Decoding Phase Transitions - The DPT Podcast

Dr. Sananda Biswas
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Welcome to the Decoding Phase Transitions – the DPT Podcast! Here, we unravel the intricate career 'phases' of individuals with PhD degrees who've navigated the complex worlds of academia and beyond. Each episode offers a deep dive into their unique trajectories, starting from their earliest aspirations right up to their current impactful roles. Join us as we decode the pivotal decisions and strategic moves that shaped their paths. We explore their daily practices, uncover unexpected 'hacks' for productivity and success, and reveal the profound impact of mentors and role models on their remarkable journeys. Whether you're a student, a PhD student charting your next steps, a researcher exploring new horizons, or simply curious about the diverse career paths stemming from advanced degrees, this podcast is your guide to insightful conversations and actionable wisdom. 👉 Follow the DPT Podcast so you never miss an episode!

  1. 1D AGO

    Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar on Scientific Writing, Peer Review & Career Growth | Insights from a Editor

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.16 || Guest: Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar 🇮🇳🇺🇸 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar, a theoretical and computational physicist and Associate Editor at Physical Review Letters (PRL) — one of the most prestigious journals in physics. This conversation goes beyond a traditional academic journey. It is about self-awareness, clarity, and making intentional career choices. From choosing physics as a student to narrowing down into condensed matter physics, transitioning into computational research, and eventually stepping into the role of a journal editor — her journey highlights the importance of understanding yourself deeply. One key takeaway from this episode: 👉 Sometimes, knowing what not to pursue is what helps you find the right path. Highlights from this Episode: ✨ How family and teachers shape early scientific curiosity ✨ Choosing the right specialization: Astrophysics vs Condensed Matter ✨ Experiment vs Theory: making the right decision for yourself ✨ How to prepare for PhD interviews and research careers ✨ Why writing is a critical skill in academia (and how to improve it) ✨ Transitioning from research to becoming a journal editor ✨ What editors actually look for in a paper ✨ How PRL handles peer review and conflicting referee reports ✨ The importance of soft skills and learning on the job ✨ The role of AI in scientific publishing ✨ Why being open to change is essential for long-term success 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar is a theoretical and computational physicist currently serving as an Associate Editor at Physical Review Letters (PRL). She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from the University of Pune, followed by a PhD from JNCASR, Bangalore, where she specialized in condensed matter physics and computational materials science. She has held prestigious international research positions, including postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University and Rice University, and has also worked as a Research Scientist at Howard University. Her contributions to research have been recognized through awards such as the Outstanding Postdoctoral Research Award and the Malhotra Weikfield Foundation Nano Young Scientist Award. Today, through her role at PRL, she plays a key part in shaping the direction of cutting-edge research in physics. Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=B6z6dvkAAAAJ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmila-shirodkar-274aab146/ 🔗 Resources & Links: University of Pune, India: https://beta.unipune.ac.in Fergusson College, Pune, India : https://fergusson.edu : Dr. Raka Dabede : https://www.linkedin.com/in/raka-dabhade-047842385/ Prof. Waghmare : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umesh_Waghmare Dr. Pratibha Dev : https://profiles.howard.edu/pratibha-dev JNCASR, Bangalore, India : Harvard University, USA : Rice University, USA : Howard University, USA : 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:29 – The first spark in Physics: role of family and teachers 07:10 – Qualities of impactful teachers 10:47 – Choosing Physics for undergraduate 12:51 – Experience at college 13:35 – Exposures during Bachelor’s 16:26 – Why there was a Plan B 18:47 – Master’s experience at Pune University 21:54 – Preparing for PhD entrance exams and interviews 25:48 – Visiting Singapore for research after Master’s 28:25 – Choosing between Astrophysics and Condensed Matter 31:19 – Choosing between experiment and theory 33:50 – PhD research questions and projects 42:56 – Exposure and soft skills gained during PhD 47:12 – Tips to improve scientific writing 51:57 – Postdoc at Harvard 53:47 – Cultural differences during postdoc 58:24 – Research during postdoctoral studies 01:02:18 – Applications of her research area 01:05:23 – Transferable skills for an editor 01:07:04 – Current role as a journal editor 01:10:01 – What do journal editors actually do? 01:13:45 – Views on emerging research fields 01:15:40 – Handling conflicting referee reports 01:17:57 – Learning on the job 01:20:53 – What to check before submitting your paper 01:22:47 – AI in research: an editor’s perspective 01:25:26 – Most rewarding part of the editorial role 01:26:05 – Fun trivia about her 01:30:32 – Biggest challenge in her career 01:33:33 – Final thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music and all other major podcast streaming platforms. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #ScienceCareers #PhDJourney #AcademicCareers #WomenInSTEM #CondensedMatterPhysics #ResearchLife #PeerReview #ScientificPublishing #CareerInScience #STEMPodcast #LifeAfterPhD

