“Exploring the Universe and befriending the stars have been my childhood dream”: Devika Kamath, Astrophysicist and one of the 2019 superstars of STEM

Interviewed by Nidhi Kumari

Dr. Devika Kamath is an Astrophysicist and Lecturer in Astronomy & Astrophysics at Macquarie University.  She is internationally recognised for her work on observational studies of dying stars and their implications on the origin of elements in the Universe.

Dr. Kamath has recently been awarded the prestigious Australian Research Council DECRA fellowship to further develop her research. Being recognised as one of the 2019 superstar of STEM, the young scientist gets candid in an exclusive interview with Indus Age about her quest to know and more:

Many congratulations to you for being recognised as one of the superstars of STEM by the Australian Government, you are truly a role model. Your comments on that:

Thank you! I’m very honoured to receive this accolade. I’m grateful to Science & Technology Australia (STA) for choosing me as one of the superstars of STEM, to Macquarie University and my mentors who have given me excellent guidance and support, and of course to my family who have been with me throughout my journey. By sharing my journey and my science with the world, I am keen to be a visible role model for the younger generation, especially women, so that they will not be intimidated by cultural and gender-based stereotypes but instead be able to see STEM as an exciting and viable career pathway for them too, if they desire.

Tell us about your interest in Science and research and why you wanted to become a scientist?

My fascination for the stars and the Universe was kindled at a very young age. As a child, my evenings included spending hours with my grandfather, pretending to navigate through oceans using the night sky, a sextant, and a telescope. In fact, I was 13 when I decided to become an astronomer. Exploring the Universe and befriending the stars have been my childhood dream. Ever since then, I’ve been very protective of that dream, stayed focussed, and I’ve dedicated my life to my science.

Enlighten us more about your research work and its applicability?

My core research is aimed at addressing a critical long-standing question in astrophysics: ‘How are chemical elements in the Universe synthesised?’. While it is established that stars are key producers of many of the elements in the Universe, the processes that govern their elemental production remains unclear. Through my research, I intend to underpin the production of elements in stars. Using large telescopes all around the world, I hunt for rare stellar fossils, which I use to reconstruct the life of stars, investigate their uncertain physics, and demystify their complex alchemy. The outcomes of my research contribute to providing a framework for understanding the chemical make-up of galaxies and the evolution of the Universe.

We do not see many women takers for STEM (especially in India). What do you think is the reason behind this skewed interest and how can we improve the same?

Women, especially from diverse backgrounds, are currently under-represented in STEM fields, partially because of expectations and boundaries put on them by their tradition and culture. I myself grew up in a rather conservative environment where, for a woman, a prime attribute of a successful and fulfilling life was having a family and placing their wishes and needs ahead of her own. I have broken with tradition and chosen a different path by focusing on education and establishing a scientific career overseas which has brought me international recognition. At the same time, by remaining close to my family and connected to my roots, I have been able to show that it is possible to have a good balance between work and family, and that such a life is very fulfilling. My community back home has now embraced this change and is more supportive of young women pursuing their dreams. My alma mater in India use me as an example to inspire students to engage in STEM while I continue to provide support and mentorship to those students. Furthermore, I also share my experiences and empower young women through outreach events organised by Macquarie University. I also try to encourage parents to support those kids who have an inclination for astronomy and science. Being a Superstar in STEM will allow me to touch more lives and actively contribute to advancing the mammoth effort of establishing diversity and inclusivity in STEM as the new normal and motivate young minds to embrace their dreams and pursue the road less travelled.

Tell us how your area of scientific discovery is relevant for the ordinary citizen?

Our mysterious Universe instils a sense of awe in people of all walks of life. The elements made by stars are the very same elements that make up our bodies and everything around us. My core research is intimately tied to understanding the uncertain physics of stars and demystifying their alchemy. This will allow us to better understand the profound connection we have with the cosmos. My recent discovery of a new class of stars has proven that the evolution of stars in our Universe is more diverse and complex than what standard theories predicted. The Universe never fails to surprise! So, we should look up at the stars and wonder: “what’s out there?”. It is this very question that our ancestors asked which has driven us to be a technologically-advanced civilization today.

What excites you the most about your work?

