Academia-Industry Transition – Academia Plus Educational Services

In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the story of Priyanka Lahiri, who is a scientist at Genentech and also a volunteer for STEMpeers, a networking community for researchers in STEM.

In this candid chat, she talks about her journey in research and how her volunteering experiences helped her to navigate her transition from academia to industry. She shares some advice on networking and emphasizes on the importance of finding mentorship and taking care of one’s mental health during research.

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM and how did you overcome any obstacles that you may have faced?

When I started my journey with a Bachelor’s in Microbiology I was still figuring out what to do. The obvious step was to continue and do a master’s. I encountered a life changing moment in my life with the loss of my loved one which helped me think about what I wanted to do in my life in terms of my career. I wanted to help cancer patients worldwide because of personal loss in my family and I felt like this is the way forward- doing a PhD, working in a drug discovery area and so on. The motivation to do something for people who are battling cancer was an inspiration for me and that is what kept me going.

Thankfully my family has always been supportive. They have been my strength and given me the freedom to choose what I want to pursue. But I think it’s very important for anyone who is pursuing a career in STEM to have a clear goal. If you have a clear vision, then you will be able to deal with all the challenges. Other than that, keeping yourself busy, pursuing your passion and involving yourself in extracurricular activities to recharge and take some time out is very important.

Please tell us about your research experience and the challenges that you faced during your PhD.

I got into Indian Institute of Science(IISc) Bangalore through a lot of hardwork and also some luck I feel. I didn’t make it there the first time, but I always wanted to pursue my PhD from IISc. I did a 1-year research project in IISc before I transitioned to do my PhD after my masters. I was lucky to be working in a lab that gave me the exposure to work in an area that I was interested in. My guide always motivated me to work on different projects. I think two things play a role if you want to finish your PhD on time. One is your project and secondly the support of your guide.

Another thing that I realized when I spoke with my peers in IISc was – the most difficult and challenging part of a PhD was the project not being completely defined. There were students who ended up working on different projects that didn’t end up being a complete story and I know people in their third and fourth year, who started a new project because their initial project did not work. So, if the guide does not have a clear vision about the project then that is also a problem. Anyone who is interviewing for a PhD no matter which institute – whether IISc or any other institute, should have a very clear conversation with their mentor about the research project they would be pursuing in their lab.

How has having research experience helped you before doing PhD ?

During my masters I got a research fellowship where I worked at All India Institute of Medical Science(AIIMS). That was my first exposure to research during which I realized that this is something I like to do. After my masters I got selected for PhD at National Institute of Immunology(NII) but I always dreamt of going to IISc for my research. I got the opportunity to work on a research project at IISc, before I jumped into PhD. That one year research project was quite eye opening during which I realized what it takes to do a PhD. I worked alongside PhD students, I did the long hours, I wrote papers and that actually made me realize that I am okay and I am willing to do this because I liked the work that I did. These were the things that the one year research project did open my eyes to.

My suggestion to anyone wanting to pursue PhD- if you have the opportunity to do a research project or get a summer internship, do give it a chance and try and understand what it is before jumping into the boat and then realizing halfway through that this was not meant for you. Do a research project and realize what it takes to do a PhD and the path forward.

How did you decide your research interest?

The way IISc operates is that you get your GATE/NET fellowship,and based on the GATE/NET rank, one is called for an interview. The general interview process includes two stages and once passing both rounds, you get to choose a mentor. However, it is also equally important that the mentor chooses you as well, that’s how it works. When I reached out to my guide, he was equally willing to work with me. We discussed the project I was going to work with and gladly, it was related to cancer and designing peptide drugs,which got me really interested. I ended up doing my PhD in Peptide Chemical Biology and got to engineer peptide-based drugs for both cancer and infectious disease targets. Additionally, as the lab was new and I was officially the first student, it gave me a lot of exposure to get trained by my PI directly.

While doing my PhD I got exposed to different areas of research. I always wanted to join the industry because I work in drug discovery which has more opportunities in industry. I chose my postdoc in such a way that it had relevance in industry so that I could get trained in that area and move forward from there.

According to you, why is doing a Postdoc is considered as the next obvious step after PhD?

While you don’t need a PhD to join industry but to rise the ranks in an industry and be in leadership positions you may need a PhD. PhD is more mentor driven. Postdoc is mostly individualistic work where you lead a project. That is seen as an independent contribution, and therefore Postdoc is considered work experience after a PhD, by the industry. What happens in a postdoc is that you are an individual contributor and you drive your own project in different ways possible and end up working on paper. During PhD you are more focused on the one particular project you are working on and getting it done. When people opt for a postdoc, they start exploring other careers as well- like a scientist in the industry, a professor in academia, consulting, patent law, entrepreneurship etc. During PhD you are always focused on one goal, but during postdoc you work on your project and also have the time to explore other careers.

How is doing research in industry different from doing research in academia?

Industry is more target driven because that’s where the money is coming from. You solely are not responsible for one project; there is always a team you are working alongside with. In PhD and postdoc you have the chance to explore your scientific side, go to any direction you are interested in and pursue that. In industry the work is very project-oriented and specific. Any project or any idea that you are willing to explore should contribute to the final outcome of the research. Another important thing in the industry are the strict timelines, which is why there are multiple people involved on a single project. One has to deliver a project within a particular timeline as somebody else’ work might be dependent upon yours. In academia, nobody is waiting on you for your work. So, one gets more of a free hand in academia as compared to industry.

Are PhDs and postdocs too specialized for industry jobs? What advice would you like to give to people who want to join the industry?

In industry there are two mindsets I believe. One where you are told that you are too specialized in one particular area. Another is that you have good expertise and your contribution would be significantly valued. Most people join after PhD because some industries do consider PhD as experience especially when you have been in that research area. Industry is also willing to take people who are fresh out of PhD and open to learn. In industry it is very important to have an open mindset to work in any area. Being adaptive and receptive is one of the key factors.

In my case when I joined Genentech, my postdoc was considered as experience during which I worked on different techniques as compared to my PhD. So the experience during my postdoc helped me transition. If someone wants to change their area of research they use postdoc as a stepping stone so they can move into that area in industry. That was my strategy. I knew I wanted to work in that area. Also coming from India and navigating the visa challenges in the US, postdoc was an easy route that helped me gain experience and move into Industry. You have to read the job description very thoroughly, understand what you would bring to that role, and connect with the hiring managers to understand if you are the right fit for the role.

Please tell us about your experience at STEMPeers. What motivates you to contribute as a volunteer for STEMPeers and how it is helping you in your professional journey?

STEMpeers is a non-profit organization that I am very proud to be associated with, since 2018. I feel the need to stay connected with people who are working in the industry or academic lab and one of the ways to do this is to be a part of the organization who are doing this. STEMPeers was one of those communities. It was started with fellow IIScians, who were navigating the challenges in their research journey, either in academia or industry, in US. Today we are more than 25000+ members from different areas of research from different parts of the world. There is a core set of leadership groups, who outside of their regular jobs, volunteer to help people.

One of the things STEMpeers helped me with was to find a mentor who helped me with my CV and pitch myself to my prospective postdoc advisor. It also helped me navigate the challenges that one usually faces when one moves to the US for the first time. I was very lucky to find a mentor who – helped me with finding a house, understanding the visa issues, building my network, pushed me to volunteer and helped me understand how I can transition to industry. Eventually, I became an active volunteer. I started talking to people, exploring different areas. I interviewed people who are in patent law, consulting. I did a consulting casebook to understand which career is right for me. Through this platform I got connected with a huge network of people in different areas, and they were just willing to give their time to help other people. Also, STEMPeers has a very niche venture called Gurukul devoted solely to people looking to transition from academia to industry and needs help with CV building, networking, interview preparation, etc. The venture is a mentor-mentee driven program, where the mentor guides you from navigating your job searches to landing a job! However, it is important to keep in mind that a mentor will guide you, but the real work is done by the individual itself. So, if the individual is devoted, he will surely achieve his goal.

