Born and brought up in Chennai, Madhu Bhaskaran came to Melbourne as an international student in 2004, to pursue a Masters degree at RMIT University, with the clear intentions of returning home after completing the degree. An electronics engineer, Madhu was fascinated by the possibilities of what she could achieve in the field of 'biocompatible electronic devices'.
"While doing my Masters degree in Micro-Electronics, I got my hands dirty (so to say) in the labs and for the first time ever, made small electronic devices. Thereafter, when I received an international scholarship to undertake a PhD degree, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship, I just couldn't say no," said Madhu, speaking to SBS Punjabi.
"I work in the field of designing wearable electronics - it's much like Fit Bits and smart watches that people wear these days, only that our devices are less clunky and integrate easily with the skin".
Associate Professor Madhu Bhaskaran was presented with the 2017 Macquarie University Eureka Prize at Sydney Town Hall on August 30, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
'For example, I've worked on a device that miners could use as a gas sensor - the sensor would warn them of dangerous gases exceeded a safe level."
"Similarly, a sensor could be worn by beach-goers and it would clearly indicate the UV exposure they've had on that day - something like that can be particularly useful in Australia."
"As an electronics engineer, my job is to turn things from science fiction to reality. It is a futuristic field, where we look at the world 30-40 years ahead, " said Madhu.
To hear her message inspiring girls and young women to work take up STEM subjects, and also her special message to international students studying in Australia, hear Madhu Bhaskaran's interview by clicking on the link above.
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