"Men and women are like the two wings of a bird"

11/05/2024

HPI-PhD student Arpita Kappattanavar does research in the field of Digital Health. It centers on tools that help monitor and improve chronic conditions like diabetes. At this year’s empowerHER+ conference (November 14th and 15th) she presents her work as part of a Spotlight Panel to highlight the future generation’s research topics.

An integral part of Arpita’s life and work is her faith in the religious teachings of Bahá’í. For her, it is a necessity that science and religion work hand in hand.

Ahead of the conference we invited her to take part in our photo interview. Without using words, she answered our questions about how it feels to be a Woman in Tech, how she imagines what she looks like when she’s immersed in her research, and how she hopes to inspire at the conference. 

Read more about how her faith influences her research, who inspired her to embark on her career path and what she envisions for the future of her research field and women in tech in the full interview:  

Hasso Plattner Institute: Is being a woman in tech something that you’re acutely aware of in your day to day experience?

Arpita Kappattanavar: Yes, I’m aware of it at times, but not constantly. In my day-to-day work, I’m mostly focused on solving problems and collaborating with my team. It’s only when others bring up my gender, that I become more conscious of being a woman in tech. 

HPI: How much of a tech-nerd are you?

Arpita: I wouldn’t categorize myself as a tech-nerd, but I’m fortunate to be surrounded by knowledgeable friends and well-wishers who inspire me to stay updated on the latest technologies relevant to my field. This exposure sparks new ideas, which I enjoy bringing to life, but I focus more on practical solutions than diving into every new tech trend.

HPI: What has been your most formative experience as a woman in tech?

Arpita: My most formative experiences as a woman in tech come from two key influences. First, my late grandfather, C. P. Sadhashivah, who, despite not being a technical person, solved technical challenges for farmers through his innovations, earning a gold medal from the World Intellectual Property Organization. He instilled in our family the belief that men and women are equal, and his creativity and dedication inspired me to think outside the box. Second, the Bahá'í Youth Conference in 2013 shaped my commitment to making service to mankind the central focus of my life, influencing how I approach my work in tech.

HPI: At the conference your talk is announced as a spotlight on research topics of the next generation. What do you want to see more of in your field? 

Arpita: I’d like to see more focus on non-invasive digital biomarkers and affordable devices that can predict health issues early. These innovations could make healthcare more accessible and efficient by reducing the need for expensive testing and enabling early detection. I also want to see more women leading and collaborating in this field, as diverse perspectives drive progress. By creating a more inclusive environment, we can build better, more equitable healthcare solutions.

HPI: What is your research focus in 3 sentences?

Arpita: My current research at the Medical Faculty of TU Dresden focuses on the development of non-invasive digital biomarkers. I aim to create easily accessible and affordable tools that help monitor and improve health, particularly for chronic conditions like diabetes. 

HPI: Is there a specific experience or person that led you to your research topic?

Arpita: During my PhD, Prof. Bert Arnrich gave me the opportunity to explore this area. Coincidentally, around the same time, my mother was diagnosed with diabetes. These experiences, combined with the guidance from the Bahá'í writings, and circumstantial conditions in my life inspired me to focus on the current research. 

HPI: Religion is often seen as incompatible with or opposed to science. You’ve said the Bahá’í Faith has had a great impact on your work. As a scientist, how do you benefit from thinking these two things together?

Arpita: The Bahá'í Faith teaches that science and religion are complementary, with true science and true religion never in conflict. It warns that religion without science can become superstition, while science without religion risks becoming an instrument of materialism. A core principle of the Bahá'í Faith is the independent investigation of truth, encouraging individuals to seek knowledge without prejudice. This mirrors the scientific method, where inquiry and evidence drive discovery. As a scientist, I view science as a tool to apply religious principles and explore the pathways they suggest. This perspective gives my work a deeper sense of purpose, aligning the pursuit of knowledge with values of service and progress.

HPI: How do emotional states influence eating habits? 

Arpita: Emotions can greatly influence eating behaviour, but the extent of their impact varies from person to person. Factors like an individual's personal history, coping mechanisms, and other life circumstances also play a role. 

HPI: So we really do ‘eat our feelings’?

Arpita: Not everyone. Some people are emotional eaters, while others know how to cope up in different ways. It depends on the individual and their ability to manage emotions without turning to food for comfort.

HPI: Aside from the long-term effects of healthy eating, what food should we reach for instead of chocolate to instantly improve our mood?

Arpita: Instead of reaching for chocolate, engaging in some quick sports can boost your mood. If you're looking for a food option, reaching for fruits can help. Additionally, offering prayers or engaging in meditation can also significantly bring comfort and uplift your mood.

HPI: What impact would you like your research to have in people’s day to day life? 

Arpita: I hope my research empowers people to heal themselves by adopting a healthier lifestyle. I want to help individuals recognize the importance of nourishing their body with what it truly needs, rather than simply giving in to cravings, especially in terms of comfort food. Additionally, I aim to inspire people to find comfort and strength in a higher power during stressful times, rather than solely relying on themselves or turning to food for comfort.

HPI: How can we best conduct the debate on women in tech, without reducing women to their gender?

Arpita: Men and women have unique strengths, and just as a family relies on both for progress, the tech field thrives when everyone contributes. Instead of treating gender as a point of debate, we should adopt consultation as a collaborative approach that values all perspectives and focuses on collective progress. This avoids reducing women to their gender and instead emphasizes the contributions and potential of individuals. The goal should be to create an inclusive environment where everyone’s abilities are recognized, appreciated, and harnessed for the betterment and unification of humanity.

HPI: What do you see as the biggest barriers for girls and women in IT?

Arpita: The glass ceiling significantly impedes career advancement in hiring, promotions, and evaluations, creating substantial obstacles to professional growth.

HPI: What do you wish for the future with regard to women in tech/IT? What kind of promotions or offers are needed to give young women the best possible support when entering the tech industry?

Arpita: In envisioning the future of women in tech, it is important to recognize that men and women are like the two wings of a bird. To support young women entering the tech industry, we must cultivate an environment of equality, justice, and equity. Both men and women need training programs at the outset and should have technical and soft skills. These soft skills are needed for navigating the complexities of the workplace, advocating for justice, and articulating opinions and suggestions with confidence and tact. Initiatives like mentorship programs, women-centric scholarships, and internships can transform how we support young women in IT. These initiatives empower women with the necessary skills and knowledge and build networks of support and inspiration. 

Additionally, we need to foster an organizational culture that values and respects diverse opinions and contributions. This includes training all employees to recognize, respect, and encourage women's voices in technology. Leadership roles should be accessible to women, showcasing them as contributors, decision-makers, and innovators. Such visibility is needed to inspire the next generation of women in tech. 

HPI: Why are conferences like empowerHER+ a step in the right direction?

Arpita: These conferences provide opportunities to meet and interact with women who have faced similar challenges and successfully navigated them. Engaging and associating with these women gives others the confidence and inspiration to take the progressive steps in their own careers and personal growth.

Thank you for the interview!