    1h 36m

  2. MAR 14

    From Quantum Physics to Startup Founder | Dr. Estelle Inack on Research, Entrepreneurship & AI

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.15 || Guest: Dr. Estelle Inack 🇨🇲🇮🇹🇨🇦 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Estelle Inack, a Research Scientist at the Perimeter Institute, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, and Co-founder & CTO of YiyaniQ, a startup focused on software optimization for solving complex computational problems. Estelle’s journey spans Cameroon → Trieste → Waterloo, and beautifully illustrates how curiosity, resilience, and critical thinking can shape a global scientific career. In this conversation we explore: ✨ The importance of resilience and constructive feedback ✨ The significance of critical thinking ✨ Transitioning from academic research to building a startup ✨ Advice for young researchers interested in academic entrepreneurship ...and many more. A powerful takeaway from this episode: Understanding a problem deeply is the first step to solving it. 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Estelle Inack is a theoretical physicist and computational scientist whose work sits at the intersection of quantum physics, machine learning, and complex optimization. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics in Cameroon, before moving to Italy to pursue the Diploma Programme in Condensed Matter Physics at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste. She later earned her PhD in Statistical Physics from SISSA (International School for Advanced Studies), where she worked under the supervision of Prof. Sebastiano Pilati and Prof. Giuseppe Santoro, focusing on quantum simulations and machine-learning-based approaches to complex physical systems. After her PhD, she joined the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Canada as a Francis Allotey Postdoctoral Fellow, where she continues her research today as a Research Scientist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo. In addition to her academic career, she is also the Co-founder and CTO of YiyaniQ, a startup developing software solutions for solving large-scale optimization problems. LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estelle-inack/ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=khjqCIAAAAAJ&hl=en Startup page: https://www.yiyaniq.com 🔗 Resources & Links: ICTP : https://www.ictp.it SISSA : https://www.sissa.it INFN : https://www.ts.infn.it/en/ Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Waterloo, Canada : https://perimeterinstitute.ca Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Toronto, Canada: https://vectorinstitute.ai Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18050143-zero-to-one Sebastiano Pilati : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iegEPQgAAAAJ&hl=it Guiseppe Santoro : https://cm.sissa.it/people/giuseppe-santoro Roger Melco : https://perimeterinstitute.ca/people/roger-melko Ycombinators : https://www.ycombinator.com Yann le Cunn : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yann_LeCun Deepmind : https://deepmind.google Roger Melko: https://perimeterinstitute.ca/people/roger-melko 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:57 – The First Seed of Research having Market Opportunities 04:52 – Real-World Problems with Quantum Physics 09:47 – Growing Up in Cameroon: Early Life and Education 12:25 – Transitioning from French to English Education 15:47 – When a Professor Misguided Her 17:15 – How Physics Ultimately Chose Her 18:36 – Family’s Role in Building Confidence 23:56 – Falling in Love with Physics 25:35 – Applying Abroad to Study Physics 26:45 – Settling Down in Trieste, Italy 28:43 – Diploma in Physics at ICTP, Trieste 31:36 – PhD Journey and Research Questions 33:44 – Two Pivotal Moments in Her Career 37:40 – How to Give Constructive Feedback 38:57 – Her Mentoring Style During PhD 41:58 – Exposure and Opportunities During PhD 45:31 – Postdoc at Perimeter Institute & Startup Beginnings 49:57 – Finding a Co-founder and Building the Startup 52:42 – Tips for Starting a Startup from Research 01:00:46 – Adapting to the Startup Mindset 01:03:16 – Challenges She Faced in Her Startup 01:08:33 – Complementary Roles of Co-founders 01:10:24 – Advice for Academic Startup Founders 01:13:18 – Building a Strong Startup Team 01:19:11 – Juggling Research, Teaching, and Startup Roles 01:20:37 – Vision and Plans for the Next Five Years 01:25:39 – Fun Trivia About Estelle 01:34:21 – Advice to Her Younger Self 01:36:31 – Final Thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #QuantumPhysics #WomenInSTEM #StartupJourney #AcademicEntrepreneurship #ResearchCareer

