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Why Science?

ORNL is proud of its role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers. We bring in talented young researchers, team them with accomplished scientists and engineers, and put them to work at the lab’s one-of-a-kind facilities. The result is research that makes us proud and prepares them for distinguished careers.

We asked some of these young researchers why they chose a career in science, what they are working on at ORNL, and where they would like to go with their careers.

Debanjana Nayak

Graduate student, National Security Emerging Technologies Division
Ph.D. student, Computer Science, North Carolina State University
Hometown: Kolkata, India

What are you working on at ORNL?

I am working on improving the accuracy of various navigational solutions (e.g., GPS, SLAM, odometry) through data analysis. My research experience involves analysis of time-series or spatiotemporal data, such as detecting change points or anomalies or creating forecasting models. I am applying the same techniques to the problem of navigation

What would you like to do in your career?

I would like to build a research-oriented career in the field of data science and analytics, with a focus on solving the major problems that modern society is dealing with, such as climate change, clean energy, socioeconomic development and so on.

Why did you choose a career in science?

Since my childhood, I had a passion for numbers. This later developed into a deep interest in the areas of mathematics and computer science. Besides, I sincerely believe science can solve most of today’s real-world problems. And I want to contribute to that process as much as I can.