Mathematical Modelling Professional Interview

It will probably take a lifetime to describe the applications and the significance of Mathematical Modeling in the real world !

Preeti Dubey, our next pathbreaker, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington (Seattle), develops mathematical and computational models at molecular level to elucidate the kinetics and dynamics of the drug (Oxytocin) which is used during pregnancy.

Preeti talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about a wide range of problems that she addressed as an applied mathematician, including the development of an algorithm to enhance the lifespan of display devices (e.g. Organic Light Emitting Diodes) using mathematics which was approved for a U.S patent.

For students, life will present you with various crossroads where you must forge your own path. Listen to everyone but make your own decision !

Preeti, tell us what were your growing up years like?

I grew up in Chhibramau, a small town in the Kannauj District. My father served as an English lecturer at a local government institution, while my mother, a dedicated homemaker, played a crucial role in nurturing my ambitions. During my high school years, I developed a keen interest in aviation. It was during this time that I aspired to become a pilot. 

I vividly recall a moment during high school when my friends and I discussed our future career aspirations. While some of them aspired to become doctors or teachers, a few were uncertain. I boldly declared my dream of becoming a pilot, a statement met with laughter. However, I didn’t know at that time in ninety’s how to become a pilot especially since it was far from the imagination of a small town girl. I also couldn’t find much help nearby, so I started reading lots of newspapers and magazines to gather the important information I needed to pursue my dreams.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

I pursued a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Physics and Mathematics, followed by a Master of Science in Pure Mathematics, both from Kanpur University and a PhD in Applied Mathematics from BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus.

What made you choose such an offbeat, unconventional and uncommon career?

My career path took a significant turn when I could not pursue my dream to become a pilot due to medical constraints. I have always believed in setting clear career goals in a field I am truly passionate about. At this juncture, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of the path to pursue.

However, in pursuit of my childhood dream, I developed a strong aptitude for mathematics, and it was fun for me. Subsequently, I decided to explore a career in Mathematics and I chose to continue along the path of Mathematics.

My key influencers were my father, my high school math teacher S.N. Gupta, my IITK supervisor Prof. K.S. Venkatesh, and my PhD supervisor Prof. Balram Dubey. 

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was my role model.

One key event that shaped my career path was getting selected for a Project Associate position at IITK without any reference.

During my teenage years, my primary focus was on obtaining a degree that would grant me financial independence. But while I balanced research, MBA preparations, and eventually cleared the MBA exams, I took a moment to reflect. I considered what I truly aspired to do—whether to pursue an MBA or commit to research. I sought advice from my supervisor and discussed my dilemma with friends. Ultimately, I chose to continue in the field of research. My decision-making approach has always involved seeking input from others since their perspectives can provide valuable insights. However, the final decision has always been based on my own assessment of the suggestions and information received. Furthermore, I firmly believe in the adage that nothing is impossible, and I emphasize the importance of unwavering self-confidence in the decision-making process.

Tell us about your career path

Following the completion of my Master’s degree in Mathematics from Kanpur University, I set out to find a job that would support me financially while aligning with my long-term goals. This quest led me to my initial role as a Project Associate in the Civil Engineering department at IIT Kanpur, which was a one-year contract position that provided valuable insights into my future career prospects. During this role, I delved into mathematical modeling to study the propagation of flood waves. It was my first experience in research, where I could apply mathematical concepts to address real-world challenges. I found it incredibly exciting, collaborating with fellow researchers in the lab and exploring new ideas.

I also served for short period as a Lecturer at Department of Mathematics, Maharana Pratap Engineering College. Afterward, I started working  as a Senior Research Associate in Electrical Engineering at IIT Kanpur. This was a very interesting project where I developed an algorithm to enhance the lifespan of display devices (e.g. Organic Light Emitting Diodes) using mathematics. This project was approved for a U.S. patent.

Here are details of the problem I solved on electronics:

In the field of display technology, there is a rule about how much power you can use on each tiny part of the screen. If you use too much, it can damage the screen over time. We came up with a better way to show pictures on screens, especially for screens like those in fancy TVs using non-negative matrix factorization methods (a mathematical method). We’re using it in display technology. We use this technique to make sure the screen lasts longer. It’s like taking smaller pictures and putting them together to make one big picture without hurting the screen. 