    1h 39m

  3. MAR 4

    Soft Skills in Academia: Prof. Sebastiano Pilati on PhD, AI in Research & Scientific Careers

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.14 || Guest: Prof. Sebastiano Pilati 🇮🇹🇪🇸🇨🇭 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Prof. Sebastiano Pilati, a computational physicist and Associate Professor at the University of Camerino, Italy. In this conversation, Sebastiano shares insights from his journey through academia — from the early spark that drew him to physics to the challenges of a PhD and the responsibilities of leading a research group. Here's the highlight of our discussion:: ✨ How sports shaped his discipline and work ethic ✨ Why soft skills are essential in academia ✨ The growing role of AI in scientific research ✨ How young researchers can build successful academic careers ✨ What makes a good PhD supervisor ✨ Advice for students and early-career scientists One key takeaway from this episode: “Learning technical skills is important — but learning soft skills is equally important in academia.” This episode is valuable for students, PhD researchers, postdocs, and anyone interested in academic careers and research. 🎧 The DPT Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 🎙️ About The Guest: Sebastiano began his academic journey at the University of Trento, where he completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in Physics. After his doctoral studies, he gained international research experience across Europe, including postdoctoral position at ETH Zurich, the Ludwig Boltzman Postdoctoral Fello at Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, and the University of Padova. Today, he leads his own research group at the University of Camerino as an associate Professor. LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastiano-pilati/ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iegEPQgAAAAJ&hl=it 🔗 Resources & Links: Richard P. Feynman La Legge Fisica: https://www.amazon.com/legge-fisica-FEYNMAN-Richard/dp/B005WVYYD6 Pitaevskii Center for Bose-Einstein Condensation: https://bec.science.unitn.it/BEC2026/BEC2025b.php University of Trento, Italy : Polytechnic University of Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain : https://www.upc.edu/ca ETH Zurich, Switzerland : https://ethz.ch/en.html ICTP, Italy : Lev Pitaevskii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lev_Pitaevskii Matthias Troyer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthias_Troyer Stefano Giorgini: https://webapps.unitn.it/du/en/Persona/PER0003194/Didattica Jordi Boronat: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tO4mmN0AAAAJ&hl=ca Nikolay Prokof’ev: https://www.umass.edu/physics/about/directory/nikolay-prokofev Erasmus Program : https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys. 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 02:45 – What Sparked His Interest in Physics 05:38 – Physics or Soccer? A Tough Choice 07:25 – Studying Physics at the University of Trento 09:48 – How Sports Built Discipline for Science 12:23 – Fundamental Principles for Learning Anything 14:01 – The “Laurea” Degree System in Italy 15:53 – Why He Chose Condensed Matter Physics 17:51 – The Decision to Pursue a PhD 19:15 – Early Challenges During the PhD 24:16 – His Core PhD Research Question 27:31 – Explaining Research Questions in Simple Terms 30:35 – His Research Interests Today 33:17 – The Future of AI in Scientific Research 35:33 – Important Exposure During PhD Years 37:42 – Why Soft Skills Matter in Academia 38:53 – Postdoctoral Experience at ETH Zurich 42:24 – Opportunities at ICTP, Trieste 47:37 – Advice to His Younger Self 49:56 – Focusing on Plan A for Academic Careers 51:28 – Role as Associate Professor at Camerino 53:52 – Building and Leading a Research Group 54:48 – What Makes a Good PhD Supervisor 56:18 – Fun Trivia 01:00:31 – The Biggest Challenge in His Journey 01:04:50 – Final Thought The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #AcademicCareers #PhDJourney #ComputationalPhysics #CondensedMatterPhysics #ScienceCareers #SoftSkillsInAcademia #ResearchLife #STEMPodcast

