Meet Somila Kakshapati
Somila Kakshapati, "Here I got this amazing opportunity to serve as the Master of Ceremonies at the International Student Conference in China, where I'm advocating for action against plastic pollution".
Somila, currently works at Linamar Innovation Hub, boasts an impressive educational background with a Master of Science in Project Management and Business Analysis from Northeastern University, a Master of Engineering in Environment Science and Environment Management, and Sustainable Development from Tongji University, and a Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology from Purbanchal University.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Somila is passionate about traveling, immersing herself in local cultures, and savoring authentic local cuisines. She views travel as an opportunity to forge connections and gain a deeper understanding of the world around her.
A fun fact about Somila's current role is her firsthand exposure to innovators and their motivations, allowing her to understand the gaps they identified and the driving forces behind their innovations. This experience adds a fascinating dimension to her work at the intersection of innovation and STEM.
When did your love of STEM begin?
Growing up, my father, a skilled car mechanic, always fascinated me with his craftmanship as he repaired vehicles. Whenever he had the chance, he generously shared his knowledge about cars, from tire changes to oil changes. His willingness to teach me the theory behind the functioning of cars sparked a keen interest in understanding mechanical mechanisms within me. This early exposure planted the seed of love for science in me.
As I continued to explore the world around me and explore biology, physics, environment science, my passion for science, especially biology and environment grew deeper. Meanwhile, my uncle also played a significant role in increasing my interest in the topic. He had this remarkable talent for simplifying complex scientific concepts into language suitable for a curious child like me. His teachings expanded my understanding and encouraged my interest to dig deeper into the reasonings of WHY things happen.
I still vividly recall them teaching me how to use Yahoo to find answers to my endless WHY questions. One website, "How Stuff Works", became my sanctuary. It was a delight to discover this resource and be able to satisfy my curiosity without constantly bothering my family members with my questions.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
The best part about working in STEM is the opportunity to solve real-life problems for a better future, bringing about positive change, and witnessing the impact it creates. It's impressive to see so many groundbreaking ideas and cutting-edge technologies being introduced. Additionally, it's fascinating to see STEM uniting individuals from different countries, cultures, and ages under one roof with the same goal. As someone working in the innovation field, I am exposed to multiple ideas in different sectors, which further highlights the extensive scope and the impact that STEM can have on society, and that's truly inspiring.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Believe in your ability to turn your dreams into reality. Do not allow others to determine the limit of your capabilities and never allow fear of failing stop you from pursuing your dreams; instead, be the one to seize the initiative. Do your research, gather your facts, analyze, and then ACT! Always remember to stay authentic to yourself and connected to your roots.