhD supervisor

✨ Advice for students and early-career scientists

One key takeaway from this episode:

“Learning technical skills is important — but learning soft skills is equally important in academia.”

This episode is valuable for students, PhD researchers, postdocs, and anyone interested in academic careers and research.

🎧 The DPT Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music.

🎙️ About The Guest:

Sebastiano began his academic journey at the University of Trento, where he completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in Physics. After his doctoral studies, he gained international research experience across Europe, including postdoctoral position at ETH Zurich, the Ludwig Boltzman Postdoctoral Fello at Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, and the University of Padova. Today, he leads his own research group at the University of Camerino as an associate Professor.

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastiano-pilati/

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iegEPQgAAAAJ&hl=it

🔗 Resources & Links:

Richard P. Feynman La Legge Fisica: https://www.amazon.com/legge-fisica-FEYNMAN-Richard/dp/B005WVYYD6

Pitaevskii Center for Bose-Einstein Condensation: https://bec.science.unitn.it/BEC2026/BEC2025b.php

University of Trento, Italy :

Polytechnic University of Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain : https://www.upc.edu/ca

ETH Zurich, Switzerland : https://ethz.ch/en.html

ICTP, Italy :

Lev Pitaevskii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lev_Pitaevskii

Matthias Troyer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthias_Troyer

Stefano Giorgini: https://webapps.unitn.it/du/en/Persona/PER0003194/Didattica

Jordi Boronat: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tO4mmN0AAAAJ&hl=ca

Nikolay Prokof’ev: https://www.umass.edu/physics/about/directory/nikolay-prokofev

Erasmus Program : https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys.

📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

02:45 – What Sparked His Interest in Physics

05:38 – Physics or Soccer? A Tough Choice

07:25 – Studying Physics at the University of Trento

09:48 – How Sports Built Discipline for Science

12:23 – Fundamental Principles for Learning Anything

14:01 – The “Laurea” Degree System in Italy

15:53 – Why He Chose Condensed Matter Physics

17:51 – The Decision to Pursue a PhD

19:15 – Early Challenges During the PhD

24:16 – His Core PhD Research Question

27:31 – Explaining Research Questions in Simple Terms

30:35 – His Research Interests Today

33:17 – The Future of AI in Scientific Research

35:33 – Important Exposure During PhD Years

37:42 – Why Soft Skills Matter in Academia

38:53 – Postdoctoral Experience at ETH Zurich

42:24 – Opportunities at ICTP, Trieste

47:37 – Advice to His Younger Self

49:56 – Focusing on Plan A for Academic Careers

51:28 – Role as Associate Professor at Camerino

53:52 – Building and Leading a Research Group

54:48 – What Makes a Good PhD Supervisor

56:18 – Fun Trivia

01:00:31 – The Biggest Challenge in His Journey

01:04:50 – Final Thought

The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music.

👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host):

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd

#DPTPodcast

#AcademicCareers

#PhDJourney

#ComputationalPhysics

#CondensedMatterPhysics

#ScienceCareers

#SoftSkillsInAcademia

#ResearchLife

#STEMPodcast

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.13 ||

Guest: Dr. Arya Dhar 🇮🇳🇺🇸🇫🇮🇩🇪

In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, I speak with Dr. Arya Dhar — a physicist-turned-data-scientist whose journey beautifully connects curiosity, creativity, and career transitions.

Growing up in Kolkata, India, Arya pursued his undergraduate degree in Physics from St. Xavier’s College, before moving on to complete his Master’s at IIT Delhi, one of India’s top institutes. He later earned his PhD from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore, where he deepened his engagement with research and scientific inquiry.

In this conversation, we discuss:

✨ How early curiosity and imagination shaped his scientific mindset

✨ Effective self-learning strategies and study techniques

✨ Preparing for competitive entrance exams (Master’s & PhD)

✨The role of mentors and supervisors in shaping a researcher

✨Transitioning from academia to industry

✨The “unfair advantage” academia provides in data science

✨What a data scientist actually does

✨How to stay up-to-date in a rapidly evolving field

This is a conversation about curiosity, resilience, creativity — and taking one step at a time.

🎙️ About The Guest:

Dr. Arya Dhar began his academic journey in Kolkata, India, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Physics from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. He went on to pursue his Master’s degree at IIT Delhi, one of India’s premier institutions. He later completed his PhD at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, focusing on condensed matter research and developing strong analytical and computational skills. Following his doctoral work and international research exposure, Arya moved first to Finland and then to Germany for postdoctoral experience. After thoughtful preparation, he transitioned from academia into industry, where he now works in data science, applying his physics-based problem-solving mindset, quantitative analysis, and computational expertise to real-world challenges using AI tools.

