Dr Jain is a postdoc fellow in Geodynamics group of Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. She is studying how planets lose their heat over time through a process called convection. On Earth, convection allows for the tectonic plates to move. Some studies suggest that convection may be essential for life to exist on a planet. Her research will help identify the conditions necessary for convection to occur in a planets, which can aid in the search for other habitable worlds. We had the pleasure of chatting with her about science, her interest in science communication and Taste of Science and Flat Earth Believers.
1. First things first, when did you first become interested in science, and planetary sciences in particular?
I was always interested in science and wanted to become a medical doctor like both my parents. However, in High School, I had an amazing physics teacher who inspired me to stay with Physics. I opted for an undergrad degree in Physics from Delhi University. For masters, I diversified into Applied Geophysics. It is basically using physics to understand the dynamics of the Earth and I continued in this research field for my PhD too. I developed an interest in planetary sciences during my postdoc.
2. What challenges have you faced since you became a researcher, and how have you overcome them?
I think I have had two main challenges. Since my journey to becoming a researcher involved coming to the US for my PhD, getting over the cultural differences between India and the US was one of the biggest challenges for me. I am an introvert and find it very hard to make friends. But during my PhD, I tried to get involved in the South Asian organization at my university and eventually became its President (Bravo!!). So, towards the end of my PhD I found a community in that organization and that helped me become more relaxed in my research too. My second challenge was ‘imposter syndrome’ which I think most people in research face, and that is a challenge which I am still trying to overcome. Talking to people, and realizing that everybody is facing the same, has helped in a big way.
3. Why Taste of Science? Tell more about this exciting project.
Taste of Science is a non-profit organization, and it is meant to help researchers connect with the community and communicate science to the laymen and involve the community in scientific research. Involving the community means explaining your research to the community and answering their questions. Some of the questions that non-researchers ask during Taste of Science events are so interesting and intriguing that speakers have to think twice before answering.
I am interested in science communication and teaching though I have not done much of either. So, when someone in my department who represents Taste of Science was looking for an organization team, I joined him. I found it a great way to connect with other postdocs in and outside of my department.
5. In your opinion, what is the importance of science outreach?
The study of science is interesting, and we as researchers enjoy it but to the uninitiated, scientific research can be daunting and difficult to relate to. It is therefore important to let people know the importance of science and of what we do as researchers. Science outreach also allows us to inspire the new generation get involved in science. And Taste of Science is an initiative in this direction. We try to meet every month so keep an eye out for the next event.
6. Is there anything you do that people would be surprised to find out about you?
I think what people find surprising about me is that I love teaching and science communication, despite being an introvert. I also enjoy organizing events and bringing people together. I am organizing an international conference next month. Other than that, I enjoy solving puzzles and reading books and have recently developed an interest in gardening.
7. Fun Question: If you were in a room with a flat earth believer, how would you try to explain that actually the earth is not flat at all?
I have been in a room with a flat earth believer- an undergrad wanting to start a Flat Earth society! I don’t think he was serious; he wanted to start the society merely to get some money from the grad school. He was not ready to listen to any argument. But to answer your question, I would say just take a look at the images of the Earth taken from space and you will see for yourself that the Earth is spherical. Or maybe just keep swimming in the ocean in search of an edge!
Interviewed and Edited by Outreach Comittee 2022-2023.