Recently I was given the opportunity to organize the STEMpeers 2023 conference, where I was the program management lead and responsible for designing the program and its panelists, along with my amazing team. This helped me network with a wide variety of panelists, who are at different levels in industry. Besides that, one gets to build a social connection and build perspective on different career paths like entrepreneurship. Being a volunteer, it not only benefited me but also made me happy that I was able to help others in the process. I feel like anyone who wants to transition or is just willing to expand their network, should be a part of STEMPeers. The motto of the organization is to “just pay it forward”. There is no monetary gain. Everyone devotes their own personal time for the benefit of other people.

What advice would you like to give to students who are considering a career in STEM?

The first advice would be that they have to be very proactive about their career. If there is a research area that you like, pursue it to your fullest capability. Don’t do anything because of peer pressure. Also understanding which environment is right for your growth is very important. If the organization does not support your growth, then it is better to leave it. I have known many of my friends who were very brave to leave the toxic environment and start their PhD again in an environment that was well supportive of their behavior.

Another advice is to be very persistent. There will be times when you will not feel motivated but it’s important to show up and keep trying. There will be a day when you will go through imposter syndrome like- Do I really know anything? I still have such thoughts at times. But at that time you need to accept that you need support. Being open to receiving help and having a peer support group will help you a lot to navigate through difficult times. Be proactive, persistent, find your own support group.

Understand that some opportunities may not bear fruit right now but will be very helpful at a later stage. Not everything can be for profit. Some things are just done to build a network and maybe that will pay off down the years.

The biggest mistake made by PhDs and Postdocs is that if they want a job, they immediately jump in and start asking for references. It doesn’t work that way. You have to invest your time in building a network. I always advise people that if you know your journey, start building a network at the earliest. It’s a long process. Being very aware of what you want is very important.

What can organizations and institutions do to create a more inclusive environment for people pursuing research?

While I was in India I wasn’t aware about other areas in which I could make a career because there was no exposure given to it. Most of the people that I had interacted with felt that academia is the way to go and anything else is not worth it. I feel organizations and institutes in India should work towards developing a career forum. Secondly for women it’s important to have an unbiased group of people where they can go and talk to. There should be a women support team to hear out their problems and take strict actions against any abuser.

In your opinion, what changes would benefit the way research is conducted today and why?

As I mentioned earlier- having a clear vision for your project. Having done research in India I have seen in my peers, the clear vision of a project is missing. In science it is very important to know if we are asking the right question. Secondly, having a mentor that will help you build an independent career. Even though I received good training during my PhD I would have loved to receive more mentorship. One of the things I feel is that in India people are very secretive about their own science and that I feel is something that needs to change. Science should be shared, as the more you share the more you learn.

Siddhi Bodke Author

Career Stories

Career Stories: Chapter 26

5th October 20235th October 2023 Academia Plus

In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the story of Praveen Sappa, who is passionate about insect technology and runs two biotechnology ventures that leverage the advantages of this technology in the sustainability sector. In this candid chat, he shares his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he picked up while building his two companies and his views about sustainability.

What inspired you to pursue a career in science, and how did that journey lead you towards becoming an entrepreneur?

Briefly, I have always been curious about everything related to science since childhood, which led me towards pursuing a career in that subject. It became clear to me early on that my interest in science was mainly because I was great at admiring everything related to nature. I was almost close to pursuing medicine, but opted for pure science instead and completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Chemistry, followed by a Master’s degree in Biochemistry at the University of Hyderabad. Later, I decided to pursue a PhD abroad and spent five years in Germany conducting various postdoctoral research projects. Over a period of time, I realized that Academia often lacked application-oriented science and is focused mainly on basic research. Hence, I thought of pursuing an MBA, but eventually realized that it would be more sensible to gain industry experience and I set aside the idea of joining an immediate MBA. During my time in Germany, I gained a deep understanding & interest for sustainability, the environment, and related subjects. This made me curious and I tried to look for technologies that could contribute to sustainability while offering significant opportunities for a positive change. In 2011, I discovered Insect Technology through a tech video, and it ticked all my boxes and also aligned perfectly with my criteria for impactful as well as science-oriented business opportunity. Over the years, I observed and tried to keep a track on the progress in the field while waiting for someone to make a significant impact in India. Unfortunately, no one started it on a scale that could be truly impactful. In 2018, I made the decision to leave academia as I realized that I needed a more dynamic environment to excel. Through my journey I understood the importance of figuring out what suits me the best, while catering to my curiosity. By pursuing these goals, I aimed to create value for society, the company, and myself and Insect technology aligned perfectly with all my aspirations. In 2018, I returned to India, despite having zero knowledge of entrepreneurship at that time. I took a plunge, and after five years of dedicated effort, I have managed to grow my company- Holocene Ecosolutions, into a two million USD enterprise. Currently, we have also embarked on a new venture – Arthro Biotech, focusing on uses of Insect Biotechnology other than waste management.

What sparked your passion for nature’s way of solving problems? Was there a particular event or experience that inspired you?

As a child, I would spend a lot of time observing fishes, animals, and insects- everything that has to do with nature and questioning the way things happened in nature. Whether it was sitting by a lake or near a rainwater drain, I was captivated by nature’s intricacies. This curiosity has remained within me as an integral part of who I am today. It’s very important to recognize and reconnect with your core essence and align your life goals accordingly. When your profession is driven by something that genuinely motivates you every day, not just for financial profit or career advancement, it becomes truly fulfilling. No one told me to go to a lake and observe fish or catch them; it was an innate part of me. In Germany, where I had more time, I found a quieter environment for myself. Unlike India, where everyone is caught up in the business of life, Germany gave me some space and time to reflect on my thoughts. I had a reef tank aquarium at my place, and I invested some time and resources into perfecting it naturally and sustainably, avoiding artificial additives. Eventually, I developed a self-cleaning aquarium that also required very little feeding. This hobby of mine exemplified the slow, thoughtful approach inspired by nature. This is how nature’s way of observing & doing things came to me.

This way, I gradually understood the relationship between sustainability and my own curiosity. If you understand how sustainability works, you can then apply nature’s way of dealing things into a business context. This realization and evolution of thought shaped my path forward.

Can you briefly explain the primary difference between your two companies Holocene & Arthro Biotech in terms of their goals as well as the focus areas?

The core vision of Holocene primarily revolves around the development of insect technology. Initially, the company focused on waste management, which also remains its ongoing endeavor. Although I am no longer in an executive position at Holocene, I still hold shares in that company, and its regular operations continue as before. However, the reason behind establishing a new company was to explore different applications of insect technology beyond waste management. With Arthro Biotech, we aim to specifically explore the sector of clean commodities. In the animal feed sector, fish meal obtained from the ocean is commonly used to feed the inland fishes. This is a “fish-in-fish-out” concept, which involves extracting fish from the ocean to feed fish and shrimp on land, resulting in an unsustainable ratio – such as: four fish taken from the ocean to produce one fish on land. This approach is not only environmentally unsustainable, but also economically inefficient. The fish meal industry itself is valued at around $7 billion. Here is where insect protein comes into picture and plays a crucial role. By utilizing insect ingredients, we aim to replace fish meal, allowing fish to remain in their natural habitat and making the animal supply chain more sustainable. Moreover, we have access to tons of insect biomass on a daily basis. Insect biomass is relatively unexplored in both academic and industrial settings. Insects contain numerous valuable molecules beyond just protein and fat, including substances that can be important for the cosmetics and nutraceutical industries, such as antimicrobial peptides, melanin, and chitin. Our objective is to extract and utilize these molecules; producing biopesticides and exploring the potential to develop recombinant proteins. We see the transformation of the chemical industry, gradually shifting towards enzymatic processes. Chemical processes often contribute significantly to environmental pollution and lack the purity found in enzymatic processes. Industries require cost-effective enzymes, similar to those used in detergents. Insects possess the ability to rapidly increase their biomass, multiplying by up to 2,000-fold in just ten days. We aim to harness this tremendous growth potential to produce enzymes and proteins for various industrial applications, both for human as well as industrial use. So that was the major driving point for us to have two separate companies- Holocene, for waste management and Arthro Biotech for clean commodities using insect technology.

