Decoding Phase Transitions - The DPT Podcast

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.19 || Guest: Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty 🇮🇳🇺🇸 How does a physicist transition into biophysics, move across industry research, national laboratories, and academia, and eventually build her own research group? In this episode of the DPT Podcast, I speak with Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty, an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University, about her scientific journey from physics to biophysics, her experiences across different research environments, and the practical lessons she learned while navigating PhD life, industry research, postdoctoral work, faculty applications, and academic leadership. This episode is full of actionable suggestions for students, PhD researchers, postdocs, and anyone thinking about building a career in academia. Highlights from this Episode: ✨ Transitioning from physics to biophysics ✨ Choosing a specialization and following research questions ✨ Preparing for a PhD in the United States ✨ Challenges of moving abroad for graduate school ✨ Differences between academia and industry research ✨ What writing a patent involves ✨ Research experience at National Laboratory ✨ Applying for professorship positions in the US ✨ Advice for academic job hunters ✨ Building and leading a research group ✨ How to network effectively in science ✨ Learning from failures and career transitions 🎙️ About The Guest: Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty is an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University. Her research journey connects physics, biophysics, computational modeling, industry research, national laboratory experience, and academic leadership. She completed her B.Sc. in Physics from Presidency College, Kolkata, and her M.Sc. in Physics from IIT Guwahati. She then pursued a PhD in Biophysics at the University at Buffalo. She has worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center and as a CNLS Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory. 🎖️Her work has been recognized with several awards, including the Wiley Computers in Chemistry Outstanding Research Award by the American Chemical Society in 2020, recognition by the Consortia for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development in 2019, and the National Institutes of Health Early Stage Investigator Award in 2023. Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=eXHIOyUAAAAJ&hl=en Webpage: https://coe.northeastern.edu/people/chakraborty-srirupa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srirupa-chakraborty-50b13350/ 🔗 Resources & Links: Presidency College, Kolkata, India: https://presiuniv.ac.in/web/ IIT Guwahati, India: https://www.iitg.ac.in National Brain Research Institute, Gurgaon, India: https://www.nbrc.ac.in/newweb/ SUNY, Buffalo, US : https://www.buffalo.edu/home/ub_admissions.html Los Alamos National Laboratory, US : https://www.lanl.gov Northeastern University, Boston, US: https://www.northeastern.edu Roger Penrose’s book on consciousness: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadows_of_the_Mind Bette Korber: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bette_Korber Anthony Auerbach : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=fpLNu8cAAAAJ&hl=en Sandrasegaram Gnanakaran: https://www.biophysics.org/profiles/sandrasegaram-gnanakaran Charudatt Kadolkar: https://www.iitg.ac.in/iitg_faculty_details?fac=b21kZlZLYUlqRHU3dld5UW5qdXpjZz09 SymBioSis Lab: https://sites.google.com/view/simbiosyslab Glacier webpage: https://glacier-simbiosys.com The DPT Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music and all other major podcast streaming platforms. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 04:37 – From Physics to Biophysics: How the Transition Began 07:58 – Childhood Curiosity and Falling in Love with Science 16:00 – How to Choose a Specialization Without Getting Stuck 22:25 – Bachelor’s and Master’s in Physics: Lessons from India 27:15 – Preparing to Move to the US for a PhD 30:17 – Challenges of Starting a PhD in the United States 34:33 – Her PhD Research Question in Biophysics 42:55 – How Physicists Think Differently About Biology 46:01 – Transitioning to Industry Research 51:27 – Academia vs Industry: What Really Changes? 57:12 – How Patent Writing Works in Research 01:04:00 – Postdoctoral Life at Los Alamos National Laboratory 01:11:45 – Award-Winning Work Related to Coronavirus Research 01:18:19 – Applying for Professorship Positions in the US 01:26:28 – Academic Job Search Advice for PhDs and Postdocs 01:34:49 – Building a Research Group from Scratch 01:38:42 – What Makes a Good Research Group Leader? 01:43:22 – How to Join Her Research Group 01:49:14 – Networking Tips for Young Scientists 01:55:34 – Fun Facts About Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty 02:05:30 – Advice to Her Younger Self 02:10:00 – Final Thoughts

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.18 || Guest: Dr. Aritri Bir, MD, Associate Professor 🇮🇳 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Aritri Bir — a medical doctor, researcher, and educator working at the intersection of biochemistry, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolism, and medical education. As someone trained in physics, I have increasingly become fascinated by how the brain works — how neurons communicate, how memory forms, and what happens when these delicate systems slowly begin to fail. In this conversation, Dr. Aritri Bir helps us explore the science behind neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, and how our lifestyle choices today may shape the future health of our brain. Highlights from this Episode: ✨ Understanding Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease ✨Mitochondria, metabolism, and brain degeneration ✨ How lifestyle choices affect long-term brain health ✨ Does reading and writing actually help the brain? ✨ Effects of stress and hormonal imbalance ✨ The realities of medical education and MD life ✨ Future role of AI in medicine and education ✨ Preventive healthcare and healthy aging ...and much more. 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Aritri Bir completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Medical College, Kolkata, followed by an MD in Biochemistry from the Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata. She later earned a Diploma in National Board (DNB) in Biochemistry, where she received the prestigious President’s Gold Medal. Over the years, she has served as: Associate Professor at IQ City Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Durgapur Associate Professor at MGM Medical College, Kishanganj Assistant Professor at the Dr. B.C. Roy Multispeciality Medical Research Centre, IIT Kharagpur. 🎖️President’s Gold Medal (DNB) Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8eikQsoAAAAJ&hl=en Webpage: https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/department/SH/faculty/sh-aritri LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=Aritri%20bir&origin=GLOBAL_SEARCH_HEADER 🔗 Resources & Links: Medical College, Kolkata, India : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_College_%26_Hospital,_Kolkata Dr B C Roy Multi Speciality Medical Research Centre : https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/navpage/admissions Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata : Prof. Sasanka Chakrabarty : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DPk6nF8AAAAJ&hl=en 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 03:57 – How She Decided to Become a Doctor 06:41 – Biggest Surprise After Entering Medicine 08:21 – Role of Parents, Teachers & Mentors 13:06 – Taking Career Decisions Early 15:30 – Influence of Her Mother 17:22 – Medical Entrance Preparation 24:19 – Challenges During First Year of Medical College 25:52 – Support from Seniors 29:41 – Career Options After MBBS 32:17 – Teachers and Role Models in Medical School 38:36 – Why Pursue an MD After MBBS 40:36 – Career Paths After MBBS 43:60 – Choosing MD in Biochemistry 45:51 – Research Topics During MD 49:16 – Her Research Thesis Topic 59:52 – Understanding Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s Disease 01:06:49 – Early Detection and Warning Signs 01:08:41 – Lifestyle Choices to Prevent Neurodegeneration 01:10:43 – Collaborations During Research 01:16:08 – Has Awareness Increased? 01:18:14 – Does Reading & Writing Help Brain Health? 01:24:58 – Does Stress Affect the Brain? 01:25:29 – Hormonal Effects on Health 01:27:52 – DNB in Biochemistry 01:32:11 – Coming to IIT Kharagpur 01:34:53 – Early Career Research Challenges 01:37:03 – Her New Research Topic 01:45:31 – Metabolic Health Effects 01:48:22 – Vision of AI in Medical Education 01:56:27 – Fun Trivia About Her 02:04:59 – Advice to Her Younger Self 02:07:55 – Final Thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music and all other major podcast streaming platforms. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #BrainHealth #Alzheimers #Parkinsons #MedicalResearch #Neuroscience #Medicine #WomenInMedicine #MedicalEducation #LifestyleAndHealth #AIInMedicine #STEMPodcast

