From BTech Student to Researcher at IIT Hyderabad and Deakin University

As I reflect on my journey, it's hard to believe that the student who struggled with the idea of excelling in academics would one day be pursuing a PhD at one of India’s most prestigious institutions, IIT Hyderabad. If someone had told my younger self that this would be my path, I would have probably laughed. But here I am, at the intersection of persistence, passion, and self-discovery.

IIT-Hyderabad

I grew up in Jalandhar, a city in Punjab known for its leather goods. My father was a businessman, and my mother a homemaker. Initially, my ambition was to pursue MBBS, but I soon realized that the commitment and focus required for medical exams were beyond my grasp. When I attempted the JEE Mains, my scores were far from exceptional, and I ended up enrolling in a state-level university for my BTech in Mechanical Engineering.

At that time, most people viewed mechanical engineering as a reliable route to good job prospects. But for me, something started to change. The subjects that initially felt like routine coursework—such as physics and manufacturing—soon began to captivate my interest. I wanted to go beyond the classroom and explore deeper. My third year marked a significant turning point when I met Dr. S Singh, a mentor who guided me to dive into research. It was under his tutelage that I found the confidence to write and submit my first research paper. Nervous about his feedback, I was pleasantly surprised when he praised my work. To this day, that paper remains the most cited publication on my Google Scholar profile.

With Dr. Singh's mentorship, I secured a nine-month internship at IIT Ropar. There, I worked alongside an exceptional team led by Prof. H Singh and collaborated with a PhD scholar, Dr. M Singh. This internship solidified my decision to pursue research. It was during this time that I felt an intense drive to further my academic pursuits, which led me to enroll for an ME in Production Engineering at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology. I made a deliberate choice to focus on a research-heavy major project, and the success of that project gave me the confidence to pursue a PhD.

Life at IIT Hyderabad: A Defining Phase

Joining IIT Hyderabad as a PhD student in the Centre for Interdisciplinary Programs, at the confluence of mechanical engineering and materials science, was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. The environment at IIT-H, with its world-class faculty and state-of-the-art labs, was both rigorous and inspiring. The demands of research taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of time management. My weekdays would be spent from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lab, working tirelessly on my experiments. To maintain balance amidst the intense research grind, I developed a routine of going for a run each evening. These moments of physical activity helped clear my mind and reduce stress.

Beyond my academic focus, life in Hyderabad offered an exciting opportunity to explore the city's culture and food scene. Whether it was enjoying the bustling streets of Banjara Hills or discovering new eateries in Hitech City with friends, these experiences provided the much-needed relaxation and helped me stay grounded.

A New Chapter: Research Residency at Deakin University

In May 2023, I received a unique opportunity to travel abroad for a research residency at Deakin University, Australia. This marked my first time traveling overseas, and the experience was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Adapting to a new environment took some time, but I was fortunate enough to find accommodation with an Indian family, which made the transition smoother. Cooking my own meals and experimenting with different cuisines became part of my routine, adding a fun, personal touch to my daily life.

Academically, my time at Deakin was enriching. I had the privilege of working in top-tier labs and collaborating with brilliant researchers. My days were filled with intense schedules, juggling numerous tasks, and brainstorming with colleagues to push the boundaries of our collective knowledge. The exposure to a different academic culture and the ability to exchange ideas with researchers from around the world was invaluable, further refining my approach to research.

The Essence of Research: More Than Just Intelligence

As I continue my journey, I realize that the path to success in research is not paved solely by intelligence. It is the amalgamation of passion, perseverance, and a well-rounded approach to life. At every step, I learned that research is as much about time management, planning, and discipline as it is about discovering new ideas. It requires resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, and the courage to take risks and embrace failure as part of the learning process.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future, both in academia and beyond. My experiences in IIT Hyderabad and Deakin University have shaped me into a well-rounded researcher, one who is ready to tackle global challenges and contribute meaningfully to the scientific community. This journey—from a BTech student with dreams of becoming a doctor to an HDR research scholar at two prestigious institutions—has been a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and, most importantly, a passion for discovery.