I’m Mansi Joshi!
I am a PhD student at the University of Texas, San Antonio. I am from India and moved to the USA for graduate studies in 2021.
Anyone who is hardworking and passionate about their work inspires me to do the same and develop similar qualities.
My current research focuses on using different satellite data to understand the physical processes of sea ice in Antarctica. Sea ice is frozen ocean water. It forms, grows, and melts in the ocean. Sea ice is primarily observed in polar regions, and it influences the global climate. Changes in the amount of sea ice can hamper the normal ocean circulation, which is responsible for altering ocean ecosystems such as the rise and fall in the population of fishes, etc.
There is a lot of research happening in the polar regions, however, people are still not aware of the problems in the polar regions and how that can affect their daily lives. I am interested in communicating my research to the public in a general way. Lesser-known facts about the physical processes of a particular region or area inspire me to answer those questions.
Growing up I was always intrigued by space science and satellites. The Indian pioneer’s instrumental in building the Indian Space research organization always inspired me. As a kid I used to go on treks in and around my city, however, during one of the fieldwork in my undergraduate geology class changed my perspective in understanding the surface processes. The same place I used to visit as a kid now has a meaning to it.
Growing up I was always intrigued by space science and satellites. The Indian pioneer’s instrumental in building the Indian Space research organization always inspired me.
To all the young readers out there, it is not always possible to go on the field, and now with the help of satellite data, we can understand the region without going on the field. If given the chance, fieldwork to polar regions is a great experience, but even if not then don't let that demotivate you, because learning about polar regions in itself is an amazing experience.
Being born in an Indian family it was not easy to take up research and understand how to embark on this path. I hope I can help at least a few girls in my community to take up science and research.
There is a lot of research happening in the polar regions, however, people are still not aware of the problems in the polar regions and how that can affect their daily lives. I am interested in communicating my research to the public in a general way. Lesser-known facts about the physical processes of a particular region or area inspire me to answer those questions.
Being born in an Indian family it was not easy to take up research and understand how to embark on this path. Most women in my family are either homemakers or MBAs. I did not have anyone to look up to in the field of science and research.
I hope I can help at least a few girls in my community to take up science and research.
My family is the first one I consider as my outreach activity. Because they did not understand why I studied something so far away and how it can have an impact on normal lives. But now after a lot of explanation, they are really proud of what I do and also help others around them understand the effect of climate change.
Apart from being a polar researcher, I would really like to be involved in interdisciplinary work and outreach activities. I actively take part in my university outreach activities which have helped me understand the importance of science communication.
I would just like to advise someone who wants to go into academics and pursue a PhD, that choose your supervisor wisely rather than a university/institution. A good supervisor is someone who can help you and guide you to be a better researcher. They are also the ones who push you out of your comfort zone just for you to realize your potential.