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.17 || Guest: Prof. Igor Mazin 🇷🇺🇩🇪🇺🇸 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we sit down with Prof. Igor Mazin — a theoretical and computational condensed matter physicist whose scientific journey spans the Soviet Union, Germany, and the United States. But this conversation goes far beyond scientific achievements. Igor shares what it was really like growing up in Moscow during the Soviet era as part of a Jewish family, navigating a highly rigorous educational system and entering the world of Soviet theoretical physics. Through vivid storytelling, he paints a fascinating picture of the scientific culture of that time — from the famous Landau theoretical minimum examination to working with Nobel Laureate Vitaly Ginzburg. Highlights from this Episode: ✨Differences between Soviet, European, and American education systems ✨What made Soviet theoretical physics so unique ✨Scientific intuition and “running before the crowd” ✨Moving from Russia to Germany and later to the US ✨Immigration challenges, residence permits, and job searching abroad ✨Handling rejection in scientific careers ✨The importance of writing skills in research ✨What skills truly matter for long-term success in science ...and much more. 🎙️ About The Guest: Prof. Mazin earned his PhD from the Lebedev Institute in Moscow, one of the historic centers of Soviet theoretical physics. Over the course of his career, he worked at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, the Carnegie Institution in Washington D.C., and the Naval Research Laboratory, before becoming a Full Professor at George Mason University. His scientific contributions to superconductivity and condensed matter physics have been recognized through prestigious honors including: 🎖️APS Fellow 🎖️Heraeus Research Award 🎖️John Bardeen Prize Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=UIfDhcIAAAAJ&hl=en website: https://science.gmu.edu/directory/igor-mazin 🔗 Resources & Links: Igor’s memoir: https://arxiv.org/abs/0708.1947 Moscow University of Steel and Alloys: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_University_of_Science_and_Technology_MISIS Max Plank Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, Germany : https://www.fkf.mpg.de/en Carnegie Institution in Washington D.C. USA : https://carnegiescience.edu Naval Research Laboratory : https://www.nrl.navy.mil George Mason University, Washington, USA : https://www.gmu.edu Landau’s Theoretical Minimum: https://chair.itp.ac.ru/index.php?sub=minimum&lang=en Vitaly Ginzburg : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitaly_Ginzburg Daniel Khomskii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Khomskii Michelle Johannes : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=XCuB6JYAAAAJ&hl=en David Singh : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Joseph_Singh Ole Andersen : https://www.mpg.de/427848/solid-state-research-andersen 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 03:08 – Growing Up in Moscow During the Soviet Era 10:33 – Comparing Education Systems: Russia vs Europe vs USA 16:58 – The Unique Teaching Style of Soviet Special Schools 20:36 – Role of Parents in Shaping Scientific Thinking 25:17 – Why He Chose Condensed Matter Physics 31:31 – Landau’s Famous Theoretical Minimum Exam Explained 41:08 – Influence of Scientific Peers and Research Culture 43:43 – Working with Nobel Laureate Vitaly Ginzburg 51:11 – Experience Inside Ginzburg’s Research Group 53:34 – Experimental Physics in the Soviet Era 55:21 – Moving to Germany: What Made It Possible 01:08:37 – Challenges After Moving to Germany 01:11:46 – Superconductivity Research Landscape in the 1990s 01:19:34 – The Career Chapter After Germany 01:24:28 – Moving to the United States 01:30:17 – Dealing with Rejection in Scientific Careers 01:32:28 – Real Challenges of Jobs Abroad & Residence Permits 01:36:57 – Advice on Scientific Writing Skills 01:45:42 – Current Role at George Mason University 01:47:18 – Views on the Future of Research Fields 01:54:29 – The Most Important Skills for Success in Science 01:57:42 – Fun Trivia About Igor Mazin 02:05:52 – Advice to His Younger Self 02:07:27 – Final Thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music and all other major podcast streaming platforms. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #IgorMazin #CondensedMatterPhysics #Superconductivity #PhysicsPodcast #ScientificCareers #ResearchLife #SovietScience #TheoreticalPhysics #AcademicJourney #ScienceCareers #STEMPodcast

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.16 || Guest: Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar 🇮🇳🇺🇸 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar, a theoretical and computational physicist and Associate Editor at Physical Review Letters (PRL) — one of the most prestigious journals in physics. This conversation goes beyond a traditional academic journey. It is about self-awareness, clarity, and making intentional career choices. From choosing physics as a student to narrowing down into condensed matter physics, transitioning into computational research, and eventually stepping into the role of a journal editor — her journey highlights the importance of understanding yourself deeply. One key takeaway from this episode: 👉 Sometimes, knowing what not to pursue is what helps you find the right path. Highlights from this Episode: ✨ How family and teachers shape early scientific curiosity ✨ Choosing the right specialization: Astrophysics vs Condensed Matter ✨ Experiment vs Theory: making the right decision for yourself ✨ How to prepare for PhD interviews and research careers ✨ Why writing is a critical skill in academia (and how to improve it) ✨ Transitioning from research to becoming a journal editor ✨ What editors actually look for in a paper ✨ How PRL handles peer review and conflicting referee reports ✨ The importance of soft skills and learning on the job ✨ The role of AI in scientific publishing ✨ Why being open to change is essential for long-term success 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar is a theoretical and computational physicist currently serving as an Associate Editor at Physical Review Letters (PRL). She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from the University of Pune, followed by a PhD from JNCASR, Bangalore, where she specialized in condensed matter physics and computational materials science. She has held prestigious international research positions, including postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University and Rice University, and has also worked as a Research Scientist at Howard University. Her contributions to research have been recognized through awards such as the Outstanding Postdoctoral Research Award and the Malhotra Weikfield Foundation Nano Young Scientist Award. Today, through her role at PRL, she plays a key part in shaping the direction of cutting-edge research in physics. Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=B6z6dvkAAAAJ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmila-shirodkar-274aab146/ 🔗 Resources & Links: University of Pune, India: https://beta.unipune.ac.in Fergusson College, Pune, India : https://fergusson.edu : Dr. Raka Dabede : https://www.linkedin.com/in/raka-dabhade-047842385/ Prof. Waghmare : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umesh_Waghmare Dr. Pratibha Dev : https://profiles.howard.edu/pratibha-dev JNCASR, Bangalore, India : Harvard University, USA : Rice University, USA : Howard University, USA : 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:29 – The first spark in Physics: role of family and teachers 07:10 – Qualities of impactful teachers 10:47 – Choosing Physics for undergraduate 12:51 – Experience at college 13:35 – Exposures during Bachelor’s 16:26 – Why there was a Plan B 18:47 – Master’s experience at Pune University 21:54 – Preparing for PhD entrance exams and interviews 25:48 – Visiting Singapore for research after Master’s 28:25 – Choosing between Astrophysics and Condensed Matter 31:19 – Choosing between experiment and theory 33:50 – PhD research questions and projects 42:56 – Exposure and soft skills gained during PhD 47:12 – Tips to improve scientific writing 51:57 – Postdoc at Harvard 53:47 – Cultural differences during postdoc 58:24 – Research during postdoctoral studies 01:02:18 – Applications of her research area 01:05:23 – Transferable skills for an editor 01:07:04 – Current role as a journal editor 01:10:01 – What do journal editors actually do? 01:13:45 – Views on emerging research fields 01:15:40 – Handling conflicting referee reports 01:17:57 – Learning on the job 01:20:53 – What to check before submitting your paper 01:22:47 – AI in research: an editor’s perspective 01:25:26 – Most rewarding part of the editorial role 01:26:05 – Fun trivia about her 01:30:32 – Biggest challenge in her career 01:33:33 – Final thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music and all other major podcast streaming platforms. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #ScienceCareers #PhDJourney #AcademicCareers #WomenInSTEM #CondensedMatterPhysics #ResearchLife #PeerReview #ScientificPublishing #CareerInScience #STEMPodcast #LifeAfterPhD

