The complex nature of plasmas requires data driven approaches that help unravel and understand their fundamental mechanisms.

Sundaresan Sridhar, our next pathbreaker, Research Software Engineer at Tokamak Energy Limited (UK), develops code to convert raw data into useful physics quantities, which helps Physicists and Engineers understand the behaviour of plasma.

Sundaresan talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his PhD at the French Atomic Energy Authority (CEA) in partnership with Aix-Marseille University and the ITER Organization, where he studied specific and potentially dangerous events called “disruptions” by analyzing data from different tools and systems that monitor the fusion process.

For students, when it comes to physics, the more you know, the more you want to know. Straying away from a path from your peers can be confusing and scary at times. But, don’t be afraid to make choices that don’t fit with the crowd.

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

I grew up in Tambaram, a suburb of Chennai that offers both accessibility to the city and the tranquility of suburban life. Both of my parents are from Chennai. My father worked as a marketing manager at an agency supplying laboratory instruments with his uncle, while my mother was a homemaker. They always valued education and were very supportive of my academic journey.

Since childhood, I have been fascinated by how the universe works, with a keen interest in physics, mathematics, and chemistry. Physics, in particular, excites me because it provides an in-depth understanding of how everything functions, offering explanations for almost anything through strong yet simple principles.

Outside of academics, I have always enjoyed playing sports. I was the goalkeeper for my school’s hockey team and represented my school in several tournaments. I am also an avid cricket fan and played professional cricket until I went to college.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

After finishing school, I joined Vivekananda College in Chennai to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Physics. During this course, I built upon my school knowledge in fields such as Nuclear Science, Material Science, Quantum Mechanics, Classical Mechanics, and Statistical Mechanics. In addition to physics, I studied Mathematics, Chemistry, and Computer Science as my minors, gaining a comprehensive understanding of various scientific fields. I was also introduced to subjects like electronics and basic accounting, and I took language courses as well, further broadening my academic experience.

After completing my bachelor’s degree, I moved to Europe to pursue a European Master of Science in Nuclear Fusion and Engineering Physics at Ghent University in Belgium, where I received a full scholarship that covered both tuition and living expenses. During this program, I deepened my understanding of classical physics subjects like quantum and statistical mechanics. Additionally, I studied specialized courses in physics and engineering related to nuclear fusion, such as nuclear instrumentation, fluid mechanics, and computational physics, while also learning various programming languages, including FORTRAN, Python, and C.

In Europe, most universities accept a three-year bachelor’s degree from India as an entry requirement for a master’s program, along with English language certification. Universities offer various types of scholarships: some may waive the full or partial tuition fee, while others may provide stipends in addition to a tuition waiver. Additionally, some institutions offer tuition waivers combined with part-time research assistantships to help cover living expenses. The key to securing such scholarships is researching programs well in advance and preparing the necessary documentation. During my research, I discovered the Erasmus Mundus programs, which are joint initiatives involving several universities. This allowed me to spend my first year in France and my second year in Belgium and Prague. Beyond receiving quality education in different countries, I also had the opportunity to experience diverse cultures and interact with people from various backgrounds, which was incredibly fulfilling.

After earning my master’s degree, I began my PhD at the French Atomic Energy Authority (CEA) in partnership with Aix-Marseille University and the ITER Organization. My research was focused on nuclear fusion, which is the process that powers the sun. I studied a specific and potentially dangerous event called “disruptions” by analyzing data from different tools and systems that monitor the fusion process.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional career in Data driven Nuclear Physics?

Many people have influenced my decision-making process. The first major influence came in grade 11 from my chemistry teacher, whose passion for the subject made a career in science seem exciting and cool. She cultivated my interest in physics and guided me throughout my studies. Another significant influence was my computer teacher, also in grade 11. Despite being new to teaching, she assigned us practical projects that deepened our knowledge and introduced us to project management and teamwork.

During my bachelor’s degree in Physics, my nuclear physics professor was instrumental in shaping my career path. He went beyond the curriculum, discussing various fields in physics and the types of work involved. He also connected me with seniors who had gone to Germany for their master’s degrees. These seniors guided me in finding suitable programs in Europe with scholarships and helped me prepare the necessary application documents, significantly assisting me in finding a course aligned with my career passion.

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.

When it comes to a career in scientific research, gaining practical knowledge and experience is key. During my first year of bachelor’s studies, I attended a week-long workshop at IIT Madras. There, I met students from various colleges and learned about different internship programs in the country that provide hands-on experience in scientific research.

In the second year of my bachelor’s, I secured my first summer internship at the Inter University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in New Delhi, where I studied how gamma rays interact with matter and worked on data analysis for the gamma-ray spectrometer. This experience connected me with students from across the country, and our discussions played a pivotal role in shaping my career by highlighting potential universities abroad and ways to strengthen my application for master’s programs.

Following this, I worked part-time as a project assistant in the atomic physics lab at IIT Madras. In this project, I helped design ion trap experiments, where electrodes and radio frequencies are used to capture and confine ions. The guidance and support from my professor and the PhD students were invaluable. It was my first time interacting with PhD students, and their passion for the subject left a lasting impression on me.

During my master’s degree, I participated in several internships and attended various summer schools and workshops to deepen my knowledge. I spent one summer internship in Belfast, UK, where I worked on computational astrophysical plasma using the C programming language. This experience taught me not only about the physics of plasma but also how to write effective code in C.

I also attended lecture-based summer schools in Germany and Hungary focused on nuclear fusion, as well as a summer school on hydrogen storage in Germany, which provided insights into a different but related field. Interacting with students who shared similar goals was highly beneficial, and our discussions proved to be very enriching. Finding these opportunities involved thorough research and networking with other students. These experiences made me a promising candidate for my PhD applications.