Could you elaborate a bit more on how insect technology utilizes the distinct biological characteristics of insects to effectively tackle global challenges, such as waste management, in a manner that is both sustainable and efficient?

In the past, and even today in some villages, food waste was disposed of in dump yards near homes. Insects naturally thrive in these dumps, and chickens would feed on these insects, and the nutrients would eventually find their way back into the food cycle when chickens are consumed by humans.Thus, nutrients are recycled from food waste naturally. This process of insects decomposing organic materials and recycling nutrients back into the food chain occurred without any human intervention. However, in modern times, the waste degradation process takes place through anaerobic digestion, where methane is released and leachate goes to the groundwater. In such a scenario, insects (which may in fact be faster than bacteria in degrading waste) are not able to contribute towards the waste degradation process. Our mission is to reintroduce insects into the waste management system and thus, by and large- into the economy. By doing so, we aim to recycle nutrients and restore them back to the food system.

The insects which we use are black soldier flies (BSF). BSF is a naturally occurring species that primarily feeds on soft and decaying materials. While it can consume fruits, it is unable to digest plant residue such as leaves or branches due to their lignin or cellulose content. However, there are other insects specifically suited for processing such materials- such as locusts, although they are often considered pests. Nevertheless, if there is a specific need, controlled facilities can be established, even for those types of insects. However, utmost caution must be taken due to the risks involved. On the other hand, BSF are relatively simpler to manage, and we do not encounter significant concerns. In fact, there have been numerous publications (approximately 6,000), available in PubMed, and none of them suggest any negative aspects associated with BSF as compared to other insects.

In the year 2021 you received the BIRAC Big Grant to upcycle Abattoir waste Could you share your approach towards treating Abattoir waste and the overall experience throughout this entire process?

The journey with Abattoir waste was quite interesting for us! The modern-day abattoirs hide a complex world beyond what is visible to us. It was eye-opening to understand the business model behind these facilities. Each day, the abattoirs we worked with would slaughter around 2,000 buffaloes a day. They have around six to seven such plants across India and export buffalo meat. But have you ever wondered where these buffaloes come from? They are in fact sourced from the dairy industry. After around five years of milk production, the buffaloes are sent to the slaughterhouses. Unlike cows, buffaloes do not have shelters (goshalas) and are considered redundant. Consequently, they all end up in the abattoirs. Slaughtering 2,000 buffaloes daily requires a huge amount of water, resulting in the release of a significant amount of water waste. The abattoirs use approximately two lakh tons of water per day, and this water contains suspended solids comprising protein, fat, blood amongst other substances, that make up about 70 tons of the total volume. Consequently, this 70-ton sludge needs to be treated appropriately. The abattoirs had been employing some not so useful methods, but we proposed the implementation of the black soldier fly- technology. This sludge being highly nutritious can be a valuable resource. The factory had attempted to dry out the sludge and use it in briquettes. However, our proposal involved treating it with BSF and converting it into compost. The proteins and fats present in the sludge could be transformed into insect protein by the black soldier flies. The factory, having its own pet food division, could utilize the insect protein in their pet feed. We offered them three successful trials at different scales to demonstrate this feasibility- the technology and the results were impressive!

How do your companies (Holocene & Arthro Biotech) handle waste generated during the upcycling process, and how do you maintain a balance between waste generation and the amount of waste utilized for upcycling?

The main principle of insect technology is that there is no waste generation. For example, if we are processing 100 tons, we may generate only around 500 kilograms of Insect waste and at Arthro Biotech, we are isolating valuable compounds such as chitin and melanin from the very little amount of waste generated. We are trying to create a revenue-generating biotechnology model even with this little waste generated. In general, if waste is being produced, it indicates a lack of understanding of deriving value from it. In my opinion, there is no such thing as waste in nature. As humans, we sometimes label things as waste which may in fact become a valuable resource for a different industry, it is just dependent on the way we look at it.

Looking back, what do you consider the most critical factors that contributed to the success of Holocene? Are there any specific milestones or achievements that you are particularly proud of?

My journey in a way was a little different. I had financial support from a company that was also a family-run business. This had its own advantages as well as disadvantages. Leveraging their capital and infrastructure allowed us to progress to some extent, but it also took us three years to fully understand the potential of black soldier flies (BSF) and build a business model around BSF insect technology. If you go through a professional setting such as an accelerator or incubator, the process would likely have been faster, requiring less financial investment. In an incubator or accelerator one can get an opportunity to engage with different individuals, bounce ideas, receive feedback, and also explore many opportunities. As an entrepreneur, it is crucial to engage with as many people as possible; expanding your repertoire of thoughts beyond what is visible. I didn’t follow this approach initially, but I would highly recommend it to anyone who is starting new. Surround yourself with a supportive and knowledgeable environment, seek guidance, help from others, and never hesitate to ask for help, regardless of how small or insignificant it may appear. I myself practice this regularly. When it came to milestones in our journey it involved overcoming the major bottleneck of BSF breeding, which required significant effort. Thus, the first milestone was reached when we were able to produce a sizable amount of BSF. Once we achieved success in this area, other aspects such as developing downstream technologies and constructing a scalable business model was more on the manageable side. This progress took us forward in the field of waste management.

How can scientific institutions and researchers incorporate sustainability considerations into their work? What steps can be taken to ensure that scientific advancements align with sustainable principles and goals?

Generally, academics develop basic technologies, and I believe that it is the responsibility of companies to recognize their potential and commercialize them. This is why I have envisioned a healthy dialogue between the academia and the industry. In Germany, there is an excellent relationship between academia and industry. For instance, Airbus, a European company mainly located in France and Germany, collaborates closely with universities, and vocational courses are designed keeping the company in mind. Apart from this, the establishment of ‘Clusters of Excellence’ allows for a greater interaction between Academia and Industry. These clusters attract companies that wish to participate and contribute to the technological advancements being developed by universities within the cluster. Once the technologies are developed, the companies commercialize them, often with a small royalty paid to the academic institution which had developed that particular technology. These types of interactions highlight the importance of aligning academia and industry on a common path.

Unfortunately, in India, academia and industry often fail to work together due to a lack of understanding and communication between the both. Academics may struggle to understand industry language, while industry doesn’t understand academia’s bureaucracy. Bridging this gap is crucial, and I believe that individuals like me can play an important role in facilitating active collaboration between academia and industry as it is of a personal interest to me.

What are your thoughts on the future of sustainability as a career path? How do you see the field evolving, and what opportunities do you foresee for individuals passionate about sustainability?

Looking back over the past century, from 1900 to 2000, sustainability was neglected, not valued, and overlooked. But today, everything is being viewed through a sustainability lens, including investments and stock markets. Every sector, from automobiles to electronics, food, and construction, is moving toward sustainability. There is no other way; we must share resources in a sustainable manner rather than exploiting one side and neglecting the other. Sustainability is being deeply ingrained into our economic systems.

