Navigating Scientific Frontiers: An Interview with Rajashree Konar

In this insightful interview, Dr. Rajashree Konar, a Postdoctoral Researcher at INL, shares her experiences working in diverse international research environments and how they have shaped her scientific approach. She discusses her contributions to sustainable energy solutions, particularly through her work on nanocatalysts and lithium-ion batteries.

Dr. Konar also offers valuable advice for researchers looking to patent their work and translate their research into real-world applications. Additionally, she candidly addresses the challenges she has faced as a woman in a highly technical field and the importance of female support networks in overcoming these obstacles.

You have worked in multiple international research environments. How have these experiences shaped your scientific approach?
In-depth research always demands consistent hard work. My experiences abroad have instilled in me a profound sense of persistence. Working in science and research can often feel like a slow march forward, demanding unwavering faith. But, through my multicultural journey, I have discovered that all scientists share an intense passion for growth, refusing to be confined by limitations.

Each person, lab, culture, and university I’ve engaged with has taught me that collaboration is the key to truly understanding our work and harmonising our outlook. My exposure to a vibrant tapestry of ideas and perspectives enriches my constant pursuit of knowledge. I soon realised that I thrive in diverse research environments that bring productivity and organisation to my research practices. This ability to compartmentalise tasks boosts my efficiency and enhances my engagement with the work at hand.

How do you see your research contributing to the future of sustainable energy solutions?
I am genuinely passionate about making a difference regarding our carbon footprint and its impact on our planet. That’s why I was happy to join the Moving-to-Neutrality project! My role revolves around unraveling the complexities of degradation mechanisms and analysing the stability of various nanocatalysts through in-situ electron microscopy. Since delving into the nanoscale is at the heart of my work, I’m constantly looking for gaps in current research trends. For example, in-situ measurements under electrochemical reaction conditions remain complex, with challenges including electron beam interactions between the electrolyte and electrode, the lack of well-defined experimental workflows, and difficulty interpreting particle behaviour.

My work is to overcome the gap between realistic and simulated reaction conditions under transmission electron microscopes to create more sustainable catalysts in the near future. Another example of my work would be related to efficient energy storage. I use advanced electron microscopy to probe battery interfaces (such as CEI) to understand how to optimize and maximize the energy density in different cathode active materials for Lithium-ion batteries.

What advice would you give to researchers looking to patent their work or translate their research into real-world applications?
My advice to all young researchers looking to patent their work or translate it to real-time applications is to understand how to frame their research findings as a story. People are always interested and invested in research they can relate to and how it impacts them in the long run. Anyone can provide scientific jargon without context, but a compelling storyline that directly outlines problems with solutions will always favor researchers. Visuals, charts, graphs, or diagrams can help illustrate complex ideas and make them more understandable, even to a non-scientific audience.

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in a highly technical field, and how have you navigated them?
I have always believed that if you want to see change in the world, you must be brave enough to be a part of it. It’s disheartening that core STEM fields are still largely male-dominated. I feel that this issue primarily arises from the lack of female role models, creating a vicious cycle of underrepresentation that discourages women’s interest in these crucial areas. In this difficult landscape, I find that female friendships are very valuable. It fosters a supportive community in academia and industry where we can share our experiences, learn from one another, and grow collectively. For instance, when I started my career, I encountered numerous challenges, but with the constant encouragement of my female colleagues, I worked hard to improve my skills and tackle complex scientific ideas without fear of making mistakes.

There are times when the journey feels isolating and frustrating, but voicing our concerns and collaborating on solutions is key to overcoming various obstacles. We all experience tough days, so it’s important to seek the light even in the darkest moments!

Text and Photography by Gina Palha, Corporate Communication, Conferences & Marketing Officer