From Quantum Physics to Startup Founder | Dr. Estelle Inack on Research, Entrepreneurship & AI

Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty on Physics to Biophysics, Industry, National Labs & Academia

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.19 || Guest: Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty 🇮🇳🇺🇸 How does a physicist transition into biophysics, move across industry research, national laboratories, and academia, and eventually build her own research group? In this episode of the DPT Podcast, I speak with Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty, an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University, about her scientific journey from physics to biophysics, her experiences across different research environments, and the practical lessons she learned while navigating PhD life, industry research, postdoctoral work, faculty applications, and academic leadership. This episode is full of actionable suggestions for students, PhD researchers, postdocs, and anyone thinking about building a career in academia. Highlights from this Episode: ✨ Transitioning from physics to biophysics ✨ Choosing a specialization and following research questions ✨ Preparing for a PhD in the United States ✨ Challenges of moving abroad for graduate school ✨ Differences between academia and industry research ✨ What writing a patent involves ✨ Research experience at National Laboratory ✨ Applying for professorship positions in the US ✨ Advice for academic job hunters ✨ Building and leading a research group ✨ How to network effectively in science ✨ Learning from failures and career transitions 🎙️ About The Guest: Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty is an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University. Her research journey connects physics, biophysics, computational modeling, industry research, national laboratory experience, and academic leadership. She completed her B.Sc. in Physics from Presidency College, Kolkata, and her M.Sc. in Physics from IIT Guwahati. She then pursued a PhD in Biophysics at the University at Buffalo. She has worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center and as a CNLS Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory. 🎖️Her work has been recognized with several awards, including the Wiley Computers in Chemistry Outstanding Research Award by the American Chemical Society in 2020, recognition by the Consortia for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development in 2019, and the National Institutes of Health Early Stage Investigator Award in 2023. Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=eXHIOyUAAAAJ&hl=en [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=eXHIOyUAAAAJ&hl=en] Webpage: https://coe.northeastern.edu/people/chakraborty-srirupa/ [https://coe.northeastern.edu/people/chakraborty-srirupa/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srirupa-chakraborty-50b13350/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/srirupa-chakraborty-50b13350/] 🔗 Resources & Links: Presidency College, Kolkata, India: https://presiuniv.ac.in/web/ [https://presiuniv.ac.in/web/] IIT Guwahati, India: https://www.iitg.ac.in [https://www.iitg.ac.in] National Brain Research Institute, Gurgaon, India: https://www.nbrc.ac.in/newweb/ [https://www.nbrc.ac.in/newweb/] SUNY, Buffalo, US : https://www.buffalo.edu/home/ub_admissions.html [https://www.buffalo.edu/home/ub_admissions.html] Los Alamos National Laboratory, US : https://www.lanl.gov [https://www.lanl.gov] Northeastern University, Boston, US: https://www.northeastern.edu [https://www.northeastern.edu] Roger Penrose’s book on consciousness: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadows_of_the_Mind [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadows_of_the_Mind] Bette Korber: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bette_Korber [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bette_Korber] Anthony Auerbach : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=fpLNu8cAAAAJ&hl=en [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=fpLNu8cAAAAJ&hl=en] Sandrasegaram Gnanakaran: https://www.biophysics.org/profiles/sandrasegaram-gnanakaran [https://www.biophysics.org/profiles/sandrasegaram-gnanakaran] Charudatt Kadolkar: https://www.iitg.ac.in/iitg_faculty_details?fac=b21kZlZLYUlqRHU3dld5UW5qdXpjZz09 [https://www.iitg.ac.in/iitg_faculty_details?fac=b21kZlZLYUlqRHU3dld5UW5qdXpjZz09] SymBioSis Lab: https://sites.google.com/view/simbiosyslab [https://sites.google.com/view/simbiosyslab] Glacier webpage: https://glacier-simbiosys.com [https://glacier-simbiosys.com] The DPT Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music and all other major podcast streaming platforms. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd [https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd] 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 04:37 – From Physics to Biophysics: How the Transition Began 07:58 – Childhood Curiosity and Falling in Love with Science 16:00 – How to Choose a Specialization Without Getting Stuck 22:25 – Bachelor’s and Master’s in Physics: Lessons from India 27:15 – Preparing to Move to the US for a PhD 30:17 – Challenges of Starting a PhD in the United States 34:33 – Her PhD Research Question in Biophysics 42:55 – How Physicists Think Differently About Biology 46:01 – Transitioning to Industry Research 51:27 – Academia vs Industry: What Really Changes? 57:12 – How Patent Writing Works in Research 01:04:00 – Postdoctoral Life at Los Alamos National Laboratory 01:11:45 – Award-Winning Work Related to Coronavirus Research 01:18:19 – Applying for Professorship Positions in the US 01:26:28 – Academic Job Search Advice for PhDs and Postdocs 01:34:49 – Building a Research Group from Scratch 01:38:42 – What Makes a Good Research Group Leader? 01:43:22 – How to Join Her Research Group 01:49:14 – Networking Tips for Young Scientists 01:55:34 – Fun Facts About Prof. Srirupa Chakraborty 02:05:30 – Advice to Her Younger Self 02:10:00 – Final Thoughts

Dr. Aritri Bir on Brain Health, Alzheimer’s, Lifestyle & the Future of Medicine

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.18 || Guest: Dr. Aritri Bir, MD, Associate Professor 🇮🇳 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Aritri Bir — a medical doctor, researcher, and educator working at the intersection of biochemistry, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolism, and medical education. As someone trained in physics, I have increasingly become fascinated by how the brain works — how neurons communicate, how memory forms, and what happens when these delicate systems slowly begin to fail. In this conversation, Dr. Aritri Bir helps us explore the science behind neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, and how our lifestyle choices today may shape the future health of our brain. Highlights from this Episode: ✨ Understanding Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease ✨Mitochondria, metabolism, and brain degeneration ✨ How lifestyle choices affect long-term brain health ✨ Does reading and writing actually help the brain? ✨ Effects of stress and hormonal imbalance ✨ The realities of medical education and MD life ✨ Future role of AI in medicine and education ✨ Preventive healthcare and healthy aging ...and much more. 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Aritri Bir completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Medical College, Kolkata, followed by an MD in Biochemistry from the Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata. She later earned a Diploma in National Board (DNB) in Biochemistry, where she received the prestigious President’s Gold Medal. Over the years, she has served as: Associate Professor at IQ City Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Durgapur Associate Professor at MGM Medical College, Kishanganj Assistant Professor at the Dr. B.C. Roy Multispeciality Medical Research Centre, IIT Kharagpur. 🎖️President’s Gold Medal (DNB) Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8eikQsoAAAAJ&hl=en [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8eikQsoAAAAJ&hl=en] Webpage: https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/department/SH/faculty/sh-aritri [https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/department/SH/faculty/sh-aritri] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=Aritri%20bir&origin=GLOBAL_SEARCH_HEADER [https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=Aritri%20bir&origin=GLOBAL_SEARCH_HEADER] 🔗 Resources & Links: Medical College, Kolkata, India : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_College_%26_Hospital,_Kolkata [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_College_%26_Hospital,_Kolkata] Dr B C Roy Multi Speciality Medical Research Centre : https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/navpage/admissions [https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/navpage/admissions] Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata : Prof. Sasanka Chakrabarty : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DPk6nF8AAAAJ&hl=en [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DPk6nF8AAAAJ&hl=en] 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 03:57 – How She Decided to Become a Doctor 06:41 – Biggest Surprise After Entering Medicine 08:21 – Role of Parents, Teachers & Mentors 13:06 – Taking Career Decisions Early 15:30 – Influence of Her Mother 17:22 – Medical Entrance Preparation 24:19 – Challenges During First Year of Medical College 25:52 – Support from Seniors 29:41 – Career Options After MBBS 32:17 – Teachers and Role Models in Medical School 38:36 – Why Pursue an MD After MBBS 40:36 – Career Paths After MBBS 43:60 – Choosing MD in Biochemistry 45:51 – Research Topics During MD 49:16 – Her Research Thesis Topic 59:52 – Understanding Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s Disease 01:06:49 – Early Detection and Warning Signs 01:08:41 – Lifestyle Choices to Prevent Neurodegeneration 01:10:43 – Collaborations During Research 01:16:08 – Has Awareness Increased? 01:18:14 – Does Reading & Writing Help Brain Health? 01:24:58 – Does Stress Affect the Brain? 01:25:29 – Hormonal Effects on Health 01:27:52 – DNB in Biochemistry 01:32:11 – Coming to IIT Kharagpur 01:34:53 – Early Career Research Challenges 01:37:03 – Her New Research Topic 01:45:31 – Metabolic Health Effects 01:48:22 – Vision of AI in Medical Education 01:56:27 – Fun Trivia About Her 02:04:59 – Advice to Her Younger Self 02:07:55 – Final Thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music and all other major podcast streaming platforms. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd [https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd] #DPTPodcast #BrainHealth #Alzheimers #Parkinsons #MedicalResearch #Neuroscience #Medicine #WomenInMedicine #MedicalEducation #LifestyleAndHealth #AIInMedicine #STEMPodcast

Prof. Igor Mazin on Soviet Physics, Superconductivity, Writing & Building Scientific Intuition

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.17 || Guest: Prof. Igor Mazin 🇷🇺🇩🇪🇺🇸 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we sit down with Prof. Igor Mazin — a theoretical and computational condensed matter physicist whose scientific journey spans the Soviet Union, Germany, and the United States. But this conversation goes far beyond scientific achievements. Igor shares what it was really like growing up in Moscow during the Soviet era as part of a Jewish family, navigating a highly rigorous educational system and entering the world of Soviet theoretical physics. Through vivid storytelling, he paints a fascinating picture of the scientific culture of that time — from the famous Landau theoretical minimum examination to working with Nobel Laureate Vitaly Ginzburg. Highlights from this Episode: ✨Differences between Soviet, European, and American education systems ✨What made Soviet theoretical physics so unique ✨Scientific intuition and “running before the crowd” ✨Moving from Russia to Germany and later to the US ✨Immigration challenges, residence permits, and job searching abroad ✨Handling rejection in scientific careers ✨The importance of writing skills in research ✨What skills truly matter for long-term success in science ...and much more. 🎙️ About The Guest: Prof. Mazin earned his PhD from the Lebedev Institute in Moscow, one of the historic centers of Soviet theoretical physics. Over the course of his career, he worked at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, the Carnegie Institution in Washington D.C., and the Naval Research Laboratory, before becoming a Full Professor at George Mason University. His scientific contributions to superconductivity and condensed matter physics have been recognized through prestigious honors including: 🎖️APS Fellow 🎖️Heraeus Research Award 🎖️John Bardeen Prize Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=UIfDhcIAAAAJ&hl=en [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=UIfDhcIAAAAJ&hl=en] website: https://science.gmu.edu/directory/igor-mazin [https://science.gmu.edu/directory/igor-mazin] 🔗 Resources & Links: Igor’s memoir: https://arxiv.org/abs/0708.1947 [https://arxiv.org/abs/0708.1947] Moscow University of Steel and Alloys: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_University_of_Science_and_Technology_MISIS [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_University_of_Science_and_Technology_MISIS] Max Plank Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, Germany : https://www.fkf.mpg.de/en [https://www.fkf.mpg.de/en] Carnegie Institution in Washington D.C. USA : https://carnegiescience.edu [https://carnegiescience.edu] Naval