Alumna in Feature

What developed your interest in chemistry?

I had a passion for science from a very young age. When I was in Higher Secondary, I found chemistry very intriguing as it plays an important role in our daily life. Thus, I opted for Chemistry as my major subject during my BSc. Subsequently, my interest grew more in Organic Chemistry, and I studied MSc with specialization in Organic Chemistry at Ravenshaw College, Odisha. My family, school and college professors sparked a scientific interest in me for higher studies. Always fascinated by wonders of nature, the creation of new molecules captured my interest to pursue my doctoral studies in the area organic chemistry at IIT Kanpur. There I realized that chemistry is the central creative science that can be explored at the interface of other disciplines of science and engineering.

You are one of the few women SSB Prize awardees. This speaks volumes about the presence of women in STEM, especially in India. What challenges do you think women face while pursuing their dreams in STEM? How do you think it can change?

The gender disparity for women in STEM is not only found in our country but all over the world. The gender gap in science and engineering is found to be more in number than in other professions. Although a good number of female students take science in graduation and post-graduation, the decline starts from masters to PhD and then a sharp fall is visible at the transition from PhD to independent research. Consequently, only a handful of women get nominated for awards and recognitions.

The lower participation of women in STEM is due to various reasons. One important reason is social and cultural hindrances. The dual responsibility of managing work life and raising a family make it much tougher for women. A profession where work and family balance can be easily maintained seems feasible. However, in academia, long working hours and perseverance are constantly required. In addition, enough role models are not found.

Family support is one of the essentials for academic success. Interest can be infused in young women by schools, colleges that a particular discipline of science and technology can be relevant to many professions. Young minds can be inspired with examples of successful women in science and technology.

In the words of a nuclear physicist, Marie Curie's granddaughter, Hélène Langevin-Joliot, “We have to change the mentality that men are better scientists”. Women are competent at multitasking and have necessary skills to be successful in research. Over the years, there has been a steady rise in number of women in STEM and they have been successful in all spheres of STEM. They have been honored with accolades and recognitions.

How does your research work impact the real world?

My research group has been involved in interdisciplinary research combining organic chemistry with biology to develop new paradigms in medicinal chemistry and nanotechnology. The research in my lab has two major outcomes: a) new therapeutic tools for cancer and, b) new biomolecular systems.

My group works on a multidisciplinary scientific setting in order to address problems related to human health. The most interesting aspect of my research is designing and engineering chemical entities using new and established methodologies to target previously undruggable biological molecules. From a chemist’s perspective, I can design molecules with desired functional groups, structure or topologies for targeting new biological targets and modulating important cellular functions. We have developed small molecules for understanding the role of nucleic acid secondary structures in the regulation of gene expression. We have reported new tools for targeting DNA secondary structures like G-quadruplexes and i-motifs by small molecules. These molecules show potent anticancer activities. My research program has contributed to several drug like candidates, interesting biomolecular devices and biomimetic systems.

Why did you choose academia over industry after your PhD?

Your ‘parents’ in Chemistry Tree are Faiz Ahmed Khan, Hans Reisig, Shankar Balasubramanian et al. How did they inspire you?

I completed my doctoral degree in the area of Organic Synthesis under the supervision of Professor Faiz Ahmed Khan, an eminent Organic Chemist in our country. My journey as a researcher began at IIT Kanpur where I gained expertise in a range of organic chemical transformations. By then, I had also learned the importance of hard work and dedication in research. Subsequently, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher with Professor H. U. Reissig at F. U. Berlin, Germany where I was awarded the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship. Professor H. U. Reissig has been a great and helpful mentor. I worked on transition metal catalysed transformations to synthesize biologically active heterocyclic compounds.