🚀 Campus Konnect | Interview with Vikrant Chandel – MSc Ayurveda Biology Graduate, PhD Student at RIKEN, Japan
Campus Konnect is an initiative by BioPatrika aimed at bridging the gap between students, faculty, and the broader scientific community. Through this platform, we explore academic programs, research initiatives, and campus experiences, providing valuable insights for aspiring students and researchers. By engaging directly with faculty members and students, Campus Konnect brings forth stories that highlight institutional strengths, innovative programs, and career opportunities.
In this Campus Konnect edition, we are excited to feature M.Sc. Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) graduates from The University of Trans-disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), to learn more about their journey, research focus, and contributions to the scientific ecosystem.
Student Interview 2: Vikrant Chandel, PhD Student at RIKEN, Japan
In this special Campus Konnect edition by Biopatrika, we explore the unique journey of Vikrant Chandel, an MSc Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) graduate from The University of Trans-disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bengaluru, who is now pursuing his PhD at RIKEN, Japan. 🎓
🔬 Key Highlights of the Interview:
✅ Why Ayurveda Biology? Vikrant shares why he chose this transdisciplinary program over traditional life sciences.
✅ TDU Experience: Insights into the open-minded scientific approach, research flexibility, and strong collaborations with top institutions.
✅ Research Journey: From exploring Drosophila and neurodegeneration to integrating Ayurvedic herbs into modern science.
✅ Infrastructure & Support: Access to advanced equipment, industry collaborations, and mentorship that shaped his PhD aspirations.
✅ PhD Admission & Scientific Thinking: How TDU prepared Vikrant for research at RIKEN, Japan, emphasizing critical thinking and interdisciplinary knowledge.
✅ Advice for Future Researchers: The importance of an open mind, interdisciplinary learning, and mentorship in building a successful research career.
🎤 Host: Virender Singh, Founder – SciKonnect & Biopatrika
🎙️ Guest: Vikrant Chandel, MSc Ayurveda Biology Graduate, PhD Student at RIKEN, Japan
💡 Watch the full interview to gain insights into this unique career path and the impact of interdisciplinary research!
More details about the TDU MSc Ayurveda Biology program here: https://www.tdu.edu.in/courses/m-sc-life-sciences-ayurveda-biology
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Link to YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Nw9Y6n0OaU4
Full Interview
Virender Singh: Hi everyone, welcome to Campus Konnect by BioPatrika. Today, we have with us Vikrant Chandel, an alumnus of TDU who completed his master’s program and is currently pursuing a PhD in Japan. Welcome to the show, Vikrant!
Vikrant Chandel: Thank you, Virender!
Virender Singh: Before we dive in, could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your program at TDU?
Vikrant Chandel: Hi, my name is Vikrant. I completed my Master’s in Life Sciences with a specialization in Ayurveda Biology from Transdisciplinary University (TDU). Currently, I am pursuing my PhD at RIKEN in Japan.
Virender Singh: That’s great! You pursued a specialized program combining Ayurveda and Life Sciences. What made you choose this program over a traditional life sciences course?
Vikrant Chandel: One of my friends had previously studied at TDU and gave me great feedback about its approach to research. The university encourages open-minded scientific thinking and provides students with the liberty to explore new ideas.
As a young researcher, I wanted a space where I could freely share and test my ideas. TDU offered me that freedom. While I initially had no background in Ayurveda, the program allowed me to explore interdisciplinary research. In today’s scientific world, integrating multiple disciplines is crucial. This program helped me learn how to bridge different scientific domains.
Virender Singh: That sounds like an enriching experience. You mentioned you had no prior background in Ayurveda. How did the faculty support you in understanding Ayurvedic concepts?
Vikrant Chandel: Yes, when I first joined, I had zero knowledge of Ayurveda. However, the professors were fantastic in introducing us to fundamental Ayurvedic concepts without overwhelming us. They provided us with a broad understanding rather than diving too deep initially. Over time, I got a glimpse of Ayurveda and how its principles can be integrated into modern scientific research. The program was a perfect blend of Ayurveda and contemporary life sciences.
Virender Singh: That’s fascinating! Let’s talk about infrastructure. You mentioned TDU provides students with the liberty to explore ideas. How was the infrastructure, and did it support your research needs?
Vikrant Chandel: The infrastructure at TDU was quite good. Unlike some universities where access to advanced equipment is restricted, TDU allows students to use instruments like LC-MS, HPLC, RT-PCR, and Q-PCR after receiving hands-on training.
Additionally, TDU has strong collaborations with institutions like NCBS, NCCS, CSIR, and IIT Jodhpur. Many of my classmates conducted their thesis research at these institutions. I did my collaborative thesis in an industry setting based at C-CAMP. So even if TDU lacked certain equipment, its partnerships ensured students had the resources they needed.
Virender Singh: That’s great to hear! Speaking of your master’s thesis, how did you choose your research project? Did you receive guidance from faculty members?
Vikrant Chandel: Initially, during my first semester break, I was introduced to Drosophila research by my thesis guide. At first, I wanted to work on plants, so I reached out to scientists in that field. Though I didn’t receive responses, my supervisor was open to helping me explore plant research by connecting me with the Ethnobotanical Department at TDU.
Eventually, I decided to continue with Drosophila research. My supervisor, Dr. Megha, played a crucial role in shaping my thesis direction. She even connected me with an industry collaborator to work on behavior and neurodegeneration. The faculty at TDU guided us not just for short-term thesis goals but in a way that aligned with our long-term career objectives.
Virender Singh: That’s a valuable mentorship experience. Now that you’re pursuing your PhD, how did your training at TDU help you gain admission and develop research skills?
Vikrant Chandel: The training I received at TDU was instrumental in my PhD admission at RIKEN. During my interviews, the panel assessed my thesis work and how well I understood my research. They focused on why I conducted specific experiments and how I approached scientific questions.
At TDU, my supervisor encouraged us to think critically—always asking why we were doing something and what alternative approaches we could take. Regular lab meetings and one-on-one discussions helped refine our thought processes. Interactions with faculty from diverse backgrounds further broadened my scientific perspective.
For example, I worked on neurodegeneration in Drosophila while incorporating Ayurvedic herbs into my research. Conversations with Ayurvedic experts helped me see my research from different angles. This interdisciplinary approach significantly shaped my scientific thinking and prepared me for the rigorous research environment in my PhD.
Virender Singh: That’s fantastic! It sounds like TDU provided you with a strong foundation for your research career. Before we wrap up, do you have any advice for students considering interdisciplinary research?
Vikrant Chandel: Yes! If you’re interested in interdisciplinary research, keep an open mind and be willing to learn from different fields. Having knowledge in multiple disciplines will make you a more versatile researcher. Also, seek institutions that provide the flexibility to explore your ideas and develop critical thinking skills. Lastly, never hesitate to engage with faculty and peers from different backgrounds—it can open doors to new perspectives and research opportunities.
Virender Singh: That’s great advice! Thank you, Vikrant, for sharing your journey and insights with us. We wish you the best in your PhD and future endeavors!
Vikrant Chandel: Thank you, Virender! It was a pleasure being here.
More details about the TDU MSc Ayurveda Biology program here: https://www.tdu.edu.in/courses/m-sc-life-sciences-ayurveda-biology
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