Interview with Vandhana Muralidharan

Vandhana Muralidharan is a M.Sc. in Human Genetics (IBMS campus, Taramani, University of Madras) and Ph.D. in Molecular NeuroPathology from MCP Hahnemann University, Philadelphia.

How did you get interested in the field of Genetic Engineering and what was your first assignment?

It all started with a blind interest in the structure of DNA and the fact that it could be manipulated relatively easily to see an effect in the host. The fact, that DNA is the blueprint for all the genetic diseases and only it had the answer to cure all the genetic diseases naturally and permanently kindled my intellect.

My first assignment was in Molecular Biology/Gen. Engg was in CCMB (Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology), in the Summer of '92 and my project was to put a gene in a DNA backbone (expression vector) and to express the gene to make its protein.

My professors gave me ample opportunities to get hands on experience whenever I could in molecular biology labs. They encouraged me to ask questions and always answered my questions with due concern and respect. They never belittled my intellect even if it was a basic or a simple question.

How supportive was your family of your interests and how do you balance your professional and domestic life?

When I was doing my Bachelor's degree, I wanted to go abroad for higher studies, but due to family pressure I had to stay behind until I got married. Meanwhile, I continued my M.Sc and joined IISc for my Ph.D which I discontinued whenI got married and joined my husband in the U.S.

Marriage did not affect my studies, as my husband is very supportive of my interests in education and career. I took a break from studies and worked as Research Technician in Dr. Kamel Khalili's lab in the US as soon as I arrived there.

I had to put my profession in the front and I worked as Technician, got my Ph.D., and found a job as a Post-Doc. Then, I returned to my family life and had a child last September and am expecting another this November. I guess family will take priority for next few years. One has to recognize that giving priority does not essentially mean ignoring the other. It is the amount of time that I devote on each at a given period that matters.

How competitive is the Academic scene in the U.S.?

In the US it is not very competitive to get into any Grad school as it is in India, especially in my field. However, it is tough to get any financial support unless a professor is willing to support you and take you as his student. It is important that one has financial support throughout the graduation period, as it will help the student to focus on school and lab work without worrying about monthly bills and finances. There are also graduate students who earn money as teaching assistants or research assistants. Once a student graduates, it is relatively easy to get a position in an Academic Institution as a Post- doctoral fellow.

The problem is hectic work schedule, and the low pay. Many end up as career post-docs and few make it to the next stage as Asst. Prof/tenure track positions. A typical stress being an Asst. Prof. is to be able to juggle teaching responsibilities and managing the lab along with pressure to publish papers and to get grants in order to support the lab and the staff. Current trend is if an Asst. Prof is forced to shut down the lab due to lack of grant or if he or she did not make the tenure, with their rich background and experience, they move to the industrial set up.

What about job opportunities in the industrial houses?

In the industry, one ought to keep pace with the company's goal for the fiscal year. Most often science does not understand the economic urgency of the human beings. So, with high salary, there is pressure on the scientists to produce results. However, the best part is to be able to carry out research without worrying about writing long proposals and anxiously waiting for grants. Also, most of the research done in companies is taken to patient care. So, one gets the satisfaction of having done something for the society. To get into the top industries, one has to graduate from top 5 graduate schools and must have undergone Post-doctoral training in top-notch schools.

Currently, my field has the best opportunities in the job market. One could never go unemployed, in any part of the world that has anything to do with Pharmaceutical Research in Academic institutions or in a commercial environment. However the amount of salary may be variable along with different degrees of job security.

What does it take to succeed in this field?

In order to succeed in this field and pursue extensive research one requires patience, perseverance, tolerance, optimism, and a ``make no friends and take no prisoners'' attitude.

What is your future plan?

My plans are never to get to a point when I could say, ``I have completed my research''. I still have not decided if I want to stay in Academics or move to industrial set up.

MALINI SURYANARAYANAN

maalini.mds@careercommunity.co.in