    1h 5m

  4. FEB 24

    From Physics PhD to Data Science: Dr. Arya Dhar on Academia, Industry & Career Transitions

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.13 || Guest: Dr. Arya Dhar 🇮🇳🇺🇸🇫🇮🇩🇪 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, I speak with Dr. Arya Dhar — a physicist-turned-data-scientist whose journey beautifully connects curiosity, creativity, and career transitions. Growing up in Kolkata, India, Arya pursued his undergraduate degree in Physics from St. Xavier’s College, before moving on to complete his Master’s at IIT Delhi, one of India’s top institutes. He later earned his PhD from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore, where he deepened his engagement with research and scientific inquiry. In this conversation, we discuss: ✨ How early curiosity and imagination shaped his scientific mindset ✨ Effective self-learning strategies and study techniques ✨ Preparing for competitive entrance exams (Master’s & PhD) ✨The role of mentors and supervisors in shaping a researcher ✨Transitioning from academia to industry ✨The “unfair advantage” academia provides in data science ✨What a data scientist actually does ✨How to stay up-to-date in a rapidly evolving field This is a conversation about curiosity, resilience, creativity — and taking one step at a time. 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Arya Dhar began his academic journey in Kolkata, India, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Physics from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. He went on to pursue his Master’s degree at IIT Delhi, one of India’s premier institutions. He later completed his PhD at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, focusing on condensed matter research and developing strong analytical and computational skills. Following his doctoral work and international research exposure, Arya moved first to Finland and then to Germany for postdoctoral experience. After thoughtful preparation, he transitioned from academia into industry, where he now works in data science, applying his physics-based problem-solving mindset, quantitative analysis, and computational expertise to real-world challenges using AI tools. LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arya-dhar/ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=pmp3QTEAAAAJ&hl=en 🔗 Resources & Links: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, India: https://home.iitd.ac.in Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore, India: https://www.iiap.res.in Pro. B. P. Das: https://www.prl.res.in/~bijaya/BPDas-bio.html Prof. Ananda Dasgupta: https://physics.iiserkol.ac.in/fac_hompage.php?did=bjhSTEthQzNVZ1NWeVJ4RHp4b25tLy9MSW00NUcrVllDVEs4NzNWeGdoYz0= Prof. Albert Gomes: https://www.sxccal.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/RIP-Prof.-Albert-Cardinal-Gomes.pdf Heat and Thermodynamics by Zemansky and Dittman: https://www.amazon.de/Heat-Thermodynamics-Intermediate-Mark-Zemansky/dp/0071148167 Science to Data Science course: https://www.s2ds.org Kanban: https://kanbantool.com/kanban-board-with-ai-assistant Scrum: https://scrum.ai Medium: https://medium.com StackOverflow: https://stackoverflow.com/questions ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys. 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:31 – Early childhood and schooling 06:02 – Finding the first spark in Science 09:09 – Choosing computer science in school 12:19 – Why imagination is important 13:25 – Self-learning strategies and tips 19:04 – Role of parents 20:31 – Why did he choose physics 24:33 – Father encouraged out-of-the-box thinking 26:16 – Learning during undergrad years 36:01 – Thoughts before going to Master’s 39:41 – Preparation for entrance exams for Master’s 47:38 – Master’s days at IIT Delhi 01:04:29 – Career decisions after Master’s project 01:08:34 – Preparation for entrance exams for PhD 01:11:02 – PhD days at IIA, Bangalore 01:17:30 – About the PhD supervisor 01:21:50 – PhD topic and research question 01:29:38 – Exposures during PhD 01:32:07 – Post-PhD career decision 01:37:14 – Semester visit to the US 01:40:01 – Experience in Finland 01:42:04 – Thoughts before transitioning to industry 01:51:16 – The “unfair advantage” from academia 01:55:02 – Major hurdles after transitioning 01:58:01 – Techniques to stay up-to-date 02:03:14 – What does a data scientist actually do? 02:11:50 – Fun trivia 02:17:35 – Advice to his younger self 02:19:03 – Final Thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #PhysicsToDataScience #AcademiaToIndustry #DataScienceCareer #CareerTransition

