The mission behind purpose driven research is to directly contribute to the welfare and safety of frontline professionals who risk their lives to protect us !

Arjunsing Girase, our next pathbreaker, Postdoctoral Researcher at NC State Wilson College of Textiles, researches issues faced by first responders, particularly firefighters, linked to the rising incidence of cancer caused due to occupational chemical exposure.

Arjunsing talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about embarking on his PhD, and deciding to focus his research on problems with potential for real-world impact.

For students, do not let a single exam or score define your worth. We are more than the numbers we produce; our value lies in our resilience and capacity to learn from experiences.

Arjunsing, can you share your background with our young readers?

I come from Nashik, Maharashtra, raised in a family that deeply values education. My parents, with their backgrounds in teaching and farming, taught me the value of knowledge and hard work from a young age. My father is a professor of economics and mother is a homemaker. My elder brother works as a chartered secretarial officer in Nashik. My education in a non-convent English medium school, named after a farm lady who generously donated her land for education because she never received a formal education. This laid a solid foundation for my academic path, reinforcing the importance of learning in my life.

Growing up, I was a shy kid who preferred reading over joining in on extracurriculars. This led me to discover my love for chemistry during my high school years, a subject that captivated me and shaped my future educational goals.

Following the cultural norm, I aimed for an engineering career, preparing for the competitive JEE exams. Failing to secure a spot in an IIT after two attempts was disappointing, but it was crucial in helping me realize my passion for chemistry. It highlighted my strengths and what I truly enjoyed, marking a significant moment in my journey.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

For my under graduation, I studied BTech in Fibers and Textile processing Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) , Mumbai. After that I worked in the same institute for a year to see if research was the right career path or not. Then I came to NCSU (North Carolina State University) for my post graduation. I completed my masters in Textile Engineering and PhD in Fiber and Polymer Science from NCSU.

For my masters, I paid the money via education loan. For PhD, I received a research assistantship and my tuition fee was paid from the research project I was working with.

Can you share with us some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Textile Sciences?

My choice of career was deeply influenced by the people closest to me, their spiritual beliefs, and key moments in my education. My father, an economics professor, has always been a figure of inspiration for me. His dedication to his field instilled in me a great respect for academia. My mother, despite being a homemaker, not only has an extensive personal library that rivals any scholar but also embodies a deep sense of spirituality and religious faith. Her intellectual curiosity, combined with her spiritual practices and beliefs, have significantly shaped my own approach to education and life. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by individuals who are deeply committed to academic excellence. 

One of the significant pivotal point came in my senior year of undergraduate studies when I faced uncertainty about my future. Unlike my peers, who seemed to have clear plans for jobs, MS, or MBA programs, I was unsure of which path to follow. During this period of confusion, two professors, Dr. Kale and Dr. Adivarekar, became my mentors. They advised me to pursue independent research after graduation. This guidance was pivotal, not only in terms of my career, but also in reinforcing my belief in myself that I can conduct research. 

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path

My path to the career I am passionate about involved a series of deliberate choices, valuable experiences, and timely guidance from mentors, culminating in a focus on research with significant societal impact. Initially, my industrial experience was limited, starting with an internship after my junior year in college. While working in a testing lab, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. This early experience, however, was pivotal as it steered me towards research, a field where I found my calling. After completing my undergraduate studies, I worked in a research lab focusing on surface modifications. This role confirmed my passion for research and led me to pursue further education.

For one year after my bachelors, I helped out PhD students with their lab work while simultaneously working on developing a hydrophobic finish with Prof Kale. 

For my master’s degree at NCSU, I delved into the use of carbon fibers to enhance heat sink structures, which significantly improved heat dissipation. Despite my initial enthusiasm, a shift in circumstances required me to change my research focus. This unexpected turn proved to be a blessing in disguise. It led me to meet my close friend Dr. Bryan Ormond, whose research aimed at making a direct societal impact deeply resonated with me. One area that caught my particular interest was the study of cancer risks within the firefighting community. This research also led me to Dr. Thompson who became my co-advisor. Both of these professors had a significant impact on my life. This research was not only academically stimulating but also offered a chance to contribute to the well-being of these brave individuals. 