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.15 || Guest: Dr. Estelle Inack 🇨🇲🇮🇹🇨🇦 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Estelle Inack, a Research Scientist at the Perimeter Institute, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, and Co-founder & CTO of YiyaniQ, a startup focused on software optimization for solving complex computational problems. Estelle’s journey spans Cameroon → Trieste → Waterloo, and beautifully illustrates how curiosity, resilience, and critical thinking can shape a global scientific career. In this conversation we explore: ✨ The importance of resilience and constructive feedback ✨ The significance of critical thinking ✨ Transitioning from academic research to building a startup ✨ Advice for young researchers interested in academic entrepreneurship ...and many more. A powerful takeaway from this episode: Understanding a problem deeply is the first step to solving it. 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Estelle Inack is a theoretical physicist and computational scientist whose work sits at the intersection of quantum physics, machine learning, and complex optimization. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics in Cameroon, before moving to Italy to pursue the Diploma Programme in Condensed Matter Physics at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste. She later earned her PhD in Statistical Physics from SISSA (International School for Advanced Studies), where she worked under the supervision of Prof. Sebastiano Pilati and Prof. Giuseppe Santoro, focusing on quantum simulations and machine-learning-based approaches to complex physical systems. After her PhD, she joined the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Canada as a Francis Allotey Postdoctoral Fellow, where she continues her research today as a Research Scientist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo. In addition to her academic career, she is also the Co-founder and CTO of YiyaniQ, a startup developing software solutions for solving large-scale optimization problems. LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estelle-inack/ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=khjqCIAAAAAJ&hl=en Startup page: https://www.yiyaniq.com 🔗 Resources & Links: ICTP : https://www.ictp.it SISSA : https://www.sissa.it INFN : https://www.ts.infn.it/en/ Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Waterloo, Canada : https://perimeterinstitute.ca Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Toronto, Canada: https://vectorinstitute.ai Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18050143-zero-to-one Sebastiano Pilati : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iegEPQgAAAAJ&hl=it Guiseppe Santoro : https://cm.sissa.it/people/giuseppe-santoro Roger Melco : https://perimeterinstitute.ca/people/roger-melko Ycombinators : https://www.ycombinator.com Yann le Cunn : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yann_LeCun Deepmind : https://deepmind.google Roger Melko: https://perimeterinstitute.ca/people/roger-melko 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:57 – The First Seed of Research having Market Opportunities 04:52 – Real-World Problems with Quantum Physics 09:47 – Growing Up in Cameroon: Early Life and Education 12:25 – Transitioning from French to English Education 15:47 – When a Professor Misguided Her 17:15 – How Physics Ultimately Chose Her 18:36 – Family’s Role in Building Confidence 23:56 – Falling in Love with Physics 25:35 – Applying Abroad to Study Physics 26:45 – Settling Down in Trieste, Italy 28:43 – Diploma in Physics at ICTP, Trieste 31:36 – PhD Journey and Research Questions 33:44 – Two Pivotal Moments in Her Career 37:40 – How to Give Constructive Feedback 38:57 – Her Mentoring Style During PhD 41:58 – Exposure and Opportunities During PhD 45:31 – Postdoc at Perimeter Institute & Startup Beginnings 49:57 – Finding a Co-founder and Building the Startup 52:42 – Tips for Starting a Startup from Research 01:00:46 – Adapting to the Startup Mindset 01:03:16 – Challenges She Faced in Her Startup 01:08:33 – Complementary Roles of Co-founders 01:10:24 – Advice for Academic Startup Founders 01:13:18 – Building a Strong Startup Team 01:19:11 – Juggling Research, Teaching, and Startup Roles 01:20:37 – Vision and Plans for the Next Five Years 01:25:39 – Fun Trivia About Estelle 01:34:21 – Advice to Her Younger Self 01:36:31 – Final Thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #QuantumPhysics #WomenInSTEM #StartupJourney #AcademicEntrepreneurship #ResearchCareer

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.14 || Guest: Prof. Sebastiano Pilati 🇮🇹🇪🇸🇨🇭 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Prof. Sebastiano Pilati, a computational physicist and Associate Professor at the University of Camerino, Italy. In this conversation, Sebastiano shares insights from his journey through academia — from the early spark that drew him to physics to the challenges of a PhD and the responsibilities of leading a research group. Here's the highlight of our discussion:: ✨ How sports shaped his discipline and work ethic ✨ Why soft skills are essential in academia ✨ The growing role of AI in scientific research ✨ How young researchers can build successful academic careers ✨ What makes a good PhD supervisor ✨ Advice for students and early-career scientists One key takeaway from this episode: “Learning technical skills is important — but learning soft skills is equally important in academia.” This episode is valuable for students, PhD researchers, postdocs, and anyone interested in academic careers and research. 🎧 The DPT Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 🎙️ About The Guest: Sebastiano began his academic journey at the University of Trento, where he completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in Physics. After his doctoral studies, he gained international research experience across Europe, including postdoctoral position at ETH Zurich, the Ludwig Boltzman Postdoctoral Fello at Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, and the University of Padova. Today, he leads his own research group at the University of Camerino as an associate Professor. LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastiano-pilati/ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iegEPQgAAAAJ&hl=it 🔗 Resources & Links: Richard P. Feynman La Legge Fisica: https://www.amazon.com/legge-fisica-FEYNMAN-Richard/dp/B005WVYYD6 Pitaevskii Center for Bose-Einstein Condensation: https://bec.science.unitn.it/BEC2026/BEC2025b.php University of Trento, Italy : Polytechnic University of Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain : https://www.upc.edu/ca ETH Zurich, Switzerland : https://ethz.ch/en.html ICTP, Italy : Lev Pitaevskii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lev_Pitaevskii Matthias Troyer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthias_Troyer Stefano Giorgini: https://webapps.unitn.it/du/en/Persona/PER0003194/Didattica Jordi Boronat: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tO4mmN0AAAAJ&hl=ca Nikolay Prokof’ev: https://www.umass.edu/physics/about/directory/nikolay-prokofev Erasmus Program : https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys. 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 02:45 – What Sparked His Interest in Physics 05:38 – Physics or Soccer? A Tough Choice 07:25 – Studying Physics at the University of Trento 09:48 – How Sports Built Discipline for Science 12:23 – Fundamental Principles for Learning Anything 14:01 – The “Laurea” Degree System in Italy 15:53 – Why He Chose Condensed Matter Physics 17:51 – The Decision to Pursue a PhD 19:15 – Early Challenges During the PhD 24:16 – His Core PhD Research Question 27:31 – Explaining Research Questions in Simple Terms 30:35 – His Research Interests Today 33:17 – The Future of AI in Scientific Research 35:33 – Important Exposure During PhD Years 37:42 – Why Soft Skills Matter in Academia 38:53 – Postdoctoral Experience at ETH Zurich 42:24 – Opportunities at ICTP, Trieste 47:37 – Advice to His Younger Self 49:56 – Focusing on Plan A for Academic Careers 51:28 – Role as Associate Professor at Camerino 53:52 – Building and Leading a Research Group 54:48 – What Makes a Good PhD Supervisor 56:18 – Fun Trivia 01:00:31 – The Biggest Challenge in His Journey 01:04:50 – Final Thought The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #AcademicCareers #PhDJourney #ComputationalPhysics #CondensedMatterPhysics #ScienceCareers #SoftSkillsInAcademia #ResearchLife #STEMPodcast

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.13 || Guest: Dr. Arya Dhar 🇮🇳🇺🇸🇫🇮🇩🇪 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, I speak with Dr. Arya Dhar — a physicist-turned-data-scientist whose journey beautifully connects curiosity, creativity, and career transitions. Growing up in Kolkata, India, Arya pursued his undergraduate degree in Physics from St. Xavier’s College, before moving on to complete his Master’s at IIT Delhi, one of India’s top institutes. He later earned his PhD from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore, where he deepened his engagement with research and scientific inquiry. In this conversation, we discuss: ✨ How early curiosity and imagination shaped his scientific mindset ✨ Effective self-learning strategies and study techniques ✨ Preparing for competitive entrance exams (Master’s & PhD) ✨The role of mentors and supervisors in shaping a researcher ✨Transitioning from academia to industry ✨The “unfair advantage” academia provides in data science ✨What a data scientist actually does ✨How to stay up-to-date in a rapidly evolving field This is a conversation about curiosity, resilience, creativity — and taking one step at a time. 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Arya Dhar began his academic journey in Kolkata, India, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Physics from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. He went on to pursue his Master’s degree at IIT Delhi, one of India’s premier institutions. He later completed his PhD at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, focusing on condensed matter research and developing strong analytical and computational skills. Following his doctoral work and international research exposure, Arya moved first to Finland and then to Germany for postdoctoral experience. After thoughtful preparation, he transitioned from academia into industry, where he now works in data science, applying his physics-based problem-solving mindset, quantitative analysis, and computational expertise to real-world challenges using AI tools. LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arya-dhar/ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=pmp3QTEAAAAJ&hl=en 🔗 Resources & Links: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, India: https://home.iitd.ac.in Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore, India: https://www.iiap.res.in Pro. B. P. Das: https://www.prl.res.in/~bijaya/BPDas-bio.html Prof. Ananda Dasgupta: https://physics.iiserkol.ac.in/fac_hompage.php?did=bjhSTEthQzNVZ1NWeVJ4RHp4b25tLy9MSW00NUcrVllDVEs4NzNWeGdoYz0= Prof. Albert Gomes: https://www.sxccal.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/RIP-Prof.-Albert-Cardinal-Gomes.pdf Heat and Thermodynamics by Zemansky and Dittman: https://www.amazon.de/Heat-Thermodynamics-Intermediate-Mark-Zemansky/dp/0071148167 Science to Data Science course: https://www.s2ds.org Kanban: https://kanbantool.com/kanban-board-with-ai-assistant Scrum: https://scrum.ai Medium: https://medium.com StackOverflow: https://stackoverflow.com/questions ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys. 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:31 – Early childhood and schooling 06:02 – Finding the first spark in Science 09:09 – Choosing computer science in school 12:19 – Why imagination is important 13:25 – Self-learning strategies and tips 19:04 – Role of parents 20:31 – Why did he choose physics 24:33 – Father encouraged out-of-the-box thinking 26:16 – Learning during undergrad years 36:01 – Thoughts before going to Master’s 39:41 – Preparation for entrance exams for Master’s 47:38 – Master’s days at IIT Delhi 01:04:29 – Career decisions after Master’s project 01:08:34 – Preparation for entrance exams for PhD 01:11:02 – PhD days at IIA, Bangalore 01:17:30 – About the PhD supervisor 01:21:50 – PhD topic and research question 01:29:38 – Exposures during PhD 01:32:07 – Post-PhD career decision 01:37:14 – Semester visit to the US 01:40:01 – Experience in Finland 01:42:04 – Thoughts before transitioning to industry 01:51:16 – The “unfair advantage” from academia 01:55:02 – Major hurdles after transitioning 01:58:01 – Techniques to stay up-to-date 02:03:14 – What does a data scientist actually do? 02:11:50 – Fun trivia 02:17:35 – Advice to his younger self 02:19:03 – Final Thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #PhysicsToDataScience #AcademiaToIndustry #DataScienceCareer #CareerTransition

