Pushing the frontiers of materials science research for an enhanced standard of living globally

Gayathri has had a long journey of being associated with Deakin, first as a student, then as a teacher and now witnessing the journey of her son who has started his studies in Deakin as well. Starting as an international student who came all by herself, leaving home, family, and country Gayathri credits the warm welcome and generous support from everyone at Deakin for the success story that she has been able to script.

While growing up in Trichy, India, Gayathri held a clear aspiration to pursue a career in engineering. She attributes this inspiration to her late father and has single-mindedly pursued her passion in life. From making up her mind to move to Australia and Deakin University for pursuing her dreams and ambitions, Gayathri has overcome hurdles without losing sight of her goals.

‘Getting introduced to IFM and moving to Australia for me was a turning point that radically changed my life, opening doors and possibilities to amplify my aspirations.’

Gayathri was introduced to Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) in 2010 and taking advantage of a collaboration between SASTRA University, India and Deakin University, Australia she then continued with a  Doctor of Philosophy at Deakin. Gayathri then received a scholarship from IFM. It was the brilliant scope in her research and the financial support that helped Gayathri make up her mind.

The Institute for Frontier Materials at Deakin University is leading research and innovations in materials science and engineering that have a transformational benefit to society. IFM gave Gayathri an opportunity to add many achievements to her name and skills to her repertoire right from her time as a doctoral student.

The 3 MT (three-minute thesis) was a great opportunity for her to sharpen communication skills and gave her the confidence to win “The Best Presentation Award” for 2nd-year presentation at the IFM annual conference in 2012 in Geelong and “The People’s choice award” in the final year 3MT competition at Deakin.

She credits her mentors, managers and supervisors at IFM for her global and holistic growth. She is currently working on the Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MotoCAP) project and has successfully developed a specialty fiber science program for the Banyule Nillumbik Tech School.

‘The impeccable guidance and academic support I received during my doctoral studies here is invaluable. I was always encouraged to ask questions, offer suggestions, and lead my own path.’

Gayathri is currently working as a Research Fellow with IFM and has been a sessional staff with Deakin’s Science, Engineering and Built Environment faculty for Engineering Project Management prior to this. Her experiences as a student at Deakin have inspired her to build upon her learning to guide and support current students pursuing their research. In addition to this she is also a tutor in chemistry, public health, scientific writing, and presentation skill development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Deakin.

‘I have such confidence in the Deakin community that my son has started his undergraduate course at Deakin, and I couldn’t be happier.’

Gayathri now waits in eager anticipation to see her son script his own story at Deakin and looks forward to contributing towards the ground-breaking research initiatives underway at Deakin.

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