In talks with Dr. Poonam Mishra - PhD degree holder in Biotechnology and university gold medallist from Kanpur

Dr. Poonam Mishra has done PhD in biotechnology from Jawaharlal Nehru University (J.N.U., New Delhi) and a gold medallist from Banaras Hindu University. Recently she shared her journey via an interview, whose brief extract has been given below.

Interviewer: Please tell us something about your academic and professional background.

Dr. Mishra: I have studied at Sindhiya Saraswati Shishu Mandir, Rail Bazar, Kanpur till class 5th  and then I shifted to Saraswati Balika Vidhya Mandir defence colony, where I had studied from class 6th to 9th. I gave my 10th examination from Saraswati Gyan Mandir Inter College and 12th from B.N.S.D. Shiksha Niketan in Kanpur with 83% marks in the board examination.

I did my B.Sc degree from Kanpur University with 79% marks. I got selected to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for my M.Sc in biotechnology as I had secured an all India rank of 59th  in the Biotechnology Entrance Examination (BEE-2005). I completed post-graduation in 2007 with a gold medal at the university level. I completed my PhD in biotechnology in 2014 from Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, which is affiliated to JNU.

After completion of my PhD, till 2015, I worked as Project Associate at IIT Kanpur for 6 months in the Bioscience and Bioengineering department. Then worked as temporary assistant professor (TAP) in Vadodara for one academic session (2016-17). I had taken a gap of three years and now I plan to re-join in the academic sector.

Interviewer: What suggestions would you give to any Vidya Bharati student who wants to take up the same field of study?

Dr. Mishra: If any student is interested to join this field, there are two options, either they can join the Research and development sector or the academics sector. The research sector has a lot of scope in the present scenario and the importance of the subject is clearly evident during the ongoing pandemic across the world. Any kind of pharmaceuticals company or laboratory will require candidates belonging to the biotechnology background.

Interviewer: Why did you take biotechnology as your chosen field of study?

Dr. Mishra: During the early 2000’s, biotechnology was booming in India and its scope had increased manifold. For the next 10 to 20 years this industry is forecasted to become huge, needing a big workforce. So since the time I took up biology, I did not want to do a general M.Sc degree. Thus,I joined this field.

Interviewer: As you have studied under different Vidhya Bharati schools, can you tell us something about the experience?

Dr. Mishra: I have a very strong belief on the education systems of Vidya Bharati School. The way they give stress on Indian culture, nationalism and overall personality development of the students, it’s truly unique. I have a small daughter and wished that if we had a Vidya Bharati school in Vadodara, I would have surely admitted her there. 

 

Interviewer: What about your family? Can you tell us more about them?

Dr. Mishra: My family is based in Kanpur that includes my father and mother. They have had an immense contribution towards where I am today, as they have supported and guided me throughout my life in both my academics and personal life. I also have a younger brother and two elder sisters. All of them have been inspirational and helpful in my journey till now. One of my sisters and my brother, both are assistant professors. So, you can tell most of my family is into academics.  My husband has done a PhD in Chemistry as well and is in the Research and Development sector. I also have a small kid and in-laws, two brothers and two sisters too in my family, who all are quite loving and supporting for me at every point of my life. 

Interviewer: Would you like to give any message to Vidya Bharati?

Dr. Mishra:  The only message that I would like to share with all Vidya Bharati schools is that please continue with the method of education that Vidya Bharati is known for. Simple education can be received from anywhere, but complete personality development, along with strong moral values, is possible from only Vidya Bharati. As a parent we try and teach our children the best, but the environment at the school is highly important as well.

Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad thanks Dr. Poonam Mishra for taking out time and sharing her experiences with the community.

If you are a Vidya Bharati alumni, and would like to share your story as well, kindly email us at info@vidyabharatialumni.org and we will get in touch with you.