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.12 || Guest: Dr. Charu Garg In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Charu Garg - an experimental physicist, whose journey captures many of the pivotal phases of a scientific career — from discovering a love for physics, to navigating an integrated PhD, postdoctoral research, and eventually transitioning into industry. She shares an honest and detailed account of academic life — how to prepare for national competitive exams, how to navigate coursework and research during an integrated PhD, and how to deal with rejection in science. She offers practical advice on literature search, reading and annotating scientific papers, and writing research articles without getting overwhelmed. We also explore her postdoctoral journey, including skills she developed during those years, and the often-overlooked art of asking for help. The episode then moves into her decision to transition into industry, how she identified her transferable skills, reached out to mentors, adapted to new work dynamics, and handled the early challenges of industry life. This episode is especially valuable for: ✨Undergraduate and Master’s students considering research ✨PhD students navigating uncertainty and rejection ✨Postdocs exploring options beyond academia ✨Anyone curious about how scientific training translates into industry roles It’s a candid, grounded conversation about growth, self-assessment, and making thoughtful career decisions — without seeing any phase as a failure. **The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music ** 🎙️ About The Guest: Growing up in India, Charu began her academic path with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics at University of Delhi. Motivated by curiosity and a desire to pursue research, she went on to join the Integrated Master’s and PhD program at IISER Pune, one of India’s leading research institutes. Then she moved abroad for her postdoctoral research at Goethe University, Frankfurt in Germany before making a transition into industry. 🔗 Resources & Links: Delhi University: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhi_University IISER, Pune, India: https://www.iiserpune.ac.in Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/en Jens Müller: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/49965558/Prof__Dr__Jens_Müller ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys. 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:10 – Falling in love with physics 05:36 – Why tutoring classes were necessary 08:33 – What's a gap year 14:16 – Choosing Delhi University 16:01 – Role of parents, teachers & peers 19:09 – Bachelor’s degree journey 24:20 – Choosing an Integrated PhD at IISER Pune 29:23 – IISER Pune experience 32:07 – Preparing for national competitive exams 38:37 – Master’s degree journey 42:32 – Inside an Integrated PhD program 46:11 – The PhD journey 56:36 – How to read papers effectively 01:02:21 – Research exposure during PhD 01:06:50 – Dealing with rejection in science 01:11:53 – Value of a PhD 01:18:33 – Advice to her PhD-era self 01:20:40 – Applying for postdoc positions 01:28:38 – How to ask for help 01:39:17 – Starting a postdoc during COVID 01:42:56 – Skills gained during postdoctoral research 01:46:49 – Deciding to move to industry 01:53:31 – Reaching out to mentors before transitioning 01:58:48 – Transferable skills from academia to industry 02:01:56 – Early challenges in industry 02:06:48 – Industry work culture 02:08:46 – Skills industry teaches scientists 02:10:22 – Tracking progress in industry 02:13:47 – Fun trivia about her 02:15:59 – Advice to her younger self 02:19:59 – Final Thoughts 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #PhDJourney #IntegratedPhD #IISERPune #DelhiUniversity #PostdocLife #IndustryTransition #ScienceCareers #WomenInSTEM #AcademicLife #ResearchJourney

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.10 Guest: Prof. Ali Hassanali In this episode of the DPT Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ali Hassanali, Senior Research Scientist in the Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics (CMSP) section at ICTP Trieste, Italy and faculty member at the Statistical and Biological Physics (SBP) section at SISSA, Italy. Ali’s story spans continents — from his childhood in Africa, to studying mathematics and computer science at Purdue University, USA to earning a PhD in Physical Chemistry at The Ohio State University, followed by postdoctoral training with the renowned Prof. Michele Parrinello at ETH Zürich and the University of Lugano, Switzerland. In this conversation, we discuss: ✨ Why water still mystifies science ✨ How to build a strong academic network ✨ Winning major grants (ERC, Horizon 2020) ✨ Why he never had a Plan B ✨ The future of AI in scientific research ✨ His advice for young researchers and more. This episode is a deep dive into how one builds a meaningful scientific life — through exploration, humility, and the courage to keep following the questions that matter most. 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Ali Hassanali is a Senior Research Scientist in the Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics (CMSP) section at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, and a faculty member in the Statistical and Biological Physics (SBP) section at SISSA. His academic path began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mathematics from Purdue University, followed by a PhD in Physical Chemistry from The Ohio State University, where his fascination with water and molecular systems took shape. He later worked as a postdoctoral fellow with Prof. Michele Parrinello at ETH Zürich and the University of Lugano, developing expertise in computational chemistry, quantum effects, and hydrogen bonding. Ali’s research explores the fundamental mysteries of water, proton transfer, and quantum effects in biological systems Major Awards & Grants ERC Consolidator Grant Horizon 2020 Award (Artificial Photosynthesis) ERC Proof of Concept Grant for CUSHOP Using AI to design eco-friendly, skin-safe UV-absorbing molecules for next-gen sunscreens website: https://www.ictp.it/member/ali-hassanali#biography Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qSyBReYAAAAJ&hl=en 🔗 Resources & Links: ICTP, Trieste, Italy: https://www.ictp.it Perdue University, USA: https://www.purdue.edu Ohio State university, USA: https://www.osu.edu Sherwin Singer: https://chemistry.osu.edu/people/singer.2 Michele Parrinello: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Parrinello Sandro Scandolo: https://www.ictp.it/member/sandro-scandolo#biography Erio Tosatti: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erio_Tosatti ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys. 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:42 – Why water still needs research 10:05 – Childhood in Africa 17:33 – Schooling, mentors & early influences 19:14 – Role of parents in shaping curiosity 22:26 – Moving from Africa to the US: challenges 25:17 – How 9/11 affected his experience 27:47 – Advice for young (African) students 36:24 – Studying Math & Computer Science at Purdue University 41:05 – Feeling like a “small fish in a big pond” 44:38 – Falling in love with pure mathematics 48:50 – Turning toward other sciences 53:12 – Why he never had a Plan B 55:18 – Choosing the right grad school for a PhD 57:49 – The PhD interview process 59:05 – Inside the PhD journey 01:05:33 – Biggest challenge during his PhD 01:08:30 – His PhD research question 01:10:44 – Strategy for postdoctoral search 01:19:27 – His postdoctoral research 01:26:47 – How to build a strong academic network 01:31:30 – Securing a permanent academic position 01:41:26 – His vision for African science 01:44:32 – Secrets to securing research funding 01:56:17 – His vision for AI in scientific research 01:59:35 – Fun facts about him 02:03:41 – His biggest challenge & advice to his younger self 02:08:24 – Final thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #ScientificCareers #AcademicJourney #PhDJourney #AIInResearch #WaterScience #ComputationalChemistry #AfricanScience #CuriosityOverFear #SciencePodcast #STEMStories #ResearchInnovation #MachineLearningForScience #GlobalScience #ResilienceInScience

