We are pleased to present the very first interview of our Interview series! This interview is precisely a student interview which intends to help students to keep the doubts at bay and look for answers related to textile and more! Let us analyze more about textile with Kartikeya Sharma.
Kartikeya Sharma is currently studying Macromolecular
materials (Polymer Science) at the master's level in Kungliga Tekniska
Högskloan (KTH Royal Institute of Technology), Sweden. He graduated from
Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai in 2019 with a bachelor's degree
in Fibers and Textile Processing Technology.
His coursework spin around physics and chemistry of
polymeric materials, anchoring around sustainability and recycling. His point
of convergence of research is on the application of synthetic polymeric
materials in the sports industry and 3D printing. His research territory also
includes biocompatible composites material for textiles, synthetic
nano-materials and nano-fiber science and much more! He has completed
international internships as well. With such enthralling reaching we believe
this interview will be compelling enough to gain considerable amounts of
knowledge. Let us explore more about him in this interview.
We must now dig a little deeper. We have asked Kartikeya
some questions, which often pop up in minds of young students which will be
answered in this interview. Here it goes!
1-Can you provide a
setting of your coursework?
The coursework in my programme revolves around the
physics and chemistry of polymeric materials with a good amount of focus on
sustainability and recycling. A lot of focus is also given on the manufacturing
techniques of composite materials of micro- and nanoscale. Since wood is the most
abundant naturally available raw material in Sweden, a deeper understanding of
wood-based materials and cellulosic material based products is provided. Other
than this, the course also focuses on the application of polymeric materials in
the surface coating industry, pharmaceutical industry, packaging industry,
Refineries and chemical plants, enzyme technology, proteins, fibre science and
bio-composites.
2- Tell us about your experience studying at KTH Royal
Institute of Technology, Sweden.
My experience so far has been good. The curriculum is
very enriching, especially for those who want to continue their research in
natural and bio-based products. A lot of freedom is available in the choice of
subjects and a lot of interdisciplinary research is also provided. The
professors are very open and very helpful, not only in academic but in other
general stuff as well. The facilities provided are extremely good with all high
tech equipment available for analysis. The research groups and PhDs are also
very friendly and open to discussions on related academic subjects. The
environment is also really good for education and the students are not under a
lot of workload so as to maintain a good work-life balance.
3-Brief us about the favorable opportunities and extend
of your field
Since polymeric materials find application in almost
every field, the opportunities are abundant. Not only industrially but also
academically, research opportunities are always available due to ever-growing
advancement in this field. Especially since the world has started shifted
towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle, the research
opportunities have burgeoned due to enhanced application of bio-based
materials. Not only this but synthetic materials are still going to last in the
world for as long as we can imagine. Hence, every field that makes use of
materials provides an opportunity for a polymer scientist. The field of polymer
science not limited just to polymeric materials and it finds its extension in
all fields of sciences; physics, chemistry and biology.
4-Can you tell us about your research interests and give
us a gest about sporttech?
My research has so far been focused on the application of
synthetic polymeric materials in the sports industry and 3D printing. I also
research on biocompatible composite materials for textiles, high-performance
polymers, polymers for 3D printing, application of functional and responsive
polymers, synthetic nano-materials and nano-fibre science.
Fibres and polymers have always been closely knit with
the sports industry, with almost every material being made out of polymers.
Application of such materials in sports industry is not limited to just
sportswear or apparel, it is also used in making the sports equipment,
rehabilitation, sports science and sports technology. In recent times, a lot of
focus has been shifted to the application of responsive and electronic
materials in the sports industry for performance assessment, property
enhancement and wearable textiles. Since this transition, SportTech has
gathered a lot of attention and funding from big organizations for conducting
enhanced research and to provide engineering solutions.
5-Any special features of your program that you would
like to share with us?
KTH provides for a special masters programme in Polymer
Technology which is jointly organized by KTH, Chalmers University, DTU and
NTNU, the top Nordic universities for research in polymer science. The feature
of this programme is that you get to study at any two of these universities
depending on your choice of specialization, spending one year at each
university. This way you get to explore the research in each university and
also get the experience of living in two different countries. The programme
also provides for three different tracks, the information for which can be
found on the website.
6-What guidelines would you give to students who are
planning their further studies from abroad?
