Belonging, Balance, and Beyond the PhD

In this episode of 'In Her Element', host Swati Upadhyay engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Sumaita Chaudhury, a public health researcher and her first friend in the PhD program. They discuss the challenges of navigating identity and belonging as a teenager in a new country, the journey into public health and behavioral science, and the importance of mental health. Sumaita shares her insights on integrating data with lived experiences and the role of community in public health. They also explore the balance between professional ambitions and personal joy after completing a PhD, the significance of mentorship, and the support systems that help navigate academic and personal challenges.