As a sustainability enthusiast, I feel that it is very important to find your niche, identify gaps and opportunities in a particular field, and build a sustainable business model; or join a company that shares the same vision. There are no shortcuts to sustainability; it requires dedicated effort due to the extensive damage that we have created over the years. New age companies are recognizing the value of sustainability to survive. Even the government is coming up with plans to reduce carbon emissions and meet international commitments, such as the Paris Climate Accord. This is the era for sustainability. Briefly the journey of human civilisations has been – Hunter gatherers to Agriculture to Industrialization and now, we are moving towards Sustainable Agriculture and Sustainable Industrialization.

Aishwarya Muriki Author

Career Stories

Career Stories: Chapter 25

28th September 202328th September 2023 Academia Plus

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.

Anila Sudhir Author

Career Stories

Career Stories: Chapter 24

21st September 202328th September 2023 Academia Plus

In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the story of Vivek Mishra, who is the founder and CEO of Fibroheal Woundcare Pvt. Ltd. In this candid chat, he talks at length about his entrepreneurial journey, what went into building his venture and the lessons he learnt and took with himself from the Academia to the Industry.

What lessons did you learn from your undergraduate course in Pharmacy and Management and how did you incorporate both in establishing this start-up?

I was an average student with decent skills during my college days. I realised later that I was always instrumental in getting things done during my undergraduate days, even if it was something as simple as a mass bunk. I had the skill to percolate things. Now, after a decade, I can relate to it, but back then, I was unaware. With the goal of being financially independent, I wanted to pursue a masters in Pharmacy. However, an incident later led me to pursue an MBA. Even though I pursued an MBA, I ended up being in research and running a hardcore research-driven company. Looking back, probably I played by my strengths unknowingly. I was good at managing things, consequently, pursuing a management degree provided the foundation for my career. Today, my management degree enables me to make a significantly greater impact on people’s lives and address a wider range of issues, surpassing what I could have achieved with an M.Pharm. Some pivotal lessons I learned from my graduation are- identifying an area of interest, the main skill set, how to communicate effectively, and how to utilise that to create an impact in people’s lives. Engaging in such speculation at an early stage will aid in making an informed decision about choosing a career path, instead of simply succumbing to herd mentality and feeling compelled to pursue an MBA or Ph.D. just because others are doing so.

Nevertheless, at the end of the day, life is just about exploring and figuring out what you will enjoy doing. Prior to making a decision, it is essential to consider these factors with a 5-to-10-year outlook in mind. After my MBA, I worked for two other firms, British Biologicals, and Metahelix LifeSciences. Eventually, Fibroheal was established in the year 2017.

You mentioned you worked in a few companies before this start-up. What made you start something of your own venture?

My motivation was straightforward. I wanted to solve a problem. Everybody has had a wound that takes a while to recover, whether it was a cut, an injury, or a bruise. I wanted to find a solution to this problem. As a Pharmacy graduate, I have consistently been captivated by the realms of biomaterials, wounds, and surgical materials during my academic journey. These topics have continuously piqued my curiosity and kept me engaged in exploring their various facets. There’s a popular saying that action is the foundational key to all success. Similarly, the increased frequency of things in my life can be attributed to my motivation and willingness to take action. As a specific example, I began encountering more information about silk. My lack of knowledge about silk led me to explore this versatile biomaterial. When I went to buy a saree for my mother, I discovered the process of reeling and the variety of silks available. We also ran into a lot of people who were into this idea as well. For instance, we met Bharat, who had founded an animal healthcare firm, Vetcare. He shared our interest in silk and connected us with a prominent plastic surgeon; this was the catalyst for the creation of Fibroheal. It is rightly said that when people who share similar interests and energy come together it leads to fresh perspectives of solving a problem. Having worked in a professional setup, I approached Fibroheal with a solve-one-problem-at-a-time strategy. This led to the growth of Fibroheal and created an impact. During the start-up’s establishment, I was not clear where I was heading. Nevertheless, I was certain that silk is a remarkable biomaterial as supported by several publications and studies. The sole clarity we had was conducting research related to silk and, eventually, executing it. This is how we got to where we are now.

Based on your experience, can you please give us a step-by-step process of how to go about a start-up idea, especially in science?

Firstly, you have to identify in which field you’d like to dedicate your next ten years. I won’t say 30 years or a lifetime, but at least 10 years, because building a good sustainable company that offers a healthy work culture requires dedication. Fibroheal is now in its sixth year. After identifying the field, you need to ascertain whether there is a market demand or whether you possess the patience or potential to establish a new market. Every mother feels that her child is wonderful. Similarly, you may perceive your technology as excellent. However, it is essential to critically analyse the market acceptance. Identifying industry pain points is crucial for the successful adoption of your science, technology, or product. This is called the inversion strategy which involves looking at a problem backwards.

Post which you can come up with solutions for that particular problem. It can be a direct product to the customer, to hospitals, to academia or research, or even self-service. At this stage, the execution of a concept is a crucial component. Initially, how and at what speed you are executing will not be clear. Think of it like carrying a candle in a dark forest. Once you take the first step, the subsequent steps and the path forward will be visible. No mentor or expert will be able to assist you in this process since it demands a leap of faith. They will only come for the post-mortem to show you what went wrong.

Once you have a good understanding of it, you should obtain a patent or an Intellectual Property Right (IPR) to protect it.

You mentioned in a previous interview the importance of networking in start-up. What other skills are necessary at a graduate level and master’s level and how can one acquire these skills?

Networking is a crucial skill in this field, but it can be a double-edged sword, serving both as an agonist and an antagonist. In this industry, professionals are always eager to explore fresh ideas and innovative solutions. As a platform catering to students and connecting academia with the industry, I can draw a parallel with a similar experience. For instance, if either I or my HR team receives a CV (Curriculum vitae) that solely highlights previous professional experiences, we probably won’t respond. On the contrary, when individuals express their interest in your work and emphasise all pertinent facts and figures, the situation is different. In our case, the prevalence of diabetes, ulcers, and wounds in India, and how Fibroheal impacts wound healing both in India and globally creates a lasting impression. When there is a vacancy, we typically search for CVs using specific keywords. Therefore, customising your CV to match the employer’s requirements can significantly boost your chances of being accepted. However, it is essential to acknowledge that there might be an 80% gap between your past work experiences and the specific needs of the company. There is a difference between academic standards and industry standards since the industry is more practical and solution-oriented. Employers will look at the email from a fresh perspective if you include the major problems faced by the industry, market research, and if possible a potential solution to it. Even when highly qualified candidates with Ph.D. or Post-Doc backgrounds apply, some of the key criteria that industries consider may be missing in their applications.

To use the area of wound healing as an example, we know that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been utilised for years owing to its antibacterial property. So, you can come up with some applications of it, like nanoparticles, which can be integrated into our products. This shows your inclination towards doing something which is not just a mere job. There are plenty of organisations that will give you a job, but if you want to make an impact, there are only a few, and you need to actively seek out individuals who possess these problem-solving capabilities.

It is an asset to be constantly upbeat and full of energy since employers today are seeking people with a lot of excitement and energy. When you are optimistic and energetic, possibilities will start to present themselves. Instead of boasting about your accomplishments, talk about what the firm is doing and emphasise how you will strengthen their team. After the ‘Start-up India‘ movement, there has been a noticeable rise in various industry-related events such as seminars, workshops, and conferences taking place not only in Tier-I but also in Tier-II cities. These platforms serve to address and discuss current developments within the industry. Overthere you can interact with people who are solving some genuine problems which can be environmental or even day-to-day issues like traffic-related problems. Interacting with those who are skilled at solving problems will help you acquire the skill to recognise a specific issue and come up with a logical solution. To establish a stronger connection with these people, you might also apply to volunteer as a student at a college.

