Ever since she was a child, Dhwani Vani was obsessed with the phenomena of time and time theory. Since then, she’s been hoping to increase her understanding of the direction of time and why it always seems to move forward. “There are so many people working to develop theories that can explain why time has a preferred direction, why entropy always increases, and why the universe has a beginning and an end. Many scientists - including myself - believe that time is not a fundamental aspect of the universe, but rather an emergent phenomenon that arises from more fundamental processes. Researchers like me in this field hope to develop a more complete understanding of the nature of time and how it relates to other physical phenomena.” She is upbeat about the fact that overall, the field of time and time theory is a rapidly growing and exciting area of research, with the goal of providing new insights into the nature of time and advancing our understanding of the universe.
As a 16-year-old scientist, Dhwani has worked at NASA as well as PhD graduates at Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CRNS), France. “I must admit that I understood only 40 per cent of the programme, yet the immense learning is what I carry into the multitudes of tasks ahead. Because of my lack of knowledge at that point, I use to stay up extra hours, getting only about three hours of sleep to make sure I had something to contribute to the research. CNRS was scary, challenging, and demanding, but I learned a valuable lesson – asking and being open to learning. So, even though I only got 40 per cent of what was done in the programme, I gained mentors and friends for life.”
Her 'go-to' is research and the areas she focusses on are Cosmology, Astrochemistry, and Archeo-Astronomy. “I believe myself to still be learning and exploring, but my goal that most scientists can resonate with is of pushing scientific boundaries. We’re in this field hoping to increase our understanding of the origins of the universe, its structure, and evolution. Our work is to develop better models and theories that can explain observed phenomena, such as cosmic microwave background radiation, dark matter, and dark energy, and the formation of large-scale structures. In this field, I hope to advance my understanding of the chemistry of the universe and how it relates to the formation and evolution of stars and planets. Many are working to study the molecular composition of various astronomical objects and environments, such as star-forming regions, comets, and exoplanets. In the field of Archeo-astronomy, I hope to increase our understanding of the role that astronomical phenomena have played in human cultures and civilisations throughout history. I plan on working to study ancient astronomical practices, such as the construction of astronomical structures and their cultural significance.”
Of course, it hasn’t been all roses and rainbows for Dhwani. Being taken seriously as a 17-year-old girl in the space science industry can be challenging, as the field is historically male-dominated and has a history of underrepresentation of women and girls. She prefers to look on the bright side, though, and stay upbeat. “The situation is improving, and more young women are entering STEM fields and making significant contributions. One thing I always kept in mind while working was that the universe will never give us something we cannot handle. Women are like teabags - you can't tell how strong we are until you put us in hot water! Any time I am not taken seriously for my work, I think of myself as a star. Stars look tiny, but they shine brightly!”
Recently, Dhwani has been on the list of UN Women 30 for 2030 representing Asia and the Pacific. This group of experts represents a diverse range of sectors, including academia, civil society, government, and the private sector, and is tasked with providing guidance, expertise, and support to UN efforts to advance gender equality in the Asia-Pacific region. “We work to identify and address the unique challenges and barriers to gender equality in the region, as well as to develop and implement initiatives and programs to advance gender equality and women's empowerment in the region. The ultimate goal of our group is to help the UN achieve its ‘30 for 2030’ target and contribute to the larger goal of achieving gender equality by 2030 as set forth by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Her advice to women in STEM is to seek a mentor or an individual with experience in their area of interest, with whom they can communicate for support and guidance. “Another step would be to build your network -- attend events, join organisations, and participate in online communities related to your field. This enables you to meet others who share your interests and connect with potential mentors, collaborators, and employers. Keep learning. Stay up-to-date with the latest developments and advancements in your field by reading research papers, attending conferences, and taking online courses. There is no greater education than one that is self-driven. Be persistent. Pursuing a career in a niche STEM field can be challenging, but don't let setbacks discourage you. Celebrate your accomplishments. Recognise your successes, no matter how small they may be, to help boost your confidence and motivation. Believe in your abilities, and keep pushing forward.”