A Better Future Through Shared Knowledge: Voices Across the Spectrum
A Better Future Through Shared Knowledge: Voices Across the Spectrum
Fengqing Wang - Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
"I am a PhD graduate of the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology and I am now a postdoc here. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Chandni Sidhu during my doctoral studies and current research. Her expertise, guidance, and collaborative spirit significantly enriched my research experience. She possesses a profound understanding of marine microbial ecology and omics analysis, demonstrating both technical excellence and scientific insight. Beyond her professional skills, Dr. Sidhu is an excellent colleague - her support, especially in terms of mental well-being, made a meaningful difference in my journey. It was truly a pleasure to work with her."
Mariia Pavlovska - National Antarctic Scientific Center of Ukraine
"I had the privilege of collaborating with Dr. Sidhu on a project focused on Antarctic bacterioplankton, and it was a really great experience. Throughout the entire process, she was not only a generous mentor but also a constant source of support, readily sharing her deep expertise. Dr. Sidhu is a highly accomplished researcher with extensive experience, yet she remains remarkably approachable, open-minded, and encouraging. What impresses me most is her ability to balance scientific dedication with social activism, as she actively advocates for women's rights and education."
Joris Krull - MARUM/University of Bremen, Germnany
"Working with Chandni was a truly rewarding experience. She always brought a rare combination of professionalism, creativity, and reliability to our projects. Her ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively created a highly productive and joyful work environment. I always appreciated her attention to detail and her proactive approach to problem-solving. She is not only a skilled professional but also a great team player with an optimistic mindset dedicated to find the solution to any problem. I would gladly collaborate with her again in the future."
Gunjan - University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
"Dr. Chandni Sidhu is one of the amazing mentors I have worked with. She has mentored me in the starting years of my PhD, and my learning experience with her has been a game-changer and invaluable to my professional and academic growth. As an expert in the field, particularly the concepts of modern microbiology, genomics,
and metagenomics, her incisive instruction has substantially improved my research methods and critical thinking abilities. As a mentor, she has not only provided invaluable insights but also inspired me to push beyond my limits. The most important thing that I admire about her is her genuine passion for helping others and fostering a learning and nurturing environment.
What stands out different in her is not only depth of knowledge, passion, and commitment to research but also her friendly nature. Her ability to offer strategic directions and skills to work in multiple collaborative projects is one perfect example of leadership. Her unwavering support and personalized guidance have had a profound impact on my academic trajectory, and I consider her mentorship to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional development. I’m beyond grateful for the guidance she’s given me. Her strength, resilience, and determination inspire me every day. She has the unique ability to overcome challenges with grace and positivity.
I certainly believe she is a scientist and mentor who can brighten the future of young researchers. She is a true example of what it means to be both successful and compassionate".
Pranita Mishra - Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany
"Starting my PhD under the co-supervision of Dr. Chandni Sidhu has been an incredibly motivating and fulfilling experience. She is a brilliant scientist with extensive expertise in marine microbial ecology, and her research provides valuable insights into complex ecological processes. She is an exceptional mentor and leader with a unique ability to guide and inspire her students and colleagues. Dr. Sidhu creates a supportive environment that helps young researchers grow and is a strong advocate for women in science. Apart from her research, she is deeply committed to outreach initiatives, working to inspire and engage children in science and make the field more inclusive for all. She also actively engages with social causes, which I find incredibly motivating. Her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to both advancing research and fostering education make her an invaluable asset to the scientific community, and I feel thankful and privileged to be working under her guidance".
Shiva Ghasemi - University of Oldenburg, Germany
"I had a wonderful experience working with Dr. Sidhu on a six week research project. She taught me so much in different areas, from research skills to writing and organizing my work. What stood out the most was her kindness, patience, and genuine care for my learning. She always took the time to guide me, answer my questions, and support me even beyond the project. I’m truly grateful for her mentorship and the opportunity to work with her, it was both a valuable and enjoyable experience".
Bharti Aggarwal - Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland
"Dr. Chandni Sidhu, whom I first met in 2018 during my Master’s training at the Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, was a PhD candidate at that time collaborating with the lab where I was working. From our very first interactions, I was deeply impressed by her dedication, scientific curiosity, and passion for research. She frequently engaged me in discussions about my work, asking thoughtful questions that not only deepened my understanding but also introduced me to new perspectives in the field. At that stage, I was somewhat apprehensive about pursuing a PhD, but my conversations with Dr. Sidhu played a pivotal role in sparking a deeper interest of scientific exploration within me.
After completing my Master's, I took up a position as an Assistant Professor in my hometown while continuing to prepare for PhD entrance examinations, still carrying my growing passion for research. During this time, I invited Dr. Sidhu to deliver a lecture and share her research findings with my students. Her talk was truly inspiring and further reinforced my decision to pursue a PhD. Just a few months later, I embarked on my doctoral journey at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland.
Even though I was far from home, I was delighted to be near Dr. Sidhu, as she has been a research scientist at MPI in Bremen, Germany these days. When I visited her there, I was reassured to find that nothing had changed—she remained a joyful person and just as passionate about science as ever. I was especially impressed by her hospitality, as we bonded over festival celebrations, making me feel at home each time. During these visits, our conversations extended beyond science to life in general. Hearing her personal experiences and how overcame life’s challenges inspired me to stay focused. Beyond science, Chandni is a fantastic person with a positive attitude, always ready to offer support and encouragement in times of need. Her unwavering enthusiasm has had a significant impact on my life journey."
Ketaki Yelgaonkar - University of Bremen, Germany
"I had the pleasure of working with Chandni for nine weeks on a small project centered around a topic she was deeply passionate about. Her guidance was truly remarkable and invaluable. She patiently taught me Python coding from the ground up, meticulously explaining each step. Chandni consistently encouraged my questions, offered insightful suggestions for future directions, and instilled in me the importance of a positive mindset in research. Her warm and understanding nature created a comfortable environment, making it easy to communicate with her. It was a privilege to have such a supportive and caring supervisor who provided both personal and professional guidance."
Harpreet Singh - University Grenoble Alpes, Institute of Environmental Geosciences, Ice core and climate (ICE3), Grenoble, France
"I undertook a four-week internship project with Dr. Sidhu. She demonstrates strong leadership, clear communication, and strategic problem-solving skills while efficiently managing projects and goals. With a professional and experienced approach, she maintains a strict and disciplined work ethic."