During this period, I was committed to carrying out my responsibilities with integrity and sincerity. Simultaneously, I was keeping my long-term goals in mind. In the evenings, I took coaching classes for an MBA program and eventually cleared the entrance exams. I received an admission offer to pursue an MBA. However, my research project was gaining recognition and secured a patent in both India and the USA. It was at this point that my supervisor suggested I continue on the path of research, which marked a significant turning point in my career. As a result, I decided to continue my career in research and got admitted to BITS Pilani to pursue a PhD in Applied Mathematics.

Why and when did you decide to apply mathematical modelling to the healthcare industry?

During my PhD, I discovered a deep fascination for the field of mathematical modeling in the context of infectious diseases. This shift occurred because I found the potential to make a meaningful and direct impact on public health through mathematical modeling. I became enthusiastic about using mathematical tools and techniques to understand, predict, and mitigate the spread of infectious diseases, as this field offered a unique opportunity to contribute to the well-being of society. 

In particular, I studied the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases using deterministic compartmental models at both, population (SIR models) as well as cellular level (virus dynamics models) and elucidated the effect of non -pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical interventions on the prevalence and cure of infectious diseases.

I employed ordinary differential equations to construct mathematical models. I then utilized programming languages to run simulations, illustrating the patterns of how infections progress and forecasting the infection’s spread as well as strategies for controlling it.

I was always interested in pursuing a PostDoc to enhance my research career. I joined Loyola University Chicago as a Research Associate, and after that I joined University of California as a Postdoctoral Fellow. There were some immigration challenges during COVID-19 in the USA, so I had to move to Canada where I was working as COVID-19 Pandemic Modeling Team Lead and Epidemiologist at an organization, Scarsin. Thereafter, I moved back to the USA and joined Texas A&M University as Associate Research Scientist.

Later on, I joined the University of Washington, Seattle as a Postdoctoral Fellow, where I am using mathematical modeling tool to optimize the drug (oxytocin) dosing regimens which are used to augment or induce labor in pregnant women. 

All my postdoc positions were in mathematical biology.

During my research, I implemented multiple projects, some examples are cited here:

Hepatitis Research: My research looked at different types of hepatitis, like hepatitis C, B, and D. These diseases affect the liver and can make people very sick. I used math and data to better understand how these diseases work and how they respond to treatment. By doing this, I could figure out how to treat people with hepatitis more effectively and help them get better.

COVID-19 Study: I also studied how COVID-19 spreads. I tried to figure out how easily the virus can pass from one person to another. This information helps health officials make decisions about things like vaccination, masks, and social distancing to keep people safe. I used data from the state of California to learn about how the virus was spreading there.

Oxytocin Drug Study: Currently, my research focuses on understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oxytocin drug during labor and delivery. The overall aim is to improve the safety and effectiveness of oxytocin dosing.

I got the UGC BSR Fellowship for my PhD and a Postdoctoral Fellowship as well as many Travel Fellowships.

How did you get your first break?

I obtained my first postdoctoral position through a formal application and selection process. It was not a result of direct networking. However, networking is very important and helped me in tuning my job hunt and learning about the job resources. 

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

Challenge 1:  I belong to a small town called Chhibramanu in Kannauj District, where mostly girls study arts stream and I wanted to study science. There was no such school for girls to study science in the town in those days. The girls who wanted to study science had to go to a boys’ school. So, I had to convince my parents to study science as their concern was safety. 

When I was pursuing my intermediate in those days, there were only two girls including me in my intermediate class in mathematics. It was hard to have group discussions to exchange ideas which is most important for young minds. 

Challenge 2: Back then in 90s, the safety of girls going out for higher education was a significant concern, and it placed a substantial financial burden on parents who needed to ensure a secure living arrangement. Considering all these factors, initially my parents were hesitant to send me out of my town for further studies. Again, I had to convince my parents hard. 

