Smooth sail to success

Women are increasingly finding new roles for themselves and often alongside men. Ocean sciences intrigue this young lady from Chennai, who has chosen the esoteric area of work as her career. A PhD student at the School of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, U.S., Padma T. Venkatraman, has a brilliant academic record. This, coupled with her experience in the field of oceanography, has contributed to her success in her chosen profession.

A male-dominated domain, oceanography should not be confused with the ubiquitous field of Marine Biology. Padma, with her years of experience in Germany as junior scientist in the Marine Chemistry Department (Kiel) and earlier part-time work done at the M.S.Swaminathan Research Institute, Chennai, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands Environmental Trust, India, talks about her work with confidence.

It is a rigorous schedule once you are out on the ocean, Padma declares, as one is totally isolated from the world and cannot easily keep in touch with the family. Apart from withstanding adverse weather conditions, one has to function with dedication and optimism. The physical and chemical laws governing the ocean, toxicity of water-soluble fractions and pathways of contaminants in our eco system are some of Padma's major preoccupations.

She has participated several times in 1995 in the Biological Monitoring Project Cruises on the R/V Littorina in the Baltic Sea and also in other cruises at IfM, Andamans, and the College of William and Mary.

A strict vegetarian, Padma has the physical and mental strength to keep pace with the tough challenges. An ocean cruise could awaken one to the wild beauties of Nature. But one may not have enough time to savour the scenic beauty while getting a thorough grounding in the ecology of the sea. Padma recounts her cruise to the Andamans. Ecology has become a subject of paramount importance today and the ways and means of safeguarding our environment are being explored tirelessly. The study of Nature and cause of pollutants have been receiving priority the world over.

Padma's biodata is impressive — a long list of technical capabilities and diligently acquired computer skills. She also has several scientific publications to her credit and it is not surprising that she is a reviewer for Enviromental Toxicology and Chemistry and the Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology.

But what is surprising is Padma's keen interest in writing for children. Her professional involvement with ecology has prodded her on to choose the sub-genre of science fiction for children. She has authored several educational books for children, which deal with elementary aspects of science made easy for young readers.

Her Teaching Science in Primary Classes has been accepted for publications by Quarette Books in Chennai. The amazing Animal Kingdom series published by BPI, Mumbai, is a delightful collection for young people.

Padma is able to explain simple scientific concepts about insects and animals without talking down to children. The narrative tone is original and lively, the facts are given in an accessible form for the target audience, and print and layout are user-friendly and are sure to be popular with the children for both academic and leisure reading.

Her involvement in teaching programmes for high school children (VIMS outreach education) on various aspects of oceanography shows Padma's concern for the community. She has also volunteered as a Docent at the Virginia Living Museum and has even led canoe trips at York River State Park. But she eventually wants to come back home to share her skills and experience with her people.

PREMA SRINIVASAN

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