We at Samvada are proud to share Pratibha Gautam’s (daughter of Indira Kumari and Anand Vardhan resident of B 47, Sector 26) journey in her own words :
Embarking on a voyage fuelled by ambition and determination, my academic journey started from the Marigold Public School in Noida to the hallowed halls of the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
After completing my schooling, as a meticulous student, I excelled academically and achieved a perfect 10 CGPA in class 10th, I was honoured to receive recognition from the then Education Minister, Smt. Smriti Irani. My academic journey continued with a focus on Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB), and Computer Science (C++), where I consistently earned high grades. Marigold Public School provided a solid academic foundation and also helped shaping my personality and instilling a sense of discipline and perseverance.
This foundation was further reinforced when I enrolled at Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women. Here, pursuing a BSc Honors in Microbiology, I immersed myself in a stimulating learning environment that facilitated both personal and academic growth. Subsequently, I pursued a master’s degree in Microbiology from the South Campus.
I am honoured to be a recipient of the National Eligibility Test (NET) Fellowship, 2022, organized by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, securing a Lectureship/ Assistant Professor position in Life Science. Additionally, I qualified for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) Fellowship, 2022, in Biotechnology and Life Sciences among other such Competitive exams in the realm of Life Sciences.
I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. program in Planetary Sciences at the University of Manchester, UK. My research focuses on astrobiology, specifically exploring the potential for life in outer space.
I am fortunate to receive funding from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), administered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). This support covers my international tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, and offers research and travel grants, ensuring financial stability during my studies.
The exceptional academic infrastructure and extensive resources at the University of Manchester drew me to pursue my studies there.
My academic pursuits have taken me beyond borders, presenting my research at esteemed institutions like Imperial College London and St. Andrews University. Additionally, I am eagerly anticipating summer schools and conferences from around the world to share my findings with a global audience.
Upon completing my Ph.D., I aspire to continue my journey in academia through a postdoctoral position, further contributing to the field of planetary sciences and astrobiology.
My parents have been my pillars of strength throughout my academic journey, instilling in me values of hard work and dedication.
To fellow students aspiring to study abroad, I urge perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, and let determination guide your path to success.
