Dr. Naveet Kaur - Senior Scientist, Indian Structural Health Monitoring Society (ISHMS)
Dr. Naveet Kaur, Senior Scientist, Bridge Engineering and Structures Division, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute and Vice President & General Secretary, Indian Structural Health Monitoring Society (ISHMS).
My current projects revolve around corrosion studies and utilizing drones for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of structures, which is the first of its kind in the world.
I completed B.Tech. in Civil Engineering from Thapar University, Punjab in 2007 and M.Tech. in Structural Engineering from IIT Delhi in 2011, where I topped the 2011 batch and was awarded the NBCC Award of Excellence. I later completed a PhD in Structural Health Monitoring from IIT Delhi in 2015, receiving awards such as the Best Poster Presentation during the course.I started my professional career in 2007 as a Structural Engineer at Eigen Technical Services Private Limited, Gurgaon, gaining foundational experience in the field and in the design of structures. I ventured into academia with a post-doctorate stint at Hong Polytechnic University in 2016, where I gained exposure to a diverse working environment and research culture.
I joined CSIR-CRRI (Central Road Research Institute) in 2017 as a Scientist, where I took lead roles in various projects. To give an example, I led a DST-funded project on harvesting energy from moving traffic using piezoelectric transducers, which showcases my research and leadership skills.
Currently, I am serving as a Senior Scientist at CSIR-CRRI since 2021, overseeing R&D projects exceeding Rs one crore. My current projects revolve around corrosion studies and utilizing drones for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of structures.
Our goal in advancing the use of drones for NDT of structures is to revolutionize the way we assess and manage the health and safety of civil infrastructure.
Traditionally, visual inspection has been the primary method for assessing the condition of structures. However, visual inspection has limitations, especially when it comes to assessing the integrity of concrete elements within structures. This is where the use of drones equipped with advanced sensors and imaging technology comes into play.
The use of drones for NDT of structures represents a significant milestone in the field, particularly because it allows for more comprehensive and efficient inspections compared to traditional methods. By leveraging drones, we can access areas of structures that are difficult or unsafe for inspectors to reach manually, such as tall buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.
Our efforts in developing and implementing drone-based NDT techniques have been aimed at enhancing the reliability, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of structural inspections. We have worked on developing specialized sensors and imaging systems that can detect defects, cracks, and other anomalies in concrete structures with high precision.
The discrepancy in how extensive work and travel are perceived for men versus women underscores deep-rooted gender biases and stereotypes prevalent in society.
This is a stark reality faced by many women in various professions, including engineering. Women often face additional challenges and scrutiny when it comes to work-related travel, especially in industries dominated by men. The lack of adequate facilities, such as washrooms, during travel can not only be inconvenient but also unsafe and unhygienic. Furthermore, the male-dominated nature of certain workplaces can create environments where women feel excluded or marginalized.It's essential for organizations and society as a whole to recognize and address these biases to create more inclusive and equitable work environments. This includes implementing policies and practices that support work-life balance for both men and women, providing necessary accommodations for all employees during work-related travel, and challenging gender stereotypes that limit opportunities for women in the workforce. Ultimately, promoting gender equality requires a collective effort to dismantle discriminatory practices and foster environments where individuals are judged based on their skills, qualifications, and contributions, rather than their gender.
One significant challenge throughout my career has been achieving a healthy work-life balance. Balancing the demands of career with personal obligations is a constant struggle.
Managing dual responsibilities at home and work can indeed be extremely challenging for women, given the societal expectations placed upon them and the scrutiny they often face when pursuing a career outside the home.It's essential for society to recognize and address the systemic barriers and gender stereotypes that contribute to the challenges women face in managing dual responsibilities. Employers can play a pivotal role by implementing family-friendly policies, promoting work-life balance initiatives, and fostering inclusive work environments that support women's professional growth and well-being.
Ultimately, achieving true gender equality requires a collective effort to challenge societal norms, dismantle barriers to women's advancement, and create opportunities for women to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
Encouraging men to take on a more active role in household chores and caregiving tasks is essential for challenging traditional gender roles and fostering greater equity within relationships and families. This shift not only benefits women by alleviating their burden of domestic work but also enables men to experience the rewards and challenges of caregiving firsthand.
Promoting equal sharing of domestic responsibilities among men requires a multifaceted approach that includes:
Policy Support: Implementing policies and programs that support work-life balance, such as parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and access to affordable childcare, to enable men to take on caregiving responsibilities without fear of career repercussions.
Promoting Role Models: Highlighting positive examples of men who actively participate in domestic tasks and caregiving roles can help challenge stereotypes and inspire others to follow suit.
Communication and Collaboration: Encouraging open communication and collaboration within relationships to negotiate and distribute household responsibilities in a fair and equitable manner based on individual preferences, skills, and availability.
By promoting equal sharing of domestic responsibilities among men, we can create more supportive and egalitarian environments where individuals are empowered to pursue their personal and professional aspirations without being constrained by traditional gender norms. Your experience exemplifies the positive outcomes that can result from such collaborative approaches to managing household duties.
Family support plays a crucial role in one's professional journey, providing a foundation of encouragement, understanding, and emotional sustenance.
The unwavering support I've received from both my family and my partner's family has been invaluable in navigating the challenges and triumphs of my career. Family members serve as pillars of emotional strength during both the highs and lows of my professional journey. Their encouragement and belief in my abilities have bolstered my confidence and resilience in the face of setbacks and obstacles. Beyond emotional support, my family has offered practical assistance that has enabled me to pursue my career goals effectively. Whether it's providing childcare support, helping with household chores, or simply lending a listening ear, their willingness to pitch in has eased the burden of managing multiple responsibilities.The ethos of shared responsibility within my family has been particularly impactful. The recognition that caregiving and familial obligations are collective responsibilities, rather than solely falling on one individual, has fostered a sense of solidarity and mutual support among family members. In essence, family support is not merely a valuable gift but a cornerstone of my professional journey, providing strength, stability, and a sense of belonging that propels me forward. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my family, whose love and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of my career.
Success is not determined by external factors such as gender or societal expectations, but rather by one's own drive, dedication, and resilience. Reflecting on my professional journey, I've learned that hard work and perseverance are truly indispensable qualities for success, regardless of gender or field of expertise. Through both triumphs and challenges, these qualities have been my guiding principles, empowering me to overcome obstacles and pursue my aspirations with determination.
My most significant lesson has been that success is not determined by external factors such as gender or societal expectations, but rather by one's own drive, dedication, and resilience. By staying focused on my goals and persisting through adversity, I've been able to achieve milestones and contribute meaningfully to my field.
NBM&CW - March 2024
