Growing up in Sadak Arjuni, a quiet town in Maharashtra’s Gondia district, meant that access to scientific resources was limited, but curiosity was never in short supply. My father, a retired teacher, nurtured an environment where learning was woven into everyday life. When I shared my dream of becoming a scientist, he supported me wholeheartedly. That early encouragement gave shape to an aspiration that would guide my journey for years to come.
Like many students from smaller towns, I studied diligently but had little exposure to the world of scientific research. There were no research-led companies or major industries nearby—only textbooks to rely on and few opportunities to interact with real-world science. Career pathways in research felt distant and difficult to navigate. Yet, I remained hopeful. I completed my Bachelor of Pharmacy from Bajiraoji Karanjekar College of Pharmacy, Sakoli, and later pursued an M.Pharm in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee.
During these formative years, my interest in green chemistry and drug design began to deepen. This was influenced not just by academic study but also by personal experiences. I had seen people in my community suffer not only from disease but from the side effects of treatments meant to cure them. Some endured serious reactions; in a few cases, the consequences were even more severe. These experiences left a lasting impression and ignited a desire to contribute to the development of safer, more thoughtful medicines—treatments that heal without harm.
This vision, though it felt ambitious at times, kept me moving forward. The quest to fulfill my dream started to take shape when I came across an advertisement for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) focused scholarship and mentorship program on my college notice board. Led by Syngene International in partnership with the Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH), the program immediately caught my attention. I applied for it promptly, hoping it would open new doors. A major turning point came when I was selected for the program’s first cohort. The journey to selection was highly competitive. Applicants were evaluated on a combination of academic merit, research orientation, and socio-economic background through a multi-stage process designed to identify and support promising young talent. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been selected. The experience not only shaped my career but also holds deep emotional significance for me, as it marked the first time I truly felt seen, supported, and believed in as a future scientist.
As part of the program, I joined Syngene’s Analytical R&D department in Hyderabad as an intern. I still remember the awe I felt walking into the lab on my first day. Surrounded by advanced instrumentation and immersed in a structured research environment, I was inspired. The atmosphere was charged with purpose and precision. It was my first real glimpse into how science is practiced beyond the classroom. Seeing women scientists working with such confidence and clarity also left a lasting impression on me—it reinforced the belief that I, too, could find my place in this world.
Through the internship, I gained practical experience working with instruments such as Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), and Preparative Liquid Chromatography (Prep-LC). I also became familiar with industry-standard software including MassLynx (for LC-MS data acquisition and analysis), LabSolutions (for chromatographic data processing), and SAP (used for enterprise resource management). These were tools and technologies I had only read about during my studies, and access to them is often limited for students from smaller towns like mine. Alongside this technical exposure, I also saw how Syngene integrates green chemistry principles into its work and maintains rigorous safety protocols across its labs, reinforcing my belief that it is possible to do impactful science while also being responsible stewards of health and the environment.
But what I valued most about the program was the mentorship. The scientists at Syngene were incredibly supportive, always approachable, patient, and willing to explain the reasoning behind each step. They helped me connect textbook knowledge with practical applications, encouraged me to ask questions, and challenged me to think critically. That guidance made a lasting impact, strengthening my confidence as a budding researcher and showing me what it truly means to be part of a collaborative scientific community.
Today, I work in Regulatory Affairs at a pharmaceutical regulatory solutions and quality consulting firm in Hyderabad. In this role, I contribute to ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of medicines, and I feel proud to play a part in protecting patient health.
Looking back, I am reminded of how many capable students in smaller towns lack exposure to the breadth of opportunities that science can offer. Degrees alone are not always enough. What is often missing are the experiences, mentors, and environments that spark confidence and broaden horizons. I have lived through that gap myself, which is why programs like the one I was part of are so vital. They do not just teach. They open doors, build belief, and help young women see that they truly belong in science.
(Monali Balkrushna Yerne, a young scientist from Sadak Arjuni, Maharashtra, shares her inspiring journey from a small town with limited scientific resources to a flourishing career in pharmaceutical research. She is now employed at the Regulatory Affairs at a pharmaceutical regulatory solutions and quality consulting firm in Hyderabad. Views expressed are her own.)