What is your background?
I completed my bachelors degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Alliance University, India in the year 2018. I then moved to the UK to pursue my masters degree in Advanced Electrical and Electronics Engineering with an extended research project (two-year) from the University of Nottingham. Currently, I am a 2nd year PhD researcher in the Optics and Photonics research group.
I realised very early during my studies that I was interested in applying my engineering knowledge in solving problems relating to healthcare and medical based technologies. As part of my master thesis, I worked with Professor Barrie Hayes-Gill who is a Professor of Electronic Systems and Medical Devices at the university on a year-long project titled 'Detection and Assessment of Reflectance-mode Photoplethysmography (PPG)' from newborns. Reflectance PPG is a simple, continuous, and non-invasive technique that monitors physiological signals such as the heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure and respiratory rate etc. by detecting the blood volume variations in the tissue. This project allowed me to grow intellectually and taught me invaluable skills of hard work and patience in pursuing research.
What is your research about?
My research primarily focuses on pulse oximeters that are one type of a medical device that’s often deployed in an emergency or a critical care settings. During the pandemic these devices were commonly used across the globe to self-monitor oxygen level in the blood, and also played a huge role in guiding doctors and clinicians to provide timely clinical decisions when admitting patients, particularly with the absence of any noticeable symptoms to hospitals for critical care and treatment. However, accuracy of these devices has been questioned, after increased reports on the failure of these devices at critical moments to predict correct oxygen saturation for people with dark skin pigmentation was reported.
As a result, I am looking to develop a method or a technique to correct for this colour issue in pulse oximeters, taking into account individual skin tones, using multiple light wavelengths and a spectrometer. This work will hopefully provide a colour-neutral pulse oximeter device that can measure critical signals and provide equity in timely care and treatment, for all adults and newborns of diverse skin pigmentation types.
Why did you choose the University of Nottingham?
Having already completed my masters thesis here in the Optics and Photonics research group, I was fascinated with the kind of research work that was being done. Most importantly, it was because of all my supervisors - who were so dedicated, supportive, and very encouraging - right through my PhD application process to assisting me to find a scholarship to support my research career. It was very important for me to have secured the University of Nottingham/UKRI International funding, without which I could not have imagined continuing my studies and research at the university. Finally, the ever-green University Park campus, amazing services designed to support students (namely the career and employability, wellbeing and mental health, sports facilities), and the overall student friendly atmosphere around Nottingham are some other reasons why I chose the University of Nottingham to pursue my research.
What would you say to aspiring engineers?
I think it is important to first identify the specific area of interest that you are really passionate about, since engineering is a broad field. Keep yourself updated with all the new technological trends. Always be curious, hardworking, try to network more, be consistent, positive, and confident. Every individual has their own unique journey, so it’s important to not feel overwhelmed by looking at others and never ever compare yourself with anyone but you. Be kind and compassionate to yourself and others. Do not be afraid to fail, take risks and try all the things that make you feel challenged. Most importantly, always believe in yourself, and enjoy your journey. It’s all going to be worth it.