Prescription to Success
Snippets of an Interview conducted with a Dr.T.Maria Antonita
What sparked your interest in science, and why did
you choose this career?
From my childhood, I have been interested in
solving problems in mathematics and science. I have
always been fascinated by how science explains the
world around us, which inspired me to pursue a
career in this field. My goal has always been to
understand real-life problems and find practical
solutions through science.
My journey from student to scientist has always been
driven by curiosity and the constant urge to ask how
and why things work the way they do. This natural
inquisitiveness led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree
in Physics, where I developed a strong foundation
and found myself drawn to complex physics-related
problems. As I moved ahead, my interest deepened,
and I decided to pursue a doctorate in Physics with a
specialization in Atmospheric Science.
This research journey not only broadened my
scientific outlook but also provided me with the
unique opportunity to contribute to solving real-
world problems. Working in this field gave me the
chance to serve the nation through science, which has
been both a privilege and a motivating force
throughout my career.
Dr. T. Maria Antonita is a Senior Scientist at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), where she
plays a key role in conceptualizing and planning planetary missions. With a Ph.D. in Physics specializing
in Atmospheric Sciences, her research focuses on understanding the dynamics and processes of the
Earth’s atmosphere. She has made significant contributions to the scientific community through
publications in leading international journals and by sharing her insights at global scientific conferences.
Can you share your journey from being a student to
becoming a scientist, and the turning points that shaped
your path?
What challenges have you faced as a woman in science,
and how did you overcome them?
As a woman, I have not faced any professional
hardships, as there are equal opportunities available
for both men and women in science. However,
balancing work and home has been a little
challenging. It requires perseverance, hard work, and
sometimes putting in that extra effort to ensure both
responsibilities are managed well. Over time, I have
learned to handle this balance more effectively, which
has helped me grow both personally and
professionally.
What advice would you give to young people
(especially women) who want to pursue a career in
science today?
My humble advice to the younger generation,
especially young women, is that there are plenty
of opportunities available in science today. One
should set a clear goal and pursue it with
patience, perseverance, and hard work. There are
also many research schemes and grants in both
science and technology designed to encourage
and motivate women who want to build a career
in this field. With dedication and focus, it is
possible to achieve great success.
What exciting opportunities do you see in science
for the next generation, and how can students
prepare for them?
Science today is advancing faster than ever,
offering exciting opportunities in areas like
artificial intelligence, climate science, renewable
energy, biotechnology, and space research. For
the next generation, these fields provide a chance
to solve real-world problems and contribute
meaningfully to society. Students can prepare by
building a strong foundation in STEM subjects,
staying curious, developing critical thinking and
problem-solving skills, and gaining hands-on
experience through projects, internships, or
research programs. Most importantly,
maintaining passion and perseverance will help
them make the most of these opportunities.
What does a typical day in your role look like, and
what excites you the most about your work?
Work is always fascinating and demands
dedication, focus, and complete involvement in
whatever we do. It involves research, data
analysis, discussions with the team, and reviewing
the progress made in our projects. Every day
brings new learning and opportunities to update
knowledge in the field of space sciences, which
keeps the work exciting and fulfilling.