This week’s Wednesday’s Women in STEM series features Khushi Dagli, an undergraduate student studying to be a Physicians Assistant majoring in Health Sciences. Read on to learn how Khushi was first inspired in STEM by a TV show and why finding balance between tough classes and other interests is so important to her.
When did you first become interested in STEM?
My interest in STEM piqued when I was in middle school. Rather cliché but I saw myself in the STEM field through the television shows I watched as a child. My favorite one being The Big Bang Theory, the idea of female scientists is exhilarating to me even today. There’s a scene which captures the essence of my passion for the sciences, the protagonist talks about Madame Curie and how her tragic death due to her ground-breaking research may just be the most inspiring way to go especially for a scientist. This particular scene resonated with me even though I am hoping to pursue a healthcare route. I hope to navigate through the STEM field by pursuing this path myself and by helping others too.
Where do you go to school and what do you study?
I am a rising sophomore at Quinnipiac University, enrolled in the 6-year Entry Level Master of Physician Assistant program. I am a Health Sciences major and potentially hoping to minor in Psychology, Biomedical Sciences, and Global Public Health. My experience at Quinnipiac University has been nothing short of a roller coaster. In these unprecedented times, I was a fully remote student from India my first semester in. However, taking lectures and labs in-person has been exciting so far. It isn’t the easiest path to pursue, you will often find yourself holing up and studying for hours. It will definitely cross your mind that everyone else seems to have fewer demanding classes and schedules. The only that has helped me get through is to find a balance. You may not be able to attend all of the social events with your friends, however making it to a few and keeping that with me helped.
What is your current career and how do you use your interests in STEM on a day-today basis?
My current profession is the new job I just joined. I am working as a monitor technician for a 32-bedded unit for medical and surgical intermediate care. This unit is dedicated to providing care for the patients who require constant observance essentially a step-down intensive care unit. I am taking this opportunity to purely learn more about the human physiology among other things.
What do you like most about your current job? What do you find most challenging?
Even though I am just starting out, the best part so far has been the ability be a part of the team while having a good amount of room for growth and learning. The most challenging part is to see patients every day in such critical conditions.
What advice would you give to young girls who are interested in pursuing STEM activities or
careers?
I think the best idea that came to me was to explore! I explored different professions and careers before I got in at Quinnipiac. Now, I explore various other opportunities to get involved and remain active. My mentor told me not to lose sight of things you enjoy, especially the interests that are not academically inclined. She emphasized the need for a balance, and I didn’t get it back when she advised me on this. Literally a year in, I totally do!
Anything else our girls or their parents would be interested in knowing about you?
Please reach out to me if you think there is anything I can help you out with. I am more than happy
to help with anything that I can help with!
Connect with me: www.linkedin.com/in/khushidagli