What does team building for a start-up constitute? Any nuggets of wisdom on how to go about that?

Each department must be extremely transparent in order to build a team. R&D asserts that they have the solution, but production raises the question of what happens if the goods aren’t provided. Sales claims that without their efforts, there won’t be any revenue from sales. Marketing, on the other hand, takes responsibility for all marketing and communication efforts that drive sales. Meanwhile, finance asks what the plan is if they can’t secure the necessary funds. We cannot decide which department is the best. In my opinion, all the departments are like the five fingers, and if you can bring them all together to form a fist, you can create a great business. In order to achieve a shared vision, complete openness and honesty are crucial among all departments. The company’s name, reputation, solutions, and products should be the first priority over individual interests. To foster unity, transparency is essential, and regular meetings are necessary to encourage open communication and resolve any potential disputes effectively. For instance, if an employee needs to visit a bank during business hours, they can inform their respective department head and arrange to compensate for the missed time on another day. This highlights the importance of open communication within every team and organisation. Additionally, to foster a healthy work culture, it is essential to address employees’ needs, such as ensuring timely and regular compensation- an aspect that is often overlooked in many start-ups.

What does a typical day as the CEO of Fibroheal look like?

I start my day usually between 9-9:30 with a cup of green tea. On Saturdays, I am out in the field meeting customers, clients, and various vendors. Every other day, we have a meeting with the departmental heads where there is a face-to-face discussion. Production will question R&D, R&D will question marketing, and marketing will question finance. These meetings are devoid of formalities, as expected in professional set-ups. These are conducted in vernacular languages and are called scrums. As a result, any task has a two-day turnaround time since everyone is accountable to one another. For instance, if you suggested something today and it isn’t completed by tomorrow, it will be addressed in the meeting the day after tomorrow.

After this I answer emails. One of the rules I follow is to leave 50% to 60% of my time free in case any department needs me. A crucial aspect I prioritise in my daily activities is reserving time for a broader perspective. For example, currently, I oversee a team of 40 employees but aspire to expand it to 80. I understand that focusing solely on the existing 40 won’t allow for the successful integration of the additional 40. As a result, my daily schedule doesn’t follow a fixed blueprint. A significant portion of my time is dedicated to meeting people and ensuring that no problem is overlooked or left unresolved. My approach is to find solutions to challenges, and if necessary, take a decision to close the matter. I frequently have meetings with clients, customers, and vendors. I am also up to date with what’s happening in this field of study. We have to accept the fact that even the ‘Chief Everything Officer’ is not aware of everything. At the end of the day, he is also a human being who has his own shortfalls and weaknesses. To ensure progress in these areas, I actively engage with individuals who are contributing to the growth of the company. Through increased interactions, we identify weaknesses and brainstorm solutions together. Generally, we call it a day at 6 pm. We ensure nobody stays after that. Working beyond 6:30 PM implies a waste of the company’s resources. This is what a typical day in my life looks like.

What challenges do you face in your professional career and how do you overcome them?

One of the most significant challenges I encounter is effectively managing individual egos. While other issues like funding, approvals, and regulations can be addressed, dealing with human egos is a complex cognitive process that impacts everyone to some degree. It’s common for each person to firmly believe they are right, and this can create obstacles in the decision-making process. Furthermore, at Fibroheal, I encourage a culture where every individual is free to approach me with their perspectives and provide logical reasoning to challenge my choices. Additionally, if someone wishes to resign, I respect their decision, as mutual respect between everyone is crucial, and it can only be achieved through open communication.

Dealing with the complexities of human emotions and aligning everyone towards a common goal is indeed the most significant challenge we face in our organisation. And, fostering a culture of openness, respect, and constant communication can help us overcome that.

What piece of advice would you like to give college graduates who want to become an entrepreneur?

Drawing upon my personal experience, I believe that focus is paramount. Maintaining laser-like focus in all your endeavours is crucial. Sometimes, it might take six months or even a year of consistent effort before seeing tangible results. However, if you persist and continue working on the same thing, the outcomes can be exceptional, setting you apart from most people. Having faith in what you pursue and trusting your gut instincts are essential. Your passion and interests should be guided by your intuition, so follow them with confidence. As a student, it’s natural to make mistakes, and I advise those in their 20s and early 30s to embrace this phase of life and make as many mistakes as possible. Mistakes are valuable learning opportunities, and the cost of making them is relatively low until around the age of 30 to 35, after which they can become fairly expensive. When someone asserts something as true, don’t simply accept it at face value; take the initiative to verify it yourself. Even if you don’t immediately find the answer, the process of seeking knowledge is valuable and contributes to your growth. Embrace the journey of discovery, and don’t be discouraged by occasional misses along the way.

Another crucial aspect is being open to trying out new ideas and embracing the possibility of failure. It’s important not to fear failure because even when things don’t go as planned, there’s always a valuable lesson to be learned. Maintaining an optimistic outlook and learning from failures are vital traits to cultivate. As human beings, our decisions won’t always yield the desired outcomes. However, we should view failure positively as it offers opportunities for growth. In any given situation, if we attempt ten things, it’s likely that six or seven of them will be successful. The challenge lies with the two or three that may not work out as intended. Nonetheless, achieving a success rate of 60-70% is quite commendable and is what we refer to as the ‘Law of wasted efforts.‘ Until the law of wasted efforts reaches 30%, the situation remains favourable and serves as a valuable lesson. For instance, when a tiger hunts its prey, it successfully catches it only around 30% of the time. As entrepreneurs, we should understand and adhere to the law of wasted efforts. It means acknowledging that the path we choose will have its share of failures that we must accept and overcome, in order to succeed.

Furthermore, adapting to changing times and situations is essential. When I started Fibroheal, the goal was to focus on healing burns specifically. However, as we progressed, we expanded our scope to healing wounds in general, embracing a broader objective. Looking back at the initial 2017 objective, one might argue that it was not fully achieved, but that doesn’t imply failure. Unexpected events like the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, posing unforeseen challenges, yet it made our organisation even stronger. Surviving a pandemic for two years demonstrates resilience, and it gives confidence that the business can withstand and overcome future challenges. Remaining open to such situations and being receptive to new opportunities is crucial. Staying focused, committed, not letting failure deter you, and being willing to try out different approaches, even if they lead to mistakes, are valuable pieces of advice I would like to share with students and aspiring entrepreneurs. Embracing adaptability and a willingness to evolve can lead to long-term success and growth in any venture.

Sonam Shinde Author

Career Stories

Career Stories: Chapter 22

7th September 20238th September 2023 Academia Plus

In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the story of Saloni Godbole, who is a scientist-turned entrepreneur. In this candid chat, she talks about her journey as a scientist as well as an entrepreneur and shares insights on how one can embark upon the journey of entrepreneurship in life sciences.

Please take us through your journey. Tell us about your childhood, what motivated you to take Science, study Microbiology?

You have taken me back 10 years from now to when the decisions of choosing a career took place. I was a pretty average to good student in school, who was very active and present – someone the teachers loved and I also in turn liked my teachers. I didn’t like math, so I knew one thing for sure- that when I grew up, I would not be getting into engineering! I always had an idea about my skills and abilities and was very active in extracurricular activities such as painting and handicraft. In fact, till 9th std I wanted to be an artist and I had almost decided to take up fine arts as my career. However, one fine day it struck me that painting is more of a mood-centric hobby that I won’t be able to take up as a job, or an obligation. Then I thought of the second option that I was good at – and that was biology. Thus, with some advice from my mom, I decided to keep art as a hobby and took up science after my 10th standard. 11th and 12th standard were easier as well as interesting- I got introduced to terms like DNA, RNA, microbes, genetic engineering. Eventually through discussions with family friends and acquaintances, I realised that I was more inclined towards microbiology than biotechnology, and that was a subject that could provide me with a strong basis to study biotechnology later on. Hence, I took up microbiology as my bachelors degree. After my bachelors degree I realised that I loved the subject and hence pursued my masters in the same subject.

