Dr. Priyanka Sakhare

Having a thorough interest in science from my schooling days, I completed my graduation and post-graduation in the science - chemistry streams from Pune University, India. During my master's, I got a golden opportunity to work as a summer intern in one of the prime research institutions, the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, which introduced me to the exciting world of research and innovation in chemistry for the first time. After my master's, I worked as an assistant professor in chemistry at one of the prestigious colleges in India, Fergusson College, for four years, where I taught graduate and post-graduate students. Teaching science to my fellow batchmates during my college days was always my favorite task, and this experience helped me grow as a teacher at Fergusson College. Also, during this time, I realized that students have feared science, especially chemistry, since their school days, and their problems need to be addressed in simpler terms to make them understand science and chemistry. Further, I completed my Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the reputed organization, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India, under the supervision of Prof. Krishna P. Kaliappan in 2021. Each day of my Ph.D. was exciting and filled with opportunity. This period taught me patience, how to handle critical situations and people, and most importantly, how science works beyond boundaries, and collaborative efforts are essential to succeed in science. I got good international publications and an Indian patent during my Ph D., and built an interest towards scientific writing.

Currently, I am working as a Research Head and Assistant Professor at Indira University, Pune, India, and a member of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), teaching science to blind & low vision students voluntarily. For the past twelve years, I have been constantly working on promoting science education and research, and motivating my students to take up scientific projects that would sustainably address social issues. Recently, I became a part of the UNESCO-JAAGO project promoting science education for women in India. Through my scientific writing, guest lectures, and cogent meetings, I am communicating with different stakeholders across the globe, like students, educators, scientists, and management authorities, which always emphasizes my internal belief that collaborations are essential to sustain science education and future growth. To do these, a good interface is necessary, which could convert science, research, and innovation done in the lab towards policy making for a sustainable future, or vice versa.