Mandira Katuwal
BIO
PhD Candidate in agricultural sciences at University of Otago (New Zealand).
Instagram: @mandira_forever
Twitter: @katuwal_mandira
Mandira Katuwal
“I think motherhood is a strong motivation to move forward rather than a weakness in a career path.”
After working as a plant protection officer in Nepal for four years, I went to China to pursue my dream of earning a doctorate degree in Entomology. I was very excited about this opportunity to further my career as an entomologist.
My excitement of a new place and new challenges took a different turn after I became pregnant four months into my PhD. I still remember how difficult it was to manage the morning sickness and study stress, and frequently running into the bathroom in the middle of lab work. The worst part was my food aversion, and I lack words for how much I was craving for Nepalese food.
After four months of leave post-delivery, I resumed my study. I am privileged to count on the support of my caring spouse, and I finally made it after 4 years of hard work. Graduating together with my spouse with our son by our side was one of the proudest moments for us.
Returning back to my country, I resumed my previous job for about six months. I was intrigued by the possibility of molecular tools to revolutionize agriculture and wanted to work more in research rather than the extension. So, I decided to pursue my second PhD in New Zealand.
Having to leave the permanent job position in Nepal and move to a new country was a big move for me just to follow my interests. My work here is focused on comparative genomics and microbiome study of three invasive pasture weevils. I enjoy doing research and learning new things but it is still tough being a mother.
Things never go as planned, and shuffling the responsibility as a mother and as a student means working on weekends, working late night from home, and missing social gatherings with peers. Many difficulties and challenges get in the way while raising a kid with compromised income during unsettled student life but it still can be productive and rewarding. I think motherhood is a strong motivation to move forward rather than a weakness in a career path.