During my PhD program, I worked on understanding disruptions and runaway electrons in nuclear fusion devices. Disruptions are sudden and intense events that can affect the plasma, the super-hot gas in the fusion device, and runaway electrons are high-energy particles that can cause problems. My research helped us learn more about these issues and how to manage them. I shared my findings at several conferences and wrote a journal article about them.

Towards the end of my PhD, I contacted Tokamak Energy to express my interest in joining their team. They guided me on the best time to apply, and after several interviews, I was offered a position. I have been working with them ever since.

How did you get your first break?

In my career, securing my first internship at IUAC was a significant breakthrough. This opportunity not only provided me with hands-on scientific experience but also allowed me to meet like-minded students from diverse backgrounds.

Working at IUAC gave me practical exposure to scientific methodologies and advanced research techniques, which were pivotal in shaping my understanding of the field. Additionally, the interactions and collaborations with fellow interns broadened my perspectives and introduced me to different research areas and career possibilities. This experience was instrumental in building my confidence and laying the foundation for my future endeavors in scientific research.

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

Competition: Pursuing sciences at Indian Institutes involves fierce competition, as you must compete with many bright minds. Applying to programs in Europe introduces a global level of competition. It is advisable to thoroughly research the program and seek assistance in preparing application documents.

Lack of Exposure: Many students face challenges due to a lack of exposure, not only in the subject matter and research experience but also in general awareness. The best way to gain exposure is by engaging with like-minded individuals and expressing your motivation and interest without hesitation.

Language Barrier: Language can be a significant barrier. It is acceptable if your English is not flawless from the start, but having the intent to learn and practicing regularly is crucial. Friends can be very helpful in this regard, as they understand you best. Practice with friends to improve your language skills, as English is crucial in the global context.

Financial Constraints: The cost of education, both in India and abroad, can be quite high, especially at premium institutes. Fortunately, many scholarships are available that can cover tuition fees and living expenses. For programs abroad, the master’s curriculum is often designed to allow for part-time work outside of study hours. It is important to have a financial plan in place before joining such programs.

Lack of Career Guidance: Awareness of different programs and obtaining more information requires substantial research. Start with known contacts, such as friends, acquaintances, or teachers. It is vital to have clear expectations and to analyze the pros and cons of each decision. Seek guidance from someone who has achieved what you aspire to be, preferably someone with similar circumstances. 

Developing contacts outside your comfort zone can be valuable for gaining awareness and guidance. Be mindful of your goals, the challenges they entail, and devise methods to address these challenges. Always be prepared ahead of time.

Where do you work now?

I am currently working as a Research Software Engineer at Tokamak Energy Limited, based in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. Our company focuses on achieving energy production through nuclear fusion reactions. In my role, I develop code to convert raw data into useful physics quantities, which helps us understand the behaviour of plasma.

I began my career as a physicist, studying plasma behaviour through experimental observations. To analyze the results, I developed Python-based code. This role required expertise in both physics and computer programming, and I quickly discovered my passion for coding. As a result, I transitioned to a research software engineer position, where I not only develop scripts for my own research but also assist others with their coding needs.

In my current role, I collaborate with physicists and engineers to understand their requirements and the types of data they need analyzed. I then write code to help clarify and interpret this data. The most exciting part of my job is solving complex physics problems through programming, blending my interests in both fields.

How does your work benefit society? 

Nuclear fusion represents a highly promising energy source for the future, offering the potential to revolutionize how we produce and consume energy. 

I am particularly excited about contributing to advancements in nuclear fusion because it holds the potential to address some of the most pressing energy challenges of our time. Fusion energy promises to provide a virtually limitless, clean, and safe source of power that could greatly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help combat climate change. The ability to harness fusion effectively could transform global energy landscapes, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. I am eager to contribute to this groundbreaking field and believe that our efforts will yield significant benefits for society, paving the way for a cleaner and more energy-secure world.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

Stick to the Basics: Regardless of your chosen career path, a solid school education is essential. Even for complex projects, it’s crucial to think simply and return to the basics. Break down any complicated task into simpler steps to ensure you get it right. Even if you dislike a subject, try to understand the basics. There are no useless subjects; even algebra has practical, often indirect applications in life.

Be Your Own Inspiration: While parents, teachers, and friends can guide you, it’s vital to envision the career you want for yourself in the coming decades. Find a balance between what you love and what you’re good at. Your career should be something you are passionate about and excel in.

View Grades as Entry Tickets: School grades are like tickets to college. Once you reach your next destination, the ticket’s value diminishes. However, remember that this ticket is crucial for reaching your destination. In the long run, the knowledge you gain is what truly matters.

Be Responsible Yet Playful: School days are significant, not just for academic knowledge but also for creating cherished memories. While grades are important, ensure you also enjoy your time. Play when you play, and study when you study. Focus on the present activity without distractions.

Learn Beyond the Books: Books provide immense knowledge, but also seek learning experiences outside of them. Engage in meaningful conversations and learn from others’ life experiences. This will enhance your social interactions and may inspire new ideas and opportunities.

Keep Life Simple: Life isn’t as complex as it seems. Do your part, enjoy the journey, and find joy in simplicity.

Don’t be afraid to be different: Straying away from a learning path from your peers can be confusing and scary at times. But, don’t be afraid to make choices that don’t fit with the crowd. Always remember the more you are like yourself the less you are to be like everyone else. 

Future Plans?

I am planning to further develop my skills in the subject. For instance, I am excited to learn new programming languages and advancements in my field to enhance my job efficiency. Additionally, I aspire to give back to society by inspiring and mentoring students to achieve their dream jobs.