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Priyanka Roy Chowdhury
PhD student
Warsaw University of Technology
And - SDNx, educator in Space4Women project
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Pursue STEM and keep free thinking and dreaming.
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am PhD student and Member of Space4Women mission run by Space Development Nexus (SDNx). Currently I am doing PhD in Particle Physics at Warsaw University of Technology, Poland. I am one of the recipients of the prestigious Dr. Kalpana Chawla Scholarship of 2020 for the Interactive Space Program at International Space University. In the Space4Women project launched by SDNx, India, my main role is as an educator. In this mission our target is to provide space education and technical skills to space enthusiasts, especially female school, college & university students and professionals. I am organizing some lectures on Astroparticle physics and space science and will try to create awareness about STEM education among female students. My research project is within the STAR experiment, located at Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA and in this project we are studying quark-gluon-plasma state of matter produce in heavy ion collision experiment at STAR.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
Logical discussion and arguments is in my nature. Also my parents are very supportive in STEM education. My father himself is from a mathematics background and he is my first guide in science & mathematics.
My love for Physics started to grow when I was in 8th standard. Since childhood, space is my dream and gradually I choose Physics as the key to fulfill my dream in future. I am fortunate that I could started my journey in space sector by receiving the prestigious Dr. K.C scholarship. I am now trying to help and guide other students who want to establish their careers in STEM and space industry in future.
HOW DO/DID YOU TACKLE OBSTACLES?
My journey till today was not smooth. I faced social obstacles from relatives and neighbours regarding my choice of STEM education but I am thankful to my parents that I got their full support. Also, I faced failures in my career, I tried again and again and finally achieved my dream position. Being a women, pursuing higher study, especially STEM education is always challenging but I am always very much focused towards my dream and goals.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
I believe my journey with STEM pushes me to become a good human being.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I love to work in STEM because this is my passion in life. I believe that STEM education helps to develop logical minds and good personality. STEM gives us the mindset of exploration, observation and conclusion instead of believing anything blindly.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
To explore our nature and universe, STEM education is the only way. Pursure STEM and keep free thinking and dreaming.
INSPIRATION
"When you look at the stars and the galaxy, you feel that you are not just from any particular piece of land, but from the solar system." _ Kalpana Chawla
She is my role model in STEM as well as in Space exploration.