    2h 21m

  5. 12/28/2025

    From Physics PhD to Industry: Dr. Charu Garg on Navigating Academia, Rejection & Career Transitions

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.12 || Guest: Dr. Charu Garg In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Charu Garg - an experimental physicist, whose journey captures many of the pivotal phases of a scientific career — from discovering a love for physics, to navigating an integrated PhD, postdoctoral research, and eventually transitioning into industry. She shares an honest and detailed account of academic life — how to prepare for national competitive exams, how to navigate coursework and research during an integrated PhD, and how to deal with rejection in science. She offers practical advice on literature search, reading and annotating scientific papers, and writing research articles without getting overwhelmed. We also explore her postdoctoral journey, including skills she developed during those years, and the often-overlooked art of asking for help. The episode then moves into her decision to transition into industry, how she identified her transferable skills, reached out to mentors, adapted to new work dynamics, and handled the early challenges of industry life. This episode is especially valuable for: ✨Undergraduate and Master’s students considering research ✨PhD students navigating uncertainty and rejection ✨Postdocs exploring options beyond academia ✨Anyone curious about how scientific training translates into industry roles It’s a candid, grounded conversation about growth, self-assessment, and making thoughtful career decisions — without seeing any phase as a failure. **The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music ** 🎙️ About The Guest: Growing up in India, Charu began her academic path with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics at University of Delhi. Motivated by curiosity and a desire to pursue research, she went on to join the Integrated Master’s and PhD program at IISER Pune, one of India’s leading research institutes. Then she moved abroad for her postdoctoral research at Goethe University, Frankfurt in Germany before making a transition into industry. 🔗 Resources & Links: Delhi University: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delhi_University IISER, Pune, India: https://www.iiserpune.ac.in Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/en Jens Müller: https://www.uni-frankfurt.de/49965558/Prof__Dr__Jens_Müller ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys. 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:10 – Falling in love with physics 05:36 – Why tutoring classes were necessary 08:33 – What's a gap year 14:16 – Choosing Delhi University 16:01 – Role of parents, teachers & peers 19:09 – Bachelor’s degree journey 24:20 – Choosing an Integrated PhD at IISER Pune 29:23 – IISER Pune experience 32:07 – Preparing for national competitive exams 38:37 – Master’s degree journey 42:32 – Inside an Integrated PhD program 46:11 – The PhD journey 56:36 – How to read papers effectively 01:02:21 – Research exposure during PhD 01:06:50 – Dealing with rejection in science 01:11:53 – Value of a PhD 01:18:33 – Advice to her PhD-era self 01:20:40 – Applying for postdoc positions 01:28:38 – How to ask for help 01:39:17 – Starting a postdoc during COVID 01:42:56 – Skills gained during postdoctoral research 01:46:49 – Deciding to move to industry 01:53:31 – Reaching out to mentors before transitioning 01:58:48 – Transferable skills from academia to industry 02:01:56 – Early challenges in industry 02:06:48 – Industry work culture 02:08:46 – Skills industry teaches scientists 02:10:22 – Tracking progress in industry 02:13:47 – Fun trivia about her 02:15:59 – Advice to her younger self 02:19:59 – Final Thoughts 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #PhDJourney #IntegratedPhD #IISERPune #DelhiUniversity #PostdocLife #IndustryTransition #ScienceCareers #WomenInSTEM #AcademicLife #ResearchJourney

    2h 22m

  6. 11/30/2025

    Prof. Ali Hassanali on Curiosity, AI in Science, Perseverance & Career Advice for Young Scientists