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.10 Guest: Prof. Karim Zantout In this episode of the DPT Podcast, we sit down with Prof. Karim Zantout, Professor of Data Science and IT at the Faculty of Information Management and Media, Hochschule Karlsruhe (Die HKA) — the University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe. His story is one of transformation — a journey that weaves together science, identity, and experience into an integrated and meaningful career.Born in Lebanon, he moved to Germany at the age of six, facing cultural change and discrimination during his early school years. What began as a difficult start became a story of discovery and resilience, guided by inspiring teachers and a growing passion for science. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in Physics at Goethe University Frankfurt, specializing in the computational study of high-temperature superconductors. After his PhD, he expanded his path into data science through his work in industry, later joining the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) as a research fellow, where he explored how climate change influences human migration. Today, as a Professor of Data Science and IT at Die HKA, Prof. Zantout brings together insights from physics, climate research, and data-driven innovation — showing how the threads of one’s past can come together into a cohesive, impactful career. In this conversation, we discuss: ✨ His journey from Lebanon to Germany 🇱🇧➡️🇩🇪 ✨ Facing and overcoming discrimination in education ✨ How mentors and curiosity changed his path ✨ Lessons from academia, industry, and research ✨ Finding purpose across disciplines — from physics to data science ✨ His reflections on identity, belonging, and imposter syndrome This episode is not just about academic success — it’s about growth, courage, and creating meaning from every chapter of life. 🎙️ About The Guest: Prof. Karim Zantout holds a PhD in Physics from Goethe University Frankfurt, where he researched high-temperature superconductors.He has worked in data science and renewable energy (Emsys Renewables) and as a research fellow at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), focusing on climate change and human migration.He currently serves as Professor of Data Science and IT at Hochschule Karlsruhe (Die HKA). 🔗 Resources & Links German students scholarships for universities: Efellows.net Hans Bockler Stiftung : https://www.boeckler.de/de/index.htm emsys, Oldenburg, Germany: https://www.emsys-renewables.com Goethe University, Frankfurt: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/124971977/International_Student_Services Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Berlin: https://www.pik-potsdam.de/members/karimza/homepage-de University of Applied Science, Karlsruhe: https://www.h-ka.de/en/about-hka/organization-people/staff-search/person/karim-zantout ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys. 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 03:05 – Moving from Lebanon to Germany as a child 🇩🇪 04:57 – Why the family decided to migrate 07:42 – Early challenges in a German primary school 10:47 – Incidents that became turning points 19:14 – Falling in love with science 22:51 – The role of parents in shaping curiosity 25:06 – Choosing a career path after school 27:50 – Self-counselling and applying for an engineering internship 30:55 – University life: learning, challenges, and growth 32:40 – How German student scholarships opened new doors 38:02 – Creating awareness for parents and communities 44:00 – What helped him overcome challenges 47:08 – The scholarship that changes his core beliefs 53:17 – Life lessons from science and physics 01:00:09 – The decision to pursue a PhD 01:04:21 – When curiosity meets frustration 01:07:06 – His PhD research questions 01:11:28 – 1st career transition: stepping into data science 01:17:49 – Moving to Potsdam for a postdoc 01:21:19 – Building a career aligned with your passions 01:28:02 – 2nd career transition: from postdoc to faculty position 01:34:28 – Current research interests and big questions 01:35:21 – The decision behind his latest transition 01:37:55 – Fun trivia and personal moments 😄 01:47:38 – Advice to his younger self 01:49:09 – Final Thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #ScienceCareers #AcademicJourney #Resilience #DataScience #Physics #AIInResearch #CareerInScience #HochschuleKarlsruhe

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.9 || Guest: Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh (Part 2/2) In this second part of our conversation, Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh, Assistant Professor in the Departments of Physics and Chemistry at IISER Pune, takes us through his postdoctoral journey, transition to a faculty role, and his current research in sustainable materials and catalysis. In Part 1, we explored his early years — how his love for physics began, the influence of mentors and family, and the lessons learned from setbacks and self-discovery. [Check it out here:h ttps://youtu.be/kXNOw7fai4U] In this episode, we turn to the next chapter: life after PhD, the realities of postdoctoral research abroad, and what it truly takes to build an academic career in India. 🎙️Prof. Ghosh shares pro tips for young scientists and postdocs — including: ✨How to search and apply for faculty positions (especially in India) ✨The documents and proposals required for applications ✨Funding opportunities for new faculty members ✨How to prepare for interviews and take on early-career responsibilities with confidence We also discuss his current research interests, which focus on reducing greenhouse gases through catalysis and applying AI tools to perform research in thermoelectric materials — bridging fundamental physics with real-world sustainability. Prof. Ghosh’s humility and authenticity shine throughout — he explains his journey with the same groundedness that defines his approach to science and mentoring. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the DPT Podcast for more inspiring conversations with brilliant minds in academia and beyond. You can find all the episodes of DPT podcast below YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK152Z45fAKnLusMqOyY5Q0zf2Fz9wiXk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dpt-podcast/id1842946744 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MJH3m3TJeEAALoTdc4T5e Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/972eaf17-675f-4e38-af37-ccf1f40d940b Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/decoding-phase-transitions-the-6239581 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Physics and Chemistry at IISER Pune, India, where he joined in 2010. He completed his PhD at JNCASR, Bangalore, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship at ICTP, Trieste, Italy. He holds an M.Sc. in Physics from BHU, Banaras and a B.Sc. from Calcutta University. Homepage: https://www.iiserpune.ac.in/research/department/physics/people/faculty/regular-faculty/prasenjit-ghosh/267 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=mCp5bRoAAAAJ&hl=en His Research Areas: physics and chemistry of materials (from zero dimensional clusters/molecules to three dimensional bulk) and how they interact with their environment, heterogeneous catalysis, photo- and electro-catalysis, thermoelectrics and photovoltaics. 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: BHU, Banaras: https://www.bhu.ac.in/Site/Home/1_2_16_Main-Site JNCASR, Bangalore: https://www.jncasr.ac.in ICTP, Trieste, Italy: https://www.ictp.it Shobhana Narasimhan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shobhana_Narasimhan Umesh Waghmare: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umesh_Waghmare Ralph Gebauer, ICTP: https://www.ictp.it/member/ralph-gebauer#biography Sandro Scandolo, ICTP: https://www.ictp.it/member/sandro-scandolo#biography Stefano de Gironcoli, SISSA: https://cm.sissa.it/people/stefano-de-gironcoli Stefano Fabris, SISSA: https://cm.sissa.it/people/stefano-fabris O.N. Srivastava, BHU: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onkar_Nath_Srivastava ANRF Research Fund : https://anrfonline.in/ANRF/About?HomePage=New BRNS Research Fund: https://brns.res.in/brns_rp.php DAE: https://dae.gov.in DST: https://dst.gov.in 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:03 – Postdoc or Plan B? 03:13 – Challenges after arriving in Trieste 06:22 – Shaping his research direction during postdoc 08:02 – Research in catalysis and excited states 24:40 – Key lessons learned from postdoctoral years abroad 27:33 – Deciding to return to India 29:13 – Tips for those seeking faculty positions in India 47:03 – What to expect after joining as faculty 57:23 – His current research interests 01:02:53 – Fun trivia about him 01:08:28 – The turning point 01:11:55 – Final Thoughts #DPTPodcast #AcademicCareers #PostdocLife #FacultyPositions #ResearchJourney #Sustainability #Catalysis #AIInScience #IISERPune

