Women in STEM: my journey to a PhD in engineering

My name is Anneshwa Dey and I am from a small town in India called Ranchi. I grew up in a joint family in which my uncle and father own a telecommunications business together.   

That is where I was first introduced to electronics and circuit boards. I vaguely remember that we used to assemble the LED moving light in our home, and I was always fascinated by the magic of the small integrated chip that goes into the boards.   

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I learned how to solder when I was 10 years old. All my school science projects were electronics-based, whether it was a light-up model of the digestive system or designing a 3D version of my hometown with better roadways.   

This all led to studying electronics and communication engineering as an undergraduate at SRM University in India and then a master of engineering in digital systems and telecommunications at the Australian National University (ANU) in 2019. Since completing my master’s I have started my PhD in the research school of physics under great supervisors.   

My primary reason for applying to the Australian National University was its ranking. Also, it was one of the few universities to offer a specialisation in digital systems and telecommunications; I could have chosen a course in electronics or electrical engineering at a different university, but they were all missing the telecommunications element. 

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The transition from India to Australia was quite easy and hassle-free. I knew I wanted to do my master’s in a country that had a good work-life balance and that’s why I started my search with Australia and luckily for me, I didn’t have to search for long.   

I got multiple offers within a month of applying but had to wait longer to apply for my visa. This was because I applied for a student loan, which took a while to be approved. The great thing was that although ANU requested a deposit to confirm my enrolment, they took my case into consideration and granted me a confirmation without the deposit. The visa process itself was completed by IDP Education, who were also enormously helpful and guided me through the whole process. I even got my visa granted within a day.

Finding a home across continents is another task you need to consider as an international student. Thankfully people in Canberra and students at ANU went out of their way to help. My cousin put me in touch with PhD students at the university and this was how I found my first residence and made my first friend in the city. 

Overall, the move from India was much smoother than expected. From panicking about the deposit, to knowing what crucial things to pack, all was sorted out by great administrative support at ANU and friends that I found in Canberra, who are now extended family. 

After my master’s I knew I wanted to stay in academia and pursue a PhD. I knew that the amount of research completed at ANU would set me up for that next stage. I had been offered a scholarship at ANU by the college of engineering and computer science (now school of engineering, computer science and cybernetics). In the end, choosing to stay at ANU for my PhD was an easy choice.

I also knew Canberra was a safe place to live, which made it a bit easier for my parents because they wanted to ensure I would be in a safe environment.   

My overall experience of studying abroad has been great despite some small problems along the way. The pandemic was really difficult because we were unable to travel. Staying thousands of kilometres away from family is never easy. However, I’m glad that the borders are now open and I can visit my family soon. I was also lucky that I had my extended family and friends nearby to help me through the pandemic in Australia. 

ANU has opened up so many opportunities for me, both academically and personally. I have met many great academics and formed wonderful friendships. I enjoy reaching out to new people and have been given incredible opportunities to meet and mentor high school students, making the whole journey very fulfilling.

Some advice I would give any student studying abroad is to reach out. I cannot emphasise the importance of networking as an international student. I know it can be intimidating to ask for help, but I have had so many opportunities just because I pushed myself out of my comfort zone.