Soapbox Science 2021

Soapbox: What was the key moment that brought you to the place where you are today?

Manogna Ammalladene Venkata: My decision to move out of my comfort zone and fly all the way to Germany to pursue my Master of Science degree and take up research in Artificial Intelligence for Avionics Systems as the career option.  It was quite a challenge to choose an area that is quite new and less popular in our Avionics research department. But challenges always fascinate me and help me grow.

SB: What is the most exciting aspect of your research?

MAV: Working on technologies that can make machines learn and perform the tasks like a human brain more efficiently and effectively. The research and development activities I do today, in the field of Artificial Intelligence are going to be beneficial for a large number of users of aerospace products and services in the near future. This fact excites me the most and encourages me to keep learning and growing.

SB: What challenges do you encounter in science?

MAV: • Lack of awareness and understanding of the science and technologies among the authorities and public which has an effect on the certification, funding and usage of the same.

• A good amount of scientific research still lies behind pricey paywalls.

SB: What motivates you to give a talk in Soapbox Science?

MAV: Soapbox science gives me the opportunity to talk about the interesting research I do on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with helicopters and create more awareness on how these technologies can improve the flying experience for both pilots and the passengers which may not be very familiar with the general public.

SB: Do you have a few words to inspire other women or young scientists?

MAV: The world is full of opportunities, paving way for more and more fascinating research in various fields of science. Identify where your passion lies and start working towards your goals with determination. Don’t let the society define your roles based on the gender. Together we can create a better tomorrow ☺

SB: In these quarantine days, what funny/interesting experiments, books, talks or podcasts can you recommend to our audience?

These tough times are very stressful to all of us, no matter where we live. Here are a few recommendations to increase our dopamine levels:

• Try reading this amazing self-help book by Dr Nicole Lepera, “How To Do The Work”.

• Cooking can be soothing to many of us. I strongly believe in the fact that we are what we eat.

• Try out some easy, healthy yet delicious recipes by Pamela Reif from her cookbook “You Deserve This”.

• Re-watching your childhood favorite movies and series is also a fun thing to do.