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From a Failed Physics Exam to Antarctica: The Inspiring PhD Journey of Dr. Priyanka Patel

Dr. Priyanka Patel’s journey from a school student once told she was “not capable of science” to becoming a Doctor of Physics and Antarctic researcher is a story of resilience, faith, mentorship, and unwavering family support.

As a teenager, Priyanka aspired to become a commercial pilot, choosing Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry as her core subjects. However, her dream faced a severe setback when she failed Physics in Class 11. The situation worsened when her teacher advised her mother to move her to arts or commerce, stating she was unfit for science.

Her mother, Mrs. Hemangini Patel, refused to accept this judgment. She asked for one month to prove her daughter’s capability and found the right mentor—Mr. Amit, a physics tutor who understood Priyanka’s learning style. With focused guidance and relentless effort, Priyanka reappeared for the exam and scored 67 out of 70 in Physics, marking the beginning of her deep connection with the subject.

She went on to complete her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics, followed by the most challenging phase—her PhD. Like many research scholars, her doctoral journey involved long working hours, repeated failures, and the pressure to publish. “A PhD teaches patience,” she says. “You fail every day, but you must stand firm like a tree in a storm.”

Throughout this journey, Priyanka drew strength from spirituality, firmly believing that science and the spiritual world go hand in hand. She humbly credits the blessings of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna, and Shri Radha Rani for giving her inner balance, clarity, and courage during difficult phases.

Her research career took shape at Ganpat University, which played a vital role in her academic growth. A major turning point came when she was selected as a trainee at the Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Ahmedabad, in the Cryospheric Sciences Division. Based on her research performance, she was later appointed as a Junior Research Fellow on a collaborative project between Ganpat University and SAC–ISRO, titled “Spatio-Temporal Investigation of Ice Sheet Mass Balance”, under the supervision of Dr. Sandip R. Oza, who recognized her imaginative and analytical abilities.

Her PhD supervisor, Dr. Kunvar Yadav, played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of her doctoral work through structured guidance, trust, and constant encouragement—making her PhD journey more balanced and manageable than is often the case for many scholars.

A defining moment in her journey came when she received the opportunity to attend a 10-day glacier field training on the Drang Drung Glacier in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, conducted by Dr. Faruq Azam (IIT Indore) in collaboration with UNESCO. This was her first real encounter with snow and glaciers, transforming her remote-sensing-based research into a deeply personal scientific passion.

Soon after, she was offered a rare opportunity to participate in a real Antarctic expedition as part of her PhD work. After clearing medical tests and completing Pre-Antarctic Acclimatization Training by ITBP, she embarked on the journey from Goa to NCPOR, Cape Town, and finally Antarctica. “That place stole my heart,” she recalls. “It felt like heaven on Earth.”

After returning, she faced the final challenge—writing her PhD thesis. Following the completion of all requirements, including publications, synopsis, reviews, and vivas, she received the email announcing her Final PhD Defence on 18 December 2025. Nervous yet confident, she defended her work successfully and heard the words she had worked years for:

“Congratulations, you are now Dr. Priyanka Patel.”

Her parents’ standing ovation at that moment, she says, was her true PhD degree.

Dr. Priyanka Patel dedicates her success to her mother Mrs. Hemangini Patel, father Mr. Mahesh Patel, and brother Mr. Nikunj Patel, whose unwavering support carried her through every challenge. She also expresses heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kunvar Yadav, Dr. Sandip R. Oza, the Cryospheric Sciences Division at SAC–ISRO, NCPOR, Ganpat University, and all individuals who contributed to her PhD journey.

From academic failure to Antarctica’s frozen frontiers, her story stands as proof that perseverance guided by faith, family, and mentorship can transform setbacks into extraordinary achievements.