Share:
Share:
Careers in biotechnology are often shaped by curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to step into the unknown. In this Coffee Chat, we hear from Gauri Kulkarni, whose journey reflects both a passion for scientific discovery and the courage to pursue growth beyond familiar environments.
With a background in biomedical engineering, Gauri’s path into biotechnology has been driven by a desire to apply technical knowledge to real-world impact. Along the way, she has navigated not only the complexities of scientific research, but also the challenges of adapting to a new cultural and professional landscape. These experiences have shaped her approach to collaboration, problem-solving, and mentorship.
In this conversation, Gauri shares insights on building resilience in research, navigating cross-cultural transitions, developing both technical and communication skills, and staying motivated in a field where progress often takes time.
A: I embarked on my academic journey in Indiа with а clear vision and passion for the research industry. I always knew that I did not wish to become a doctor, but my interests always lay in scientific exploration and discovery with a goal to make valuable contributions in the field. This led me to pursue а Bachelor of Engineering in Instrumentation and Control with а major in Biomedical Engineering. Studying in India gave me strong foundation to enter the industry, but I was curious about how I can further improve my skills & learn to apply them in the real world. That is what eventually led me to the U.S. I came here not because I had everything figured out, but because I wanted to challenge myself, learn from a global scientific community, and explore a bigger world of research and innovation.
A: The biggest challenge for me has been adjusting to a completely new professional culture. It wasn’t just about adapting to a different education or research system – it was also learning how people communicate, how teams make decisions, and how confidence is expressed in academic and industry settings here. In the beginning, I often felt like I had to catch up quickly or prove myself, and that pressure sometimes made me doubt whether I belonged. Over time, I learned to be kinder to myself and to ask for clarity instead of pretending I understood everything. I realized that most people are willing to help if you’re honest, curious, and willing to put in the work. The experience has made me more adaptable and open-minded. I’ve learned that growth isn’t about having all the answers on day one – it’s about showing up, learning continuously, and giving yourself permission to evolve.
When I talk to students who are navigating cross-cultural transitions, I usually remind them that feeling out of place at first is completely normal and often a sign that they’re stretching themselves in the right ways. What helped me most early on was learning to observe before reacting, paying attention to how people communicated, how decisions were made, and what “professionalism” looked like in that setting. Over time, that awareness turned into a skill I now pass on: you don’t have to change who you are, but you do need to understand the environment you’re stepping into.
A: Science rarely moves in straight lines. Experiments fail, timelines stretch, and results don’t always make sense right away. What keeps me going is focusing on small wins – learning a technique, improving a skill, or uncovering one new insight. I also try to keep the bigger picture in mind: the possibility that this work could one day help someone. That perspective makes the challenging days feel worth it.
A: When I first entered this field, I saw biotechnology mostly as techniques, data, and exciting breakthroughs that made headlines. I was focused on the science itself – learning methods, mastering concepts, and trying to understand how things work at a molecular level. With more exposure, my perspective has shifted. I’ve started to see how many pieces have to come together before a promising idea ever reaches a patient. I’ve also realized how human this field really is. Behind every project, there are actual people hoping for better options, better treatments, or simply a better chance. That awareness has changed the way I show up in my work. I’m more patient, more thoughtful, and more willing to listen and learn from others. Instead of racing to the “next big thing,” I’ve begun to appreciate the process, the teamwork, and the responsibility we carry. I have learnt that being in this field less about the experiment and more about the impact – and that evolution keeps me grounded and motivated.
In addition to keeping up with evolving technologies, there are some basic technical skills which will always give an edge to anyone trying to enter the field. When it comes to lab-based skills, I usually tell students to focus on the fundamentals that translate across almost any biotech setting. Solid aseptic technique, good pipetting habits, and a strong grasp of cell culture are always worth investing time in. These skills may seem simple, but they’re the backbone of working in any biotech company and early career professionals who master them early usually adapt much faster when they move into more advanced or specialized roles.
