In episode #42 of Living Proof, Dan Aspel and Christie Marr speak to Prof Parimala Raman of Emory University. Parimala, the Kirk Distinguished Visiting Fellow for K-theory, algebraic cycles and motivic homotopy theory programme, has extensive experience of research in her home country of India, where she represents a significant role model for younger women beginning their careers in mathematics. Not only this, but she also has some uplifting thoughts to share on the "two-body problem" often faced by couples simultaneously pursuing academic careers in a job market where geography is a significant factor.
00:00 - Introduction
00:49 - Welcome
01:30 - First discovering mathematics, encouragement by Parimala's father
03:20 - Gender and mathematics, pursuing a PHD as a woman
05:20 - Choosing Emory University, being close to her son
07:50 - Becoming a role model for younger women, "I feel very honoured to have this kind of impact"
09:10 - Solving "the two-body problem" of following a partner's career around the globe, from Tanzania to Switzerland to India, "If he had not followed me, I would have given up mathematics at that point"
13:10 - Reconnecting with peers at INI's "K-theory, algebraic cycles and motivic homotopy theory" programme, "it has been a very, very enjoyable and fruitful trip"
17:30 - "Grab the opportunity!"