Jasneet Kaur
BIO
Material Scientist, Ryerson University and Biosa Technologies.
Instagram: @dr.jasneet_kaur
Twitter: @Jasneet_fisica
Jasneet Kaur
“I believe that nothing is impossible in life, if one is committed and focused to it.”
I have always loved Physics, since high school. I had an amazing Physics teacher whose passion and dedication in teaching not only brought clarity to concepts but also enhanced my interest in the subject. After my schooling, I chose to pursue a career in Physics although it was considered a tough choice, specifically for women. I earned a Bachelors and Masters in Physics from a prestigious university. Throughout my college, there were not many women in my courses, however, I was fortunate to have supportive parents, passion and persistence that drove me to continue my career by pursuing a PhD in Physics (Materials Science). During my PhD, I got married and I am obliged to my husband who has always been instrumental in my research career decisions and motivates me to do my best.
I had my daughter during the third year of my PhD. In the beginning, it was really challenging to manage my new life and my experimental research. My mind was constantly thinking about my research and I could not rest for long. After 2 months, I returned to the lab. The struggle was real to manage the responsibilities of a new mother and a PhD researcher simultaneously. However, the cooperative environment at work and at home eased the hurdles and led to a fruitful ending to my PhD. At my PhD convocation, my daughter was 2 years old and she attended along with my family members. It was a great moment for me! I felt proud of myself accomplishing my dreams. I believe that nothing is impossible in life, if one is committed and focused to it. The journey of my doctorate was arduous but rewarding and sweet in the end.
After earning my PhD, I got appointed as Assistant Professor in Physics and taught various courses of Physics to undergraduate and graduate students in the university. A few months later, I got selected for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Italy so along with my husband and daughter, we decided to move to Naples. The decision was very doubtful initially, as my husband had to leave his job and I did not want to sacrifice my family for my career. But we chose to move to Italy for our prosperous future. Moving to a new country, experiencing new language and culture alongside dealing with Italian bureaucracy was a challenge. Gradually, we settled down, learnt the Italian language and started developing new connections and friends. In my work space, professors and other group members were helpful and friendly. I put diligent efforts on my research projects, learnt new concepts, connected my expertise of nanotechnology and material science with biotechnological applications and published research articles. The Postdoctoral Fellowship extended for consecutive three years. My husband got work and my daughter started her preschool. In all, living in Italy was a memorable experience as I got to explore a new perspective of life.
After accomplishing my research projects in Italy, I prepared for the next move of my career to Canada. Two years ago, I moved to Toronto along with my family. Again, life started from scratch, as every new place has its own set of challenges. However, experiencing fast paced lives, travelling and living in different countries makes one stronger and wiser. Undoubtedly, these experiences help me to learn, evolve and accept changes in life.
Currently, I work as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Chemical Engineering department of Ryerson University in Toronto. My research projects are focused on designing novel nanomaterials for clean energy devices, environmental remediation and food safety applications. Last year, I won a prestigious fellowship from the Canadian government, known as Mitacs Elevate fellowship. Through this fellowship, I work in collaboration with a Canadian industrial partner for relevant research projects and for improving the existing technology of the industry. Besides research, I also tutor courses of Physics at the university. I am very passionate about my research and love to communicate with the society.
I encourage girls and young women to pursue their passion and bring change in the society by becoming female scientists, researchers, doctors and entrepreneurs. The major challenge which I face being a mother and a researcher, is to balance my research along with my family life. Moreover, I believe that there should be more emphasis and research funding to motivate young brains and specifically women into research and academia. I believe that the biggest investment that one could make for the future is in the education of children, specifically girls. Educating women should not be a female issue, because it helps everyone and leads to global prosperity and equality.
I am fortunate to have a daughter of seven years, who is very creative and curious to learn science. She is very excited to learn about space and galaxies, and she wants to be a scientist when she grows up!