A Roller-Coaster Ride!
OLIVIA
Notes on navigating biology research
Dear younger researchers,
Biology research can be quite amazing, but a roller-coaster ride as well, here's what I wish someone had told me when I was starting out:
1. You will start to see the world differently.
Once you start doing research in Biology, you will find yourself marvelling at the tiniest details of life. When I first looked at a cell under a powerful microscope and realized it was alive and working, it felt like magic. For me, the most enjoyable part of research has always been microscopy—it’s like getting a front-row seat to nature’s hidden wonders.
Guess what this is?
Image credits to Olivia
Image credits to Olivia
By studying these cells, researchers can uncover clues about how stem cells work, how tissues regenerate, and even how certain diseases or conditions such as infertility might develop. Also, Drosophila shares many genetic similarities with humans, what we learn here can often be applied (with caution!) to understanding human biology too!
This is an image captured using confocal microscopy, a powerful tool that allows scientists to see tiny structures in extraordinary detail. What you are looking at here is the tip of the adult Drosophila testis (Drosophila, known commonly as the fruit fly, is often seen hovering over cut fruits!). The bright colours in the image
aren’t just for decoration—they represent different types of cells each playing a unique role in the process of sperm production. Scientists use fluorescent markers to label specific cell types, making them glow under the microscope.
Image credits to Olivia
2. It's about the people as much as the science.
One of the unexpected joys of research is the relationships you build. Whether it’s staying up late with your lab mates troubleshooting an experiment or exchanging ideas at a conference, science becomes a shared journey. At conferences, we exchange ideas, share stories, and connect with people from all over the world who are just as passionate as you. The science is exciting, but the sense of community makes the journey even more special.
Reflecting on my own experience at the Regional Young Investigator Meeting (RYIM) event that happened in Lucknow last year, I had the pleasure of meeting with Nishtha who also happened to be a co-participant in the Bio-Tales workshop. Engaging with her and exchanging thoughts reminded me that even in solitary moments of research, we are part of a larger community. The camaraderie and shared sense of purpose we experienced reinforced how vital these connections are to both personal and professional growth.
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These connections remind me that science is as much about people as it is about discovery.
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I would strongly encourage researchers to attend at least one international conference during their journey. It is an unparalleled opportunity to engage with global perspectives and more importantly a chance to boost your self-confidence as you share your work on a broader stage. Attending conferences not only broadens your academic horizons but also creates meaningful personal connections.
I vividly remember attending my first international workshop in 2022. During that conference, I met Chau, a Master's student at the time. It was a memorable moment as right in the middle of the conference, she received the exciting news that she had been accepted for a PhD at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. Fast forward to a recent solo trip to Paris, where I stayed at her place. Chau welcomed me so warmly and made my trip truly special. Reflecting on it, I realized how incredible it was that a professional connection formed during a workshop had turned into such a meaningful personal bond. Without that conference, our paths might never have crossed, and this reunion wouldn’t have been possible.
My first international conference at EMBL Heidelberg in 2022
Image credits to Olivia
At RYIM Lucknow 2023
Image credits to Olivia
3. The available literature may say something, but research throws up so many surprises (good as well as bad ones):
The available literature might say one thing, but in the lab, biological entities often have their own plans. Every day is a challenge. Some days, your hypotheses might work beautifully, but on other days, they don’t—but that’s not failure. It is a part of the process. I have had moments when I was convinced my experiment would follow what the literature said, only to end up with completely unexpected results. At first, this might be very frustrating, but over time you realize it’s these surprises that lead to new revelations and deeper understanding. Every twist and turn teaches you to think critically and adapt your approach.
Image credits to Lum3n from Pexels
4. It's not always easy, but it's worth it in the end:
Image credits to Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels
There is no sugarcoating it—biology research is tough. Long hours in the lab, tedious troubleshooting, and the constant pressure to publish can sometimes feel overwhelming. I have spent weekends running experiments, only to start over again on Monday because something didn’t go as planned. But when things finally work, and when you see your data come together or realize your findings contribute to solving a real-world problem—it’s incredibly rewarding. The challenges are part of the journey, and overcoming them makes the successes even sweeter.
5. Creativity plays a crucial part:
If there’s one thing I wish someone had told me earlier, it’s how important creativity is in biology. Whether it’s brainstorming experiments, finding innovative ways to solve problems, or making graphical abstracts, creativity is an essential tool in science.I used to love drawing and scribbling when I was younger—it was my way of relaxing and bringing ideas to life. But as work and research took over, I slowly stopped making time for it. What I didn’t realize earlier was how much creativity and science are connected. For example, sketching out complex cellular pathways helped me understand and communicate them better. Rediscovering that part of myself has not only made me happier but also sharper in my work.
Image credits to Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels
Hope that if you decide to take the roller coaster ride that is biology research, you will find it exciting!
Cheers and best wishes!
Olivia
Editorial Note
When she talks about how biology research is “as much about people as science”, Olivia is pointing to a very important feature of doing science, often downplayed in popular accounts of what doing science entails, which is about cultivating relationships, especially friendships and how that can be very enriching for both the science and the person involved. One of India’s earliest and most prominent Botanist and cytogeneticist, EK Janaki Ammal (1898-1984), was one such person, who cultivated deep and enriching friendships with other scientists (in India and abroad). Her biography, titled Chromosome Woman, Nomad Scientist, written by Savitri Preetha Nair, brings to light this aspect of Janaki Ammal’s practice as a scientist, by presenting to us the sheer number of letters she wrote to her scientific colleagues, many of whom were also dear friends to her.
About Olivia
Olivia is currently pursuing Ph.D. from the Department of Zoology at Banaras Hindu University, India. Beyond her research, she is passionate about science communication -whether through public talks, writing or digital media, she enjoys breaking down intricate ideas into engaging narratives to inspire curiosity and understanding.
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