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.10 Guest: Prof. Ali Hassanali In this episode of the DPT Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ali Hassanali, Senior Research Scientist in the Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics (CMSP) section at ICTP Trieste, Italy and faculty member at the Statistical and Biological Physics (SBP) section at SISSA, Italy. Ali’s story spans continents — from his childhood in Africa, to studying mathematics and computer science at Purdue University, USA to earning a PhD in Physical Chemistry at The Ohio State University, followed by postdoctoral training with the renowned Prof. Michele Parrinello at ETH Zürich and the University of Lugano, Switzerland. In this conversation, we discuss: ✨ Why water still mystifies science ✨ How to build a strong academic network ✨ Winning major grants (ERC, Horizon 2020) ✨ Why he never had a Plan B ✨ The future of AI in scientific research ✨ His advice for young researchers and more. This episode is a deep dive into how one builds a meaningful scientific life — through exploration, humility, and the courage to keep following the questions that matter most. 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Ali Hassanali is a Senior Research Scientist in the Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics (CMSP) section at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, and a faculty member in the Statistical and Biological Physics (SBP) section at SISSA. His academic path began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mathematics from Purdue University, followed by a PhD in Physical Chemistry from The Ohio State University, where his fascination with water and molecular systems took shape. He later worked as a postdoctoral fellow with Prof. Michele Parrinello at ETH Zürich and the University of Lugano, developing expertise in computational chemistry, quantum effects, and hydrogen bonding. Ali’s research explores the fundamental mysteries of water, proton transfer, and quantum effects in biological systems Major Awards & Grants ERC Consolidator Grant Horizon 2020 Award (Artificial Photosynthesis) ERC Proof of Concept Grant for CUSHOP Using AI to design eco-friendly, skin-safe UV-absorbing molecules for next-gen sunscreens website: https://www.ictp.it/member/ali-hassanali#biography Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=qSyBReYAAAAJ&hl=en 🔗 Resources & Links: ICTP, Trieste, Italy: https://www.ictp.it Perdue University, USA: https://www.purdue.edu Ohio State university, USA: https://www.osu.edu Sherwin Singer: https://chemistry.osu.edu/people/singer.2 Michele Parrinello: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Parrinello Sandro Scandolo: https://www.ictp.it/member/sandro-scandolo#biography Erio Tosatti: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erio_Tosatti ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys. 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:42 – Why water still needs research 10:05 – Childhood in Africa 17:33 – Schooling, mentors & early influences 19:14 – Role of parents in shaping curiosity 22:26 – Moving from Africa to the US: challenges 25:17 – How 9/11 affected his experience 27:47 – Advice for young (African) students 36:24 – Studying Math & Computer Science at Purdue University 41:05 – Feeling like a “small fish in a big pond” 44:38 – Falling in love with pure mathematics 48:50 – Turning toward other sciences 53:12 – Why he never had a Plan B 55:18 – Choosing the right grad school for a PhD 57:49 – The PhD interview process 59:05 – Inside the PhD journey 01:05:33 – Biggest challenge during his PhD 01:08:30 – His PhD research question 01:10:44 – Strategy for postdoctoral search 01:19:27 – His postdoctoral research 01:26:47 – How to build a strong academic network 01:31:30 – Securing a permanent academic position 01:41:26 – His vision for African science 01:44:32 – Secrets to securing research funding 01:56:17 – His vision for AI in scientific research 01:59:35 – Fun facts about him 02:03:41 – His biggest challenge & advice to his younger self 02:08:24 – Final thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #ScientificCareers #AcademicJourney #PhDJourney #AIInResearch #WaterScience #ComputationalChemistry #AfricanScience #CuriosityOverFear #SciencePodcast #STEMStories #ResearchInnovation #MachineLearningForScience #GlobalScience #ResilienceInScience

    2h 10m

  7. 11/12/2025

    Prof. Karim Zantout on Weaving Science, Identity & Experience into a Meaningful Career