After my masters, I had realised that the way the subjects are taught in college is not enough to be able to earn a PhD position abroad. So, I took up an internship at Tata Memorial Cancer Research Institute where I was exposed to hardcore research. That experience made me realize that it is not only research that I am looking for– but it is actually applied research. I would not want to only arrive at some conclusions and keep writing research papers, but would like to convert my knowledge into technology that is useful for the masses. That’s when I also realized that I do not need to pursue a PhD immediately and began my journey as a bioscience entrepreneur!

Could you elaborate more on your specific interest in applied research and the realization of not wanting to pursue research in basic sciences?

My coursework during my Bachelors required me to take up a project in the last semester which introduced me to research. What interested me was the fact that in research you take up a problem statement and you arrive at your own ways for solving it. There is no formula here. And while there are certain methods that you follow, there is no right or wrong answer in research; there is always observation and analysis. Later, during my masters I pursued research on biosurfactants producing microbes and we created a technology which an industry actually bought from our college- that’s where I got the initial motivation to convert research into products!

As mentioned before, my internship at Tata Memorial Cancer Research Institute after my masters, also made me realize further that I do not want to pursue pure research. I also realized that in government institutes in India, scientists get a lot of funding to do research, but a most of those funds are channelized towards presenting research papers. So it made me wonder– ‘why is it that in spite of getting funding we are not able to create something which is applicable?’ That is what triggered my interest in developing a product of my own.

How was the idea of Occamy Biosciences born? What were the challenges you faced and how did you address them?

Six months before I left the Tata Memorial Cancer Research Institute, I had already started thinking of starting a company, and therefore engaged myself in networking and finding the right kind of people. Fortunately, there was a senior scientist who also wanted to do something of his own. So, I started talking to him and realized that we both could start a company together- my lack of experience could be compensated by him guiding me. We completed the legal process of registering the company in August 2018. The initial journey was quite tough- we were very naive, didn’t know the nature of the company that should be formed, the guidelines etc.

Since we did not have our own research at that point, we approached scientists who were engaged in developing technologies and bought the technologies from them. We also did extensive analysis of the kind of research and work that was taking place in research institutions- trying to understand whether there was any convertible solution there, especially in places like cancer diagnostics, therapy and drugs.

Then, my co-founder suggested that we should get into the animal husbandry domain because it’s a very neglected domain in India and it’s not as complicated as cancer biology. The idea was that any product which could be made for animals will also sell faster and in turn give us the money required to run our daily operations. However, there were still a lot of challenges- such as setting up a factory, looking for a place, apply for funding/loans from the government etc.

Eventually, we got a loan sanctioned from the bank and built a manufacturing unit. This was March 2020- and while we were all ready to start manufacturing, COVID struck the world. After the pandemic subsided, we did not operate for 3-4 months and suffered some losses.

Looking back, there were many difficulties that came our way but because we were passionate about doing something we went on facing everything with patience and that’s how the journey began. Now we will be entering our fifth year and we are growing as a company.

Can you tell us more about Occamy Biosciences?

Occamy was started with a vision that we are Scientist turned Entrepreneurs. So the idea was to start a company by scientists to come up with scientifically proven products. Our main forte is to come up with products by doing research on the science behind it, prove it within the Indian scenario and bring it to the end-users. If you look at the word ‘Occamy’ it is the name of a character from the series- Harry Potter Fantastic Beasts. Occamy is a peacock-like creature in the series which has all attributes that we would want to associate ourselves with- it is Indian by nature, very original and has the ability to change its size based on its surroundings. So the name resonates with us and our approach of running the company.

The first thing we made was protein supplements for animals. Because we realized that there are a lot of supplements that fulfill a human’s nutritional requirements but there are no such supplements available for animals. After doing some extensive research, we developed products, got them tested and started working with farmers. The first range of products we have created is for cattles – to improve animal productivity and the quality of milk.

Now, apart from animal related nutrition products, we are doing a lot of research to come up with products for humans as well.

Can you describe an incident from your workplace that is really close to you?

During the initial period when we were testing our products, we went to a farmer in Mumbai to give him a trial product to try it on his animal. His buffalo was giving really low milk and it was very old and hence no longer profitable to the farmer. So he was going to give it up for culling. We requested him to try our product for 4-5 days and that if there was no improvement, then he could go ahead with his initial decision. So he agreed and just in four days the health improved so much that the buffalo started giving milk better than what it was. After seeing the benefits of the feed on the animal, he decided to keep it for one more year. This incident made me realize that our work could benefit someone on such a grassroot level.

Another such incident was where there was one old cow which was just lying around, completely losing its hair and skin. With the incorporation of our feed, the health of that cow improved.

There were also some instances when we realized our products have helped improve the quality of milk, which is indirectly also improving human health. There are cases in which adulteration in milk is also causing cancer because milk is adulterated with the chemicals, that the animals are injected with. So somewhere we are trying to reduce these practices, reducing the instances of cancer and other diseases due to adulteration. If we see the impact it really gives us goosebumps and ensures that although it will take some time, we have to be on this path.

What were your thoughts staring out? Did you feel doubtful about entering into the journey of entrepreneurship?

I actually didn’t know that it was something unique. I did it because I liked doing it. In those times, I just followed my heart–something I always wanted to do. When it came to business, initially there were so many times that I really doubted myself. Because until and unless there is financial success you always doubt yourself. The career choices that we make are usually dictated by the money and the lifestyle we want to give to ourselves and our family. There were so many challenges that we faced especially during COVID when our funds were stranded. Meanwhile my friends were growing in their life, having good employment, job security. They were getting married, having children; everything was so wonderful for them. So when there is comparison there is always self doubt. But what worked in my favor is that I’m quite self motivated. More importantly, in my college days I came across practicing meditation. That was a very big support system for me, especially during the pandemic. It really helped me and was the reason that self doubt never really poisoned me. It takes patience and you have to be very persevering. But when you see people appreciating you, that gives you hope.

You have transitioned through different roles in your career. How did you acclimatise yourself through these transitions?

When I started the company I was very naive and I did not know how to behave like a cofounder or a director. I was just being myself. I had a natural inclination of being an entrepreneur. I think it came from my grandparents. Both my grandmothers are very enterprising. With whatever they did they had a business mindset. I think, I somewhere imbibed that mindset to sell – whether it is my art or anything else that I created,

I missed doing research a lot in the initial times when I was not in touch with the lab. I missed that environment of constantly being curious and patient, being okay when your results fail. But I believe that all the skills that are required to become an entrepreneur were developed during my training as a scientist. Becoming an entrepreneur is easy if you are a science student. I firmly believe that life in science teaches you everything you need to become an entrepreneur. So becoming one was easy. But it was in the last two years when I was exposed to other people, startups, and business, that is when I realized that there are certain skills I’m good at and certain skills that I need to really develop to be at par with everyone out there. So I started working on my own self as a cofounder, as an entrepreneur. Till then I was just going with the flow. I’ve taken a lot of effort to understand how business works, what entrepreneurship really is and what it means to be a woman in business. There are so many other things that came to me in the last few years through which the actual learning of being an entrepreneur happened. It was a time taking process but the transition happened gradually. You need to put a lot of effort on yourself to move through the transition.

