About this video

• Video Title: Meet Indian Scientist in Mexico: Dr. Ateet Dutt at UNAM
• Channel: Harnoor Singh
• Speakers: Harnoor Singh, Dr. Ateet Dutt
• Duration: 00:37:04

Overview

This video features an interview with Dr. Ateet Dutt, an Indian scientist working as a professor in Mexico. The discussion centers on the opportunities for Indian students to pursue higher education in Mexico, the challenges and realities of research, and Dr. Dutt's personal experiences living and working in Mexico. The conversation also touches upon the cost of education, potential salaries, language barriers, and the cultural aspects of living in Mexico.

Key takeaways

• Educational Opportunities in Mexico: Mexico offers significant opportunities for international students, including scholarships and funding, making it a viable option for Masters and PhD programs, particularly in fields like nanotechnology and electronics.
• Research Challenges and Rewards: Research requires discipline, patience, and continuous learning, with potential for significant contributions to science and technology. While demanding, it can be highly rewarding.
• Life in Mexico: Mexico is presented as a diverse and welcoming country with a growing Indian community. While language can be a barrier initially, learning Spanish greatly enhances the experience and integration.
• Cost and Funding: Public universities in Mexico often have no tuition fees, and scholarships are available for Masters and PhD students, covering living expenses and making it a cost-effective study destination compared to many Western countries.
• Career Prospects: Mexico is experiencing industrial growth, especially in sectors like semiconductors, creating job opportunities for skilled professionals.

Before pursuing his PhD in Mexico, Dr. Ateet Dutt completed his schooling in Himachal Pradesh, followed by his Bachelors in Engineering (Electronics and Communication) in Punjab. He then obtained his Masters in Nanotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT). During his Masters, he had the opportunity to participate in a semester abroad program, which led him to Mexico for his project work.

According to Dr. Dutt, the main challenges faced by researchers on a daily basis include:

• Discipline and Patience: Research often involves experiments that don't always yield immediate or expected results, requiring significant patience and perseverance. Sometimes, it can take months or even years to achieve final results.
• Competition: Researchers often work on similar problems as many others globally, creating a competitive environment.
• Extensive Reading and Preparation: A significant amount of time is dedicated to reading and staying updated on worldwide advancements in their field to identify areas for new contributions. Dr. Dutt mentions reading 12-13 hours a day at times to ensure he is aware of the latest developments and can find novelty in his work.