Industry Insider
Ridhi Khurana knew she wanted to understand the body and how it worked from an early age. Her reasons for pursuing research are deeply personal, and have given her a drive to succeed and launch an impactful career.
‘When I was seven years old, I remember my Dad was dealing with severe anxiety. That sparked my desire to do something related to mental health, neurobiology and genetics. Ultimately, I think I would like to develop a drug, to help manage those kinds of conditions.’
Ridhi zeroed in on Biology as a major in high school, then went on to study genetics, biotechnology, and biochemistry in her undergraduate degree. When it came time to pursue post-graduate study, it was the University of Melbourne’s Master of Biotechnology that won her over, with its unique focus on engagement between research and industry.
‘Studying in Australia is very different to studying in India. Here, there’s a real focus on presenting professional calibre work. Every assignment is treated as if you’re in a career setting. That was a major factor in attracting me to the university, as well as the opportunity to work in both industry placements, and with research. Most other programs are more research focused, so the Master of Biotechnology is quite unique in that way.’
And Ridhi has made the most of those opportunities. She’s currently taking part in not one, but two, industry research projects, in programs that will have a real-world impact both in Australia and internationally.
‘I’m currently completing an Industry Project as a Student consultant with Mind Medicine Australia. It’s a project looking at the effects of psychedelic drugs in addressing mental health issues, so it's work that’s tied really closely to my interest in neurobiology, and in treating anxiety and depression,’ she says. ‘My second project as a Graduate Research Student is working with the Bio21 Institute, looking at how we might control the population of blowflies. It has huge implications for the agricultural sector, where they have to deal with flystrike disease. Flystrike is a major issue for sheep farmers, as it decreases wool production in sheep.’
It’s experience that is setting the foundation for Ridhi’s future career. It also marks the beginning of her five-year plan.
‘When I graduate, I would like to stay here in Australia and gain more experience in industry. My plan is to apply for project manager roles in a range of science-based companies, so I can continue building my business experience and network. Ultimately, I’d like to return to India and launch my own company, so my hope is also to connect with a business partner along the way. No matter what happens though, I know that I will always maintain a connection between Australia and India. The experience I’ve had, and the relationship I see between the two countries is important to me. I want to be a part of advancing that into the future.’
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