A: Mentoring has shown me just how impactful even small moments of guidance can be. I still remember what it felt like to be unsure about my next steps, and how a few honest conversations with the right mentor brought clarity and confidence when I needed it most. Those experiences shaped me, so I’m genuinely grateful to now have the opportunity to support students with the same advice, encouragement, and steady reassurance that I once relied on. I don’t pretend to have everything figured out, but I make it a point to be honest, approachable, and fully invested in their growth. Sometimes students don’t need a perfect solution – they just need someone to listen to, to help them think through decisions, or to remind them that they’re capable. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them gain confidence, take initiative, or overcome a challenge. Moments like that remind me that you don’t have to be at the peak of your career to make a real difference; sometimes, being just a few steps ahead is enough to support someone who’s still finding their footing.
To balance both technical and soft-skill development, I usually include soft skills through the way we talk about data and results. When students present their results, I ask them to focus on clarity, what story the plots tell, why certain analysis methods were chosen, and what they’re unsure about. That naturally opens the door for them to practice asking questions & think about how to get their points across effectively. Over time, they learn that good communication isn’t about having perfect answers; it’s about presenting data in a way others can follow and know when to pause and ask for more input. I have on multiple occasions during the final presentation challenged students to tell me why they did their data plots a certain way & that helped them really understand the core ideas of the project and why it is important.
A: My biggest piece of advice is to stay curious and take the initiative early. Biotechnology is a vast field, and it can feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t need to have your entire path mapped out from day one. Start by exploring – join a lab, attend seminars, take on small projects, or reach out to people whose work interests you. The more you network, the easier it becomes to find what you genuinely enjoy. If you’re dreaming about studying or working abroad, don’t let self-doubt talk you out of it. I used to assume those opportunities were meant for people who were “more accomplished” or “more confident,” but I realized most people are figuring things out as they go. Focus on building a strong foundation, keep your CV active with meaningful experiences, and don’t hesitate to email professors or mentors for guidance. Networking is one of the most important tools that you can add to your toolkit. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions, even basic ones. In science, curiosity is not a weakness; it’s fuel. And remember, you don’t have to fit a perfect mold to belong in this field. Whether you’re crossing disciplines or crossing borders, there is room for you here, and your perspective is an asset.
Additionally, to align professional growth with career goals I recommend students to start by looking at the kind of work they enjoy doing on a daily basis and not just the job titles they think they should chase. If they love hands-on experiments, they should follow trends in bench techniques and platforms. If they gravitate toward analysis, then data-driven or computational trends will matter more. Talking to people already in those roles also helps them see which trends are genuinely shaping their work.
Final Thoughts
Across this Coffee Chat, Gauri highlights that a career in biotechnology is as much about mindset as it is about technical expertise. From adapting to new environments to working through the uncertainty of research, her experiences show that growth comes from patience, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning.
For students, her advice is both practical and encouraging: focus on building strong foundational skills, seek out hands-on experiences, and do not be discouraged by slow progress or setbacks. Whether it is mastering core lab techniques, asking questions, or stepping outside your comfort zone to pursue opportunities abroad, each step contributes to long-term development.
Ultimately, biotechnology is a deeply human field, where scientific progress is closely tied to real-world impact. Students who stay curious, open-minded, and committed to continuous learning will be well positioned to navigate its challenges and contribute meaningfully over time.
Danila Blanco Travnicek is the Director of Program Strategy & Evaluation at The Build Fellowship where she leads the education programming and its initiatives. She is a social entrepreneur who has been working tirelessly for over 10 years in the nonprofit sector to ensure more people have access to quality education. Danila holds a B.A in Business Management and a master's degree in Teaching and Nonprofit Management. She is a Professor at the University of Buenos Aires, an international speaker and facilitator and has managed and led programs with social impact in Latin America, U.S., Europe and Asia. She also received scholarships to study abroad in Finland, China and the United States.
Rik Abels is a Finance Build Fellow at Open Avenues Foundation, where he works with students leading projects in investment analysis and entrepreneurship. Rik is a Principal at Clew Partners, where he focuses on advising buy-side clients on M&A transactions, sourcing and facilitating acquisitions for strategic investors across a number of different industries.
Rik has over three years of experience in the finance field. With a background in technology venture capital, government, and public policy, he has spent the past years advising clients on acquisitions in sectors such as IT services, pharma services, and residential and commercial home services. Rik holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Government from Dartmouth College.
Stay updated on all things Open Avenues!
