I am an enthusiastic learner. I have longed to be admitted to a research university since my high school days.
I enjoy studying physics with a strong philosophical foundation along with scientific explanations. As an engineer, I believe proposing a design or investigating a technology are as important as exploring the fields' state of the art because introducing new technology is only possible when you can connect the different pieces of knowledge harnessed by studying the fields. So you can call me both a theorist and an experimentalist.
For a girl like me from a small South Asian country (Bangladesh), I would never say the journey was smooth. As an underdeveloped country, my homeland offers very limited resources and facilities for scientific research. It became even more difficult to focus on my goals when the surrounding society labeled my ambitions as just a daydream.
I dream of making an impact on society with contributions that can inspire at least a single person to break stereotypes.
Orthi Sikder, Class of 2020
Eventually, I got married. Now I must say that I have a partner who shares a very similar love for science and knowledge. So we both started working towards making our dreams true. I consider myself lucky to attend IUPUI, a university offering tremendous facilities for students.
As soon as I got here, I involved myself in research and study, living the beautiful thrill of learning and discovery. Currently, I work as a research assistant at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI. My research focus includes quantum physics, solid-state engineering, and machine learning. I am grateful to my supervisor and my department at IUPUI for offering me this wonderful opportunity. Without their support, it would not be possible for me to attend a graduate school.
I am a member of several students clubs (international students club, the Moving Company, Bangladesh Students Association) here to keep myself in touch with the people of similar interest and take part in community activities. I would identify being disciplined and organized as my biggest strengths. Finally, I dream of making an impact on society with contributions that can inspire at least a single person to break stereotypes.
Story courtesy of:
Orthi Sikder
Class of 2020
