In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the story of Kasturi Mahadik, who is passionate about science communication and is an active volunteer for several science communication-related activities and organizations. She is currently affiliated to the Center for Predictive Human Model Systems. In this candid chat, she talks in length about her career journey, her love for science communication and the valuable lessons she has learnt so far.
Could you provide an insight into the day-to-day responsibilities and duties of the positions that you have held within the Center for Predictive Human Model Systems?
Sure. I can perhaps start with my former position ie. Senior Research Associate-
I hold a Ph.D. in human health and diseases and later went on to work with stem cell biology during my postdoc. These experiences were integral to my position as a senior research associate, as in this capacity, my primary responsibility involved communicating with scientists and industrialists about advanced 21st-century models, such as organoids and organ-on-chips, which closely emulate human biology. My role was to investigate the limited adoption of these models and identify any challenges associated with their implementation.
On a day-to-day basis, I would engage in scheduled meetings with senior staff, including scientists and industrialists, to discuss the project and gather valuable insights and opinions. Effectively communicating the required information to run the project was also a significant aspect of my responsibilities. Additionally, I would synthesize the information from these discussions into visual representations, such as figures and informed articles. Though my work did not entail direct bench work, it was research-oriented in nature.
Currently, I hold the position of a Chief Manager–
In this position, I think I give my work a sense of more purpose and direction, as to where our organization wants to head. I oversee day-to-day activities that are happening at CPHMS. This means that I coordinate the day-to-day work with our lean time. It could be planning and promoting our events, could be about script writing for our Back to the Future series – which involves a virtual tour of labs and organizations all across India; or organizing our videos. It could also be about writing articles- we usually write popular science and academic articles about how this field is developing in India. And then we have some initiatives which need larger funding. So I also undertake the writing of grant proposals that we present to potential funders to obtain financial support.
I see that you have interned for a short period as a science communicator at NCBS, after your PhD. Did your interest in science communication develop during your PhD or was it after your PhD?
While pursuing my Ph.D., I found myself extensively engaged in various scientific writing tasks, including manuscripts, reviews, thesis comments, and grant proposals for my lab. This experience not only bolstered my confidence in writing about scientific concepts but also kindled an interest in exploring science communication as a potential avenue for my career. Additionally, I had a penchant for art, and I even designed a cover illustration for an academic manuscript that was successfully accepted in a journal.
Despite having completed successful projects during your science communication internship at NCBS, what motivated you to pursue a postdoctoral position?
As my Ph.D. journey approached its conclusion, I had already received a postdoc offer, but I wanted to explore the world of science communication before leaving India. This opportunity materialized when the NCBS internship was advertised, coinciding with the completion of my work in the lab. Despite the secure option of proceeding directly to a postdoc, I decided to take a leap and pursue the internship, as Bangalore, where NCBS is located, was a vibrant hub for science communication activities at that time. Though I was initially unsure about the breadth of opportunities in science communication, I am grateful that I proved myself wrong. The internship experience broadened my horizons and revealed that science communication could indeed be a fulfilling career path. Looking back, I am glad I took the opportunity to explore science communication during my internship.
What are some effective strategies or approaches you use to communicate complex scientific concepts to a non-expert audience?
One of the key aspects of effective science communication is to avoid assuming that the audience lacks knowledge. Over time, I have come to realize that the audience is often quite intelligent, and our role as communicators is to present information in a manner that they can understand and empathize with. To achieve this, I make an effort to relate to the audience’s experiences and identify commonalities in our communication styles. By framing my talks in a relatable context, I can bridge the gap between scientific jargon and everyday experiences. By breaking down complex ideas into digestible pieces and using analogies or visual aids, I aim to make the concepts accessible and engaging to a wider audience. Keeping the language simple also plays a crucial role in ensuring that complex concepts are comprehensible to a broader audience.
What motivates you to actively engage in volunteering for science-related activities and organizations? How do you see these experiences contributing to your personal and professional growth?
Well, it has had a significant impact on both aspects. Being able to see how my work translates to various communities is truly impactful and what drives me to continue with science communication.
Personally, I am an introvert and don’t easily make friends or engage in conversations. However, communicating my work forces me to put myself out there and step out of my comfort zone. It’s a great exercise in talking to people and improving my communication skills.
Professionally, the work I do in science communication uplifts entire communities. Our aim is to make a difference not just to a specific project, like understanding the role of a specific gene in a disease, but at a broader level by bringing together the entire community. I take immense pride in this work. It’s unique that an organization focused on science communication, without conducting its own research, is able to unite scientists and support their growth. I believe this approach can have a significant impact in the future.
In Project Encephalon, as a mentor for The Mind Gala, why did you choose to communicate neuroscience to the uninitiated through writing relatable content?
The Mind Gala was initiated by Dr. Poonam Thakur, a faculty at IISER, Trivandrum, with the goal of raising the profile of neuroscience in India. There are no undergraduate programs for neuroscience in India and even at a postgraduate level, there are very few institutes that provide a course in neuroscience. This means that for most students, neuroscience would come only at Ph.D. level. Project Encephalon aims to bridge that gap and make neuroscience accessible to the masses. Personally, I believe in the importance of neuroscience and its potential to unravel the mysteries of the human brain.
I mentored 6 students in this program. When communicating neuroscience through Project Encephalon, our approach was to simplify complex concepts and make them accessible to a broader audience. We strive to break down intricate ideas into understandable pieces, ensuring that even individuals who may find neuroscience daunting can grasp the fundamental concepts. By presenting neuroscience in an approachable manner, we hope to foster interest and engagement in this fascinating field.
Could you explain a bit about your experience at The Pint of Science Festival in Paris?
The Pint of Science Festival is a remarkable global event that invites volunteers to conduct science talks in cafes over three evenings. The primary objective of the event is to bridge the gap between science and the public by conducting science talks in local cafes. Prior arrangements are made with the cafe managers, and nominally priced tickets are sold to individuals interested in attending the event. These talks are not spontaneous discussions in a cafe but are meticulously prepared to ensure a clear and engaging presentation of scientific concepts. The scientists also try to engage with the local public and present the scientific concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging. I had the privilege of being a part of this festival as a volunteer.
What is something you wish you knew earlier in your career-an advice that you would give your younger self?
I have reflected on this question, and I believe that regretting past decisions doesn’t serve us well. Looking back, there isn’t something specific that I would change or regret. However, if I were to offer advice to my younger self, it would be to emphasize the importance of reading. Often, we underestimate the value of reading and place too much emphasis on practical experience alone. There is a wealth of information available through reading, and it can provide valuable insights and a foundational understanding of various subjects. By immersing myself in reading, I would have been able to grasp the essence of different areas of interest and gain a deeper perspective. So, my advice to my younger self would be to read more, reread, and absorb as much knowledge as possible.