Firstly, going abroad is not the only option that
students have to pursue. The important thing is that students should be able to
decide what interests them and then try to pursue it, whether in India or
outside. Secondly, please do not be obsessed with the university rankings. It
is more important to be at a university where you develop yourself rather than
to be at a high ranked university just for the sake of it and spending huge sum
of money.
7-How does studying abroad fit in your academic plan? And
how according to you it will pave way for future opportunities?
Having completed international internships, I knew that
opportunities are abundant in the world. Since the field of research that I was
interested in is pretty much non-existent in India and most of the companies
based outside of India, I knew that studying abroad would be the better choice
for me. Being associated with a well-reputed international university provide
you with many advantages, most important of which is access to a lot of
internship and work opportunities. In many situations, I have received an added
benefit during my application for internships because I am a student of KTH. So
far, 8 months into the master's degree, I have successfully been able to secure
a thesis at a very reputed company along with multiple internship offers from
Institutes and companies. This will help me in securing a job in future in top
companies in my field as well as doctoral positions at research groups of my
choice.
8-What challenges did you face while adapting with the
culture at your University?
Since I have spent a lot of time internationally during
my internships and projects, I was well versed with the kind of culture I would
walk in to. Hence, I did not have any problems adjusting to the university
culture or adjusting with the people. Many people faced problems in adjusting
with the climate which is significantly different from India but due to my
previous experiences, I fit in quite well and easily into Swedish life.
9-How can funding for universities facilitate the
development of new technologies and products that will benefit the society
according to you?
The universities are the main source of innovation in the
real world. If new advancements are to take place in the world, they will
originate from research groups from universities and then get taken over by
companies. Hence, to implement enhanced research at the grass-root level,
investing and providing funds to universities is very important to facilitate
the development of new technologies. Europe, in this regard, is very advanced
and supportive of research investments. Currently, most of the projects going
on in universities are EU funded projects and if not funded by EU commission,
these projects are funded by private companies and organizations to improve
their production output and developments. Local governments also have various
innovation programmes and schemes to enhance the living standards in their own
country.
10-How should use of disposal of polymeric materials
should be managed to ensure protection of the environment, considering the
current situation where people are move aware about the hazards?
End of life properties and disposal of polymeric
materials has been a highly discussed and researched field for a long time now.
New and new ways of degrading non-biodegradable polymers are being found, with
every route an advancement over the previous. Many countries have established
proper recycling mechanisms to cope with the menace of plastic pollution and
they have been successful in converting it into energy to power public
transport and other systems (e.g. Sweden, Germany). A lot of focus is being
given on replacement of synthetic materials with bio-based and biodegradable
materials to prevent this problem of waste disposal completely.
11-Are there any scholarships or grants for students that
you would recommend applying for?
Most universities have their own scholarships that they
provide to students based on certain criteria. Scholarships are also available
from public agencies in different countries which can be applied for by
international students. Various scholarships and zero-interest loans are also
available in India itself for students going abroad for studies. One important
thing to note is that generally, the preference for the scholarship is given to
the individual who has some work experience (Not including internships) along
with merit.
12-You are inclined towards sports, how according to you
sport activities play a significant role in a students’ life?
For me, sports was the main reason to dwell in this field
of research. Having played sports at a very high level in India, I experienced
a lack of technological advancement. This is how I inclined towards working in
the sports industry.
Playing sports not only keeps you fit physically and
mentally, but it also inculcates discipline in an individual's life. This
reflects ion the way people do their tasks, build relations and gain
confidence. This in turns helps you improve your focus and perform better in
your studies as well. Sports also becomes a source of refreshment and keeps you
busy, making you stay away from getting drifted into unhealthy activities. You
never know where and at which moment you might inspiration!
13-Lastly, any advice that you would like to share with
all the young engineers and our readers?
The advice that I would give to the students is not to be
obsessed with going abroad for studies. There are plenty of opportunities in
India and certain institutes which are providing the world with high quality
research. The students should also be clear in what they want to do and what
kind of impact they want to create rather than taking things casually and for
granted. A lot is riding on the shoulders of the upcoming generation of
engineers to take technological advancements in every field to the next level.
Hence, plan your life, focus on what you do best and bring out your best
creative side. An important suggestion would be to plan out your time properly,
making the most of the opportunities that come your way. All the best for all
your future endeavours.
1 Comments
Inspiration 😌😌😌😌😌
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