Ishan: I joined IIT Bombay in July 2019 as a Dual Degree (BTech + MTech) student in electrical engineering. Last year I chose to switch to IITB’s Inter-Disciplinary Dual Degree Program and chose the Centre for Machine Intelligence and Data Science (CMInDS) for my MTech degree.

Ramengmawia: Thank you, it’s been an absolute honour. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Physics from the Madras Christian College, Chennai. Then I pursued my MA in Development and Labour Studies from the Centre for Informal Sector and Labour Studies (CISLS) in JNU, New Delhi. I continued with my MPhil in North East Studies at JNU from the Special Centre for the Study of North East India (SCSNEI) before finally coming here to HSS, IIT Bombay, for my Ph.D.

Ishan: I learned of the “Australia India Research Students” (AIRS) Fellowship program through the ARCH-India Foundation, funded by the Australian Government. Intrigued by the opportunity to gain valuable international exposure and fuelled by my passion for travel, I was compelled to submit my application.

To begin my journey, I meticulously identified the top universities in Australia renowned for their AI and Data Science programs. Subsequently, I reached out to 15 esteemed professors, expressing my interest in their research areas. Out of these interactions, three professors responded positively, sparking further conversations. With careful consideration, I compiled a preference list based on a mutual alignment of research interests. I then connected with the professor whose research resonated most with my own over a video call, and to my delight, they expressed their willingness to host me during the fellowship.

As part of the application process, I had to work on a statement of purpose that showcased my passion for AI and Data Science and aligned my research objectives with the fellowship program. I also devised a research proposal which was a collaborative effort that helped me build a strong mentor-student relationship with my to-be guide.

Ishan: In my research, I am dedicated to advancing the field of biology through the development of cutting-edge machine-learning tools and pipelines. One of my current focuses is on creating a robust pipeline that efficiently converts electronic healthcare data into the FHIR format. This transformation plays a crucial role in facilitating the seamless integration of machine learning applications, enabling accurate diagnoses, and fostering collaboration and interoperability in the healthcare industry. By bridging the gap between technology and biology, my research aims to enhance the way we analyse and utilize healthcare data, ultimately benefiting patient care and advancing scientific understanding.

Ramengmawia: Tentatively, my research endeavours to study the complexity of indigenous urbanism and youth culture in Aizawl, Mizoram. Towards this, I wish to determine the underlying logic behind how space is produced, curated, and privileged along tangents of quotidian practices around land, locality, and infrastructure. Also, I spend my time with urban youth groups to understand emerging forms of urban sociability.

Ishan with his friends

Ishan: By developing innovative machine-learning tools and pipelines, my work contributes to the early detection of critical conditions such as sepsis and chorioamnionitis. These conditions have significant impacts on patient outcomes and public health. Through advanced data analysis and pattern recognition, my research aims to improve diagnostic accuracy, enabling timely interventions and personalized treatment plans. Ultimately, the goal is to save lives, enhance patient care, and alleviate the burden on healthcare systems. By bridging the gap between technology and healthcare, my research has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the world around us.

Ramengmawia: In the North East, land being classified as urban is expanding. 52.11% of Mizoram live in urban spaces, the second highest amongst states in the country. What drives urbanization in the region and what does this entail for urban life and culture? Such interrogations pose both a challenge and an opportunity for research which is where I feel I can make interventions, if not initiate more informed conversations amongst urbanites, particularly the youth.

Ishan: The institute’s dynamic learning environment, exceptional faculty, and resources have provided me with the perfect platform to thrive. The vibrant campus life, filled with diverse student clubs and engaging workshops, has fostered a well-rounded approach to learning. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive community, IIT Bombay has truly empowered me to reach new heights academically and prepare for the real-world challenges ahead.

Ramengmawia: The Department of HSS at IIT Bombay, although small, positions one with a diverse range of cross and interdisciplinary syllabi and readings even outside the department. This freedom has allowed me to understand the nuances and the nuts and bolts of my research which has helped me to think and write in perspective.

Ishan: In my free time, I love getting together with friends for board game nights or the occasional cryptic crossword. I’m also a fitness enthusiast and enjoy hitting the gym to train for weightlifting. When I want to unwind, I binge-watch my favourite TV shows.

Ramengmawia: I spend most of my free time in the HSS reading room and play squash in the evening. Also, I love to eat out with my friends.

Ishan: In the future, I envision a path that combines my passion for finance with my research expertise in AI. While I am inclined towards the finance industry, I also see opportunities to apply AI in innovative ways within this field. I aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry, leveraging my skills and knowledge to drive advancements in financial technology and contribute to the industry’s growth.

Ramengmawia: For the moment, I just want to enjoy the research that I am currently pursuing as it gives me the itch and passion that I feel is the most important to hone oneself for a life in academia.