A Journey Beyond Textbooks – Anisha Singh's Enriching Internship at IIT Kanpur (SEP2025@IITK)

“From the classroom to cutting-edge laboratories, Anisha Singh's story is a true inspiration for every budding scientist.”

Anisha Singh, a bright student of P.M. Shri G.I.C. Garur (Bageshwar), recently completed a prestigious one-month internship at IIT Kanpur as a participant of the Science Enrichment Program SEP2025@IITK, an initiative driven by Agastya International Foundation in collaboration with SCERT Uttarakhand and supported by the Education Department of Uttarakhand.

Research at IIT Kanpur

Arriving at IIT Kanpur on 11th May, Anisha embarked on an extraordinary learning journey from day one. Her experience was a blend of advanced lectures, hands-on experiments, lab visits, and meaningful interactions with PhD scholars and faculty members.

Under the mentorship of Prof. Nilesh Prakash Gurao, Anisha explored interdisciplinary insights in material science, with a research focus on data analytics in material science, XRD analysis, SEM techniques, and microstructure simulation.

She learned how to:

• Predict corrosion rates in alloys

• Analyze XRD patterns for phase identification

• Simulate microstructure evolution under stress

• Observe grain boundaries and crystalline defects in steel samples through SEM

• Study crystallinity, intermetallic phases, and fine grain identification via X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)

All of Her Favorite Lectures—A Glimpse into Innovation

Anisha enthusiastically participated in sessions such as-

• Stargazing Night at the Astronomy Club—Observing the Moon's craters and discussing dark matter, black holes, and cosmic mysteries

• Drone Technology—UAV design, flight stabilization, and real-time mapping for disaster monitoring

• The Universe—From Atoms to Galaxies—Learning how stars shape life and the universe

• 3D Modelling, Electrical Engineering Labs, Anechoic Chambers, and Bio Science Labs

She also visited Frontier Alloy Steel in Kanpur Dehat and PTCIL in Lucknow, learning about real-world steel manufacturing and metallurgy.

Anisha extended her gratitude to-

• Nitin Desai, CEO of Navam Innovation Foundation, a partner of Agastya International Foundation   

• Director Academic Research & Training, Bandana Garbyal, for her tireless efforts in promoting science education

• Additional Director  Padmendra Saklani, for facilitating such unique opportunities

• Assistant Director Dr. K. N. Bijalwan, for encouraging student innovation and research

• And most importantly, my guide and mentor Shri R. P. Badoni, who initiated and nurtured this enriching program in Uttarakhand.

Messages of Congratulations

 Bandana Garbyal, Director (Academic), expressed:

"Anisha's achievement is a symbol of Uttarakhand’s rising scientific talent. Her success at IITK makes us proud. May her curiosity always lead her to greater heights."

 Padmendra Saklani, Additional Director, added:

"This is a proud moment not only for Anisha and her school but for the entire state. She exemplifies the outcomes of innovative and inclusive science programs.”

Dr. K. N. Bijalwan, Assistant Director, said:

"Anisha’s dedication and brilliance are commendable. We wish her and her parents heartfelt congratulations for this remarkable journey at IIT Kanpur."

A Future Innovator is Born

In her words, Anisha reflected:

“I walked into IIT Kanpur with excitement, but I leave with direction, passion, and purpose. Science is not just a subject—it's a way of seeing the world. And I’m ready to conquer it.”

This journey mirrors the achievements of students like Kartikey, who last year shined at IISc Bangalore. Anisha’s story is proof that with the right guidance, rural talents can shine on the national stage.

Let her story be an inspiration for many more students from Uttarakhand. Anisha Singh, your state is proud of you! R. P. Badoni (SCERT, IT)