Inside the Gwangju News: Writer Extraordinaire – Neha Bisht

Interviewed by David Shaffer

This column features each month one of our regular writers for the Gwangju News for our readers to get to know them better. These windows on the writers follow an interview format. — Editor

Gwangju News (GN): Hello, Neha. To start things off, tell us a little about yourself before coming to Korea.

Neha: Hello! Thank you so much for this opportunity. I’m Neha Bisht, originally from Uttarakhand, India. My family lives in the beautiful hill town of Nainital. I completed my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in Uttarakhand, and then moved to Pune, Maharashtra, to pursue a master’s in materials science and engineering. After finishing my master’s, I immediately started working in a research position. Alongside my job, I was actively applying for PhD programs abroad. Before coming to Korea, I had spent nearly three years in research.

GN: What was it that brought you to Korea? Why Korea instead of some other country? Neha: To be honest, my first preference was not South Korea. I wanted to pursue a PhD in Europe. I was actively applying to top-ranked universities and even received an admission offer from Kiel University in Germany in August 2021. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the scholarship I had been awarded was cancelled. I had waited for almost a year for that opportunity, and losing it was very disappointing. Since European PhD admissions usually follow a one-year cycle, I didn’t want to spend another year just waiting. That’s when I started considering South Korea as an option. My master’s advisor, who had studied in Korea himself, recommended several Korean universities. He spoke highly of the research environment, facilities, and the international reputation of Korean institutions. Motivated by his guidance, I began searching for PhD opportunities in Korea around September. I came across open positions at both KRICT in Daejeon and CNU in Gwangju. I applied to both, and fortunately, I received an offer from my current professor at CNU. Although I was also accepted at KRICT, their application deadline was very tight, and I couldn’t complete the document submission in time. So, I decided to proceed with CNU and quickly submitted all the required paperwork. In February 2022, I flew to Seoul and then traveled to Gwangju. Even at that time, COVID-19 precautions were still in place, so I had to undergo a seven-day home quarantine. Once I tested negative, I officially began my PhD journey and started my coursework at the university.

GN: How, and why, did you get involved in writing for the Gwangju News?

Neha: As a researcher, I was already involved in scientific journal writing, but I wanted to try something new, something more creative and community-oriented. I’ve always been interested in volunteering, so when I found out about a Gwangju News volunteer writers’ meeting through social media in April 2023, I signed up right away and took a bus to attend. By the time I arrived, the meeting had already started. A presentation was underway, and many people were gathered, including the editors and other team members. They explained how the Gwangju News operates and how they welcome new volunteers each year to form the writing team. After the presentation, we had some snacks and a chance to mingle. That’s when I met the managing editor at the time. While chatting, I mentioned my passion for photography, and he kindly introduced me to the magazine’s photographer, who handles the Photo of the Month page and feature photography. I asked if I could also submit photos for Photo of the Month and he encouraged me to do so. That’s how my journey with the Gwangju News began.

GN: With your doctorate program studies and lab research, how do you find time to visit the spots and the festivals that you write about in your Gwangju News column, Exploring Korea? Neha: The first couple of years of my PhD were busy with coursework and adjusting to a new research topic, but I still managed to explore places on weekends. In fact, I did most of my traveling and exploring during those early years. Now, as my research has become more intensive,

it’s harder to find time. But whenever I feel overwhelmed by lab work and need a break, I plan short trips with friends to recharge. I also started exploring Korea early on because I believe it’s essential to understand the culture and people of the country you’re living in. It helps make life easier and more meaningful. So, I usually push myself to work hard during weekdays, so I can keep my weekends and public holidays free for travel and discovery.

GN: What are your plans for after you can put “Dr.” in front of your name?

Neha: At this point, it’s hard to say for sure, but my top priority is to secure a postdoctoral position in an English-speaking country. I’d love to continue my research journey in a globally collaborative environment.

GN: Now, for a few rapid-fire, short-answer questions: What is your favorite English-language book?

Neha: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and Steve

Jobs by Walter Isaacson.

GN: Your favorite movie?

Neha: I don’t have a single favorite, but I really enjoy science fiction movies.

GN: Your favorite music genre? Or singer or group?

Neha: I love Bollywood music, and my favorite singer is Arijit Singh. In Western music, I enjoy listening to Maroon 5 and Selena Gomez. GN: Your favorite place in Korea?

Neha: Hwacheon-gun – it’s surrounded by mountains, rivers, and beautiful natural scenery. GN: Your favorite Korean food?

Neha: That’s a tough one! As a vegetarian, I have limited options, but I really enjoy sundubu-jjigae.

GN: Tasty choices, all of them. Thank you, Neha, for allowing us to get to know you better! Neha: Thank you and the Gwangju News for giving me this opportunity. I hope to continue contributing and sharing more stories in the future!

Cover Photo courtesy of Neha Bisht.