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.8 || Guest: Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh (Part 1/2) In this episode of the DPT Podcast, we sit down with Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh, Associate Professor in the Departments of Physics at IISER Pune, India. His research group, the computational material science group, focuses on having a microscopic understanding of the physics and chemistry of materials (from zero dimensional clusters/molecules to three dimensional bulk) and how they interact with their environment, using first principles based computational methods. Prof. Ghosh’s journey is one of curiosity, resilience, and humility — from a young student discovering his love for physics, to earning his PhD at JNCASR, Bangalore, India, and later working across continents from Cambridge (UK) to Trieste (Italy). He also shares pro tips for students and early researchers on assessing their strengths, building confidence, and approaching academia with purpose and patience. Prof. Ghosh’s humility stands out — he speaks of achievements casually, never taking full credit for the perseverance and insight that shaped his path. 🎙️We dive into his inspiring journey. Here's some highlights: ✨ Overcoming setbacks after leaving school ✨ How to get back on track after failure ✨ Why he chose to drop an MBA for a PhD ✨ What to expect in a PhD interview and how to prepare for it 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the DPT Podcast for more inspiring conversations with brilliant minds in academia and beyond. You can find all the episodes of DPT podcast below YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK152Z45fAKnLusMqOyY5Q0zf2Fz9wiXk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dpt-podcast/id1842946744 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MJH3m3TJeEAALoTdc4T5e Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/972eaf17-675f-4e38-af37-ccf1f40d940b Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/decoding-phase-transitions-the-6239581 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Physics and Chemistry at IISER Pune, India, where he joined in 2010. He completed his PhD at JNCASR, Bangalore, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship at ICTP, Trieste, Italy. He holds an M.Sc. in Physics from BHU, Banaras and a B.Sc. from Calcutta University. Homepage: https://www.iiserpune.ac.in/research/department/physics/people/faculty/regular-faculty/prasenjit-ghosh/267 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=mCp5bRoAAAAJ&hl=en His Research Areas: physics and chemistry of materials (from zero dimensional clusters/molecules to three dimensional bulk) and how they interact with their environment, heterogeneous catalysis, photo- and electro-catalysis, thermoelectrics and photovoltaics. 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: Raj College, Burdwan: https://burdwanrajcollege.ac.in Presidency College, Calcutta: https://presiuniv.ac.in/web/ Maharaj Manindra Chandra College: https://www.mmccollege.co.in Rajabazar Science College: https://www.caluniv-ucsta.net BHU, Banaras: https://www.bhu.ac.in/Site/Home/1_2_16_Main-Site Rajabazar Science College: https://www.caluniv.ac.in/campuses/campus-2.html JNCASR, Bangalore: https://www.jncasr.ac.in CNR Rao, JNCASR: https://www.jncasr.ac.in/faculty/cnrrao Theoretical Sciences Unit, JNCASR: https://www.jncasr.ac.in/research/research-units/theoretical-sciences-unit Stefano de Gironcoli, SISSA: https://cm.sissa.it/people/stefano-de-gironcoli Stephen Jenkins, Cambridge https://www.ch.cam.ac.uk/person/sjj24 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – What sparked his love for Physics 02:11 – Academic role models who inspired him 05:34 – Parents’ influence on his choices 08:11 – The “gap year” that shaped his path 12:42 – Why he left home for Calcutta one day 17:18 – When his father chose Physics over Economics for him 19:54 – Challenges after leaving school 28:22 – Practical tips for students rebuilding after setbacks 30:34 – Coming back on track: strategies to move forward 37:52 – Relief after success & how parents reacted 39:07 – Life at BHU: the Master’s experience in Banaras 44:27 – Why everyone should spend time in a hostel 48:18 – Why he pursued an MBA after his Master’s 50:35 – How to do a PhD in India (for science students) 55:42 – Dropping MBA for PhD – the turning point 01:00:50 – Preparing for PhD interviews: Pro Tips 01:09:07 – The JNCASR interview experience 01:14:50 – Inside his PhD journey at JNCASR, Bangalore 01:15:57 – His core PhD research questions 01:27:47 – Industry exposure during PhD 01:30:53 – Working with scientists across Cambridge & Trieste 01:40:26 – Final Thoughts

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.7 || Feat. Prof. Sandro Scandolo In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, I sit down with Prof. Sandro Scandolo, physicist and Head of Research at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. Prof. Scandolo is not only an accomplished scientist with publications in Nature, Science, and other top journals, but also a leader who has successfully balanced cutting-edge research with major organizational responsibilities. Prof. Scandolo was awarded the Fellowship of the American Physical Society, the J.C. Jamieson Award, and recognized as a “Male Champion for Women in Science” (2018) for his advocacy of diversity in scientific careers. 🎙️We dive into his inspiring journey. Here's some highlights: ✨Climbing the ladder from researcher to ICTP leadership roles ✨Transferable skills from research to management ✨How to foster diversity and open scientific environments ✨Hacks and mental models that helped him overcome challenges ✨AI’s role in shaping research and PhD journeys today 📌 Whether you’re an early-career researcher, a PhD student, or simply curious about how science and leadership intertwine, this conversation offers timeless lessons. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the DPT Podcast for more inspiring conversations with brilliant minds in academia and beyond. You can find all the episodes of DPT podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK152Z45fAKnLusMqOyY5Q0zf2Fz9wiXk 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Prof. Sandro Scandolo is a physicist and the Head of Research at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. He studied physics at the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, earned his PhD, and later carried out postdoctoral research in Trieste before being appointed at SISSA. He also spent time as a visiting scholar at Princeton University before returning to ICTP, where he has since held several leadership roles. Homepage: https://www.ictp.it/member/sandro-scandolo#biography Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=mJEVOdQAAAAJ&hl=en His Research Areas: Computational condensed matter physics, particularly in the area of materials at extreme conditions of pressure and temperature. 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: ICTP, Trieste, Italy: https://www.ictp.it Princeton University, USA : https://www.princeton.edu Global Outreach ICTP: https://www.ictp.it/home/global-outreach SISSA, Trieste, Italy: https://www.sissa.it Scoula Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy: https://www.sns.it/it Synchrotron facility, Elettra: https://www.elettra.eu Mathematics Olympiad: https://www.imo-official.org Carlo Rubbia, Nobel Laureate and Particle Physicist: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlo_Rubbia Roberto Car: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberto_Car Michele Parinello: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Parrinello Franco Bassani: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franco_Bassani Car Parinello Method: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car–Parrinello_molecular_dynamics Erio Tosatti: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erio_Tosatti Stefano Baroni: https://cm.sissa.it/people/stefano-baroni Quantum ESPRESSO project: https://www.quantum-espresso.org 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction 03:11 – Leading and managing a research institute 06:37 – Transferable skills from research to management 09:16 – Fostering open environments at ICTP 12:13 – How Sandro became curious about physics 16:57 – Encouraging teachers in school 18:21 – School years in Italy & Scuola Normale 18:48 – First time living alone & why it wasn’t a challenge 23:26 – Experience at Scuola Normale 27:52 – Applying to Scuola Normale 30:19 – No plan B heading into a PhD 32:33 – PhD research work 41:39 – Overcoming challenges when stuck 48:17 – Postdoc in Trieste 57:05 – Princeton days 01:00:05 – Decision to come back 01:02:18 – ICTP journey to leadership 01:04:11 – Hacks to staying productive while leading 01:07:11 – Nature paper in 1 hour? 01:08:47 – How AI is reshaping research & PhD journeys 01:16:39 – ICTP’s promise for young researchers 01:23:41 – Fun trivia about Sandro 01:28:18 – Lessons from My Wife’s Scientific Journey 01:29:47 – Challenge that changed everything 01:32:34 – Final Thoughts ‼️ Correction: The pH scale is in the range of zero to 14, not minus 7 to plus 7 as mentioned in the conversation. #DPTPodcast #SandroScandolo #ICTP #ScienceLeadership #PhDJourney #AcademicLife #PhysicsPodcast #ScientificCareers #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfScience #ResilienceInScience #DiversityInSTEM #InspiringScientists #CareerInAcademia

