Q&A with Gitanjali Rao!

Hello everyone and welcome back to the JSS Blog. I want to use this blog to summarize my answers and expand on some further resources that you can use in addition to some of the questions that I answered:

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration is drawn from a variety of different places but the biggest source of inspiration that I find in situations in which I connect or find something that I'm passionate about solving.

What process do you use?

I use the basic process of Observe, Brainstorm, Research, Build and Communicate

How do you start a project?

Start with YOUR ikigai or the question of what do you like? Your passion dominates anything else and if you find something you love to do it'll make it that much easier. Regarding technology, below are some great resources to start to get involved in the world of tech:

https://www.codecademy.com/

https://code.org/

https://www.technologyreview.com/

www.tinkercad.com

https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming

Where do you find mentors?    

A simple google search usually does the trick- but- remember to be courteous and kind when sending cold emails. Mentors and researchers tend to have busy schedules and it's important to take into account their priorities as well. While it's great to reach out to them, make sure to define clear action items and to take advantage of the time they provide you. Below are some great starter resources to look at towards reaching out to mentors:

https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.jsp

https://www.mentoring.org/take-action/find-a-mentor/

 https://scholar.google.com/

https://academic.microsoft.com/home

Please reach out over my contact form at gitanjalirao.net/contact if you have any other questions! I loved doing this Q&A and I hope to do another in the future. 

Signing off, 

GR