Research Laboratory : https://www.nrl.navy.mil [https://www.nrl.navy.mil] George Mason University, Washington, USA : https://www.gmu.edu [https://www.gmu.edu] Landau’s Theoretical Minimum: https://chair.itp.ac.ru/index.php?sub=minimum&lang=en [https://chair.itp.ac.ru/index.php?sub=minimum&lang=en] Vitaly Ginzburg : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitaly_Ginzburg [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitaly_Ginzburg] Daniel Khomskii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Khomskii [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Khomskii] Michelle Johannes : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=XCuB6JYAAAAJ&hl=en [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=XCuB6JYAAAAJ&hl=en] David Singh : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Joseph_Singh [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Joseph_Singh] Ole Andersen : https://www.mpg.de/427848/solid-state-research-andersen [https://www.mpg.de/427848/solid-state-research-andersen] 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 03:08 – Growing Up in Moscow During the Soviet Era 10:33 – Comparing Education Systems: Russia vs Europe vs USA 16:58 – The Unique Teaching Style of Soviet Special Schools 20:36 – Role of Parents in Shaping Scientific Thinking 25:17 – Why He Chose Condensed Matter Physics 31:31 – Landau’s Famous Theoretical Minimum Exam Explained 41:08 – Influence of Scientific Peers and Research Culture 43:43 – Working with Nobel Laureate Vitaly Ginzburg 51:11 – Experience Inside Ginzburg’s Research Group 53:34 – Experimental Physics in the Soviet Era 55:21 – Moving to Germany: What Made It Possible 01:08:37 – Challenges After Moving to Germany 01:11:46 – Superconductivity Research Landscape in the 1990s 01:19:34 – The Career Chapter After Germany 01:24:28 – Moving to the United States 01:30:17 – Dealing with Rejection in Scientific Careers 01:32:28 – Real Challenges of Jobs Abroad & Residence Permits 01:36:57 – Advice on Scientific Writing Skills 01:45:42 – Current Role at George Mason University 01:47:18 – Views on the Future of Research Fields 01:54:29 – The Most Important Skills for Success in Science 01:57:42 – Fun Trivia About Igor Mazin 02:05:52 – Advice to His Younger Self 02:07:27 – Final Thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music and all other major podcast streaming platforms. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd [https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd] #DPTPodcast #IgorMazin #CondensedMatterPhysics #Superconductivity #PhysicsPodcast #ScientificCareers #ResearchLife #SovietScience #TheoreticalPhysics #AcademicJourney #ScienceCareers #STEMPodcast

Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar on Scientific Writing, Peer Review & Career Growth | Insights from a Editor

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.16 || Guest: Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar 🇮🇳🇺🇸 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar, a theoretical and computational physicist and Associate Editor at Physical Review Letters (PRL) — one of the most prestigious journals in physics. This conversation goes beyond a traditional academic journey. It is about self-awareness, clarity, and making intentional career choices. From choosing physics as a student to narrowing down into condensed matter physics, transitioning into computational research, and eventually stepping into the role of a journal editor — her journey highlights the importance of understanding yourself deeply. One key takeaway from this episode: 👉 Sometimes, knowing what not to pursue is what helps you find the right path. Highlights from this Episode: ✨ How family and teachers shape early scientific curiosity ✨ Choosing the right specialization: Astrophysics vs Condensed Matter ✨ Experiment vs Theory: making the right decision for yourself ✨ How to prepare for PhD interviews and research careers ✨ Why writing is a critical skill in academia (and how to improve it) ✨ Transitioning from research to becoming a journal editor ✨ What editors actually look for in a paper ✨ How PRL handles peer review and conflicting referee reports ✨ The importance of soft skills and learning on the job ✨ The role of AI in scientific publishing ✨ Why being open to change is essential for long-term success 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Sharmila Shirodkar is a theoretical and computational physicist currently serving as an Associate Editor at Physical Review Letters (PRL). She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from the University of Pune, followed by a PhD from JNCASR, Bangalore, where she specialized in condensed matter physics and computational materials science. She has held prestigious international research positions, including postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University and Rice University, and has also worked as a Research Scientist at Howard University. Her contributions to research have been recognized through awards such as the Outstanding Postdoctoral Research Award and the Malhotra Weikfield Foundation Nano Young Scientist Award. Today, through her role at PRL, she plays a key part in shaping the direction of cutting-edge research in physics. Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=B6z6dvkAAAAJ [https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=B6z6dvkAAAAJ] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmila-shirodkar-274aab146/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmila-shirodkar-274aab146/] 🔗 Resources & Links: University of Pune, India: https://beta.unipune.ac.in [https://beta.unipune.ac.in] Fergusson College, Pune, India : https://fergusson.edu [https://fergusson.edu] : Dr. Raka Dabede : https://www.linkedin.com/in/raka-dabhade-047842385/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/raka-dabhade-047842385/] Prof. Waghmare : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umesh_Waghmare [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umesh_Waghmare] Dr. Pratibha Dev : https://profiles.howard.edu/pratibha-dev [https://profiles.howard.edu/pratibha-dev] JNCASR, Bangalore, India : Harvard University, USA : Rice University, USA : Howard University, USA : 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:29 – The first spark in Physics: role of family and teachers 07:10 – Qualities of impactful teachers 10:47 – Choosing Physics for undergraduate 12:51 – Experience at college 13:35 – Exposures during Bachelor’s 16:26 – Why there was a Plan B 18:47 – Master’s experience at Pune University 21:54 – Preparing for PhD entrance exams and interviews 25:48 – Visiting Singapore for research after Master’s 28:25 – Choosing between Astrophysics and Condensed Matter 31:19 – Choosing between experiment and theory 33:50 – PhD research questions and projects 42:56 – Exposure and soft skills gained during PhD 47:12 – Tips to improve scientific writing 51:57 – Postdoc at Harvard 53:47 – Cultural differences during postdoc 58:24 – Research during postdoctoral studies 01:02:18 – Applications of her research area 01:05:23 – Transferable skills for an editor 01:07:04 – Current role as a journal editor 01:10:01 – What do journal editors actually do? 01:13:45 – Views on emerging research fields 01:15:40 – Handling conflicting referee reports 01:17:57 – Learning on the job 01:20:53 – What to check before submitting your paper 01:22:47 – AI in research: an editor’s perspective 01:25:26 – Most rewarding part of the editorial role 01:26:05 – Fun trivia about her 01:30:32 – Biggest challenge in her career 01:33:33 – Final thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Amazon Music and all other major podcast streaming platforms. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd [https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd] #DPTPodcast #ScienceCareers #PhDJourney #AcademicCareers #WomenInSTEM #CondensedMatterPhysics #ResearchLife #PeerReview #ScientificPublishing #CareerInScience #STEMPodcast #LifeAfterPhD

From Quantum Physics to Startup Founder | Dr. Estelle Inack on Research, Entrepreneurship & AI

Decoding Phase Transitions - the DPT Podcast || Ep.15 || Guest: Dr. Estelle Inack 🇨🇲🇮🇹🇨🇦 In this episode of the Decoding Phase Transitions (DPT) Podcast, we speak with Dr. Estelle Inack, a Research Scientist at the Perimeter Institute, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, and Co-founder & CTO of YiyaniQ, a startup focused on software optimization for solving complex computational problems. Estelle’s journey spans Cameroon → Trieste → Waterloo, and beautifully illustrates how curiosity, resilience, and critical thinking can shape a global scientific career. In this conversation we explore: ✨ The importance of resilience and constructive feedback ✨ The significance of critical thinking ✨ Transitioning from academic research to building a startup ✨ Advice for young researchers interested in academic entrepreneurship ...and many more. A powerful takeaway from this episode: Understanding a problem deeply is the first step to solving it. 