Punjabi scientist, Navpreet Kaur's research is driven by passion, fascination and a willingness to do something for society.
Navpreet is a final year PhD student at the Climate Change Cluster laboratory at the University of Technology Sydney.
Her studentship is supported by an International Research Scholarship and UTS President’s Research Scholarship.
She has a Masters degree in Biotechnology from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala in India.
Navpreet told SBS Punjabi that she had a passion for science from a very young age which she is now willing to continue at a professional level.
“I hope to contribute to society by improving the current knowledge in my chosen field and ultimately contributing to a scientifically advanced future that provides a better quality of life globally,” she said.
Navpreet is 'hopeful' that new developments in biotechnology may provide a solution to the world’s sustainability problems.
Navpreet has been a mentee in the inaugural IMNIS MedTech-Pharma program in New South Wales. Source: Supplied
“A major challenge facing the world today is the growing global population size with its increased demand for food, energy, water and effective means of waste disposal,” she says.
She spends most of her time working in the lab, doing research and recording her findings.
“My PhD project at UTS has been a useful and excellent experience. It’s a learning curve that will help me shape my professional career for the years to come,” she adds.
Her project focus is to develop microalgae as a viable platform for recombinant protein production, which could potentially be exploited for therapeutic uses.
Microalgae are single-celled organisms widely known for their commercial applications in the production of biofuels, nutraceuticals, feed for animals and aquaculture.
Navpreet also has an advice for students looking for a career in science.
“Science can be a challenging and rewarding career! Well, if you’re chasing a career in science, you must get organised and refrain from procrastination,” she says.
“If you think critically and enjoy learning learn new things then science is for you.”
“I won’t advise any international students to pursue PhD as full fee paying students. The aim should be to get a scholarship otherwise it is too costly to handle.
“And remember, it’s not only about a getting a good job with a decent salary job but how you can exploit your scientific passion for the betterment of humanity,” she said.
Navpreet aims to finish her PhD this year before starting her industry-based career in science and technology.
