NANDIKA.DSOUZA

I love research and encouraging others, who may never see themselves naturally as researchers, to consider it. I was born in Bombay, now Mumbai. The words "juxtaposition of contradictions" seem to pair well with my life. 

A childhood of poverty that wasn't quite apparent to me while I lived it. A desire to be a writer but enrolled in engineering have all worked out.  I spend much of life writing engineering research! Then migration to America and encouragement to consider a career in research in academia over a corporate track by a scientist of high caliber (Witold Brostow). Reflections of my doctoral times, where I saw first hand the weight of  frequent slights arising from racial biases for my advisor (Alan Letton).  As I spend my days with students and research, I feel a vocation in my job.

Clearly, I have benefitted from a mother and mentors who helped me discover my strengths. I am passionate and motivated to advocate for those burdened by biases. Race, Gender,  Low Income, Disability, Migrant status......everyone has a right to discover and fulfill their potential. You have me as champion. Let's roll!