AESS Student Interview: Baisakhi Bandyopadhyay

Can you share your journey with IEEE AESS and what inspired you to become the Chair of the IEEE AESS SBC at IIT Kanpur?

My journey with IEEE AESS (Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society) has been an incredibly fulfilling one. As the [Student Branch] Chapter Chair of the IEEE AESS SBC at IIT Kanpur, I have had the privilege of leading a vibrant and enthusiastic team, where the experience has been nothing short of rewarding. One of the key factors that made my role so enjoyable was the unwavering support I received from my fellow chapter officials. My supervisor, Prof. Kumar Vaibhav Srivastava, who is also the Chair of the IEEE AESS UP Chapter, has always been there for me. He provided continuous guidance and trusted my decisions, allowing me the freedom to organize events in association with the UP chapter. This trust and mentorship were crucial in creating successful events.

In addition, my co-chair, Rahul Vishwakarma, played an instrumental role in ensuring smooth event execution. From managing logistics like ordering gifts and booking tea during talks, to taking care of all the small yet important details, Rahul’s support was invaluable. Aakash, our Treasurer, helped manage the funds, ensuring that our events had the financial backing to succeed. Without their collaborative spirit and hard work, our chapter would not have been able to function as effectively.

I have always enjoyed interacting with people, which inspired me to take on the role of [Student Branch] Chapter Chair. I believed this position would provide a great opportunity to connect with esteemed speakers, strengthen my professional network, and make lasting bonds. This drive to engage with experts in the field and communicate effectively with people was a major factor in my decision to step into the role and contribute to the growth of the IEEE AESS SBC at IIT Kanpur.

What motivated you to join the Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society (AESS), and how does it support your academic and professional aspirations?

I was motivated to join the Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society (AESS) because I had already been a member of IEEE and other sister societies of AESS for six years. During this time, I experienced firsthand the value of being an active member of IEEE and its societies, especially as a young professional. As a Women in Engineering (WIE) member, I found that IEEE's resources and networks were incredibly beneficial to my academic and professional development. AESS also offers significant support by keeping its members informed about flagship conferences, newsletters, fellowships, and grants, all of which are crucial for a student’s research and career growth.

These opportunities are essential for any student aspiring to deepen their knowledge and contribute to the field. AESS provides an excellent platform to connect with like-minded individuals and experts, which directly aligns with my academic goals. What makes it even more accessible is the fact that for just an additional $5, we get the benefits of being part of this incredible society. This small investment in membership opens a wealth of opportunities, making it an easy and valuable decision for any student. Joining AESS has been a great way for me to stay connected with the latest developments in aerospace and electronic systems while advancing my own research and professional aspirations.

What challenges have you encountered while leading the AESS chapter at IIT Kanpur, and how have you successfully addressed them?

One of the most significant challenges I faced while leading the AESS chapter at IIT Kanpur was increasing the membership drive for our SBC. As a junior PhD scholar, I found it particularly difficult to convince senior PhD students in my lab and department to take the membership, as they often had their own established networks and priorities. Being in a junior position, it was initially hard to persuade them of the benefits of joining AESS.
To address this challenge, I sought the support of my supervisor, who kindly agreed to announce the membership drive to the department. This helped bring more attention to AESS and encouraged some of my senior peers to sign up. While this strategy did help to some extent, I believe that there is still room for improvement in making the membership drive more engaging and effective. In the future, I plan to explore more proactive ways to communicate the value of AESS to students and faculty, perhaps by hosting events or engaging in direct discussions that highlight how AESS can contribute to both academic and professional growth.

How has your involvement with AESS broadened your perspective on the aerospace and electronic systems fields?

My involvement with AESS has been a tremendous experience in broadening my perspective on the aerospace and electronic systems fields. One of the most significant opportunities that AESS provided me was the chance to actively participate in the first flagship IEEE AESS conference in India, SPACE 2024. During this event, Mr. Puneet Kumar Mishra offered me the opportunity to host a full session engaging PhD students, which turned out to be a key moment in my journey. I successfully hosted the 3-Minute Thesis competition with his guidance and the support of his team.

This experience allowed me to interact with PhD students from all over India, giving me insights into the diverse research and innovations happening across the country. Additionally, I had the chance to engage with peer reviewers during the event, further enriching my understanding of the academic and professional dynamics within the aerospace and electronic systems fields.
Overall, this involvement has been a pivotal part of my academic and professional growth, and I can say with confidence that joining AESS opened doors to such opportunities. It is through AESS that I gained the chance to host such an esteemed event at a prestigious conference, which has broadened my perspective and strengthened my connections within the field.

What notable events or initiatives has your chapter organized, and how have they contributed to the growth of the student community at IIT Kanpur?

During my tenure as the [Student Branch] Chapter Chair, I organized a total of five notable events, which contributed significantly to the growth of the student community at IIT Kanpur. These events included two in-person technical lectures, two online technical lecture events, and one in-person inauguration event for the chapter. Each of these events was designed to be highly engaging and beneficial for the student community, addressing various aspects of aerospace, electronics, and RF systems.

The topics for the technical lectures were carefully chosen to ensure they appealed to a broad audience, including both IEEE AESS societies and other RF societies within IIT Kanpur. This approach ensured that no part of the RF community felt excluded from the discussions. The diversity in topics provided valuable insights into emerging technologies, research trends, and industry developments, which greatly enriched the academic experience of the students involved.

These events not only helped bridge gaps between different societies but also fostered a greater sense of collaboration and learning among students. They played a key role in strengthening the AESS chapter at IIT Kanpur and contributed to the growth of the student community by providing them with access to expert knowledge and opportunities for networking.

What are your goals for the future of IEEE AESS at IIT Kanpur, and how do you plan to enhance student participation and engagement?

My primary goal for the future of IEEE AESS at IIT Kanpur is to significantly increase the membership drive and enhance student participation. I have already discussed with some of my friends from the aerospace community, and this year, I plan to focus on engaging more students from our aerospace department by directly approaching them and encouraging them to join AESS. Since this community already shares a strong interest in aerospace and related fields, I believe this will help increase our membership base.
Additionally, I am planning to organize an annual goodies distribution event, similar to initiatives by other sister societies. This event will be aimed at recognizing the active participation of our members, distributing incentives, and creating a sense of belonging within the AESS community. Such initiatives are proven to be effective in increasing membership and motivating students to become more involved in the society's activities.
By combining targeted outreach with engagement incentives, I believe we can create a more vibrant and active AESS chapter at IIT Kanpur, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of both the student body and the society.

What advice would you offer to students interested in joining IEEE AESS or taking up leadership positions within their chapters?

My advice to students interested in joining IEEE AESS or taking up leadership positions within their chapters would be to focus on building strong leadership skills and actively engaging with the community. A chapter's success is often determined by the dedication and vision of its leaders. If you aim to achieve excellence, like winning the Best Chapter Award, it’s crucial to foster collaboration, encourage participation, and lead by example. A strong leader not only motivates others but also ensures that the chapter’s goals are aligned with the broader mission of AESS.