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Srinjita Bhaduri recently graduated with a PhD Computer Science and Cognitive Science. Her research focuses on underrepresented children's interactions with emerging technologies and how to create rich learning experiences for them. Srinjita was recently awarded a Research Excellence Award based on her accomplishments and contributions to the research community. We asked Srinjita a few questions to learn more about her as a researcher and get to know her better. Read more below!

What advice do you have for someone who is interested in starting research?

Do not hesitate to ask questions, all questions are good. Also, network with people and share your research with others who are not in your field. It helps frame your research even better when to try to explain to someone outside your field.

Describe an "a-ha!" moment you had while doing research.

It was when writing my thesis, the amount of reflection that went into writing it was crazy. That is when I realized all the things I have been wanting to do so far and being able to tie everything back together.

What is a useful research skill you think everyone should have?

Communication is key and being up-to-date with current research. Also, something I highly recommend is journaling or reflecting on your work. These reflections can become part of your dissertation as well!

Why is your research important to the community or world at large?

I have over six years of experience working at the intersection of Child-Computer Interaction, Maker Technologies, and Learning Sciences (LS). I aim to promote techniques from the LS to better integrate maker technologies in a manner that is relevant to students in both formal and informal K-12 educational settings. For my dissertation, I am creating and implementing a toolkit that integrates rich learning experiences for students around 3D printing. In my work, I worked with students from rural areas who worked towards creating 3D printed prosthetics for animals with disabilities. Participating students receive an opportunity to become aware of culturally relevant local job opportunities that involve maker technologies. I strive to provide young learners opportunities to realize the purpose of engaging with maker technologies by making them personally relevant to students. Through this, I hope educators begin conservation about the need to change STEM education's nature in understanding maker technologies.

What is a good book you have read recently and why did you enjoy it?

I read the book "Air & Light & Time & Space" by Helen Sword. This book really helped me focus during my dissertation writing. It made me feel that there are other academics out there who also come across similar challenges when writing. The book has great suggestions for adopting daily writing routines and I highly recommend this book to any academic.