While I find every aspect of my life as an astrophysicist very interesting, observing stars using telescopes all around the world is particularly very exciting. To observe my stars, I travel to astronomical observatories which are in very exotic places like the Atacama Desert in Chile (the European Southern Observatory and the Las Campanas Observatory), La Palma in Canary Islands (Roque de los Muchachos Observatory), and the edge of the Warrumbungle National Park in Australia (Siding Spring Observatory). Living in an observatory; preparing for the night – which includes setting up the telescope and calibrating the instruments; observing stars; collecting and analysing the data, are few of the many aspects that make ‘observing’ a very enriching experience for me. Also, it keeps me connected to my childhood fascination for star gazing.

What has been your inspiration all these years?

I carry in me a flame for astronomy that was kindled when I was a child and I have kept that flame alive throughout my scientific journey. This has been my inspiration. Also, I have been fortunate enough to have limitless support from my family and loved-ones, who have believed in me and my dreams even during those brief moments when I had doubts.

How do you look at Indo-Aussie relationship in the field of science and research?

The Indo-Australian relationship in the field of Astrophysics is significant. A few Australian astronomers, including myself, have on-going collaborations with astronomers in research institutes in India, for example the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. The Australian Government has set up initiatives to build research capacity and maximise research outcomes, thereby supporting the continued economic growth and development of both nations. One such initiative is the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF), which supports scientists in India and Australia to collaborate on leading-edge research, with astronomy and astrophysics as one of the priority areas of research.

Most Australian Universities have international scholarships which provide the opportunity for aspiring Indian students to pursue their research careers in Australia. For instance, Macquarie University is very supportive of cotutelle and joint PhD programs where a candidate is jointly enrolled at two universities, and spends time at each university. A candidate is jointly supervised by staff at each institution and upon successful completion of the program, a candidate graduates from both universities with a Doctor of Philosophy. These programs are specifically designed to further strengthen international research collaborations.

Which moment of your life would you call as the turning point?

This is a hard question (smiles…) I think I’ve had a lot of turning points in my life. In-fact every choice I make every day is a turning point as it shapes me, my work, and my life. But if I had to pick one, it would be when I was a first-year PhD student presenting the preliminary results from my research, for the very first time, in an international conference. The reason I choose to talk about this moment is because I vividly remember being extremely nervous for weeks before my presentation and wondering if I had what it takes to be an astronomer. However, when giving my presentation, I found that I thoroughly enjoyed talking about my science and it was rather well received by my scientific peers. The happiness and excitement I felt that day made me realise that I had made the right choice in pursuing my passion for astronomy. This gave me the confidence to forge ahead.

Has there been any obstacle or challenge that you faced in your work?

I think everyone of us faces challenges and these are a part of life/work and they come in different forms and in every step of the way.  However, there is one challenge that I would like to mention. This is ‘self-doubt’. Over the years, I have become better at dealing with it by teaching myself the art of self-congratulation. I have learned that I can only be a true winner if I can win in my own eyes! This has certainly helped me to appreciate and celebrate myself and my entire scientific journey.

How do you look at- ‘Success’ and ‘Failure’?

Failure is good for success! I think it has always been failure that has pushed me to broaden my horizons, reach greater heights, and appreciate my successes.

What is it that you like to do when you are not working?

It is crucial to give the mind and body a break from work as this ensures the recycling of energy that drives me every day. Spending time at home with my family and friends is my favourite way to unwind. I also make sure my day has some time set aside for sport and fitness which makes me mentally and physically stronger. I like investing my time in art, cooking, and connecting with nature. Having said that, I must admit that I never entirely disconnect from work. While I do try to disconnect from my academic duties, my research is always at the back of my mind and a lot of my research ideas come to me when I am away from work, spending time with myself or doing the other things I enjoy.

Your message for young and aspiring brains:

Your future is full of opportunity. So, pick your path, and explore it! Have a vision for your life and never lose sight of it. As often as you can, visualise it unfolding. Remember to put in that ‘one extra bit’ of effort and dedication, which makes ‘good’ into ‘great’!

Your message for all women who look up to you as an inspiration?

My scientific journey has required me to be dedicated, perseverant, and to have an undying spirit to excel despite the odds. Your dream is worth fighting for! So, stay focussed and protective of it, give it your everything, and embrace it.

Is there anything else that you want to add:

I’d like to thank Ms. Nidhi and the Indus Age team for these interesting questions which allow me to share my journey and my science with the world.