​Sudhir Bhadra

Indian Institute of Science, India

I am a first-generation paleoclimatologist from India, currently working as a postdoctoral fellow at the Indian Institute of Science. My primary research focuses on the reconstruction of Indian monsoon-induced paleoceanographic changes in the Indian Ocean, utilizing foraminiferal taxonomy, as well as trace element and stable isotope ratios in foraminifera shells.

My journey to this point has been shaped by a challenging childhood. I hail from a poor family in a rural village without proper roads or electricity during my school years. I owe my academic achievements to the individuals who recognized my potential and offered their support. Despite my difficult background, I also acknowledge my privilege as a cisgender brown male. Having attended international conferences made me realize the importance of inclusivity and validation for budding scientists from underrepresented groups. These experiences give me enough understanding to empathize with individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, where a lack of opportunities and resources can pose a significant handicap. Motivated by my experiences, I strive to work towards an inclusive environment in geochemistry by being a just voice for the underrepresented ECRs and hope my contribution can make a positive difference, albeit a small one, in increasing accessibility.