We recently connected with Gaurav Sharma and have shared our conversation below.
Gaurav, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
During my time in kindergarten, I had the chance to attend my first research conference. Though I didn’t present at the event, I accompanied my father, who was giving a presentation. This early exposure ignited my fascination for the dynamic and ever-evolving world of research. Driven by this passion, I pursued a Ph.D. in computational chemistry under the mentorship of Dr. Rajeev Prabhakar at the University of Miami. My postdoctoral journey further enriched my knowledge and skills, thanks to the invaluable guidance of the distinguished University professor, Dr. Keeneth Merz.
Fueled by my eagerness for research and my love for teaching, I founded my own research academy “Eigen Sciences”. Here, we get to teach research practices to high school and college students, nurturing their interest in the realm of research. Since conducting research in a traditional laboratory setting can be challenging for high school students, especially with school schedules, computational chemistry/biology offers an innovative solution. This field allows students to perform research (research@home) right on their laptops, making research experiments both accessible and enjoyable. This presents a unique opportunity for students to enhance their profiles and delve into the exciting world of research. Our students have received accolades such as the Best Research Awards at the NC American Chemical Society, the Youth Achievement Award, the TATA Scholarship, Medallion of Awards of Excellence and $600 in funding, among others. They have also had the opportunity to present their research at prestigious institutions such as MIT, NASA, ACS, AISES, JSHS, VCU, UNC-Charlotte and various science fairs. Some of the award-winning pictures featuring Sanika Dolas, Diya Sudhini, and Mustafa Arif are shown in picture.
However, one of the toughest aspects of our work is explaining to people the significance of research and distinguishing ourselves from college counselors. We are a 100% research-focused institution, offering cutting-edge research experiences that are highly sought after in today’s market. Our state-of-the-art research is in high demand, and we constantly strive to emphasize its importance to our students and the broader community. Our institution is not just a stepping stone; it’s a launchpad. We don’t guide students to the door of higher education; we propel them into the universe of discovery. And while we value and respect the work of college counselors, it’s crucial to understand that our mission, our approach, and our impact are of a different nature entirely. We invite students, parents, and the community to engage with us, witness the magic of research firsthand, and understand why it is so critical for our future. It’s not just about personal growth; it’s about shaping the world of tomorrow.
I always strive to learn new things and have a great passion for fashion. I actively seek to expand my knowledge in this field, often working with my wife Anjali, who is a fashion designer. Together, we’ve showcased our brand, Tara Gems Galore, at prestigious international fashion events like Paris Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. Our next venture is Milan Fashion Week next year. Even our daughter, Shanaya, whom we affectionately call ‘the princess,’ has made her mark as a model, having graced these international platforms three times. In contrast, my son prefers the roar of monster trucks over the buzz of fashion shows, making him the shy guy amidst all the glam and glitter!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Eigen Sciences is committed to offering research opportunities to high school and premed students with a keen interest in scientific exploration. We provide a platform for these students to gain hands-on experience and delve into the world of research. By immersing themselves in our programs, students can develop valuable skills, expand their scientific knowledge, and lay a strong foundation for their future academic and professional endeavors.
Dr. Sharma, has authored 30 publications and delivered presentations at over 40 national and international conferences. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, he has received prestigious honors, including the Dean’s Academic Year Dissertation Award, the Sam and Clara Schreiber Chemistry Research Fellowship, and the Max and Peggy Kriloff Student Scholarship. Dr. Sharma’s passion lies in teaching; he thoroughly enjoys sharing knowledge with his students. As a testament to his dedication, he was honored with the Best Teacher award during his PhD program.
Some of the factors that shows the importance of research
College Readiness: Research experience can significantly enhance a student’s college application. Admissions committees often value research involvement as it demonstrates a passion for learning, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to handle complex tasks independently. It sets students apart from their peers and increases their chances of admission to competitive universities or specific programs.
Versatility in Application: High school students who undertake research projects may have a competitive edge when applying for scholarships, internships, or summer programs. Research experience demonstrates initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to work on complex projects. It can also lead to opportunities for presenting research findings at local or regional conferences, further enhancing a student’s profile.
Mentorship and Networking: Engaging in research may provide opportunities to work closely with mentors such as teachers, professors, or industry professionals. These mentors can guide and support students, offering valuable advice and expertise. Furthermore, research may involve collaboration with peers or participation in science fairs, conferences, or competitions, allowing students to build a network and connect with like-minded individuals.
Better CV: Engaging in research promotes personal growth by fostering independence, self-discipline, and resilience. Research projects require dedication, time management, and the ability to overcome challenges. Students learn to set goals, manage their time effectively, and persevere through setbacks, all of which are crucial life skills.
Skill Development: Research cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. By conducting research, high school students learn to gather and evaluate information, design experiments or projects, and analyze and interpret data. These skills are valuable not only for future academic pursuits but also for success in various careers.
Personal Growth: Engaging in research promotes personal growth by fostering independence, self-discipline, and resilience. Research projects require dedication, time management, and the ability to overcome challenges. Students learn to set goals, manage their time effectively, and persevere through setbacks, all of which are crucial life skills.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Succeeding in research goes beyond knowledge and training. It involves a combination of personal traits, habits, environment, and external support. Here are some factors that are often considered crucial for success in the research realm:
1. Curiosity: A genuine desire to understand the unknown drives many of the most successful researchers. They want to answer questions that haven’t been answered before.
2. Perseverance: Research often involves encountering roadblocks and failures. The ability to persist in the face of challenges and continue searching for answers is critical.
3. Critical Thinking: The ability to evaluate evidence, analyze data, and discern patterns is essential. Researchers should also be able to critically evaluate their own work and the work of others.
4. Open-mindedness: While having a hypothesis is important, being open to unexpected results and being willing to change one’s viewpoint based on evidence is vital.
5. Collaboration: Many of the most significant breakthroughs come from interdisciplinary efforts. Building and maintaining productive relationships with colleagues within and outside of one’s field can open up new perspectives and techniques.
6. Communication Skills: Being able to effectively communicate your findings, both in writing and orally, ensures that your research can be understood, appreciated, and built upon by others.
7. Time Management: Research often involves juggling multiple tasks, from experiments to writing to teaching or other responsibilities. Being able to manage one’s time effectively is crucial.
8. Flexibility: The path in research is rarely linear. Being adaptable and willing to change direction when evidence suggests it can be beneficial.
9. Ethical Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethics is foundational in research. Missteps can lead to retractions, damaged reputations, and undermine trust in the scientific community.
10. Mentorship: Having a good mentor can provide guidance, support, and open doors to opportunities. Conversely, being a good mentor can also be fulfilling and further one’s own understanding of a subject.
11. Continuous Learning: The world of science and research is always evolving. Engaging in lifelong learning, attending conferences, workshops, and staying updated with the latest in one’s field is essential.
12. Resourcefulness: Not all problems have straightforward solutions, and not all research questions have clear methodologies. Being able to think outside the box and come up with innovative approaches is a valuable trait.
13. Passion: Loving what you do can make the long hours, challenges, and setbacks more bearable. It can be the driving force that pushes a researcher to continue even when things get tough.
Ultimately, research is a complex endeavor, and what leads to success can vary widely among individuals and fields. However, a combination of the above qualities and factors can significantly enhance one’s chances of making meaningful contributions to their area of study.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Throughout our journey within the academic market, several key factors have been instrumental in building our esteemed reputation. Firstly, our profound expertise in the field provided us with the foundation to navigate complex topics and address students’ queries with confidence. Paired with our knack for effective communication, this expertise enabled us to translate intricate concepts into digestible information, enhancing the learning experience for students. We’ve always held a genuine interest in our students’ success, making it a point to understand their unique needs and aspirations. This care, combined with our continuous exploration of innovative teaching methods, has differentiated our approach from many others. Students have come to trust in our consistency and fairness in evaluations, knowing they will be judged purely on merit. Our openness to feedback has not only aided in our personal growth but has shown students our dedication to evolving and improving. This sentiment is further emphasized through our approachability, where we ensure that we are always available to address concerns and deepen understanding. Complementing this is our commitment to continued professional development, ensuring we remain at the forefront of academic advancements. Furthermore, our active contributions to the academic community through publications and collaborations have cemented our status among peers and students alike. Last but by no means least, certain personal qualities have deeply influenced our interactions – our patience, empathy, and a touch of humor have fostered a positive and enriching learning environment. As one reflects on these elements, it is also essential to recognize that other facets might have played a role in shaping our reputation, and it’s valuable for everyone to ponder their own journey to discern what has contributed to their standing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eigensciences.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550169501848
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/98349244/admin/feed/posts/