The Story of a Nomadic Indian Researcher

by Arpit Mishra, ETH for Development (ETH4D) visiting doctoral researcher, 1 July 2021

Flight from New Delhi, IN, to Zurich, CH (photo credit: Arpit Mishra)

A journey of many firsts as a researcher from Delhi arriving in Zurich during the pandemic.

Allow me to introduce myself: I am Arpit Mishra, a nomadic Indian researcher.

Prior to my engagement with ETH Zurich, I earned my master’s degree in Cryogenic Engineering from IIT Kharagpur while working on an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)-sponsored project related to the booster-turbopump. I received several international-national travel grants to attend conferences and disseminate my research work. I also did some experimental work at LEGI, University of Grenoble, France during my visit as a Raman-Charpak fellow in 2019.

The Walhalla Hotel where I stayed in Zurich (photo credit: Arpit Mishra & Walhalla Hotel)

When Namaste meets Grüezi

The entire world is profoundly affected by the global virus pandemic. In addition to the threat to public health, the disruption of research activities has impeded the wellbeing of researchers across the globe. Initially, due to the travel restrictions as the countermeasure, my onboarding got delayed a little, as expected. However, I was glad that my journey from India to Switzerland was quite smooth. When I first arrived in Zurich, I was really taken aback by the city. Zurich! A place full of excursions that take you into the mountains and forest, to and on the waterways, and also to lofty heights. I enjoyed breathing the snowy mountain air during a hike on the top of the Uetliberg, and a long walk near Lake Zurich on a sunny day. I adore nature, and Zurich is a truly a paradise on earth!

During my visit, I stayed at Hotel Walhalla, which proved to be a savior as finding accommodation was difficult owing to the COVID 19 situation. Zurich's alleyways are brimming with breath-taking beauty. Every morning on my way from Hotel Walhalla to ETH Zürich, I would pass through Zürich Hauptbahnhof, which is located at the confluence of the Sihl and Limmat rivers. The Landesmuseum Zürich (Swiss National Museum), Weinbergfussweg, and the old town, which has a historic medieval beauty amidst a modern financial center, were among the attractions during my routine commute.

I also had my first snowfall experience at Polyterrasse at ETH. Tiny flakes of the falling snow rejuvenating life slowly. It was one of those memorable moments that I will cherish forever in my memories.

Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich Main Station) (photo credit: Arpit Mishra)

First snowfall at Zurich (photo credit: Arpit Mishra)

Snowman, Polyterrasse, ETH Zurich (photo credit: Arpit Mishra)

Weinbergfussweg (stepping towards ETH Zürich (photo credit: Arpit Mishra)

My rendezvous with ETH Zurich

I was fortunate enough to know about the ETH for Development (ETH4D) program through internet and later from Prof. Outi. It follows an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable development by bringing together researchers from different institutions to work in collaboration, with the aim of establishing a better future for everyone. The ETH4D Visiting Research Grant helped me in my rendezvous with ETH Zurich. I worked with Prof. Outi Supponen’s group to explore the underlying physics of an interacting bubble-pair to connect the dots between numerical and experimental results at the Multiphase Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, D-MAVT. I am certain that my research and personal skills are greatly polished due to the ETH4D grant.

Let’s Zoom! A new normal

I really enjoyed the benefits of exposure to a different culture, but sadly it was limited to an extent due to the COVID19 pandemic. Despite "Zoom fatigue" and the difficulty to imitate in-person networking with peers, Zoom meetings have established themselves as a new standard for maintaining a good social and professional life. While working from home during the lockdown, Zoom coffee breaks were the new way to have chit-chat with other group members.

Connecting the dots between numerical and experimental results at Multiphase Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, D-MAVT (photo credit: Arpit Mishra)

Interlaken and Bollywood connection

As a ‘90s kid, I grew up watching the art of picturization through the beautiful love affair between Bollywood movies and this Alpine country. In 2011, the government of Interlaken awarded a renowned Indian filmmaker Yash Chopra with the honorary title of “Ambassador of Interlaken” and a statue. One of the most famous films of the ‘90s was Chopra's “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995), which portrays Interlaken as a tranquil and romantic countryside resort, which inspired me for a short visit to this magnificent town.

Lake, houses and mountains of Interlaken

Interlaken, Canton of Bern (photo credit: Arpit Mishra)

Tour de Sauvabelin, Lausanne (photo credit: Arpit Mishra)

Scenic beauty of Zurich, Lake Zurich (photo credit: Arpit Mishra)

The months I spent in Switzerland were among the most prolific of my career. Both within and beyond the laboratory, these were intellectually stimulating, awe-inspiring, and memorable moments. Now, I have returned back to India to complete my doctoral research, and being a nomad researcher I aspire to go to the United States or maybe some other countries for future prospects and postdoctoral assignments. If I can be of any further assistance, please connect with me through: arpitm.iitkgp@gmail.com.

About the author

Arpit Mishra is an ETH for Development (ETH4D) visiting doctoral researcher from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur), which is recognized as an Institute of National Importance, by the government of India. At ETH Zürich, he worked with Prof. Outi Supponen’s research group to understand the complicated relationship of a laser-induced interacting bubble-pair and harness the power of emanating high-speed liquid jets for various engineering applications.