When you began your PhD, did you imagine a career beyond the lab, or did this path unfold gradually?
I began my PhD journey with an open mind, which in hindsight feels quite bold given the societal pressures to have it all figured out. The motivation was always to learn, upskill, and put that knowledge to good use. Around the third year, I started thinking more intentionally about career options post-PhD, paying attention to opportunities and learning from conversations with professors and visitors coming to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and those I met at scientific events. One-on-one meetings with my advisor were invaluable in helping me understand what roles would feel like a natural fit for me. I’ve always believed career choices can evolve, and if something genuinely excites you even if it’s unconventional, it’s worth taking a leap of faith.
Many researchers feel that stepping away from the bench means stepping away from science. Did you ever feel that tension, and how do you see it now?
I think context is important here and it really depends on the path you choose. For me, stepping away from the bench didn’t feel like leaving science. The best part of roles in the publishing sector is that it’s just another way of staying connected to scientific discovery. I do miss the thrill of wet lab experiments, but I take equal pride in contributing to publishing programs and bringing them to India in ways that advocate for regional priorities and needs. It’s really about impact, whether that’s generating knowledge at the bench or enabling research to reach the world.
Which aspects of your scientific training have been most valuable in your current role outside active research?
I firmly believe that, apart from technical expertise, people skills can greatly influence both one’s workplace experience and career trajectory. I’m grateful to my lab seniors and colleagues who set a strong example of empathetic leadership, mentorship, and excellence in work which is something I continue to draw inspiration from.
You now work closely with global scientific communities. How would you describe the role that scientific societies play in shaping research culture today?
Scientific societies play an indispensable role in shaping research direction, culture and priorities. They carry a legacy of advancing science to improve our lives through trusted literature and knowledge dissemination. Beyond publishing, societies advocate for issues of global importance, provide evidence-backed feedback to decision makers, and champion ethical standards. They create platforms for networking, mentorship, and career development, with the aim of ensuring that scientists at all stages have access to resources and opportunities.
In your work at the American Society for Microbiology, what have you learned about why partnerships and networks are becoming so critical in modern science?
I agree that building partnerships and nurturing networks have become critical to modern science because the complexity of today’s challenges whether antimicrobial resistance, climate change, or emerging pathogens cannot be solved in isolation. Through my work at an international scientific society like ASM, I’ve witnessed that collaborations can open doors to diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives that accelerate discovery and innovation, and set new standards of scientific excellence. International networks amplify impact by creating platforms for knowledge exchange, enabling scientists to break silos to resolve global issues with collective knowledge.
What opportunities for students and early-career researchers do global societies like ASM offer that are often overlooked, especially in India?
Global societies like ASM offer a wealth of opportunities for students and early-career researchers, especially in India. Through free ASM membership under the Global Outreach category for anyone affiliated with eligible countries (India is currently on the list), members gain access to career resources, fellowship and travel grant applications, and networking platforms. Programs like the ASM Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship provide structured guidance to emerging scientists, while initiatives such as the ASM Career Development Grant for Postdoctoral Women offer up to $2,000 for skill-building through courses, lab visits, or conferences. Students can also start ASM Student Chapters at their universities, hosting events like career panels, industry visits, and science fair judging to foster leadership and community engagement. Beyond this, ASM’s YouTube channel hosts videos on cutting-edge microbiology and professional development insights. ASM’s Science Communication Toolkit is also another valuable resource for researchers to learn how to share their work effectively. The ASM meetings such as the ASM Global Research Symposium series are great platforms to showcase one’s research work and receive valuable feedback from global experts.
What misconceptions do scientists commonly have about careers beyond academia, particularly roles that sit at the science–policy–community interface?
One of the common misconceptions I continue to address whenever I’m asked about a career in publishing sector, is that people think such roles are mainly about science communication, and manuscript editing. While communication is an essential component, these roles are far more multidimensional. For instance, in scientific publishing, the job is not just to edit papers; it involves data analysis, peer review management, ethical oversight, community engagement, and creative ways to disseminate published research. Similarly, roles in science policy would require understanding regulatory frameworks, stakeholder negotiation, and translating evidence into actionable guidelines, not only summarizing research. Community-focused positions require program development, advocacy, public speaking and capacity-building, which demand leadership and networking skills beyond technical expertise.
What kinds of experiences during a PhD can genuinely help someone transition into partnership-, outreach-, or policy-focused roles?
PhD scholars can sometimes become very focused on their own world – their thesis, their best poster award, their imaging slot, and their struggles. The ability to think beyond oneself and navigating working relationships within the lab teaches so much about building partnerships. There’s no magic bullet for easing the transition to broader roles. It improves over time from learning to work with different personalities and varied working styles. I truly believe, it starts with these basic, and perhaps overlooked experiences.
Has working beyond the bench changed how you define success or purpose as a scientist?
Once, over a lunch discussion with colleagues, someone asked, ‘What success means to you?’. I was pleasantly surprised by the different answers, which made me reflect on how everyone finds their own motivation to work harder. I wouldn’t say working beyond the bench has changed how I define success, but a series of experiences, personal and professional, certainly have.
As a PhD student, there’s always an underlying pressure to finish the degree, and the uncertainty about the future feels much higher. In contrast, as a working professional, while the challenges are different, there’s more emotional clarity and maturity, which allows you to think beyond tangible goals. For me, real success is when people can trust you easily and that trust is what makes everything else possible.
Do you think scientists are adequately trained to think about impact beyond publications? What needs to change?
I see that times have changed. Earlier, scientists were trained to focus on publications because they’re a measurable outcome and that’s fine unless it becomes an obsession leading to ethical misconduct. But now, they are investing in science communication, entrepreneurship, and even incorporating policy perspectives into finding solutions, embedding these into training programs. AI, international forums, and global collaborations have drastically expanded scientists’ exposure to more impactful ways and reasons for conducting research.
What is one habit or mindset shift that helped you navigate your transition most effectively?
One habit I cannot advocate enough is nurturing a social circle. Speaking with friends, family, and mentors not only provides support but also helps stay focused on what one can control and not stress over what we cannot.
If a PhD student reading this is uncertain about their future in academia, what is the most important advice you would offer?
Over a lifetime, career decisions aren’t set in stone. One can change paths even after years in a role. No path comes with zero uncertainty and being okay with the unknowns helps alleviate the stress of seeking stability. It’s tempting to collect advice from many people, but that often leads to more confusion. It’s extremely important to filter out what truly works for you, considering one’s own strengths and family commitments.
