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I'm Brindha Devi, a PhD Scholar working at the Department of Physics - VIT University, Chennai. My thesis is based on two dimensional materials for energy conversion and storage application. At present, my work is focused on something called MXene, a special two dimensional material which I've been studying for more than 4.5 years. So far, I've published 3 research papers in reputed journals with high impact factor. And I've also written two book chapters. I've worked in collaborations with scholars from three countries - South Korea, Norway, and Taiwan. I am a recipient of TNSCST (Tamilnadu Student Council for Science and Technology) Award during my M.Sc. Programme. I bagged the best project award for my project during my B. Sc. Programme. My interest in science started from my early school days, from then I've been doing several science projects and have got several prizes, one of which is a district level prize that I got by participating in a science exhibition. I'm very much passionate about science, doing research, becoming a member of Royal Scientific Community, and becoming a scientist in a premier institution.
A week back, I got the confirmation to work on TEEP STRI - 2022, an internship offered by Kaohsiung Medical University - one among the top universities in Taiwan. There I'd get an opportunity to work on MXene, as my professor at KMU is an expert in that field. I applied to this internship for the first time on 13th March 2020, I got a call from the professor himself immediately after I sent the mail as he was impressed by my work. That's when the COVID happened because of which I lost the opportunity. I tried again in the next year and in April 2021, I got two internships offers - one from MOST GASE, Taiwan in which I'm one among the 10 students selected from all over India and the other one is TEEP program from KMU. Once again, due to the second wave, the internship was cancelled. I didn't give up. I applied again this year, I got the offer confirmation and I am supposed to report at the university on 17th October 2022. Once the internship over I'll be able to finish my PhD and start applying for Post Doctoral opportunities at universities in different countries.
Despite being a first graduate girl child coming from a lower middle class family, I've been taking care of my family and my younger sister. My family has been in debt for years because of my father's mismanagement of money. All our jewels are in mortgage. My father underwent a retina surgery recently and he couldn't work anymore. At present, I'm the sole breadwinner of my family, I want to pursue my passion and at the same time, I don't want to burden my parents and relatives. That is why I've resorted to this fundraiser for supporting myself.
Air Ticket: ₹35,000
Visa Charges: ₹15,000
Compulsory Hotel Quarantine: ₹20,000
The above is the breakup of the total fund of INR ₹70,000 that's required for me to goto Taiwan. This is a 6 months paid internship and with the stipend, I'll be able to manage my personal expenses and will also be able to send a little amount to my family.