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.6 || Feat. Dr. Iverina Ivanova (Part 2/2) In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Iverina Ivanova, we dive deeper into her academic and professional journey across Europe. From cultural shocks in Belgium to combining linguistics with technology during her Master’s in Marburg, Germany and ultimately making the bold decision to leave her job as a junior analyst to pursue a PhD in Frankfurt am Main — this episode is a story of courage, curiosity, and transformation. Dr. Iverina Ivanova is a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer in Linguistics at Goethe University Frankfurt, where she also completed her PhD in Linguistics (dissertation title: "Text-type Constraints on the Choice of Linguistic Mechanisms in Research Articles: A Corpus-based Approach"). Her academic journey began at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Philology. She then pursued a Master’s in Linguistics and Web Technologies at the Philipp University of Marburg, Germany, combining her passion for language with the emerging world of digital technologies. Today, Dr. Ivanova's research and teaching explore the intersection of language, technology, and learning. Her story reflects resilience, curiosity, and the courage to turn challenges into opportunities — qualities that continue to shape both her academic and personal journey. If you haven’t already watched Part 1, where Dr. Ivanova talks about her early journey through language, resilience, and turning challenges into stepping stones — be sure to check it out here: [https://youtu.be/-QqnRUvCFSg]. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to this channel for more inspiring stories from brilliant minds in academia and beyond! ⏰ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction 01:38 – Decisions for doing masters in Germany 06:20 – Considering other countries for masters 07:30 – Cultural shock in Ghent, Belgium 09:57 – Masters in Marburg: combining tech with linguistics 14:55 – Was learning German necessary to study in Germany? 16:27 – Challenges in Marburg 17:53 – Advantage of sharing accommodations in the early days in a new country 21:30 – Things to do in Germany after moving from other countries 22:00 – After masters: job experience in Bulgaria 25:23 – Challenges teaching small kids 26:47 – Working as a junior analyst 32:47 – Back to academia: Academic assistant 39:15 – Moving to Frankfurt 44:45 – Decision to do a PhD 46:16 – PhD work: Research question 01:03:48 – ChatGPT and LLMs and more - in a nutshell 01:07:17 – GPT is more than predicting next words 01:13:07 – Current research interest 01:15:08 – Role of linguists in current technological landscape / Can linguists help to minimise deep fake? 01:21:00 – Satisfactory and Challenging aspects of teaching in higher education 01:25:30 – Fun trivia about her 01:31:38 – Learnings from PhD journey 01:44:06 – Final thoughts 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Sofia, Bulgeria: https://www.uni-sofia.bg/eng Philipps' University of Marburg, Germany: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/study WordNet: https://wordnet.princeton.edu Linguist list: https://linguistlist.org link for linguists to search job worldwide Standford core NLP: https://stanfordnlp.github.io/CoreNLP/ spaCy: https://spacy.io 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #IverinaIvanova #PhDJourney #Linguistics #ArtificialIntelligence #ChatGPT #LargeLanguageModels #HigherEducation #AcademicLife #CareerInAcademia #LanguageAndTechnology #Deepfake #TeachingInHigherEducation #Resilience #InspiringStories

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.5 || Feat. Dr. Iverina Ivanova (Part 1/2) In this episode of the DPT Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Iverina Ivanova — a linguist, researcher, and lifelong learner whose love for the English language shaped her academic and personal journey. From falling in love with English as a child, to navigating the pressures of exams, and learning how to turn setbacks into stepping stones — Dr. Ivanova shares her story of resilience, motivation, and growth. Along the way, she reflects on the role of family, teachers, and self-belief in shaping her path, and what it really means to stay motivated after failure. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or someone on your own learning journey, this conversation is filled with insights on resilience, curiosity, and the courage to follow your inner compass. 🎧 In Part 1, you’ll hear about: ✨ Falling in love with English and early inspirations ✨ The influence of parents and teachers ✨ Facing exams, failure, and lessons learned ✨ Staying motivated through setbacks ✨ Leaving home, hustling, and making sacrifices ✨ Planting the seeds of a career in linguistics Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore Iva’s Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral work, highlighting the role of a linguist in today's technology. 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Dr. Iverina Ivanova is a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer in Linguistics at Goethe University Frankfurt, where she also completed her PhD in Linguistics (dissertation title: "Text-type Constraints on the Choice of Linguistic Mechanisms in Research Articles: A Corpus-based Approach"). Her academic journey began at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Philology. She then pursued a Master’s in Linguistics and Web Technologies at the Philipp University of Marburg, Germany, combining her passion for language with the emerging world of digital technologies. Today, Dr. Ivanova's research and teaching explore the intersection of language, technology, and learning. Her story reflects resilience, curiosity, and the courage to turn challenges into opportunities — qualities that continue to shape both her academic and personal journey. Homepage: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/63596210/Iverina_Ivanova His Research Areas: Discourse Analysis and Academic Writing; English Syntax; Syntax, Semantics, and Distribution of Non-finite Clauses; Natural Language Processing; Corpus Linguistics; E-Learning for linguistic purposes ⏰ Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome & Episode Introduction 02:12 – Falling in love with the English language 10:53 – How her brother act as an catalyst 12:16 – The role of teachers in shaping curiosity 17:54 – Parents’ influence and expectations 19:51 – Why her family didn’t initially see her as a linguist 22:38 – Facing the “Matura” school-leaving exam 28:22 – Learning how to become a better student 37:17 – First taste of failure and lessons learned 45:20 – How to prepare effectively for exams 52:01 – Staying motivated after setbacks 54:49 – Building resilience 59:30 – Studying Philology at Sofia University 59:47 – What is philology? 01:01:09 – Why she chose philology 01:03:10 – Leaving home for the first time & moving to Sofia 01:05:39 – Finding a side hustle 01:08:22 – Sacrifices made during student years 01:11:11 – Stress that comes with hustling 01:14:09 – Missed opportunities… or not? 01:16:23 – The seed of a career idea 01:19:03 – Combining linguistics skills with technology 01:24:42 – Why pursue a Master’s degree 01:26:55 – The Bachelor’s exam experience 01:28:12 - Final Thoughts 01:44:55 Final thoughts 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Sofia, Bulgeria: https://www.uni-sofia.bg/eng Philipps' University of Marburg, Germany: https://www.uni-marburg.de/en/studying Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/study 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #PodcastInterview #LifeLessons #Resilience #Motivation #LearningJourney #StudentLife #Exams #StudyMotivation #FailureToSuccess #ConfidenceBuilding#PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Linguistics #Philology #LanguageLearning #LoveForLanguage #LifelongLearning

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.4 || Feat. Prof. Andreas Kreisel (Part 2) Welcome to another amazing episode of DPT podcast with Professor Andreas Kreisel! Ready to navigate the academic world? Join us as we break down the post-PhD journey! In Part 2 of our two-part series, we cover everything from postdoc interviews and moving to the US, to the pros and cons of the research environments in Europe vs. the US. Plus, get expert advice on the ideal time to start writing those all-important funding proposals. We also take a deep dive into the mind-blowing world of superconductivity—what it is, why it matters, and what makes it so "unconventional." If you're a student or a budding researcher, this episode is packed with invaluable wisdom you won't want to miss! In this episode, we'll explore: - What to expect in postdoctoral interviews - Expert advice on securing funding and writing winning research proposals. - A fascinating breakdown of superconductivity and its real-world impact. - Rewards and challenges of teaching in academia. If you’ve missed part 1, check it out here [https://youtu.be/Wd5xCgRGi7s] Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT Podcast): Your go-to source for understanding the unique career 'phases' of leading professionals in academia and industry. Subscribe for more expert interviews, insightful physics lectures, and practical skill-building content. 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Professor Andreas Kreisel is currently an Assistant Professor in Condensed Matter Physics at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. From early 2026, he will be an Associate Professor at Uppsala University, Sweden. His extensive academic background includes a Habilitation from the University of Leipzig, postdoctoral work at the Niels Bohr Institute and the University of Florida, and a PhD from Goethe University Frankfurt with a dissertation titled "Spin-wave calculations for Heisenberg magnets with reduced symmetry." Homepage: https://nbi.ku.dk/english/research/condensed-matter-physics/?pure=en/persons/472920 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DoVjYpYAAAAJ&hl=de His Research Areas: Magnetism and Unconventional Superconductivity ⏰ Episode Chapters: 0:00 Welcome & Episode Introduction 02:16 Why to do postdoc? 05:09 The postdoctoral interview 10:41 Moving to the US 12:41 US vs Europe: Research environment 15:57 Ideal time to start writing research proposals 21:15 What is superconductivity? 24:19 What is coherence? 26:40 Research status in superconductivity 34:50 Huge Impact of ‘solid state physics’ in current society 37:38 Superconductivity: Why should we care? 37:39 What is so ‘unconventional’ about it? 43:41 Teaching style and aspects of teaching 53:19 Rewarding aspect of teaching 55:32 How to learn quickly and deeply in research? 58:19 Scientific approach to physical problems 01:00:48 How to deal with challenges in science research? 01:02:01 Favourite challenge that proved to be important work 01:07:22 Moving to Uppsala University next year 01:11:56 Fun Trivia: Hobbies, Languages, Role Models 01:15:07 PhD : To do or not to do 01:18:57 Final Thoughts 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: Niel’s Bohr Institute, Uni Copenhagen, Denmark: https://nbi.ku.dk/english/study/ University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA: https://admissions.ufl.edu Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/study University of Leipzig, Germany: https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/studying/prospective-students/courses-of-study Uppsala University, Sweden: https://www.uu.se/en/study/search 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #️⃣ Hashtags:#Academia #HigherEducation #Research #PhDLife #EarlyCareer #Physics #CondensedMatterPhysics #Superconductivity #AcademicChallenges #Podcast #UniversityLife #ScienceCareer