Embarking on my PhD, I decided to focus my research on understanding and mitigating the increased cancer risks faced by firefighters, inspired by the work of Dr. Ormond and the potential for real-world impact. The guidance and support of my co-advisor, Dr. Thompson, were instrumental in navigating the challenges of this complex and meaningful research.

From the unenjoyable testing lab experience to my impactful PhD research on cancer in the firefighting community, each step was integral in shaping my career path. This journey has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of work that has the potential to contribute positively to society. My first significant break into research, prompted by a mentor’s recommendation, set me on this fulfilling path, underscoring the value of preparation, opportunity, and mentorship.

How did you get your first break?

My first significant break in my career came through a combination of diligent preparation and seizing the right opportunity, which was significantly influenced by a mentor. After completing my undergraduate studies, where I had already begun to gravitate towards research due to a formative experience in a surface modifications lab, I was eager to delve deeper into this field. However, the transition was not smooth. The first year of my master’s in the USA presented several challenges, including adjusting to a different work culture and coping with the distance from my family, all of which impacted my work.

During this time, I learned an invaluable lesson about the importance of having a good rapport with your advisor, as it profoundly influences the quality of your research and overall experience. Dr. Kale had been instrumental in guiding me through the initial stages of my research journey. After him, it was Dr. Bryan Ormond who provided the pivotal mentorship I needed at a crucial time. 

When I met Dr. Bryan Ormond, his willingness to listen and understand my research interests was refreshing. He recognized my interest and offered me a position in his lab, aligning perfectly with my interests in chemistry and its practical applications. This opportunity was precisely what I had been seeking—it not only aligned with my academic goals but also promised the potential for tangible societal impacts. Joining Dr. Bryan Ormond’s lab marked a critical turning point, providing me with the environment and support I needed to thrive in my chosen field. 

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

Challenge 1: One of the first significant challenges I faced was during my undergraduate years when I had to live away from my family for the first time. Initially, I struggled with self-doubt, especially after not passing a crucial entrance examination. This experience weighed heavily on me, leading me to question my abilities and suitability for the science stream, which in turn affected my academic performance. Over time, I realized that defining my worth by a single exam was not only unhelpful but also unrealistic. It took considerable effort and self-reflection to overcome this mindset, but I gradually learned to detach my self-esteem from that one outcome. This shift in perspective was crucial for my academic recovery and personal growth, allowing me to regain confidence in my abilities and proving to myself that one setback does not define one’s potential.

Challenge 2: The transition to living and studying in a different country was a profound and challenging shift in my life. Everything was different—the language, the culture, the work environment, and even basic daily routines. Additionally, the financial pressures of an education loan added a layer of stress to my already challenging adjustment period. It took me about a year and a half to fully adapt to the new work and cultural environment.

During my adaptation period, the concept of understanding the ‘why’ behind one’s actions, as emphasized by motivational speaker Simon Sinek, was particularly influential. This principle of focusing on the reasons behind our work rather than just the work itself proved to be a turning point. It encouraged a deeper engagement with my research, providing a clear motivation and purpose that was essential for navigating the challenges of my doctoral studies. This shift in perspective not only facilitated my adjustment to a new environment but also invigorated my approach to research, helping me to contribute more effectively to significant advancements in my field.

Surrounding myself with supportive and strong-willed individuals further bolstered my resolve. Their presence and example were instrumental in motivating me during tough times, helping me to not only adjust but thrive in my new surroundings. This combination of understanding my deeper purpose and having a supportive network was crucial in transforming my experience from merely coping with change to actively thriving in the face of it.

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

As a postdoctoral researcher in a lab at TPACC (Textile Protection and Comfort Center), the focus of our research is on addressing issues faced by first responders, particularly firefighters. One of the pressing concerns in this community is the rising incidence of cancer linked to occupational chemical exposures. Our work is dedicated to analyzing these risks and developing strategies to mitigate them.

What skills are needed for your role? How did you acquire the skills? 

The role requires a strong foundation in textile and analytical chemistry, particularly skills related to operating chromatography instruments and performing statistical modeling. These were skills I developed through a combination of graduate coursework and supplementary online learning resources, which provided a comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience necessary for this field.

What’s a typical day like? 

My daily routine is quite diverse, spanning a range of responsibilities. Along with administrative duties and intensive research-focused activities, I also teach a course on the fundamentals of fiber science. The teaching aspect of my day involves preparing lectures, engaging with students, and staying abreast of the latest developments in fiber science to ensure the course content remains current and relevant. The combination of teaching, meetings, and hands-on research creates a dynamic and varied schedule that keeps the role both challenging and rewarding.

What do you love about this job? 

The most gratifying aspect of this job is knowing that our research has a direct impact on the well-being and safety of firefighters. The potential to make a meaningful difference in their lives provides a strong motivation to dedicate oneself to the research fully.

How does your work benefit society? 

My work primarily focuses on enhancing firefighter safety and health, which directly contributes to societal welfare. Firefighting is an inherently risky profession, with firefighters regularly exposed to dangerous chemicals during their duties. Alarmingly, cancer rates are increasing within the firefighting community, largely due to these hazardous exposures.

Our research aims to mitigate these risks by analyzing chemical exposures and advancing the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE). For my dissertation, I specialized in improving decontamination processes for PPE, ensuring that firefighters are not only protected during fire and rescue operations but also from long-term health risks such as cancer associated with contaminated gear. Currently, my team and I are examining the impact of PFAS chemicals—often referred to as “forever chemicals”—on firefighter health. These substances are pervasive and pose significant health hazards; our work aims to provide groundbreaking insights that can lead to enhanced protective measures.

Through these efforts, we strive to safeguard those who protect us, ultimately contributing to a healthier and safer community.

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

One of the most memorable moments in my career occurred during my first year as a doctoral student, when I presented our research for the first time at a conference attended by firefighters. After my presentation, a firefighter approached me and simply said, “Thank you for doing that for us.” That moment has stayed with me vividly because it underscores the direct impact and relevance of our work.

Since then, it has become a recurring experience to hear similar expressions of gratitude from members of the audience at various presentations, which serves as a continuous source of motivation. This feedback reaffirms the importance of our research in improving the lives of first responders by enhancing their safety and health. Every word of thanks from them reminds me of the fundamental purpose of my research: to serve and benefit society. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to contribute in such a meaningful way.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

In reflecting on my journey, I’ve gathered a few pieces of advice that I believe are essential for students navigating their educational and career paths. First and foremost, I urge you not to let a single exam or score define your worth. We are more than the numbers we produce; our value lies in our resilience and capacity to learn from experiences.

Remember, the opinions of others, while sometimes useful, should not overshadow your own truths. It’s crucial to trust your instincts and beliefs, particularly when making decisions about your future. Among those whose opinions you might consider, remember that your parents and teachers are among the greatest well-wishers you will ever have. Their guidance is often rooted in a deep desire to see you succeed.

In exploring those future possibilities, recognize that science is a vast field, extending well beyond the confines of engineering. Take the time to explore different disciplines. Make decisions based on thorough research and genuine interest, not merely because a field is popular or expected of you.

This brings me to another important point: your journey is uniquely yours. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your path with that of your peers, but such comparisons are rarely helpful. Everyone moves at their own pace and in their own direction, which is something to be celebrated, not feared.

Life, as you’ll find, is inherently full of ups and downs. Embrace each peak and valley as part of the beautiful challenge of living. Each experience, whether good or bad, teaches us something valuable.

As you progress, strive to develop a wide array of skills and foster a growth mindset. The willingness to learn and adapt is invaluable, not just in academia or your career, but in life as a whole.

There will be moments when you feel uncertain or as if you don’t have everything sorted out—and that’s perfectly okay. Part of life’s journey is navigating through unknowns and making sense of where we stand.

For those of you drawn to the world of research, remember that it is a field that thrives on patience and a continuous desire to learn. The outcomes may not be immediate, but the rewards of contributing new knowledge are immense.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, never underestimate the importance of your health, both mental and physical. Make it a priority to maintain balance, as it is the foundation upon which you can build a successful and fulfilling life.