View of Neues Palais at the University of Potsdam. (Shutterstock)

In her last article, she wrote about her experience of two worlds, academia and fashion, and being the bridge between the two. With a strong interest in medical science and then majoring in microbiology (post-graduation), Saloni Agarwal chose to focus on molecular bio-analytics, nanobiotechnology and biosensors, as her PhD major. she shares her journey from India to pursuing a PhD in Germany.

Since the end of high school, I was determined to do a PhD and get the title of Dr. Saloni Agarwal. I felt research was more important than just treating someone, as there is more to be discovered with scientific research. 

Before diving into the experience of this PhD journey, I concluded my post-grad in Microbiology from India in July 2019. However, the process of applying to German universities for a post-grad started in 2017. The 2-year-long application process to secure a seat was absolutely challenging and demotivating. I had completed my post-grad and finally secured a seat in October 2019. With the exhilaration of securing a seat, I moved to Germany in December 2019 in pursuit of a second post-grad. 

Yes, 2019. The last “normal” year for many. The COVID-19 pandemic started 20 days after my arrival in a foreign nation. The manic panic was overpowered by my enthusiasm to make something of my life, so I stayed in Germany and relented through uncharted territory. 

I am not here to blabber about my struggles in Germany. Struggles transform one into a better person. Meandering around, I found myself in the serene city of Potsdam. Pictures don’t do justice to the sheer beauty of this city! Now the fear was gone, and I started exploring the city of Potsdam amidst the pandemic.

Beginning my second post-grad in Germany, I enrolled in the lecture of Nanobiotechnology, which was like a dream come true. Within the first few weeks in the course, it was clear to me that I would want to continue my research in the field. This feeling of ‘finding your calling’ was euphoric, and I felt lucky. 

After a few months of me pestering my course’s professor for an internship or a working-student project, he offered to meet me and interviewed me. The hard work I put into my Master thesis paid off. A bit of luck on my side as this interaction promoted me to work for my PhD before completing my second post-grad. The opportunity landed me one of my favorite and most relevant research topics: molecular bio-analytics. The topic deals with studies on interactions between molecules, investigating biomarkers, biosensor design and point-of-care, analytical assessments, etc. 

The HeliX+ instrument (I named it BellatriX) for measuring interactions between any two molecules.

In the beginning, transitioning from being a post-grad to driving independent research was a thrill and required readjusting my focus. Knowing the world on both sides of the table, being a student and a teacher, was full of dilemmas. Learning my path out was the journey to the kind of academic scientist I would become. The vibe of independent research along with my supervisor’s way of inculcating self-motivation aligned greatly with my consciousness. The realization of responsibility that came with this environment was the moment of awakening for me. Academic enlightenment – nothing ever comes easy! 

Some key learnings during my research expeditions include the importance of collaboration. Tapping into the collaboration opportunities opened unimaginable doors. It was (and is) basically pooling scientific expertise to craft innovative ideas and bring them to reality. I worked on two major projects. One was a collaboration within Germany and the second one collaborating within the European Union. Both projects were creative and demanded coordination and cooperation. Coming directly after my post-grad from India, my idea of collaboration was very limited. In Germany, it was my chance to experience firsthand an international collaboration and contribute to it. Scientists practice intellectual humility, integrity, and curiosity while forging coordination. 

Customized cupcakes for the deDNAed project.

There were instances during several conferences where I would meet fellow scientists who would know about my projects or people in the projects. The craziest instance was getting in touch with an Indian professor, a healthcare enthusiast, while discussing healthcare improvements at a conference get-together. It made me seem that the world is truly small!

Undergoing a PhD degree is not only about specializing in one topic but also about one’s personal and professional development. The rollercoaster ride in academia works out very differently for each scientist. The mindset differs in the beginning of the journey and develops during the process of completing a PhD. It feels psychologically evolutionary. It’s intense work, and the evolution is greatly influenced by the supervisor one has. 

Celebrating defending my PhD thesis with my supervisor and colleagues at the Golm campus.

A fulfilling achievement and a wholesome journey, I am now faced with the question, ‘If you want to stay in academia or move to the industry?’ A very fair question deserving a thoughtful answer. For me, there isn’t one answer to this. This choice is not a fair one to make. At this point, the decision is to be made not only by looking at the dream but also other personal and societal outlooks. Here is how I would answer the question. I would choose what motivates me to spark out of bed. 

Undergoing a decade of academic degrees is not easy and can only be fulfilled with strong self-determination. Adversity at every corner – many challenges, distractions, encounters, and complications led to unforeseen situations. A relentless fight through them and marching forward is what my take-home message is from this journey.