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.10 Guest: Prof. Karim Zantout In this episode of the DPT Podcast, we sit down with Prof. Karim Zantout, Professor of Data Science and IT at the Faculty of Information Management and Media, Hochschule Karlsruhe (Die HKA) — the University of Applied Sciences in Karlsruhe. His story is one of transformation — a journey that weaves together science, identity, and experience into an integrated and meaningful career.Born in Lebanon, he moved to Germany at the age of six, facing cultural change and discrimination during his early school years. What began as a difficult start became a story of discovery and resilience, guided by inspiring teachers and a growing passion for science. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in Physics at Goethe University Frankfurt, specializing in the computational study of high-temperature superconductors. After his PhD, he expanded his path into data science through his work in industry, later joining the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) as a research fellow, where he explored how climate change influences human migration. Today, as a Professor of Data Science and IT at Die HKA, Prof. Zantout brings together insights from physics, climate research, and data-driven innovation — showing how the threads of one’s past can come together into a cohesive, impactful career. In this conversation, we discuss: ✨ His journey from Lebanon to Germany 🇱🇧➡️🇩🇪 ✨ Facing and overcoming discrimination in education ✨ How mentors and curiosity changed his path ✨ Lessons from academia, industry, and research ✨ Finding purpose across disciplines — from physics to data science ✨ His reflections on identity, belonging, and imposter syndrome This episode is not just about academic success — it’s about growth, courage, and creating meaning from every chapter of life. 🎙️ About The Guest: Prof. Karim Zantout holds a PhD in Physics from Goethe University Frankfurt, where he researched high-temperature superconductors.He has worked in data science and renewable energy (Emsys Renewables) and as a research fellow at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), focusing on climate change and human migration.He currently serves as Professor of Data Science and IT at Hochschule Karlsruhe (Die HKA). 🔗 Resources & Links German students scholarships for universities: Efellows.net Hans Bockler Stiftung : https://www.boeckler.de/de/index.htm emsys, Oldenburg, Germany: https://www.emsys-renewables.com Goethe University, Frankfurt: https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/124971977/International_Student_Services Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Berlin: https://www.pik-potsdam.de/members/karimza/homepage-de University of Applied Science, Karlsruhe: https://www.h-ka.de/en/about-hka/organization-people/staff-search/person/karim-zantout ✨ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. Follow the DPT Podcast for more stories that explore the intersections of science, identity, and purpose — and the human stories behind academic journeys. 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 03:05 – Moving from Lebanon to Germany as a child 🇩🇪 04:57 – Why the family decided to migrate 07:42 – Early challenges in a German primary school 10:47 – Incidents that became turning points 19:14 – Falling in love with science 22:51 – The role of parents in shaping curiosity 25:06 – Choosing a career path after school 27:50 – Self-counselling and applying for an engineering internship 30:55 – University life: learning, challenges, and growth 32:40 – How German student scholarships opened new doors 38:02 – Creating awareness for parents and communities 44:00 – What helped him overcome challenges 47:08 – The scholarship that changes his core beliefs 53:17 – Life lessons from science and physics 01:00:09 – The decision to pursue a PhD 01:04:21 – When curiosity meets frustration 01:07:06 – His PhD research questions 01:11:28 – 1st career transition: stepping into data science 01:17:49 – Moving to Potsdam for a postdoc 01:21:19 – Building a career aligned with your passions 01:28:02 – 2nd career transition: from postdoc to faculty position 01:34:28 – Current research interests and big questions 01:35:21 – The decision behind his latest transition 01:37:55 – Fun trivia and personal moments 😄 01:47:38 – Advice to his younger self 01:49:09 – Final Thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd #DPTPodcast #ScienceCareers #AcademicJourney #Resilience #DataScience #Physics #AIInResearch #CareerInScience #HochschuleKarlsruhe

    1h 51m

  8. 10/31/2025

    Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh (IISER Pune) on Postdoc to Faculty Journey, Research & Career Tips || Part 2/2

