In this episode, we speak with Aditi Nandi, a chemical biologist whose journey spans PhD research in nanoplatform-based drug delivery, postdoctoral work in stem cell biology and translational research, and a successful transition into industry.

Aditi reflects on the realities of academic life in India and the US, including collaboration, lab culture, hierarchy, gender bias, and the subtle forms of gatekeeping many researchers face. She also shares candid thoughts on the pressure to stay in academia, why she chose industry, and what changed once she moved into a more goal-oriented, translational research environment.

If you’ve ever wondered whether there are meaningful paths beyond the academia track, this episode offers an honest and insightful perspective.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts, producers, or any affiliated organisations.

In this episode, we speak with Katha Ganguly, a PhD student at IISER Pune working on open quantum systems and quantum transport. Katha shares how her love of learning drew her into science, why quantum mechanics continues to fascinate her, and how supportive mentors helped her build confidence in a field that can often feel intimidating.

We also explore the deeper themes behind her journey: gendered perceptions of scientists, the impact of hierarchy in academia, the role of representation, and why simple things like comfort, access, and encouragement can change who feels they belong in research.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts, producers, or any affiliated organisations.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Durba Sengupta, listen in as she discusses Rosalind Franklin, unconscious bias in academia, and the persistent challenges women researchers face in getting due credit. She also shares candid insights on navigating committees and research spaces, offering practical reflections on how women in academia can better prepare for and shape the way they are perceived.

🎧 This is a continuation of our conversation with Dr. Sengupta from Episode 5, where she talks about the joy of finding things out, and her foray into academia. We suggest giving it a listen before tuning in to this episode!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts, producers, or any affiliated organisations.

In the first of a two-part interview, Dr. Durba Sengupta traces her journey from a science-filled family background to a research career spanning chemistry, biology, and computational biophysics. She reflects on the joy of “finding things out,” the ups and downs of research life, and the mentors who gave her the freedom to forge her own path across India, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts, producers, or any affiliated organisations.

In this episode of Her Tenure Tracks, Chetana and Harshini sit down with Dr. Libi Thomas, faculty member at St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, to trace a journey that began in rural Kerala and grew into a career shaped by teaching, research, and steady mentorship. They explore the realities of building a life in science as a woman, and the pressures of balancing academia and personal responsibilities. From the shifting landscape of research and teaching to the importance of soft skills, confidence, and career exploration beyond the lab, this conversation asks what it really means to learn, lead, and belong in science today.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts, producers, or any affiliated organisations.

In this episode, Dr. Ushasi Roy, an INSPIRE Faculty Fellow at IISER Pune, shares her path from childhood curiosity to faculty life, postdocs abroad, as well as research highs and lows. Discover her strategies for resilience, ignoring unhelpful advice, and recharging with family trips.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts, producers, or any affiliated organisations.

In Part 2 of their conversation with Dr. Sudha Rajamani, Harshini and Chetana dive into the realities of gender equity and community building in Indian academia. Sudha discusses why networks and mentorship matter, how systemic barriers affect women and marginalized scientists, and what it takes to nurture inclusive research spaces. She also shares her thoughtful take on “women-only” hiring positions, intersectionality in science, and her evolving approach to mentorship.

🎧 If you haven’t heard Part 1 yet, go back to hear Sudha’s incredible story of how she found her way into astrobiology!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts, producers, or any affiliated organisations.

In this episode, Harshini and Chetana sit down with Dr. Sudha Rajamani, Professor of Biology at IISER Pune, to talk about her fascinating scientific journey—from her beginnings in biochemistry to her unexpected move into astrobiology. She shares the “cosmic coincidences” that led her from studying sickle cell anaemia to exploring how life began on early Earth, her formative teachers who nurtured her love of science, and how mentorship and opportunity shaped her path. The episode also touches on hierarchy in academia and her role in multiple teams advocating for Women in Science.

🎧 Stay tuned till the end—Sudha offers a glimpse into the community work that continues in Part 2!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts, producers, or any affiliated organisations.

Stay tuned!

Background music by Lexin_Music via Pixabay