What do you like the most about being an entrepreneur in your field? What keeps you motivated?

The best part about being an entrepreneur is having the independence to be your own boss. However, it’s a double-edged sword. You have to always keep yourself motivated and ensure that you are on the right track.

My personality is such that I cannot work under someone. I have my own ideas. I can incorporate suggestions but I have to ensure things are done in a particular way only. So with my nature, I realize that being an entrepreneur is the only way because entrepreneurship gives me the openness, and the freedom to be myself; to lead my own self as well as people who are working with me. That is what I love about entrepreneurship.

What motivates me is the fact that we are doing something for the environment, society, for everyone. By doing small things, albeit, over a longer period of time, we are able to create a larger impact on the society. Our work is to make high quality products and ensure that it reaches the farmers. What happens later due to this– the benefits for animals, farmers, society and environment, is the impact that we create. When we look at the benefits and the money we get by doing something that we feel good doing, we feel that we are on the right track.

This is what inspires me everyday–the fact that we are able to do something for our country and for the animals around us. So when we think of the larger picture, that’s motivating.

According to you, what can be done to encourage more women to take up entrepreneurship roles?

I had talked about this recently at the Indian Women’s Science Association-I would think about the changes in two ways: firstly in girls/women, and secondly in the surroundings. According to me the women need to change themselves in a manner that they become confident of who they are. Being confident does not mean being rude. It is about being compassionate yet being strong to fight for what you believe in. Women have to realize if they really are enterprising, which I think they are and they need to explore more.

When it comes to surroundings whether it is society, parents, circumstances, they should also be more open. What society can do is– make it easy for women. For example; you will not see women working in rural areas, because there are no washrooms, no hygienic toilets and no safety. So the surroundings need to change, become more open for women to travel and should be safe and hygienic so that women can explore different places and also get the job done.

Very often it’s also a taboo that women will not get proper marriage proposals if they are into business because no man wants a dominating wife. People should understand that we are not bossing around in our houses, we already are a boss in our office. We can differentiate our family life and our work life. The men should be more supportive; they should be open to doing household chores that would reduce the women’s workload.

So if a rise in entrepreneurship happens, it would be because there is change in the society and in women as well. Now we are in an era where a lot of women are turning towards entrepreneurship.

However, it is first essential to understand ourselves and ask ourselves- Is entrepreneurial approach really our way? Is it something that interests us? It is only when the path truly interests us, that one should become an entrepreneur, not just because everyone around us is becoming one. In a startup not everyone is a leader; you need followers, managers, and everyone in the team plays different roles. So we need to understand whether we are a leader, follower or manager. Some people have really good ideas and they know how to manage people and get the work done. Some of us are good followers; so if there is a command given, we can follow it excellently. Those people are also needed in the team. So let us be confident with who we are and love ourselves for being what we are. Then there will naturally be more startups, entrepreneurs whether it is women, men or anyone else.

Please tell us about your work as a meditation trainer at Heartfulness Institute. How has this practice helped you professionally and personally?

I was first introduced to meditation by a college teacher who I admired. During that time I did it for the sake of it. But then I came across the Heartfulness Institute for meditation. They did a session in our college after which my mom noticed a lot of change in me. Eventually, my mom got interested in it and I was also willing to give it a chance.

At Heartfulness Institute after the introduction of the practice, there are trainers who act like your buddies. You can ask them your doubts, and also meditate with them. My trainer, who was a laser scientist from Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) was a very good inspiration for me. Seeing a scientist practicing meditation inspired me that in future if I want to be a successful scientist I also need to practice meditation. I started going to her and eventually my mom also joined. Slowly we both started seeing a lot of positive changes in us- our sleep cycles and our thought patterns improved. We got a lot of clarity about the work that we were doing. I had an opportunity to volunteer as a trainer in 2016, and that experience was also quite helpful.

I liked the Heartfulness way of meditation because it is based on a scientific approach. It is based on experience- one does it only if they find it useful after a first-hand experience. Because the approach was logical, I followed it. With all the difficulties I had in my career, I was able to make the right decision because of having clarity of thought due to meditation.

Apart from this, a lot of character-building also takes place due to meditation- so that even when things are turbulent around us, we can be at peace. When I started working and having employees, they liked my approach as a mentor-which made me realize that this indeed works! The courage that I have to start a company, the clarity and confidence, are qualities I never had in me before- Heartfulness brought these changes in me. I find myself to be a very evolved person then what I was in college. Meditation empowers me and that’s why I kept doing it.

What career advice would you like to give to students based on your experience?

Take your parents’ help while making decisions related to your career. If your parents are not equipped enough, then you can consult their friend circles, or anyone else that is relevant, but always keep talking to people who are in a domain of expertise that you want to go to. That will give you a lot of clarity.

Also, try to understand what it is that you really like to do; something that your heart desires. All of us have an inclination towards something– whether it is history, music or art. Identify what you love. Ask yourself what activities, topics or tasks make you lose track of time or bring you immense satisfaction. If you have found such a thing, that is something you would want to do as a career. For example, you can be a consultant if you’re good at advising. Find out what you’re good at, keep questioning your own ideas and interests, talk to your friends and discuss with them.

And more importantly it is okay if you are clueless. But if you are clueless and you have to make decisions at that moment, take broader decisions that will allow you to have multiple options in the future. Keep all options open until you realize what you like.

Start by exploring the world around you. By exposing yourself to a variety of experiences, people and ideas you increase the chances of discovering something that truly sparks your interest. Use the internet for the right reasons. Somewhere there will be something that interests you. You can explore it more and maybe then you’ll find your way!

Siddhi Bodke Author

Career Stories

Career Stories: Chapter 21

31st August 202331st August 2023 Academia Plus

In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the story of Kirthana Sindhe, who has an extensive experience of working in the pharma industry. In this candid chat, she talks about her journey in the life sciences industry and shares some nuggets on acing the Academia-Industry Transition.

After engineering, what influenced you to choose research and pursue PhD?

After completing my bachelors in biotechnology, I pursued a masters in pharmaceutical chemistry and biotechnology at VIT Vellore. My passion for research was ignited during my masters dissertation at IISc (Indian Institute of Science), Bangalore, which led me to pursue a PhD at JNCASR (Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research). Following that, I gained valuable research experience through a postdoc at UCSF (University of California, San Francisco), where I observed different research mindsets, cutting-edge facilities, and executed projects. Overall, these experiences have enriched my understanding of research.

I see that you have done sMBA. Could you tell us what degree it is? What is the difference between sMBA and regular MBA?

sMBA, or Scientist MBA, is ideal for PhDs seeking to transition into management positions in the industry without pursuing a separate MBA program. This course is offered by Cheeky Scientist which is an organisation dedicated to helping PhDs transition into industry jobs. This program is designed for those interested in management over and above traditional R&D (Research and Development) or scientist roles, facilitating a smooth career switch to industry.

The sMBA program is a self-paced program which consists of video or audio-guided modules. Unlike a traditional two-year MBA, sMBA covers management-level modules at a superficial level without extensive case studies. While a regular MBA is recommended for a deeper understanding of management roles, sMBA is sufficient for transitioning and provides basic business acumen.

Were your goals clear before PhD and what led you to choose industry over academia despite changing track after engineering?

I was always interested in shifting to industry, influenced by my peers and fellow friends who secured placements during my PhD. During my postdoc in San Francisco, I witnessed ideas materialize into start-ups which inspired me to transition into a business role. The fast-paced environment, immediate application of work for human benefit, better pay scale, and ample growth opportunities in industry motivated me to move out of academia. The industry offered a broader vision and diverse career path, making it a rewarding choice. Joining Zumutor Biologics, a cancer immunotherapeutic start-up, aligned perfectly with my R&D experience.

