Namrata Saha is a PhD student in the QMADE Group at the University of Salamanca. She conducts research in the area of electronic and optical properties of van der Waals heterostructure.
Tell us a little about your current line of research
What inspired you to choose a career in science or research?
I really motivated by the idea that science can make a real change, even through small things. It made me realize that this path was possible for me too.
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day life as a scientist?
I enjoy most is the moment when something finally makes sense after plenty of failure, repetition… that tiny win makes all the hard work and seat backs worth it.
Which part do you find the most difficult or challenging?
For me the most challenging part of research is dealing with long uncertainty. Most months look like nothing happened. The most soul crashing part of doing research is when you get the rare beautiful moment where somethinhg finally clicks, the pieces finally strat to align and then BOOM! something collapses and you are back to square one.
What obstacles have you faced as a woman in the scientific or academic field?
I have been incredibly fortunate to work with very supportive groups or professors so far- which I am grateful for. So, Personally I did not feel any gender-based barriers. However, in India, where I am from, I have witnessed many women experience immense pressure to choose family commitments over scientific career.
What kind of actions or changes do you think could improve the participation and visibility of women in science?
I think we need to intentionally cite women’s research work which affect hiring, grants, promotions.
What advice or message would you like to share with girls and young women who dream of pursuing a career in science?
I think Science has no gender. Your diversity of ideas, ways of thinking are needed in Science - they matter more than you think. You just need to keep showing up. Your persistance is as much a contribution to science as your data. You belong here. So go for it.