Sree Gayathri Talluri

Taken in Victoria BC, 2020

Sree Gayathri Talluri graduated with a degree in Integrated Master of Science, Chemistry from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur 2016. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Victoria, BC, Canada, expected graduation in 2021. In her spare time, Sree likes to hike, bake, and loves to travel. She loves to spend her free time communicating complex scientific concepts through food to kids.

When did your love of STEM begin?: Back in India during my high school, I used to spend most of my free-time building reactions on paper for any molecule that pops into my head. I used to enjoy the process a lot. When I graduated from high school, chemistry is my obvious choice because I was very happy studying it in high school.

What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?: I am hooked on the concept of pushing the limits of knowledge as a scientist. I thoroughly enjoy sailing through lots of uncertainty to discover new knowledge and this process makes me feel as if I am a mountaineer aiming at the summit. The best part is every scientific problem I approach is so diverse, intellectually challenging, and demands me to go outside my comfort zone to find solutions.

What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?: Don’t be afraid of failure. There will be roadblocks in your path. Instead of looking at them as obstacles, look at them as a learning experience. It takes a community of people to support an individual in science. Find mentors along your way who can guide and inspire you. Always self-reflect along the journey, take initiative, and volunteer for positions that excite you although you don't have all skills for the position. Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun studying STEM.