🎙️ About The Guest: Dr. Estelle Inack is a theoretical physicist and computational scientist whose work sits at the intersection of quantum physics, machine learning, and complex optimization. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics in Cameroon, before moving to Italy to pursue the Diploma Programme in Condensed Matter Physics at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste. She later earned her PhD in Statistical Physics from SISSA (International School for Advanced Studies), where she worked under the supervision of Prof. Sebastiano Pilati and Prof. Giuseppe Santoro, focusing on quantum simulations and machine-learning-based approaches to complex physical systems. After her PhD, she joined the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Canada as a Francis Allotey Postdoctoral Fellow, where she continues her research today as a Research Scientist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo. In addition to her academic career, she is also the Co-founder and CTO of YiyaniQ, a startup developing software solutions for solving large-scale optimization problems. LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estelle-inack/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/estelle-inack/] Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=khjqCIAAAAAJ&hl=en [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=khjqCIAAAAAJ&hl=en] Startup page: https://www.yiyaniq.com [https://www.yiyaniq.com] 🔗 Resources & Links: ICTP : https://www.ictp.it [https://www.ictp.it] SISSA : https://www.sissa.it [https://www.sissa.it] INFN : https://www.ts.infn.it/en/ [https://www.ts.infn.it/en/] Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Waterloo, Canada : https://perimeterinstitute.ca [https://perimeterinstitute.ca] Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Toronto, Canada: https://vectorinstitute.ai [https://vectorinstitute.ai] Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18050143-zero-to-one [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18050143-zero-to-one] Sebastiano Pilati : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iegEPQgAAAAJ&hl=it [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iegEPQgAAAAJ&hl=it] Guiseppe Santoro : https://cm.sissa.it/people/giuseppe-santoro [https://cm.sissa.it/people/giuseppe-santoro] Roger Melco : https://perimeterinstitute.ca/people/roger-melko [https://perimeterinstitute.ca/people/roger-melko] Ycombinators : https://www.ycombinator.com [https://www.ycombinator.com] Yann le Cunn : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yann_LeCun [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yann_LeCun] Deepmind : https://deepmind.google [https://deepmind.google] Roger Melko: https://perimeterinstitute.ca/people/roger-melko [https://perimeterinstitute.ca/people/roger-melko] 🔔 If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:57 – The First Seed of Research having Market Opportunities 04:52 – Real-World Problems with Quantum Physics 09:47 – Growing Up in Cameroon: Early Life and Education 12:25 – Transitioning from French to English Education 15:47 – When a Professor Misguided Her 17:15 – How Physics Ultimately Chose Her 18:36 – Family’s Role in Building Confidence 23:56 – Falling in Love with Physics 25:35 – Applying Abroad to Study Physics 26:45 – Settling Down in Trieste, Italy 28:43 – Diploma in Physics at ICTP, Trieste 31:36 – PhD Journey and Research Questions 33:44 – Two Pivotal Moments in Her Career 37:40 – How to Give Constructive Feedback 38:57 – Her Mentoring Style During PhD 41:58 – Exposure and Opportunities During PhD 45:31 – Postdoc at Perimeter Institute & Startup Beginnings 49:57 – Finding a Co-founder and Building the Startup 52:42 – Tips for Starting a Startup from Research 01:00:46 – Adapting to the Startup Mindset 01:03:16 – Challenges She Faced in Her Startup 01:08:33 – Complementary Roles of Co-founders 01:10:24 – Advice for Academic Startup Founders 01:13:18 – Building a Strong Startup Team 01:19:11 – Juggling Research, Teaching, and Startup Roles 01:20:37 – Vision and Plans for the Next Five Years 01:25:39 – Fun Trivia About Estelle 01:34:21 – Advice to Her Younger Self 01:36:31 – Final Thoughts The DPT Podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, and Amazon Music. 👋 Connect with Sananda Biswas (Host): YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SanandaBiswasPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sananda-biswas-PhD/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd [https://www.instagram.com/sananda.biswas.phd] #DPTPodcast #QuantumPhysics #WomenInSTEM #StartupJourney #AcademicEntrepreneurship #ResearchCareer