In India, if you’re a good student, you’re [influenced] to be an engineer or doctor… I chose engineering. But I didn’t like that. I love nature and geography.”
Smooth Sailing at APL
Looking for a new career but hesitant to take the leap? Well, you are not alone. A number of our colleagues here at APL did not start their current careers – research, admin, engineering, and more – at the beginning of their professional journey. They actually started with different goals and aspirations but decided along their path that they needed to pivot, resulting in an enjoyable and fulfilling career here at APL.
Dipanjan’s journey to his current position at APL consists of many curves and forks in the road. Now a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Ocean Physics Department, Dipanjan Chadhuri began his professional career in his home country of India with the intentions of becoming an electrical engineer. After many years of studying electrical engineering, he realized that career was not what he wanted in life.
After earning his Bachelor’s in Engineering Instrumentation and Electronics Engineering (2009) and his Master’s in Control System Engineering (2012) from Jadavpur University in Kolkata, India, Dipanjan leaned into his passion for nature sciences. With courage, Dipanjan broke out of his cultural expectations and received support from his family to change his studies and career path.
In 2012 he began his Ph.D. in oceanography. Dipanjan essentially started from scratch, learning all that he could and pushing past all doubt – from teaching himself the basics and building his foundation in oceanography to learning the advanced concepts in and out of the classroom. After seven years of dedication, drive, and commitment, he earned his Ph.D. in the field of his passion.
While earning his Ph.D., in 2013 Dipanjan’s professor connected him to UW professor and APL-UW Senior Principal Oceanographer, Dr. Eric D’Asaro on an India-U.S. joint research cruise. After spending time with him and learning about the APL-UW, Dipanjan knew that he wanted to come to Seattle, join APL-UW, and work with Dr. D’Asaro and his team.
Throughout his seven years of earning his Ph.D., Dipanjan kept his connection and continued to work with Dr. D’Asaro. In 2020, he joined APL-UW as a postdoctoral scholar. Currently, Dipanjan continues to work with Dr. D’Asaro as a postdoctoral scholar. He is learning how to operate, test, and apply Lagrangian Floats
Lagrangian Floats are instruments developed at APL to better understand how surface waters are modified. The density of the float is precisely controlled (by adjusting its volume) such that it acts just like a water parcel, following the movements of the upper ocean. They provide a unique way to measure turbulence and other properties in the surface mixed layer. Read more on APL-UWs explorations with the Lagrangian Floats, and the many other instruments designed and used by the Ocean Physics Department.
“The people here at APL are teaching me how to be a good scientist and a good person.”
-Dipanjan Chauhuri
Being at APL-UW is not just “going to work”. Regardless of the individual’s role, it is truly a place of professional and continued learning. It is more than a great place to work, as Dipanjan puts it,
APL is your dream ‘school’!”
Meet Dipanjan Chaudhuri
Major
Bachelors of Engineering – Instrumentation and Electronics, Jadavpur University; Masters of Engineering – Control Systems Engineering, Jadavpur University; Ph.D. Climate Science, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
How I came to APL-UW
I learned about the APL-UW on an Indian-U.S. joint research cruise in 2013. I connected with Dr. Eric D’Asaro on that cruise, and ever since I knew I wanted to come to the States and join the APL after I earned my Ph.D. in India.
Who helped me along the way
Dr. Eric D’Asaro. He was my Ph.D. supervisor, and now he’s my postdoctoral supervisor.
I joined APL during the Covid-19 pandemic. I lost close relatives and friends during the pandemic – it was a very rough time being away from home, living in an apartment in Seattle on my own during quarantine. I didn’t know anyone from OPD (Ocean Physics Department) besides Dr. Ramsey Harcourt. I appreciate him, especially since I missed the interaction with people and learning about the APL during my first year.
Standout moment
My problem is that I’m enjoying everything at APL. Every day I learn something different. The scientists are very polite. If I don’t know something, they don’t make fun of me. They kindheartedly help me figure it out. English is my second language, I started learning at the age of 10. When I have issues with my writeups, my professor gives me guidance and encouragement.