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. Jun 11

    Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty on Physics to Biophysics, Industry, National Labs & Academia

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.19 || Guest: Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty 🇮🇳🇺🇸 How does a physicist transition into biophysics, move across industry research, national laboratories, and academia, and eventually build her own research group? In this episode of the DPT Podcast, I speak with Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty, an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University, about her scientific journey from physics to biophysics, her experiences across different research environments, and the practical lessons she learned while navigating PhD life, industry research, postdoctoral work, faculty applications, and academic leadership. This episode is full of actionable suggestions for students, PhD researchers, postdocs, and anyone thinking about building a career in academia. Highlights from this Episode: ✨ Transitioning from physics to biophysics ✨ Choosing a specialization and following research questions ✨ Preparing for a PhD in the United States ✨ Challenges of moving abroad for graduate school ✨ Differences between academia and industry research ✨ What writing a patent involves ✨ Research experience at National Laboratory ✨ Applying for professorship positions in the US ✨ Advice for academic job hunters ✨ Building and leading a research group ✨ How to network effectively in science ✨ Learning from failures and career transitions 🎙️ About The Guest: Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty is an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University. Her research journey connects physics, biophysics, computational modeling, industry research, national laboratory experience, and academic leadership. She completed her B.Sc. in Physics from Presidency College, Kolkata, and her M.Sc. in Physics from IIT Guwahati. She then pursued a PhD in Biophysics at the University at Buffalo. She has worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center and as a CNLS Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory. 🎖️Her work has been recognized with several awards, including the Wiley Computers in Chemistry Outstanding Research Award by the American Chemical Society in 2020, recognition by the Consortia for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development in 2019, and the National Institutes of Health Early Stage Investigator Award in 2023. Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=eXHIOyUAAAAJ&hl=en Webpage: https://coe.northeastern.edu/people/chakraborty-srirupa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srirupa-chakraborty-50b13350/ 🔗 Resources & Links: Presidency College, Kolkata, India: https://presiuniv.ac.in/web/ IIT Guwahati, India: https://www.iitg.ac.in National Brain Research Institute, Gurgaon, India: https://www.nbrc.ac.in/newweb/ SUNY, Buffalo, US : https://www.buffalo.edu/home/ub_admissions.html Los Alamos National Laboratory, US : https://www.lanl.gov Northeastern University, Boston, US: https://www.northeastern.edu Roger Penrose’s book on consciousness: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadows_of_the_Mind Bette Korber: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bette_Korber Anthony Auerbach : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=fpLNu8cAAAAJ&hl=en Sandrasegaram Gnanakaran: https://www.biophysics.org/profiles/sandrasegaram-gnanakaran Charudatt Kadolkar: https://www.iitg.ac.in/iitg_faculty_details?fac=b21kZlZLYUlqRHU3dld5UW5qdXpjZz09 SymBioSis Lab: https://sites.google.com/view/simbiosyslab Glacier webpage: https://glacier-simbiosys.com The DPT Podcast is 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 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 04:37 – From Physics to Biophysics: How the Transition Began 07:58 – Childhood Curiosity and Falling in Love with Science 16:00 – How to Choose a Specialization Without Getting Stuck 22:25 – Bachelor’s and Master’s in Physics: Lessons from India 27:15 – Preparing to Move to the US for a PhD 30:17 – Challenges of Starting a PhD in the United States 34:33 – Her PhD Research Question in Biophysics 42:55 – How Physicists Think Differently About Biology 46:01 – Transitioning to Industry Research 51:27 – Academia vs Industry: What Really Changes? 57:12 – How Patent Writing Works in Research 01:04:00 – Postdoctoral Life at Los Alamos National Laboratory 01:11:45 – Award-Winning Work Related to Coronavirus Research 01:18:19 – Applying for Professorship Positions in the US 01:26:28 – Academic Job Search Advice for PhDs and Postdocs 01:34:49 – Building a Research Group from Scratch 01:38:42 – What Makes a Good Research Group Leader? 01:43:22 – How to Join Her Research Group 01:49:14 – Networking Tips for Young Scientists 01:55:34 – Fun Facts About Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty 02:05:30 – Advice to Her Younger Self 02:10:00 – Final Thoughts

