As a teenager in India, Anushree became fascinated with space exploration but never imagined it was a career within her reach. On International Women’s Day, we’re thrilled to share Anushree’s inspiring story.
Now a Postdoctoral Fellow helping NASA investigate whether there’s ever been life on Mars, Anushree reflects on her incredible journey and why it’s important to “never stop dreaming” when it comes to your career goals.
Where it all started
In 2003, like many across the globe, Anushree was captivated by the Columbia shuttle’s space mission.
“I wasn’t really aware of space travel before I tuned into that mission, so my mind was blown by the fact that astronauts could conduct scientific experiments in space,” Anushree explains. “Added to the fact that one of the crew members, Kalpana Chawla, was the first woman of Indian origin to fly to space, and I was absolutely gripped.”
The crew spent 16 days in space before the mission ended in disaster and Columbia broke apart during re-entry.
“It was a terrible tragedy, but the legacy of the Columbia crew sparked something within me. It inspired a calling that grew stronger over time,” Anushree remembers.
Making it happen
Determined to find out where her new passion could take her, Anushree spent her spare time absorbing a whole new field of study.
“Everyone expected me to pursue a career in civil services, which is highly respected back home, but my fascination with space never left me,” explains Anushree, who went on to complete a degree in History and Anthropology.
After graduating from the University of Lucknow, Anushree recalled “I started researching space sciences, especially Space Biology, a term that was very popular back then. Later, I discovered Astrobiology, taking short courses and devouring a range of resources to build my scientific knowledge.”
But there was one final hurdle to overcome before she could start her space adventure.
“For my mum and dad, it was like sending their daughter to an unknown world. Nobody in my family had ever studied science so it was a really big deal,” Anushree reflects. “They took some convincing, but my parents saw my ambition and believed in me enough to take a risk.”
Finally, she managed to secure a place on a Biotechnology Masters course in the UK that allowed to her to delve into astrobiology-focused research.
Living the dream
Focusing on Geomicrobiology, Anushree’s research earned her a short-term placement at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre working on a Mars mission and several analogue expeditions. Fast-forward to the end of her Masters, Anushree heard about a PhD opportunity at The Open University that matched her area of research.
“I had no idea if I would be selected when I applied. Finding out I was successful was a truly amazing moment. Fully funded PhDs are hard to come by, especially for an international candidate like me,” Anushree said.
“I feel so lucky to have been part of AstrobiologyOU where experts across a variety of disciplines work together to understand where life may be found and consider the ethics around space exploration – it was a fascinating place to be.”
Living and working a long way from home, Anushree found comfort in being part of a nurturing community.
“I got so much support from AstrobiologyOU’s admin team, academics, and other students. It felt like a family,” Anushree recalls. “The whole experience was like a dream come true.”
Life on Mars?
After years of dedication to her research, Anushree spotted an opening on NASA’s Mars Rover programme.
“My work centred around understanding the habitability of early Mars environments, so it was a great fit. I couldn’t believe that I was accepted to be part of such important research.”
Anushree elaborates, “I’m part of two big missions – analysing and deciphering data sets direct from Mars and providing mission-critical support for operations on the surface. We’re looking to answer the big question – was there life on Mars?”
Reflecting on everything she’s accomplished since leaving home, Anushree describes her highlight.
“I left the OU as a doctor, that’s pretty hard to beat! While stepping out of the campus on my last day, I touched the soil because this place gave me a whole new identity,” says Anushree. “It will always be special to me, and I’ll be forever grateful to the OU.”
Hoping to inspire others, Anushree had this advice:
“If you have a passion, never stop dreaming – it takes a lot of patience and commitment, but the outcome could be amazing.”
“Never take anything for granted – I did a lot of volunteering at the beginning of my career. It enabled me to build a network and gain incredible experience.”
“Stay true to your work and persevere – I became a doctor and landed my dream job working on NASA’s robotic missions to Mars, just imagine what you can achieve.”
