Biotechnology Breakthroughs: Women Pioneers in Life Sciences

November 20, 20232 Minutes Read
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Indian women have made remarkable strides in biotechnology, contributing to ground-breaking discoveries and advancements that have the potential to transform our lives. Let's delve into their remarkable achievements and the role of biotechnology courses in empowering women to shape the future.

The field of biotechnology involves using biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop new technologies and products that benefit society. Its applications are diverse, from healthcare and agriculture to environmental conservation. It's a broad field with numerous types of biotechnology at play.

In India, women have not shied away from embracing biotechnology and excelling in various areas. One of these remarkable pioneers is Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder and chairperson of Biocon. Her journey began when she founded Biocon in 1978 with a vision to make healthcare affordable and accessible, and she succeeded in doing so by pioneering innovative biopharmaceuticals, such as insulin, that have transformed the treatment of diabetes. Dr. Kiran's contributions exemplify the impactful role of women in biotechnology .

Another trailblazer is Dr. Tessy Thomas, often called the "Missile Woman of India." She is a defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) scientist and has played a pivotal role in developing India's ballistic missile defense system. Her work involves advanced biotechnology applications in materials science, propellants, and other cutting-edge areas. Dr. Tessy's achievements demonstrate how women are making a mark in areas beyond traditional life sciences.

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Biotechnology courses in India have given women the knowledge and skills to embark on a fruitful career in this field. These courses cover various topics, including genetic engineering, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical biotechnology, and more. They provide a solid foundation for women to explore the types of biotechnology that pique their interest. One such biotechnology course is the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biotechnology, which provides a strong academic foundation and practical skills. Many women opt for this as it equips them with the essential knowledge to work in various biotechnology domains.

Dr. Swati Mohan, an Indian-American engineer, made headlines with her role as the guidance and controls operations lead for NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover mission. Her achievements inspire women in biotechnology worldwide. Dr. Swati's work involved developing and implementing the rover's navigation and guidance systems, utilizing advanced biotechnology concepts.

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In addition to these prominent figures, countless women in India work diligently in laboratories, research institutions, and biotechnology companies. They contribute to various areas, from developing novel medicines to engineering sustainable agriculture solutions.

Furthermore, the Indian government has been actively promoting the role of women in biotechnology through various initiatives and funding programs. This support encourages more women to explore biotech careers to make meaningful contributions.

The biotechnology field in India is witnessing a significant transformation thanks to the remarkable contributions of women pioneers. Their achievements are a testament to their dedication, passion, and expertise. Biotechnology courses have played a pivotal role in equipping women with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in this field.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of these women, we also look forward to a future where more women in India will continue to shape the landscape of biotechnology , making invaluable breakthroughs that benefit us all. Explore the wide range of courses offered across different fields on Glow & Lovely Careers. Visit our website now and let the colours of success shine through! #KaamyabiKeRangDikhao

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July 23, 20214 Minutes Read

Komal Mangtani: The Rebellious Girl Learned Coding and Is Now One of America’s Top 50 Women in Technology

Coming from a conservative family in Surat, Komal's rebellion was taking up Coding as a career. Today, Komal is the Senior Director and Head of Engineering and Business Intelligence at Uber.

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Komal came from a conservative family in Surat. The idea of women working or going away for higher education was not popular.

"I come from a conservative family. People were loving but not necessarily giving me the right feedback.
Back then, traveling 200 km to study, staying in a hostel, was all a no-no. I distinctly remember crying, trying to convince my family this was the right thing for me."

So Komal rebelled and decided to take up Coding.

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Having the right career guidance is important. It is easier to succeed when what you are doing matches your interests. To get a free online test in career planning click here!

Using education as a ticket to independence Komal once said, "For me, computer engineering became a ticket to freedom, to independence." Coding helped Komal explore her career differently. She could move away from social norms that were otherwise tying her down.

The initial struggle

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It was not easy though. Komal studied engineering almost 20 -- 25 years back. During the 1980s- 1990s. Computers were not easily available then.

"I had to pay by the hour for computer time!"

To save money, Komal started writing software programs on paper first. Then she would run to the local cybercafé and type those programs on the computer.

Komal, however, did not let these challenges discourage her. Instead, she started having fun. She treated these challenges like a game. Writing software programs and testing them gave an outlet to her creativity.

Converting challenges into opportunities
Komal's imagination was strong. She loved solving puzzles and riddles. When the computer programs she wrote didn't work, she treated them like a puzzle. It was her version of a video game.

Breaking society's rules

After graduation, Komal joined Wipro as a software engineer. The society, however was not happy. At that time, people thought a working woman meant the family was poor.

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At that time, Komal's father supported her.

Taking up a job...... Going away from home to pursue a career.... Pursuing Technology, which was predominantly a male-dominated profession...... Komal kept breaking the typical norms.

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Taking these risks paid off

The job in Wipro as a software engineer was the start of a successful career. Due to her background with Wipro, Komal could shift to the US. There she got an opportunity to work with Oracle in the US.

Later she joined Uber and has been in the news ever since! Today, Komal is a senior Director in Uber and heads engineering and business intelligence.

Komal on girls entering the world of Technology

Komal's advice to girls wanted to enter Technology is that they should broaden the definition of Technology. Match using Technology with their interests. She gives an example of YouTube and Facebook.

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One may be developing the next YouTube because she or she likes love watching videos. Similarly, one may create the next Facebook because he/she likes to socialize.

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Having the right career guidance is important. It is easier to succeed when what you are doing matches your interests. To get free career guidance about your dream career, click here!

According to Komal, having an equal number of men and women in Technology is beneficial to business. Since women think differently and bring a unique approach to solving problems -- which may be different from a man's approach.

Komal is a strong supporter of women joining Technology. She is on board of communities such as Women Who Code and Girls Who Code -- organizations that help girls make a career in Technology.

In fact, Komal was also instrumental in Uber donating more than a million dollars to Girls who Code to help girls develop technical knowledge at a young age.

Komal on empowering girls to make their own decisions

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Be it career or deciding what to eat, Komal firmly believes that girls should make their own choice.

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She feels that we need to empower girls to make decisions from a very young age. It can be a simple activity such as going to a restaurant and allowing them to order what they want. This helps boost their confidence."

Komal herself has 2 daughters. One is 10 years old and the other is 14 years old. She keeps telling her girls not to allow the world to define them. She feels girls should invest in themselves and now allow others to define their strengths and weaknesses.

If you wish to pursue a career in computers and Information technology, you can check out our free online courses in Information Technology
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