Berlin native or repotted here?

Repotted all the way from Delhi, India.

What did you want to do as a child?

I grew up in India as a child, and like most children I wanted to become an
engineer, like my father.

What do you really do today (career, training/studies and current position)?

As I grew up, I realized I like engineering, but I prefer theoretical aspects more.
Hence I started to study Physics. Since I was brought up in a very conservative
environment, staying at work after 17:00 was not allowed and I had to be back
home. This also only allowed me to pursue theoretical Physics.

Now I am a professional theoretical Physicist and am lucky to get paid to follow
my hobby. Currently I am employed as professor for solid state physics at FU-
Berlin jointly with MBI-Berlin

What do you particularly like about your job?

I like the fact that I can ask the question »Why?«, and have the ability to answer it.
Every day is an adventure, a quest to find the answer.

The sea or the mountains?

Both have their own charm, monotony of either would be boring.

As a balance to work, I spend my time …

… with Quilting. I make quilts in order to sort my thoughts.

After falling into a magic potion, you are granted a superpower – which one
would it be?

I would gain the power of clarity of thoughts. Being able to think clearly and
methodically at all times is a luxurious gift.

If you could implement one measure for the advancement of women – what
would it be?

I have a 10 year old daughter, and I see that most of the girls in her class did not
choose to study MINT and are almost afraid of it. I would like to particularly target
this young age group to make MINT subjects attractive.

I am looking for/offering …

I do not know what I am looking for. It is one of those clichéd situation where I
would know it, when I see it.

I am offering to mentor young women, who are not decided if they want to
persue Physics and who want to see what it feels like and what it takes to do it.

Thanks a lot!

Questions by Sanela Schlößer (LaNA)