    2h 12m

  2. May 28

    Dr. Aritri Bir on Brain Health, Alzheimer’s, Lifestyle & the Future of Medicine

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.18 || Guest: Dr. Aritri Bir, MD, Associate Professor 🇮🇳 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Aritri Bir — a medical doctor, researcher, and educator working at the intersection of biochemistry, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolism, and medical education. As someone trained in physics, I have increasingly become fascinated by how the brain works — how neurons communicate, how memory forms, and what happens when these delicate systems slowly begin to fail. In this conversation, Dr. Aritri Bir helps us explore the science behind neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, and how our lifestyle choices today may shape the future health of our brain. Highlights from this Episode: ✨ Understanding Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease ✨Mitochondria, metabolism, and brain degeneration ✨ How lifestyle choices affect long-term brain health ✨ Does reading and writing actually help the brain? ✨ Effects of stress and hormonal imbalance ✨ The realities of medical education and MD life ✨ Future role of AI in medicine and education ✨ Preventive healthcare and healthy aging ...and much more. 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Aritri Bir completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Medical College, Kolkata, followed by an MD in Biochemistry from the Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata. She later earned a Diploma in National Board (DNB) in Biochemistry, where she received the prestigious President’s Gold Medal. Over the years, she has served as: Associate Professor at IQ City Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Durgapur Associate Professor at MGM Medical College, Kishanganj Assistant Professor at the Dr. B.C. Roy Multispeciality Medical Research Centre, IIT Kharagpur. 🎖️President’s Gold Medal (DNB) Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8eikQsoAAAAJ&hl=en Webpage: https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/department/SH/faculty/sh-aritri LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=Aritri%20bir&origin=GLOBAL_SEARCH_HEADER 🔗 Resources & Links: Medical College, Kolkata, India : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_College_%26_Hospital,_Kolkata Dr B C Roy Multi Speciality Medical Research Centre : https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/navpage/admissions Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata : Prof. Sasanka Chakrabarty : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DPk6nF8AAAAJ&hl=en 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 03:57 – How She Decided to Become a Doctor 06:41 – Biggest Surprise After Entering Medicine 08:21 – Role of Parents, Teachers & Mentors 13:06 – Taking Career Decisions Early 15:30 – Influence of Her Mother 17:22 – Medical Entrance Preparation 24:19 – Challenges During First Year of Medical College 25:52 – Support from Seniors 29:41 – Career Options After MBBS 32:17 – Teachers and Role Models in Medical School 38:36 – Why Pursue an MD After MBBS 40:36 – Career Paths After MBBS 43:60 – Choosing MD in Biochemistry 45:51 – Research Topics During MD 49:16 – Her Research Thesis Topic 59:52 – Understanding Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s Disease 01:06:49 – Early Detection and Warning Signs 01:08:41 – Lifestyle Choices to Prevent Neurodegeneration 01:10:43 – Collaborations During Research 01:16:08 – Has Awareness Increased? 01:18:14 – Does Reading & Writing Help Brain Health? 01:24:58 – Does Stress Affect the Brain? 01:25:29 – Hormonal Effects on Health 01:27:52 – DNB in Biochemistry 01:32:11 – Coming to IIT Kharagpur 01:34:53 – Early Career Research Challenges 01:37:03 – Her New Research Topic 01:45:31 – Metabolic Health Effects 01:48:22 – Vision of AI in Medical Education 01:56:27 – Fun Trivia About Her 02:04:59 – Advice to Her Younger Self 02:07:55 – 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 #BrainHealth #Alzheimers #Parkinsons #MedicalResearch #Neuroscience #Medicine #WomenInMedicine #MedicalEducation #LifestyleAndHealth #AIInMedicine #STEMPodcast

    2h 10m

  3. May 12

    Prof. Igor Mazin on Soviet Physics, Superconductivity, Writing & Building Scientific Intuition

    Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.17 || Guest: Prof. Igor Mazin 🇷🇺🇩🇪🇺🇸 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we sit down with Prof. Igor Mazin — a theoretical and computational condensed matter physicist whose scientific journey spans the Soviet Union, Germany, and the United States. But this conversation goes far beyond scientific achievements. Igor shares what it was really like growing up in Moscow during the Soviet era as part of a Jewish family, navigating a highly rigorous educational system and entering the world of Soviet theoretical physics. Through vivid storytelling, he paints a fascinating picture of the scientific culture of that time — from the famous Landau theoretical minimum examination to working with Nobel Laureate Vitaly Ginzburg. Highlights from this Episode: ✨Differences between Soviet, European, and American education systems ✨What made Soviet theoretical physics so unique ✨Scientific intuition and “running before the crowd” ✨Moving from Russia to Germany and later to the US ✨Immigration challenges, residence permits, and job searching abroad ✨Handling rejection in scientific careers ✨The importance of writing skills in research ✨What skills truly matter for long-term success in science ...and much more. 🎙️ About The Guest: Prof. Mazin earned his PhD from the Lebedev Institute in Moscow, one of the historic centers of Soviet theoretical physics. Over the course of his career, he worked at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, the Carnegie Institution in Washington D.C., and the Naval Research Laboratory, before becoming a Full Professor at George Mason University. His scientific contributions to superconductivity and condensed matter physics have been recognized through prestigious honors including: 🎖️APS Fellow 🎖️Heraeus Research Award 🎖️John Bardeen Prize Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=UIfDhcIAAAAJ&hl=en website: https://science.gmu.edu/directory/igor-mazin 🔗 Resources & Links: Igor’s memoir: https://arxiv.org/abs/0708.1947 Moscow University of Steel and Alloys: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_University_of_Science_and_Technology_MISIS Max Plank Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, Germany : https://www.fkf.mpg.de/en Carnegie Institution in Washington D.C. USA : https://carnegiescience.edu Naval Research Laboratory : https://www.nrl.navy.mil George Mason University, Washington, USA : https://www.gmu.edu Landau’s Theoretical Minimum: https://chair.itp.ac.ru/index.php?sub=minimum&lang=en Vitaly Ginzburg : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitaly_Ginzburg Daniel Khomskii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Khomskii Michelle Johannes : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=XCuB6JYAAAAJ&hl=en David Singh : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Joseph_Singh Ole Andersen : https://www.mpg.de/427848/solid-state-research-andersen 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 03:08 – Growing Up in Moscow During the Soviet Era 10:33 – Comparing Education Systems: Russia vs Europe vs USA 16:58 – The Unique Teaching Style of Soviet Special Schools 20:36 – Role of Parents in Shaping Scientific Thinking 25:17 – Why He Chose Condensed Matter Physics 31:31 – Landau’s Famous Theoretical Minimum Exam Explained 41:08 – Influence of Scientific Peers and Research Culture 43:43 – Working with Nobel Laureate Vitaly Ginzburg 51:11 – Experience Inside Ginzburg’s Research Group 53:34 – Experimental Physics in the Soviet Era 55:21 – Moving to Germany: What Made It Possible 01:08:37 – Challenges After Moving to Germany 01:11:46 – Superconductivity Research Landscape in the 1990s 01:19:34 – The Career Chapter After Germany 01:24:28 – Moving to the United States 01:30:17 – Dealing with Rejection in Scientific Careers 01:32:28 – Real Challenges of Jobs Abroad & Residence Permits 01:36:57 – Advice on Scientific Writing Skills 01:45:42 – Current Role at George Mason University 01:47:18 – Views on the Future of Research Fields 01:54:29 – The Most Important Skills for Success in Science 01:57:42 – Fun Trivia About Igor Mazin 02:05:52 – Advice to His Younger Self 02:07:27 – 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 #IgorMazin #CondensedMatterPhysics #Superconductivity #PhysicsPodcast #ScientificCareers #ResearchLife #SovietScience #TheoreticalPhysics #AcademicJourney #ScienceCareers #STEMPodcast

    2h 9m

  4. Apr 8

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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!

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