Women in science · No. 11
The Real Deal
Lessons, learnings and laughter for girl scientists
Karishma Kaushik
Thursday, 12 February 2026 · Wynkk, Aundh
A talk on Karishma’s book, “The Real Deal: Lessons, Learnings, and Laughter for Girl Scientists”. She takes the audience through its themes: her own experience as a woman in STEM, the under-representation of women in STEM in India, the leaky pipeline, the two-body problem, the pay and position gap, scientist stereotypes, the imposter phenomenon, and the role of mentors, allies and advocates. The talk also looks at education and career options in STEM, and how the wider discourse shapes science.
Suited for girls and boys above 12, as well as parents and teachers.
A special mid-month session, moved from 29 January.
About the speaker
Dr. Karishma Kaushik is a physician-scientist who trained at AFMC Pune (MBBS, MD Clinical Microbiology) and earned a PhD in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology from UT Austin. She led an independent lab at Savitribai Phule Pune University (2018–2023) and was Executive Director of IndiaBioscience (2023–2025). She now runs an independent consulting practice in medicine, science and technology. This was her second KnOT talk.
