Lab notes and sleepless nights: Balancing science and motherhood

My research journey began during my MSc dissertation at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR), Lucknow where I discovered my passion for research. This motivation led me to pursue a PhD at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur in the Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering as part of its inaugural batch. I was also the first PhD student in my lab, the Environmental Biotechnology Lab, where I embarked on groundbreaking research in environmental engineering, a highly interdisciplinary field.

As a biologist venturing into a completely interdisciplinary area, the biggest challenge was adapting to a new domain. During my PhD, I developed a strong foundation in electrochemistry and material science, seamlessly integrating these disciplines with microbiology and molecular biology.

Being the first PhD student in the lab, I faced the unique challenge of setting up a research lab from scratch, including establishing new instruments, protocols, and workflows. I gained invaluable expertise in building and managing a research lab.

My work focused on the bioremediation of nitrate and uranium waste using microbial fuel cells (MFC), a project funded by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). We successfully developed a technology to remove uranium (VI) from nuclear waste, which was validated using real effluents from BARC, Mumbai. We developed low-cost technology to fabricate the MFC reactors and published our findings in high-impact journals. 

This experience gave me the skills and insights necessary to design and develop innovative technologies from the ground up.

Next, I joined the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Mumbai, as an Institute Postdoctoral Fellow (IPDF) in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. Transitioning to a completely different field was a challenging yet rewarding learning experience. My research focused on desalination and material modification process in MFC, where I deepened my understanding of electrochemistry. During this tenure, I was also invited to deliver a special lecture at CSIR-IMTECH, Chandigarh, which significantly boosted my confidence. Subsequently, I joined the Environmental Science and Engineering Department at IIT Bombay as a research scientist for an industrial project of HPCL and IOCL on nitrification and denitrification of refinery wastewater.

Turning point

During my postdoctoral tenure, I was actively searching for permanent academic positions in esteemed institutions across India. Ultimately, I secured a permanent position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life as a young faculty and a new mother to twin daughters, Vedika and Vaanya. Motherhood was the most beautiful and fulfilling part of my life, but it also brought its own set of challenges. My daughters became my greatest inspiration, motivating me to further excel in my research journey.

At JIIT Noida, I was fortunate to have a supportive and cooperative environment within the Department of Biotechnology. The head of the department consistently encouraged me to maintain a positive outlook, even during the challenges of my pregnancy. Despite dealing with swollen feet and persistent nausea, I remained committed to teaching my classes and advancing my research.

I received seed funding from the Institute’s Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID) programme for my project, which marked an important milestone in my journey. Following the birth of my twin daughters, I took six months of maternity leave to focus on their care, a time that was both demanding and deeply rewarding.

When I returned to work, I rejoined the department with renewed energy and a clear focus on my research. I began mentoring PhD, master’s, and BTech students and had already outlined objectives and experiments to kickstart my work. My research pivoted toward bioenergy generation and wastewater treatment, a field that aligned with my expertise and vision. The training and experiences I gained during my PhD were invaluable as I navigated the challenges of establishing my research as a young PI. I have also collaborated with scientists worldwide to expand my research and contribute to significant studies. Additionally, I have integrated bioinformatics concepts to enhance my work.

Balancing act

Balancing the demands of raising twins and building a research career is undoubtedly challenging, but it also became a driving force behind my dedication and resilience. Motherhood is a transformative experience, but it comes with its own set of demands, both emotional and physical. Balancing the unpredictable hours of research work, tight project deadlines, and the needs of young children requires exceptional time management and support systems. 

I found myself juggling among grant applications, mentoring students, and conducting experiments, all while navigating sleepless nights and childcare responsibilities.

After a long day at work, the moment I step home and see my kids’ smiles, all my worries and stress simply melt away. They would eagerly wait for me each evening, rushing to hug me the moment they saw me, filling my heart with pure joy.

Amidst all these challenges, family support played a crucial role. My mother, husband, and extended families stepped in to share childcare duties, enabling me to focus on my research. However, even with a strong support network, the journey requires determination and meticulous planning.

My life revolved around sleepless nights with children, chaotic early mornings, and the unwavering determination to excel in both worlds. It is about finding joy in small milestones — whether a successful experiment or a child’s first step — and learning to embrace imperfection along the way. Motherhood teaches patience, multitasking, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing situations, qualities that are equally essential in scientific research.

The path forward

As a young scientist, establishing a laboratory is a demanding and time-intensive process that requires research funding. Recently, I was selected for the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant from Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) which will support setting up my lab. I am in the process of setting up a lab focused on power generation, utilising algae and microbes for wastewater treatment, developing efficient electrode material for MFC, and exploring different environmental bioengineering aspects.

To truly empower women scientists in India, systemic changes are essential. Institutions must implement policies that support work-life balance, such as longer maternity leaves, accessible childcare, and mentorship programmes.

Ultimately, doing science in India while balancing motherhood is not just a challenge; it is a testament to the strength and resilience of women who redefine what it means to succeed.

By nurturing both their scientific pursuits and their families, they contribute not only to the advancement of knowledge but also to a more inclusive and supportive research community.