What would you suggest to someone who wishes to transition into industry – to switch after a masters or a PhD? How would you describe the level of support you experienced in academia compared to the industry?

Both paths have their merits. With a masters degree, you enter as a fresher, possibly with lower pay. Additionally, it takes a longer time to advance to higher positions. In contrast, a PhD invests more in education and research, fostering independence and advanced skills. Moving from academia to the industry as a PhD graduate still makes you a fresher in the industry, but around 60-70% of your knowledge and experience can be applied. I would say having a PhD can accelerate your progression in the industry. However, ultimately it’s a personal choice between gaining early industry experience and advancing later or getting deeper into research and transitioning directly to higher positions.

In both academia and industry, I experienced a supportive environment. I would say that irrespective of the setting, it is the people and networking that matter most. I think valuing relationships and reciprocating support are essential for fostering a positive environment. I was fortunate enough to receive support in both realms.

What was your inspiration to start Runninggenes ^®? How do you manage your time effectively while pursuing a job as well as freelancing?

Runninggenes^® is a fitness community platform through which I help others to achieve their fitness goals and guide them to ensure a healthy lifestyle. During my postdoc in the USA, I faced tough times and numerous research failures. I was feeling unfulfilled with a lack of returns for my time investment. So I shifted my focus to fitness. Surprisingly, this pursuit transformed me into a marathon runner. I realized the profound benefits it brought, not just physically, but also mentally. The experience of running marathons instilled immense mental strength in me, enabling me to face life’s challenges with resilience and adaptability. Thus, my motivation to create Runninggenes^® stemmed from this desire to impart such empowering experiences to those around me and I aim to share this gift by impacting over 500 people.

Despite the overwhelming nature of my routine, I manage it efficiently by scheduling my calendar, dedicating eight to nine hours to work, and prioritizing self-development and family time. I try to adhere to them which helps me accomplish most of my tasks. Self-discipline is crucial as it allows me to balance various aspects of life without compromising on other tasks. So I would say focus on all areas of life. If not equally, at least in the right ratios.

Besides my regular full-time job, I do freelancing on the side, albeit not on a large scale. Although I still lead the organisation, my availability is limited due to my primary job. So, I have two other coaches who help me manage Runninggenes^®. While I provide guidance and direction, they assist in day-to-day operations.

How has your research background and additional certifications in the fields of management, leadership and public health contributed to your career?

The certifications I pursued – sMBA and scientific writing, have been beneficial in various ways. They enhanced essential scientific skills like research, communication, and critical thinking, which were valuable in different job roles. As a scientific manager, research skills drive projects, while writing skills play a role in designing a project. Obtaining certifications does not guarantee a job, but how you apply and translate the knowledge gained from them determines their usefulness.

Do industry employers also take into account the courses and certifications we have undertaken? Could you recommend such equivalent certifications in India?

Certifications can be beneficial to some extent. If you possess the right skills and expertise for a specific job, certifications become less crucial and serve as an additional advantage. However, in cases where you lack expertise but aim to upgrade through theoretical knowledge, certifications become more valuable. They might play a primary role in facilitating your transition into those job roles. Ultimately, the significance of certifications depends on your existing skills and their relevance to the job you are pursuing.

The importance of certifications depends on the specific industry job you’re pursuing. For R&D roles, your research skills through a PhD or experience in relevant organizations matter. On the other hand, management positions often value MBA or related degrees. There are various short-term certifications offered by reputable institutions like IIMs and universities, which can be found on platforms like LinkedIn. You can choose certificates based on your job role, interests, and the skills you want to improve from established organizations.

Does a masters in pharmaceutical chemistry (like you did), vis-à-vis a masters in life sciences, enhance/support a robust work experience in the pharma industry?

In my experience, having a background in pharmaceutical chemistry was beneficial for transitioning into the industry. Pharmaceutical chemistry provides insights into small molecules and their application in drug discovery and development, which aligns with the common work pipeline in pharmaceutical companies. Integrating core life science domains such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and protein research further enhances the understanding of the drug development process. This combination of knowledge allows for a well-rounded approach in the pharmaceutical industry.

People without a pharma background may face a lag phase in adapting to the new environment and understanding the drug development pipeline. Nonetheless, planning ahead by making informed decisions about your career trajectory, along with acquiring complementary knowledge and skills, can support a smoother and successful transition into the pharmaceutical industry.

Please provide us a detailed insight into the specific duties of a Scientific Manager, Commercial Marketing Manager, and Senior Strategic Manager, having worked in these roles yourself.

Scientific Manager- At Zumutor Biologics, I was focused on developing novel biologics for prostate cancer. My responsibilities included designing critical assays to understand the molecule’s functionality and allowing it to progress to preclinical and clinical development. I used to liaison between different teams, from discovery to downstream processes, gaining exposure to the entire product development journey. In addition to lab work, I also engaged in meetings and discussions with colleagues and stakeholders. It was a valuable and comprehensive experience that covered the entire spectrum from discovery to application and manufacturing of the product.

Commercial marketing manager- As a commercial marketing manager, I operated at the intersection of science and business. My role involved implementing various training programs, moderating services, and overseeing internal team training. We offered diverse services such as multiplexing assays for biomarker discovery, cell biology assays to study therapeutic compound cytotoxicity, and protein research analysis with an auto 2D gel electrophoresis. I managed the lab’s business, including positioning different biology portfolio products for revenue generation. Additionally, I engaged with stakeholders in academia and industry to explore new opportunities and expand the lab’s footprint across India. In essence, I focused on driving the lab’s business and devising strategies for business development.

Senior strategic manager- As the person responsible for the diagnostic solutions business, my role revolves around developing strategies to enhance revenues of our diagnostic portfolio products. This involves identifying customer segments, understanding top-selling products, and building brand awareness. I also engage with various customers, including doctors in diagnostic labs and pharmaceutical companies. One of the portfolios I handle is histopathology, and we also deal with detection systems and oligos. I focus on positioning our products for future demand and growing our market share in the next two to three years.

Does your current role as a strategy manager demand frequent travel? What are the potential growth opportunities?

Yes, my job involves a significant amount of travel. I oversee and manage the company’s business operations and collaborations with customers across all regions of India. I work closely with the account managers and sales team, to position our products, provide scientific and technical information to customers, and collectively close sales as a team.

There are abundant growth opportunities in this field. For example, I have experience in commercial marketing and strategic management over the past two years. Further, I can choose to specialize in product management, commercial marketing, or product strategy. You see that there are various options to advance to higher positions including moving up the hierarchy, starting from senior manager and progressing to associate director or director positions in larger companies. Alternatively, switching to smaller companies could lead to direct entry as a director, CEO, or other leadership roles.

What are the differences in work culture between a multinational company (MNC) and a start-up? Is it correct to say that implementing one’s own ideas in MNCs can be challenging?

Start-ups have a localized decision-making process with a clear end-to-end view of operations and frequent employee interactions. They typically follow a flat hierarchy. In contrast, MNCs operate across multiple countries and have complex structures with various business verticals. Working in MNCs involves learning collaboration across different regions and departments, thus, emphasizing teamwork. So, both experiences offer valuable opportunities for growth.

Implementing ideas in MNCs is not necessarily difficult, but the approval process for all ideas can be challenging. Global teams often influence decisions, and aligning with the company’s objectives is crucial for the successful implementation of our ideas.

Namanpreet Kaur Author

Tag: Academia-Industry Transition

Career Stories: Chapter 33

Career Stories: Chapter 26

Career Stories: Chapter 25

Career Stories: Chapter 24

Career Stories: Chapter 22

Career Stories: Chapter 21