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.3 || Feat. Prof. Andreas Kreisel (Part 1) Welcome to a truly insightful episode of DPT podcast! In Part 1 of our two-part series, we sit down with the brilliant Professor Andreas Kreisel, a physicist currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. Many of us don't anticipate the hurdles that come with a career, especially in the demanding world of higher education and research. But what if you could be prepared? In this compelling conversation, we dive into the pivotal early decisions and strategies that shaped Professor Kreisel's remarkable career journey. In this episode, we'll explore: * What the initial years after earning your degree truly look like. * Strategies for facing challenges during the crucial early phases of higher education and research. * A dive into how groundbreaking research is conducted. * Understanding the demands of pursuing a PhD. This episode focuses on his incredible journey leading up to and including his PhD. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss Part 2 (https://youtu.be/gU4SORrSlgI), where we'll delve into his postdoctoral work, his habilitation experience, and his exciting new role as an Associate Professor at Uppsala University in Sweden starting from 2026! Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT Podcast): Your go-to source for understanding the unique career 'phases' of leading professionals in academia and industry. Subscribe for more expert interviews, insightful physics lectures, and practical skill-building content. 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Professor Andreas Kreisel is currently an Assistant Professor in Condensed Matter Physics at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. Homepage: https://nbi.ku.dk/english/research/condensed-matter-physics/?pure=en/persons/472920 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DoVjYpYAAAAJ&hl=de His Research Areas: Unconventional Superconductivity ⏰ Episode Chapters: 0:00:00 Welcome & Episode Introduction 00:03:24 Falling in love with Physics 00:04:37 Childhood influences & interests 00:08:53 German school system: then & now 00:12:46 Parental support & its role 00:14:23 Why choose Physics? 00:16:30 University selection process 00:19:22 The importance of campus visits 00:21:14 Initial university challenges & coping strategies 00:36:47 Choosing a PhD advisor & topic 00:41:00 PhD research questions & problem-solving methods 01:01:41 Final Thoughts 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: Niel’s Bohr Institute, Uni Copenhagen, Denmark: https://nbi.ku.dk/english/study/ University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA: https://admissions.ufl.edu Goethe University Frankfurt: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/study University of Leipzig: https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/studying/prospective-students/courses-of-study 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #️⃣ Hashtags:#Academia #HigherEducation #Research #PhDLife #EarlyCareer #Physics #CondensedMatterPhysics #Superconductivity #AcademicChallenges #Podcast #UniversityLife #ScienceCareerDecoding

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.2 || Prof. Na Zou's Global Career Journey (Part 2) Join us for Part 2 of our deep dive with Professor Na Zou, Assistant Professor at the University of Bath! If you're a student, PhD candidate, or aspiring academic, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. We pull back the curtain on how Professor Zou leveraged her student activities to secure a job offer immediately after her Master's degree. Then, we dive into the often-challenging but critical PhD experience, discussing how to successfully navigate multi-disciplinary research projects and make them work for your long-term goals. Perhaps most importantly, Professor Zou reveals the paramount importance of networking at academic conferences and shares how her exceptional presentation skills led directly to powerful word-of-mouth recommendations that were instrumental in landing her subsequent academic positions. Learn directly from her firsthand experiences on how to strategically approach career development in academia and beyond. This episode offers a roadmap for anyone looking to build a global career and navigating through complex career phases. In this episode, we'll explore: ∙ The unexpected career benefits of active student participation ∙ Navigating the visa process and settling into a new city ∙ Strategies for PhD students tackling complex, interdisciplinary research ∙ Why honing your presentation skills is a non-negotiable for career advancement ∙ How professional referrals, born from excellent work, can create new opportunities. ∙ Importance of mastering the art of networking at academic conferences Don't Miss Part 1: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpBrJR6vLts&list=PLK152Z45fAKnLusMqOyY5Q0zf2Fz9wiXk] - Hear about Na Zou's academic foundations and her strategic career planning. Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT Podcast): Your go-to source for understanding the unique career 'phases' of leading professionals in academia and industry. Subscribe for more expert interviews, insightful physics lectures, and practical skill-building content. 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Prof. Na Zou: Assistant Professor, Strategy and Organization Division, School of Management, University of Bath LinkedIn: / nazou Homepage: https://sites.google.com/view/nazou/?... Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?... Her Research Areas: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Social Networks, Corporate Strategy ⏰ Episode Chapters: 0:00 Welcome & Episode Introduction 02:11 Student Activities at IDEON 15:55 Getting a Job 18:59 Moving to Stockholm 20:04 Why a PhD? 29:14: The PhD interview 34:59 PhD Journey begins 37:40 Initial challenges in the city 48:38: Managing multi-disciplinary project during PhD 58:40 Job offer 01:04:18 Reasons for choosing Academia 01:11:18 Shall academia prep for industry? 01:18:48 Networking at conferences 01:23:25 Fun Trivia 01:29:40 Final Thoughts 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: University of Lund: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/home Goethe University Frankfurt: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/study IDEON - the innovation hub https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/research-and-innovation/innovation-and-entrepreneurship/innovative-environments Prezi for making presentation: https://prezi.com/ DEMOLA: https://www.demola.net Bocconi University, Milan, Italy : https://www.unibocconi.it/en/applying-bocconi?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13526854705&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Uxdcs1u7yqHPJ0AGzAPVcQeAat&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyIPDBhDBARIsAHJyyVh2aajbelTzQ81-luwsy7z2jzF9fITEmqrMCxhfE6xzljYeT3erErkaAiBjEALw_wcB Copenhagen Business School, Denmark : https://www.cbs.dk/en Esade (Barcelona and Madrid), Spain: https://www.esade.edu/en INSEAD, France: https://www.insead.edu/executive-education/masters-and-execed?CampaignId=GGL_Search_A&SiteId=GGL&CampaignName=EUR-DE[EN]_GGL-Brand[GEN]-INSEAD-Pure_MT-Phrase&AdId=JOINTBRANDPURE&device=c&term=insead%20business%20school_(e)&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18956356993&gbraid=0AAAAAD6tgXybdrRC03ia64I0sAW1a8RUs&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyIPDBhDBARIsAHJyyVhPRfzphTH8Ob6nvFz4hrwqSz81uuQBjX1vXstqAsGv3WGAuQaAYloaAkOOEALw_wcB HEC, Paris: https://www.hec.edu/en Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands https://www.rsm.nl/ 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #️⃣ Hashtags: #DecodingPhaseTransitions #DPTPodcast #CareerJourney #PhDLife #Academia #CareerStrategy #DrNaZou #UniversityOfBath #Economics #InternationalEducation #AcademicCareer #InternationalCareer #ResearchLife #CareerPlanning

Prof. Na Zou's Global Career Journey (Part 1)   Welcome to Part 1 of our inspiring conversation with Prof. Na Zou, an Assistant Professor at the University of Bath's School of Management. In this episode, we dive deep into her foundational academic journey, from her school days to dual Bachelor's degrees in China, extending to her Master's studies in Sweden. Discover the early decisions, cultural transitions, and strategic thinking that shaped the initial phases of her remarkable career.       🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Prof. Na Zou: Assistant Professor, Strategy and Organization Division, School of Management, University of Bath LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazou/ Homepage: https://sites.google.com/view/nazou/?pli=1 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8Hgq0hsAAAAJ&hl=en Her Research Areas: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Social Networks, Corporate Strategy   ⏰ Episode Chapters:   0:00 Welcome & Episode Introduction 0:33 Introducing Dr. Na Zou: Her Academic Journey 1:57 Choosing Economics as a Career Path 5:55 Childhood and Early Life in China 11:43 The Role of Parents 14:39 Impact of Siblings' Career Journeys 30:00 Schooling and Navigating Exams 47:12 Challenges and Learnings Up to Her Master's Degree 53:31 Adapting to a New Culture & Academic System in Sweden 59:08 Practical Tips for Adapting to a Master's Curriculum Abroad 1:02:44 Master's Thesis and the Impact of Her PI 1:13:20 Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead to Part 2: The PhD Journey     🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: IELTS Test: https://ieltsregistration.britishcouncil.org University of Lund: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/admissions/bachelors-and-masters-studies/masters-degree-studies Goethe University Frankfurt: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/124971977/International_Student_Services     👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd