By Harpreet Kaur

Hi, everyone! I am excited to introduce myself as an early-stage DOCC researcher and share my journey of transition as a researcher thus far.

I am Harpreet Kaur, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Innsbruck in the Bio and Nano Physics Group, advised by Prof. Thomas Franosch. I completed my master's in Applied Physics from Amity University, Noida, India. Alongside my master's, I had the pleasure of working as a research intern at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and IIT Delhi. During my master's studies, I developed a true passion for utilizing computational techniques in my Ph.D. research.  Although I had an interest in coding, it was not fully developed at the time. However, despite the challenges that life has thrown at me, I have always persevered and continued working towards my academic goals.

I feel fortunate to have obtained the DPDOCC position, one of the most prestigious programs. The participation into the DOCC Marie Skłodowska-Curie has been transformative, not only for my research journey but also for my life. Coming from India without knowing a single person in Innsbruck, I have adapted to the culture and food. Today, I am not only a researcher but also a runner, hiker, and swimmer, activities I did not engage in before. Innsbruck has also given me friends whom I consider as family.

While it has presented its share of challenges, it has also been incredibly exciting. Embracing the rigorous demands and opportunities that come with being a DOCC candidate is allowing me to evolve both personally and professionally. My supervisors here, Prof. Dr. Thomas Franosch and Dr. Michele Caraglio, not only possess exceptional scientific expertise but also exhibit admirable human qualities.

I am thrilled to be able to explore novel frontiers within my field of research. Specifically, my research focuses on delving into the fascinating realm of active particles and target search strategies.

I aim to investigate how bacteria navigate their environment and forage for nutrients. More specifically, I am interested in understanding how these intelligent active agents effectively locate and identify their targets, particularly when the positions of these targets are unknown. In my work, I employ the active Brownian particle model, which has emerged as a prominent framework in the study of non-equilibrium dynamics. I utilize genetic algorithms as a powerful tool to tackle the challenge of finding targets of unknown positions for particles capable of dynamically switching their behavior between passive and directed motion.

Using computational tools and studying core principles, my aim is to expand my understanding in this field and a better understanding of bacteria’s behavior.

I am truly grateful for the DOCC program and the invaluable opportunities it has provided me to grow both personally and professionally. Through the program, I have been given opportunities to visit schools, attend conferences, and engage in meaningful discourse with fellow researchers. These experiences have not only allowed me to enhance my knowledge and expertise but have also enabled me to establish valuable connections within the research community. Every lesson I have learned and am learning during my journey in the program has been instrumental in shaping me into a more accomplished researcher.

This is just the beginning of my journey, and I am filled with excitement about the future and the potential impact I can make as a researcher. My aspirations extend beyond personal growth and achievements. I am determined to make a meaningful contribution to the global research community. It is my sincere hope that with the guidance and support of my advisors and with God on my side, my efforts will lead me to wherever I desire to go and empower me to make a positive impact.

Conquering mountains and embracing adventures