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arya-dhar/

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=pmp3QTEAAAAJ&hl=en

🔗 Resources & Links:

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, India: https://home.iitd.ac.in

Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore, India: https://www.iiap.res.in

Pro. B. P. Das: https://www.prl.res.in/~bijaya/BPDas-bio.html

Prof. Ananda Dasgupta: https://physics.iiserkol.ac.in/fac_hompage.php?did=bjhSTEthQzNVZ1NWeVJ4RHp4b25tLy9MSW00NUcrVllDVEs4NzNWeGdoYz0=

Prof. Albert Gomes: https://www.sxccal.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/RIP-Prof.-Albert-Cardinal-Gomes.pdf

Heat and Thermodynamics by Zemansky and Dittman: https://www.amazon.de/Heat-Thermodynamics-Intermediate-Mark-Zemansky/dp/0071148167

Science to Data Science course: https://www.s2ds.org

Kanban: https://kanbantool.com/kanban-board-with-ai-assistant

Scrum: https://scrum.ai

Medium: https://medium.com

StackOverflow: https://stackoverflow.com/questions

ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com

✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys.

📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

02:31 – Early childhood and schooling

06:02 – Finding the first spark in Science

09:09 – Choosing computer science in school

12:19 – Why imagination is important

13:25 – Self-learning strategies and tips

19:04 – Role of parents

20:31 – Why did he choose physics

24:33 – Father encouraged out-of-the-box thinking

26:16 – Learning during undergrad years

36:01 – Thoughts before going to Master’s

39:41 – Preparation for entrance exams for Master’s

47:38 – Master’s days at IIT Delhi

01:04:29 – Career decisions after Master’s project

01:08:34 – Preparation for entrance exams for PhD

01:11:02 – PhD days at IIA, Bangalore

01:17:30 – About the PhD supervisor

01:21:50 – PhD topic and research question

01:29:38 – Exposures during PhD

01:32:07 – Post-PhD career decision

01:37:14 – Semester visit to the US

01:40:01 – Experience in Finland

01:42:04 – Thoughts before transitioning to industry

01:51:16 – The “unfair advantage” from academia

01:55:02 – Major hurdles after transitioning

01:58:01 – Techniques to stay up-to-date

02:03:14 – What does a data scientist actually do?

02:11:50 – Fun trivia

02:17:35 – Advice to his younger self

02:19:03 – Final Thoughts

The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music.

👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host):

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd

#DPTPodcast #PhysicsToDataScience #AcademiaToIndustry #DataScienceCareer #CareerTransition

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.12 ||

Guest: Dr. Charu Garg

In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Charu Garg - an experimental physicist, whose journey captures many of the pivotal phases of a scientific career — from discovering a love for physics, to navigating an integrated PhD, postdoctoral research, and eventually transitioning into industry.

She shares an honest and detailed account of academic life — how to prepare for national competitive exams, how to navigate coursework and research during an integrated PhD, and how to deal with rejection in science. She offers practical advice on literature search, reading and annotating scientific papers, and writing research articles without getting overwhelmed.

We also explore her postdoctoral journey, including skills she developed during those years, and the often-overlooked art of asking for help. The episode then moves into her decision to transition into industry, how she identified her transferable skills, reached out to mentors, adapted to new work dynamics, and handled the early challenges of industry life.

This episode is especially valuable for:

✨Undergraduate and Master’s students considering research

✨PhD students navigating uncertainty and rejection

✨Postdocs exploring options beyond academia

✨Anyone curious about how scientific training translates into industry roles

It’s a candid, grounded conversation about growth, self-assessment, and making thoughtful career decisions — without seeing any phase as a failure.

**The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music **

🎙️ About The Guest: Growing up in India, Charu began her academic path with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics at University of Delhi. Motivated by curiosity and a desire to pursue research, she went on to join the Integrated Master’s and PhD program at IISER Pune, one of India’s leading research institutes. Then she moved abroad for her postdoctoral research at Goethe University, Frankfurt in Germany before making a transition into industry.

🔗 Resources & Links:

Delhi University: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhi_University

IISER, Pune, India: https://www.iiserpune.ac.in

Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/en

Jens Müller: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/49965558/Prof__Dr__Jens_Müller

✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys.

📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

02:10 – Falling in love with physics

05:36 – Why tutoring classes were necessary

08:33 – What's a gap year

14:16 – Choosing Delhi University

16:01 – Role of parents, teachers & peers

19:09 – Bachelor’s degree journey

24:20 – Choosing an Integrated PhD at IISER Pune

29:23 – IISER Pune experience

32:07 – Preparing for national competitive exams

38:37 – Master’s degree journey

42:32 – Inside an Integrated PhD program

46:11 – The PhD journey

56:36 – How to read papers effectively

01:02:21 – Research exposure during PhD

01:06:50 – Dealing with rejection in science

01:11:53 – Value of a PhD

01:18:33 – Advice to her PhD-era self

01:20:40 – Applying for postdoc positions

01:28:38 – How to ask for help

01:39:17 – Starting a postdoc during COVID

01:42:56 – Skills gained during postdoctoral research

01:46:49 – Deciding to move to industry

01:53:31 – Reaching out to mentors before transitioning

01:58:48 – Transferable skills from academia to industry

02:01:56 – Early challenges in industry

02:06:48 – Industry work culture

02:08:46 – Skills industry teaches scientists

02:10:22 – Tracking progress in industry

02:13:47 – Fun trivia about her

02:15:59 – Advice to her younger self

02:19:59 – Final Thoughts

👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host):

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd

#DPTPodcast #PhDJourney #IntegratedPhD #IISERPune #DelhiUniversity #PostdocLife #IndustryTransition #ScienceCareers #WomenInSTEM #AcademicLife #ResearchJourney

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.10

Guest: Prof. Ali Hassanali

In this episode of the DPT Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ali Hassanali, Senior Research Scientist in the Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics (CMSP) section at ICTP Trieste, Italy and faculty member at the Statistical and Biological Physics (SBP) section at SISSA, Italy.

Ali’s story spans continents — from his childhood in Africa, to studying mathematics and computer science at Purdue University, USA to earning a PhD in Physical Chemistry at The Ohio State University, followed by postdoctoral training with the renowned Prof. Michele Parrinello at ETH Zürich and the University of Lugano, Switzerland.

In this conversation, we discuss:

✨ Why water still mystifies science

✨ How to build a strong academic network

✨ Winning major grants (ERC, Horizon 2020)

✨ Why he never had a Plan B

✨ The future of AI in scientific research

✨ His advice for young researchers

and more.

This episode is a deep dive into how one builds a meaningful scientific life — through exploration, humility, and the courage to keep following the questions that matter most.

🎙️ About The Guest:

Dr. Ali Hassanali is a Senior Research Scientist in the Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics (CMSP) section at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, and a faculty member in the Statistical and Biological Physics (SBP) section at SISSA.

His academic path began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mathematics from Purdue University, followed by a PhD in Physical Chemistry from The Ohio State University, where his fascination with water and molecular systems took shape.

He later worked as a postdoctoral fellow with Prof. Michele Parrinello at ETH Zürich and the University of Lugano, developing expertise in computational chemistry, quantum effects, and hydrogen bonding.

Ali’s research explores the fundamental mysteries of water, proton transfer, and quantum effects in biological systems

Major Awards & Grants

ERC Consolidator Grant

Horizon 2020 Award (Artificial Photosynthesis)

ERC Proof of Concept Grant for CUSHOP

Using AI to design eco-friendly, skin-safe UV-absorbing molecules for next-gen sunscreens

website: https://www.ictp.it/member/ali-hassanali#biography

Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qSyBReYAAAAJ&hl=en

🔗 Resources & Links:

ICTP, Trieste, Italy: https://www.ictp.it

Perdue University, USA: https://www.purdue.edu

Ohio State university, USA: https://www.osu.edu

Sherwin Singer: https://chemistry.osu.edu/people/singer.2

Michele Parrinello: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Parrinello

Sandro Scandolo: https://www.ictp.it/member/sandro-scandolo#biography

Erio Tosatti: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erio_Tosatti

✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys.

📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

02:42 – Why water still needs research

10:05 – Childhood in Africa

17:33 – Schooling, mentors & early influences

19:14 – Role of parents in shaping curiosity

22:26 – Moving from Africa to the US: challenges

25:17 – How 9/11 affected his experience

27:47 – Advice for young (African) students

36:24 – Studying Math & Computer Science at Purdue University

41:05 – Feeling like a “small fish in a big pond”

44:38 – Falling in love with pure mathematics

48:50 – Turning toward other sciences

53:12 – Why he never had a Plan B

55:18 – Choosing the right grad school for a PhD

57:49 – The PhD interview process

59:05 – Inside the PhD journey

01:05:33 – Biggest challenge during his PhD

01:08:30 – His PhD research question

01:10:44 – Strategy for postdoctoral search

01:19:27 – His postdoctoral research

01:26:47 – How to build a strong academic network

01:31:30 – Securing a permanent academic position

01:41:26 – His vision for African science

01:44:32 – Secrets to securing research funding

01:56:17 – His vision for AI in scientific research

01:59:35 – Fun facts about him

02:03:41 – His biggest challenge & advice to his younger self

02:08:24 – Final thoughts

The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music.

👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host):

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd

#DPTPodcast #ScientificCareers #AcademicJourney #PhDJourney #AIInResearch #WaterScience #ComputationalChemistry #AfricanScience #CuriosityOverFear #SciencePodcast #STEMStories #ResearchInnovation #MachineLearningForScience #GlobalScience #ResilienceInScience

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.10

Guest: Prof. Karim Zantout

In this episode of the DPT Podcast, we sit down with Prof. Karim Zantout, Professor of Data Science and IT at the Faculty of Information Management and Media, Hochschule Karlsruhe (Die HKA) — the University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe.

His story is one of transformation — a journey that weaves together science, identity, and experience into an integrated and meaningful career.Born in Lebanon, he moved to Germany at the age of six, facing cultural change and discrimination during his early school years. What began as a difficult start became a story of discovery and resilience, guided by inspiring teachers and a growing passion for science.

He went on to earn his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in Physics at Goethe University Frankfurt, specializing in the computational study of high-temperature superconductors. After his PhD, he expanded his path into data science through his work in industry, later joining the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) as a research fellow, where he explored how climate change influences human migration.

Today, as a Professor of Data Science and IT at Die HKA, Prof. Zantout brings together insights from physics, climate research, and data-driven innovation — showing how the threads of one’s past can come together into a cohesive, impactful career.

In this conversation, we discuss:

✨ His journey from Lebanon to Germany 🇱🇧➡️🇩🇪

✨ Facing and overcoming discrimination in education

✨ How mentors and curiosity changed his path

✨ Lessons from academia, industry, and research

✨ Finding purpose across disciplines — from physics to data science

✨ His reflections on identity, belonging, and imposter syndrome

This episode is not just about academic success — it’s about growth, courage, and creating meaning from every chapter of life.

🎙️ About The Guest:

Prof. Karim Zantout holds a PhD in Physics from Goethe University Frankfurt, where he researched high-temperature superconductors.He has worked in data science and renewable energy (Emsys Renewables) and as a research fellow at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), focusing on climate change and human migration.He currently serves as Professor of Data Science and IT at Hochschule Karlsruhe (Die HKA).

🔗 Resources & Links

German students scholarships for universities: Efellows.net

Hans Bockler Stiftung : https://www.boeckler.de/de/index.htm

emsys, Oldenburg, Germany: https://www.emsys-renewables.com

Goethe University, Frankfurt: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/124971977/International_Student_Services

Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Berlin: https://www.pik-potsdam.de/members/karimza/homepage-de

University of Applied Science, Karlsruhe: https://www.h-ka.de/en/about-hka/organization-people/staff-search/person/karim-zantout

✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys.

📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

03:05 – Moving from Lebanon to Germany as a child 🇩🇪

04:57 – Why the family decided to migrate

07:42 – Early challenges in a German primary school

10:47 – Incidents that became turning points

19:14 – Falling in love with science

22:51 – The role of parents in shaping curiosity

25:06 – Choosing a career path after school

27:50 – Self-counselling and applying for an engineering internship

30:55 – University life: learning, challenges, and growth

32:40 – How German student scholarships opened new doors

38:02 – Creating awareness for parents and communities

44:00 – What helped him overcome challenges

47:08 – The scholarship that changes his core beliefs

53:17 – Life lessons from science and physics

01:00:09 – The decision to pursue a PhD

01:04:21 – When curiosity meets frustration

01:07:06 – His PhD research questions

01:11:28 – 1st career transition: stepping into data science

01:17:49 – Moving to Potsdam for a postdoc

01:21:19 – Building a career aligned with your passions

01:28:02 – 2nd career transition: from postdoc to faculty position

01:34:28 – Current research interests and big questions

01:35:21 – The decision behind his latest transition

01:37:55 – Fun trivia and personal moments 😄

01:47:38 – Advice to his younger self

01:49:09 – Final Thoughts

The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music.

👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host):

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd

#DPTPodcast #ScienceCareers #AcademicJourney #Resilience #DataScience #Physics #AIInResearch #CareerInScience #HochschuleKarlsruhe