As our society faces pressing water challenges, we need to develop technologies that enable the recycling of wastewater for further use, thereby reducing the demand on freshwater resources and addressing one of society’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Kowsalya V, our next pathbreaker, Research Scientist at L&T’s Water Technology Centre in Kancheepuram, focuses on addressing complex challenges in water and sewage treatment systems managed by L&T, and explores advanced treatment strategies that turn waste into valuable resources.
Kowsalya talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about her PhD in South Korea at Hanyang University where she addressed a critical environmental issue: the efficient capture and detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in polluted air.
For students, consistency is key; when things get tough, it’s your dedication and perseverance that will keep you on track. Always stay ambitious, but remember that ambition without purpose can lead you astray.
Kowsalya, can you share your background with our young readers?
My name is Dr. Kowsalya Vellingiri, and I was raised in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu. Coming from a modest background, where my father worked as a day laborer in the textile industry, I have always felt fortunate to pursue my academic aspirations. From an early age, I demonstrated a keen interest in education, consistently excelling in my studies. In high school, I developed a strong passion for science and initially aspired to specialize in cardiology. However, circumstances shifted my academic path towards chemistry, and I embraced the challenge. I graduated with distinction in BSc Chemistry and went on to complete an MSc in Chemistry, driven by a desire to address environmental challenges. It was during this time that I recognized the transformative potential of applied chemistry, particularly at the intersection of chemistry and environmental engineering.
My dedication led me to pursue further studies at Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea—one of the nation’s premier institutions, where I was awarded a fully funded fellowship. There, I focused on addressing critical environmental issues such as air pollution and water contamination, work that earned me accolades including the ‘Best Researcher’ and ‘Best Thesis’ awards for my doctoral research. Since then, I have continued to contribute to the field of environmental chemistry, with a specific focus on the removal of pollutants from water and wastewater. Today, I am proud to serve as a Research Scientist at Larsen & Toubro’s Water Technology Centre, where my team and I tackle real-world water and wastewater challenges with innovative solutions.
What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?
Due to academic challenges, I had to reassess my aspiration of becoming a doctor and instead pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, which was the most affordable option at the time, costing less than 3000 INR per term. Initially, I was disheartened, but over the course of six months, I developed a deep passion for chemistry that only grew stronger with time. I proceeded to complete my Master’s degree at the same institution, supported by a grant that eased the financial burden. During this journey, I realized that scholarships provided a sustainable path for my education, relieving my father of additional financial strain. With his support, I successfully cleared the PhD entrance exams. I obtained my MSc in 2012, commenced a fully funded PhD in 2014, and graduated as the top student in 2017. Subsequently, I was awarded the prestigious DST-Nano Science and Technology post-doctoral fellowship, which I completed at IIT Madras.
What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and unique career in Environmental Engineering?
My decision to pursue a career in environmental science and engineering was profoundly influenced by the region where I grew up. Tirupur, renowned globally as a textile hub, has witnessed rapid industrialization, which has unfortunately led to significant environmental degradation. My father, with unwavering conviction, has always championed initiatives to protect the environment. His passion became my own, driving me to follow in his footsteps and dedicate my career to addressing environmental challenges.
Moreover, my academic excellence during my BSc and MSc studies motivated my father to dream of sending me abroad for further education. On September 4, 2012, he shared this vision with me, although he regretted being unable to support me financially. Undeterred, I embarked on a journey to secure fully funded opportunities abroad. I reached out to over 200 professors while balancing my responsibilities as a guest lecturer at an engineering college. My efforts culminated in finding Prof. Ki-Kyun Kim at Hanyang University, who recognized my potential and guided me in becoming an expert in Environmental Engineering and Chemistry. This pivotal moment shaped my path and reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field.
During my PhD, I concentrated on developing adsorption-based methods for capturing volatile organic molecules from polluted air, with a particular focus on creating a fluorescence sensor to detect molecules with a carbon number below 10. South Korea, renowned for its research and development, was my desired destination for furthering my professional journey post-PhD.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path
My career path has been shaped by a blend of determination, academic excellence, and personal challenges.
South Korea is renowned for its technological advancements, and my time there significantly shaped my research journey. During my PhD at Hanyang University under the esteemed guidance of Prof. Ki-Kyun Kim, I addressed a critical environmental issue: the efficient capture and detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in polluted air. The main challenge was to develop a highly sensitive and selective method to detect VOCs, particularly those with a carbon chain length below 10, which are often difficult to capture and identify.
To tackle this, I designed an innovative adsorption-based system coupled with a fluorescence sensor that could effectively capture these small molecules and provide real-time detection. My work not only contributed to advancements in air pollution control but also opened new avenues for designing sensor technologies with heightened sensitivity.
However, due to family commitments, I returned to India and embarked on a post-doctoral fellowship under Prof. Ligy Philip at IIT Madras, funded by DST-NST. This marked my first significant professional step in India, while maintaining a strong research collaboration with my Korean professor, resulting in research publications and international proposals.
Despite personal hardships, including the passing of my brother in 2018 and my father in 2020, I remained steadfast in my academic pursuits. From 2017 to 2021, juggling work responsibilities was challenging, but with Prof. Ligy’s mentorship, I persevered. During this time, I published five research papers in prestigious international journals. Following a maternity break from 2019 to 2021, I resumed my research, which resulted in a comprehensive report on the distribution, fate, and transportation of perfluoroalkyl compounds across various environmental media, funded by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoEFCC) (The report is yet to be published).
This journey, though filled with obstacles, has been driven by resilience, guidance from remarkable mentors, and a deep passion for advancing in environmental research.
After completing my PhD in 2017, I continued to collaborate on research projects with my Korean colleagues and also pursued postdoctoral research at IIT Madras under the mentorship of Prof. Ligy Philip, where I further enhanced my expertise in environmental technologies. This blend of international collaborations and cutting-edge research has allowed me to continually contribute to developing sustainable solutions for pressing environmental challenges.
During my time at IIT Madras as a Project Associate, I was deeply involved in hands-on research, which fueled my passion for solving real-world problems, particularly in the field of environmental engineering. It was during this period that I also pursued opportunities in academia, applying for assistant professor positions at state and central universities. However, a turning point came when, through a mutual connection, I was introduced to an exciting opportunity at Larsen & Toubro. Initially, I had reservations about transitioning to an industry-based role, as I had always envisioned myself in a research-driven career. But the chance to directly contribute to innovative solutions in water and wastewater treatment, addressing pressing environmental challenges, inspired me to take the leap.
Today, as a Research Scientist at L&T, I am deeply engaged in optimizing and advancing treatment processes for water and wastewater systems. This experience has taught me two valuable lessons: ‘Never Give Up’ and ‘When there’s a will, there’s a way.’ These are the messages I want to share with students – that persistence and passion will lead you to the right opportunities, even if the path takes unexpected turns.”
How did you get your first break?
My first significant break from work came between 2019 and 2021 when I welcomed my son, Abinav, into the world. Becoming a mom was a planned break, but life brought additional responsibilities when I found myself taking on the role of the head of the family at just 30. It was during this time that I drew inspiration from my father, who never took a break in his 48 years of service. His dedication shaped my mindset, and since then, I’ve made it my goal to stay active and engaged, even as I plan for the future, long after my formal work years are over.
Prior to joining L&T, I was initially more inclined toward teaching positions, and that was the career path I had envisioned. However, when the opportunity at L&T came along, it wasn’t through an ad but rather through the network I had built during my post-doctoral research and through various collaborations. I had to carefully consider how this role aligned with my broader career goals and personal circumstances.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
One of the most significant challenges I faced, as many women do, was balancing my professional ambitions with responsibilities at home. There’s a delicate balance, and I found that too much ambition, if not managed properly, can cause strain in both areas of life. The key here was setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks that aligned with my long-term goals. Effective time management and clear communication at home helped me navigate this challenge. It’s also essential to have a supportive family or system that understands your aspirations.
Another challenge was navigating a workplace system often designed with men in mind. All places I have worked has been inclusive; the broader professional environment can sometimes unintentionally create barriers for women. Overcoming those barriers requires resilience and, in some cases, working harder to prove yourself. I have faced situations where I had to work twice as hard to gain recognition, but the reward is worth it. Addressing biases or racism when encountered was crucial, and it meant advocating for myself and others while also seeking environments that fostered inclusivity.
Lastly, criticism is inevitable, particularly when you aim high. As I developed professionally, there were times when I faced skepticism or pushback from others who may not share the same level of motivation or ambition. It’s important not to let others’ doubts derail you. Staying focused on your goals and maintaining a growth mindset helped me move forward, no matter what obstacles were in the way. Keeping a clear vision of where I wanted to go has been the most vital strategy to overcome these challenges.
In summary, while these challenges were real, they also served as opportunities for growth. They pushed me to become more resilient, adaptable, and strategic in how I approached both my personal and professional life.
Where do you work now?
I currently work as a Research Scientist at Larsen & Toubro’s Water Technology Centre in Kancheepuram. My role primarily focuses on addressing complex challenges in water and sewage treatment systems managed by L&T worldwide, particularly within India. My work involves either innovating cutting-edge technologies or refining existing ones, with a strong focus on the removal of emerging contaminants such as per(poly)fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals, and personal care products from both drinking water and wastewater. Additionally, we are exploring advanced treatment strategies that turn waste into valuable resources, aligning with sustainability goals.
One of the key challenges I face is the constant need to develop scalable, cost-effective solutions that meet stringent regulatory standards, while also staying ahead of evolving pollution concerns. Another significant challenge is adapting novel technologies to diverse environments, considering factors like the local ecosystem, water quality, and resource availability.
I thoroughly enjoy my current position, as it allows me to continually engage with cutting-edge technology and collaborate with a wide range of professionals, from engineering students to globally recognized experts. This dynamic environment fosters continuous learning and innovation, which makes the work truly fulfilling despite the inherent challenges.
How much is your current work aligned with your PhD research?
My role as a Research Scientist at Larsen & Toubro’s Water Technology Centre is deeply connected to my PhD research, which focused on adsorption-based methods for capturing pollutants. While my PhD was more centered on air pollution, the principles I studied are highly relevant to water treatment, particularly in the development of advanced filtration and adsorption technologies.
In my current position, we primarily work on a variety of wastewater treatment solutions, including those for industries like textiles, where effluents are often laden with harmful chemicals and dyes. One of our core focuses is developing technologies that enable the recycling of wastewater for further use, thereby reducing the demand on freshwater resources and addressing one of society’s most pressing environmental challenges.
How does your work benefit society?
This work benefits society in multiple ways. By treating wastewater effectively, we protect natural water bodies from contamination and ensure that industries operate sustainably. Moreover, implementing these solutions in real-world scenarios gives us immense satisfaction, as we can directly see how our innovations contribute to cleaner water, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future. Beyond industrial applications, our technologies have potential uses in municipal water systems, ensuring safe drinking water for urban populations.
The big picture of our work revolves around solving pressing water challenges, from ensuring access to clean water to making industrial processes more eco-friendly, all of which contribute to the larger goal of environmental conservation and public health improvement.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
One of the most meaningful and impactful experiences in my career was my time in South Korea during my PhD at Hanyang University under the mentorship of Prof. Ki-Kyun Kim. As someone with a background in chemistry, I was eager to explore how materials science could intersect with air pollution, a field traditionally focused on monitoring and analysis. When I joined the “Air Pollution Monitoring Lab,” I saw the potential to expand its scope and bring in my passion for materials applications.
Through hard work, research, and dedication, I played a pivotal role in transforming the lab into what we eventually named the “Air Quality and Materials Application Lab.” This shift wasn’t just a change in title but represented a significant broadening of our focus—integrating materials science with environmental monitoring to develop innovative solutions for air quality issues. My work contributed to creating a synergy between materials and environmental engineering, setting a new direction for the lab’s research.
Prof. Ki-Kyun Kim’s guidance was instrumental in this transformation, along with the continued support of Prof. Ligy Philip, who has mentored me throughout my post-doctoral journey. Their influence helped shape my vision and set me on the path of advancing both science and practical applications for environmental challenges. The work we did together not only led to innovative discoveries but also reinforced my belief in interdisciplinary approaches and the power of collaboration.
This experience remains close to my heart because it symbolizes not only professional growth but personal resilience. It laid the foundation for the scientist I am today, continuing to innovate and lead in water technology and environmental solutions.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
“My advice to students is this: Stay humble, stay curious, and never stop learning. Politeness and respect are your greatest allies—they open doors and build lasting connections. Consistency is key; when things get tough, it’s your dedication and perseverance that will keep you on track. Always stay ambitious but remember that ambition without purpose can lead you astray. Set clear goals, work hard, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Success comes not just from talent, but from resilience, discipline, and a passion for continuous improvement.
Future Plans?
My long-term vision is to become a recognized authority in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Sciences, with a specialized focus on water treatment, air purification, and sustainable energy generation. I aim to lead innovative research projects and collaborate with global experts to develop cutting-edge solutions that address critical environmental challenges. Through my work, I intend to contribute to the development of sustainable technologies that not only improve water and air quality but also promote cleaner energy production. In addition to advancing my expertise, I am committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists, fostering a collaborative approach to solving pressing environmental issues. Ultimately, I aspire to influence both scientific progress and practical applications in the industry, leaving a lasting impact on environmental sustainability.