In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the journey of Ravi Teja Mandapaka who is a researcher in literature and life sciences. He is also an avid hockey fan and has worked as a freelance sports columnist, covering all aspects about the sport. In a candid chat Ravi talked about how his varied interests in life played a crucial role in contributing towards his career journey, and what keeps him motivated to get up and go to work every single day.
You pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and then shifted to a Masters degree in Food and Nutritional Sciences, what was your motivation behind this and how was the transition?
Firstly, thank you for your time and consideration of my profile.
I must admit here, a PhD in literary criticism, literary analysis, and literary translations remains my first love.
I’ve read many books during my graduation in the pursuit of understanding science in a way, and, to the extent, it should be understood. On many a time, I’ve related learning to my passion and respect for agriculture. ‘Food’ to me is an emotion and I consider myself blessed to eat three meals a day. Personal trauma took me closer to valuing food and diet more than ever and taught me the importance of respecting the available resources.
Long story short, I envisage myself researching more on food security, food safety, and food waste management, ahead. Trust me, there’s a no bigger blessing in life than going to bed, with a full stomach.
I also see you are an avid hockey fan and have written a lot about it in newspaper columns, has this practice of non- academic writing helped you in scientific writing or is it vice versa?
“Field Hockey – A facet of life so undeniably appreciated in our society. I would wish it to be one of the last things I think before I die.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
A failed sportsperson can talk about the game more passionately than anyone, they say. True? You might never know if I can pause time and space in this picturesque vacuum of our universe to tell tales in hockey and make an attempt in living their lives once again, but one is true. Today, tomorrow and forever, I take pride in the national game of my country India, and I look forward to celebrating many future victories.
I see myself as a ‘research writer’ and if that’s true, I should be able to write on any topic on any given day, right? As simple as that.
You have varied experiences up your sleeves such as a SRF (Senior Research fellow), content, medical and sports writer, as well as a lecturer. How has your skill set expanded during each of these experiences?
Every new day in life provides you with an opportunity to learn and grow – personally, emotionally and professionally. I am not a robot and I admit I’ve made some gruesome mistakes in life. I practice learning and, evolving myself from my worst and I embrace my experiences the same way I embrace this uncertainty called, life.
You are also member of a lot of organizations like Royal Society of Literature, Nutrition Society of India. How has being a part of such organizations enhanced your personal and professional growth?
They provide me with appreciable networking opportunities, access to online resources, allow me to present my research in conferences as posters and talks and on the whole, provide me with a good platform for continuous learning and education.
Have you ever faced imposter syndrome while working in different roles of a researcher, lecturer, and content writer? Did you face any issues while adjusting to each role or was the transition smooth?
Honestly, no. My goal in life is to become a professor. And, I constantly work on my writing and language skills, to become an editor.
In your formative years, who has been your role model? Any piece of advice you can give to the students who want to pursue their career in life sciences.
Sir William Shakespeare and Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Literature), Javagal Srinath (Cricket), Dhanraj Pillay (Field Hockey), Michael Phelps (Swimming), Prof. Dr. M. S. Swaminathan (Science) were my role models while growing up. I have learnt a lot from them.
To all those who would like to pursue a career in life sciences, I would say that- academia and research are not for everyone – it’s a mental health battle like never before. But then again, isn’t life, in one way or another, the same? So, put your heart and soul into everything you do. Trust your instincts. Be honest, sincere, and humble today; have no regrets tomorrow.
