The speaker shares their journey from aspiring to study management in India to unexpectedly receiving a research assistantship in the US. They discuss the diverse roles and responsibilities of a professor, emphasizing the importance of mentoring and research. The speaker highlights the influence of role models and the flexible lifestyle in academia, while also sharing personal interests like listening to classical music.

What influenced the speaker's decision to pursue a career in engineering?

Describe the speaker's experience with the application process for Washington University.

How does the speaker view the importance of being oneself in academia?

What are some of the roles and responsibilities of a professor as described by the speaker?

What does the speaker suggest about the relationship between research and teaching?

What are the contributions of PhD students to society according to the speaker?

What does the speaker say about the flexibility of a professor's lifestyle?