Navpreet Kaur is a final year PhD student at the Climate Change Cluster laboratory at the University of Technology Sydney.
A passionate young scientist, she aims to contribute to a scientifically advanced future that provides a better quality of life globally.
She told SBS Punjabi that she has a strong passion for science and discovery.
"I became interested in scientific research at a very young age and I feel I will probably never lose this hunger for knowledge,” she says.
When asked about solving the world’s biggest challenges, she replied, “We need more women and girls pursuing studies in STEM: science, technology, engineering and mathematics".
“We’re missing on potential scientific talents just because of the gender inequality in many countries. I want to encourage all those females out there to take the challenge.”
Her scientific research
Navpreet’s research work is focused on the sustainable economic production of bioethanol, a renewable source of energy, from corn.
She is 'hopeful' that new developments in biotechnology may provide a solution to the world’s sustainability problems.
“A major challenge facing the world today is the growing global population size with its increased demand for food, energy, water and effective means of waste disposal,” she says.
“In the present scenario of global fuel crisis and among the fear of extinguishing the petroleum stocks, I feel I am working on a very relevant and important area of research.”
Major challenges she faced
“The biggest challenge for me was to break the stereotype that STEM is not for women. There were people who always discouraged me that it’s not for me and I should not waste my time applying for a PhD abroad.
“I was again and again told that it’s very challenging for a woman to become a science professor as it is a male-dominated profession.
“I don’t take it too negatively as people say what they see and we all know that there are very fewer females in STEM. This gender bias in India motivated me to choose scientific research.”
Can women have it all?
“Women can achieve much more than they think. However, we can’t have it all at one time. Success comes step by step.
“We will need to encourage each other and help uplifting other women if we want to have it all.
“We also need to have positive energy and good health in order to find a right balance between family and work.
Advice you’d like to give other women
“When you start doing everything by yourself it’s a great new experience in itself which will not only make you happy but will also make your family proud of you – this is called ‘self-independence’ which not only gives you confidence but also a glimmer of light to shine in your chosen field.”
“I was an average student compared to many other students but only a bit more optimistic and determined to achieve something. So, to every girl, if I can do it anyone can do it. So just don’t give up on your dreams.
International Women’s Day message
“We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something that we must attain.”
“All women have the power to break the stereotypes, not only by working hard but also with enthusiasm to go all out for your dream career.”
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