Biography
Education
- Ph.D.: Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, May 2006.
Thesis: "Enzymatic Reactions in Water-Soluble Polymer Solutions: Rheology & Kinetics" under Prof. Saad Khan.
- MS: Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 2003.
- MTech: Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, India, 1996.
Thesis: "Modeling and Simulation of Flow Boiling Heat Transfer inside a Tube".
- BE: Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, India, 1994.
Thesis: "Production of Amylase Enzyme in a Spouted Bed Fermenter".
Industrial Experience
- April 2011 - To date: Senior Principal Scientist, Food Physics and Rheology Lab, Kraft Heinz, Glenview, IL.
- June 2006 - April 2011:: Research Engineer, Johns Manville Corporation, OH.
- April 1999 - August 2001: Scientific Officer, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, India.
- March 1996---March 1999: Project Executive, Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., India.
Overview
Please give a brief summation of your day-to-day work.
I manage the Rheology and Food Physics laboratory for Kraft Heinz; coach and advise junior scientists in the physical characterization of food ingredients and products;
develop and apply rheological, thermal, and textural analysis methods to evaluate the texture and stability of food products; develop new rheometric and food physics
characterization capabilities for emerging business needs.
How do you use rheology in your day-to day work?
Rheology plays an integral role in developing food products with the consistent texture and stability that consumers like. Rheological measurements are applied to food
product quality control and to evaluate process transformations from ingredients to finished products, setting formulas and processing parameters accordingly to achieve
the desired texture.
What inspired you to become a scientist and/or pursue a career in your specific field?
My graduate school research focused on studying enzymatic reactions in food hydrocolloids. During the study, I realized that food rheology is more complex than polymer
rheology, and there is a significant knowledge gap in the food rheology field, an excellent opportunity to explore and contribute to the area.
When did you decide to pursue a career in industry/government?
I joined graduate school after five years of industrial experience. During my industrial career, I was fascinated by how science is applied in Industry and wanted to
sharpen my technical skills in graduate school and join the industry upon graduation.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career thus far?
Applying rheological sciences to solve complex problems impacting the business and seeing the solution come to fruition.
How has involvement with The Society of Rheology helped to shape/influence your career?
Joining SOR has helped me learn about recent advancements in rheology and rheological instruments. It’s also helped me network with peers, academicians, and
researchers and find opportunities to build collaboration that helps solve pressing business problems.
After completing formal education, what is one new skill set that you developed/acquired that has been critical for your career?
Application of statistical analysis tools in every stage of a product or process development project from ideation to implementation.
What are the two most important non-technical skills for a career in science?
Assertive communication and simplifying complex problems are critical for a successful career in science.
What was the biggest challenge moving from academia into your current career?
Adjusting to a world of fast-paced, business-focused problem-solving.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
You own your career, and you need to drive it to success; your managers will only guide you to be successful. Success in your science career depends on
applying your knowledge to make a business impact.
What advice would you give to students making the transition to their first job?
Research the company, job description, and the company culture before accepting an offer; network with peers in the company.
What advice would you give to students considering graduate school?
You own the research; you set the problem and find solutions. Your adviser will guide you through the process and help you make the right decision.
Looking towards the future, what are you most excited about in your career and/or science?
Application of AI and machine learning tools in rheology and food physics; application of the tools predicting consumer perception of food texture and stability.
If you could meet and have lunch with one scientist (past or present), who would it be and why?
Prof. Gareth McKinley
for his passion for mathematics and developing mathematical solutions to solving complex rheological problems.
Mentorship
How has mentorship impacted your career?
My mentors helped me learn the company's business and culture and navigate through the organization to build internal collaborations.
From the mentor perspective, what advice would you give to others serving as mentors?
Mentors must build a rapport with their mentees through candid conversations and share their knowledge and experience with mentees.
From the mentee perspective, what advice would you give to mentees?
Mentees should trust and listen to their mentors and appreciate them for their time and guidance.
Collaborations
What advice would you give to individuals that are either starting and/or leading collaborations between companies?
Be transparent, share knowledge and experience, and work together to solve common problems.
What challenges and benefits have you seen from collaborations between academia and industry?
Industry seeks academic expertise in understanding fundamental science around pressing business problems. However, the challenge is that the response from academia
can be slow compared to the speed and agility that the industry needs.
For hiring managers
What pointers would you give to first time job seeking students?
Build an extensive network, research about the companies and job profiles.
When is the optimum time to start looking for jobs during graduate school?
Once graduate research starts taking shape, start thinking about the industry or field you want to work in.
Does flexibility in job search play a role in current times, especially when the job market seems to be highly competitive?
It's good to be flexible within the scope of your expertise.