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.9 || Guest: Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh (Part 2/2) In this second part of our conversation, Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh, Assistant Professor in the Departments of Physics and Chemistry at IISER Pune, takes us through his postdoctoral journey, transition to a faculty role, and his current research in sustainable materials and catalysis. In Part 1, we explored his early years — how his love for physics began, the influence of mentors and family, and the lessons learned from setbacks and self-discovery. [Check it out here:h ttps://youtu.be/kXNOw7fai4U] In this episode, we turn to the next chapter: life after PhD, the realities of postdoctoral research abroad, and what it truly takes to build an academic career in India. 🎙️Prof. Ghosh shares pro tips for young scientists and postdocs — including: ✨How to search and apply for faculty positions (especially in India) ✨The documents and proposals required for applications ✨Funding opportunities for new faculty members ✨How to prepare for interviews and take on early-career responsibilities with confidence We also discuss his current research interests, which focus on reducing greenhouse gases through catalysis and applying AI tools to perform research in thermoelectric materials — bridging fundamental physics with real-world sustainability. Prof. Ghosh’s humility and authenticity shine throughout — he explains his journey with the same groundedness that defines his approach to science and mentoring. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the DPT Podcast for more inspiring conversations with brilliant minds in academia and beyond. You can find all the episodes of DPT podcast below YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK152Z45fAKnLusMqOyY5Q0zf2Fz9wiXk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dpt-podcast/id1842946744 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MJH3m3TJeEAALoTdc4T5e Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/972eaf17-675f-4e38-af37-ccf1f40d940b Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/decoding-phase-transitions-the-6239581 🎙️ About This Episode's Guest: Prof. Prasenjit Ghosh is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Physics and Chemistry at IISER Pune, India, where he joined in 2010. He completed his PhD at JNCASR, Bangalore, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship at ICTP, Trieste, Italy. He holds an M.Sc. in Physics from BHU, Banaras and a B.Sc. from Calcutta University. Homepage: https://www.iiserpune.ac.in/research/department/physics/people/faculty/regular-faculty/prasenjit-ghosh/267 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=mCp5bRoAAAAJ&hl=en His Research Areas: physics and chemistry of materials (from zero dimensional clusters/molecules to three dimensional bulk) and how they interact with their environment, heterogeneous catalysis, photo- and electro-catalysis, thermoelectrics and photovoltaics. 🔗 Resources Mentioned / Related Links: BHU, Banaras: https://www.bhu.ac.in/Site/Home/1_2_16_Main-Site JNCASR, Bangalore: https://www.jncasr.ac.in ICTP, Trieste, Italy: https://www.ictp.it Shobhana Narasimhan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shobhana_Narasimhan Umesh Waghmare: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umesh_Waghmare Ralph Gebauer, ICTP: https://www.ictp.it/member/ralph-gebauer#biography Sandro Scandolo, ICTP: https://www.ictp.it/member/sandro-scandolo#biography Stefano de Gironcoli, SISSA: https://cm.sissa.it/people/stefano-de-gironcoli Stefano Fabris, SISSA: https://cm.sissa.it/people/stefano-fabris O.N. Srivastava, BHU: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onkar_Nath_Srivastava ANRF Research Fund : https://anrfonline.in/ANRF/About?HomePage=New BRNS Research Fund: https://brns.res.in/brns_rp.php DAE: https://dae.gov.in DST: https://dst.gov.in 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd 📌 **Chapters are below, but I recommend watching/listening the full journey for the complete context. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:03 – Postdoc or Plan B? 03:13 – Challenges after arriving in Trieste 06:22 – Shaping his research direction during postdoc 08:02 – Research in catalysis and excited states 24:40 – Key lessons learned from postdoctoral years abroad 27:33 – Deciding to return to India 29:13 – Tips for those seeking faculty positions in India 47:03 – What to expect after joining as faculty 57:23 – His current research interests 01:02:53 – Fun trivia about him 01:08:28 – The turning point 01:11:55 – Final Thoughts #DPTPodcast #AcademicCareers #PostdocLife #FacultyPositions #ResearchJourney #Sustainability #Catalysis #AIInScience #IISERPune

    1h 13m
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About

Welcome to the Decoding Phase Transitions – the DPT Podcast! Here, we unravel the intricate career 'phases' of individuals with PhD degrees who've navigated the complex worlds of academia and beyond. Each episode offers a deep dive into their unique trajectories, starting from their earliest aspirations right up to their current impactful roles. Join us as we decode the pivotal decisions and strategic moves that shaped their paths. We explore their daily practices, uncover unexpected 'hacks' for productivity and success, and reveal the profound impact of mentors and role models on their remarkable journeys. Whether you're a student, a PhD student charting your next steps, a researcher exploring new horizons, or simply curious about the diverse career paths stemming from advanced degrees, this podcast is your guide to insightful conversations and actionable wisdom. 👉 Follow the DPT Podcast so you never miss an episode!

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