GET TO KNOW MANISHA...
Dr. Manisha Ajmani is a Research Project Manager at the University of Winnipeg working with Physics/Applied Computer Science Department on a project related to Digital Agriculture. She received her PhD degree in Electronics Engineering from Glasgow Caledonian University in United Kingdom in 2019. She has various publications in reputed conferences and journals in the field of Wireless Communication, Optical Fiber Communication technology and Digital Agriculture.
Manisha is a passionate advocate for women’s education in the STEM field and strongly believes that women can make a difference in the field of science and help shape the future. She believes that engaging female researchers in public outreach events can be very encouraging for many more young women to take up STEM areas of study. She has conducted various workshops and public outreach programs to promote Science and Technology among young women. She is a key organizer of Soapbox Science Winnipeg, a novel public outreach platform for promoting women scientists.
Q & A
QUESTION 1)
Q: Who or what inspired you to become an electrical engineer?
A: As a child, I was always curious to know how things worked and found that I had an aptitude for understanding the most "complicated" engineering. I would disassemble my toys and reassemble them, and most of the time they would still work! As I grew up, so did my thirst for anything related to Science and Technology and Mathematics. And as I did my highschool, I discovered Engineering is the degree which I always wanted to do!
QUESTION 2)
Q: Who are your women role models and not necessarily in science?
A: My role model is my mother, not only has she raised me, but she's also been my personal coach during every stage of my life journey. She inspires and motivates me to grow without any barriers. She looked after me and supported me in every part of my life. Right from childhood, she has been with me like my shadow. It had been riddled with hurdles and difficulties, but she has managed to cross them all because of the amazing and independent person she is.
QUESTION 3)
Q: Do you think there are particular structural road blocks that impede the progress of women in science?
A: If I talk about engineering, there exist some presumptions that certain engineering professions are not meant for women. Thankfully, there are women breaking that mold and are able to change the mindset of people.
QUESTION 4)
Q: What are the biggest obstacles you had to overcome?
A: Moving from India to Scotland to pursue my PhD degree was a dream come true. However, it was my first experience traveling and living in a foreign land. Though my colleagues were very friendly and welcoming, it took a lot of effort to get accustomed to a newculture, a new work environment, and of course, a very different dialect of English!
QUESTION 5)
Q: If you had the option to give advice to a younger version of yourself, what would that be?
A: I would advise my younger self to always believe in themselves and not be afraid to explore things that interest them.
FAVOURITE QUOTE
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
CONTACT INFORMATION
LinkedIn: @Manisha Ajmani (PhD)
Twitter: @ajmani95