Challenge 3: Certainly, challenges persist for women in the STEM field, including gender disparities, biases, and unequal opportunities. Fortunately, there is a growing awareness of these issues, resulting in increased initiatives to promote gender equality in STEM. Many organizations, universities, and individuals are actively working to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in STEM. I have personally witnessed the progress at the University of California, San Francisco and  University of Washington, Seattle. While positive steps have been taken, it’s clear that more work is needed to fully address these challenges and ensure equal opportunities for women in STEM.

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?

I am working as postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle. Currently, I am developing mathematical and computational models at molecular level to elucidate the kinetics and dynamics of the drug (Oxytocin) which is used to augment or induce labor in pregnant women during child birth.

LOL! It seems I need a full session to describe the applications of Mathematics especially mathematical modeling, which I use,  which is a very powerful tool. Mathematical modeling is widely used in various fields to describe and analyze real-world phenomena. I think I have already given a flavor of how I use mathematics in solving real-world problems. Here are some examples of mathematical modeling in different contexts:

1. Epidemiology: Mathematical models are used to predict the spread of diseases, such as COVID-19. These models help healthcare professionals and policymakers make informed decisions about interventions and resource allocation.
2. Population Dynamics: Models describe the growth and interactions of populations, which are crucial for understanding wildlife conservation, urban planning, and more.
3. Finance: Financial models are employed to assess risk, make investment decisions, and predict market behavior. 
4. Engineering: Engineers use mathematical modeling to design and optimize structures, like bridges and buildings, and systems, such as electrical circuits and transportation networks.
5. Environmental Science: Climate models simulate climate change scenarios to understand the impact of human activities on the environment and predict future climate patterns.
6. Physics: Mathematical equations, like those in Newton’s laws, describe the motion of objects, the behavior of particles, and the fundamental laws of the universe.

These are just a few examples of how mathematical modeling is applied across different disciplines to better understand and solve real-world problems. Math plays a fundamental role in advancing knowledge and technology in a wide range of fields.

What skills are required in your role? How did you acquire the skills?

What’s a typical day like?

My day starts with morning routines, research work, literature review, paper writing, meeting and collaborations, followed by lunch break, mentoring, networking, and personal time.

How does your work benefit society?

I have been working at the forefront of the COVID-19 as a part of the pandemic modeling team. It is evident that mathematical models have been helpful in developing mitigation strategies during the pandemic and saving millions of people. 

Currently, my research focuses on understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oxytocin drug during labor and delivery. The overall aim is to improve the safety and effectiveness of oxytocin dosing.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

My doctoral research, which focused on mathematical modeling of infectious diseases, is especially meaningful to me. In fact, all my research endeavors, whether it’s my work resulting in a US patent, my doctoral dissertation, or my postdoctoral projects, hold a special significance in my heart. During my postdoctoral work, I engaged in several projects, but one that particularly resonates with me and is close to my heart, involved the development of an innovative data-driven mathematical model for Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Moreover, my current research at the University of Washington, which centers around women’s health and employs mathematical modeling, is both intriguing and close to my heart. 

Your advice to students based on your experience?

1. Reflecting on my youth, I found myself drawn to challenges that other deemed impossible or unattainable. My philosophy is that the word “impossible” itself says “I’m possible”. In my vocabulary, there’s no room for the concept of impossibility.

2. My second piece of advice is to never give up. Along your journey, there will be moments when the effort feels exhausting, and that’s okay. It’s perfectly fine to take a break, recharge, and then start a new with fresh determination.

3. The third valuable insight I’d like to share is the significance of decision-making in life. I’m thankful to my father for granting me the freedom to make my own choices and decisions when I was just 12 years old. Life will present you with various crossroads where you must forge your own path. My father’s guidance to me was that, in times of confusion, it’s beneficial to sit quietly and listen to your inner voice to find clarity in your decision-making.

Future Plans?

I have a strong passion for my current research work. I plan to continue my research in developing novel and innovative mathematical models, with a focus on Women’s Health.  Additionally, I’m committed to supporting and empowering girls in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). By pursuing these avenues, I hope to make a meaningful and lasting impact in mathematical modeling of real-world problems and contribute to the broader scientific community.