Biomedical to software engineering and paying our experiences forward through mentoring with Krithika Chandramouli (#56)
If you can't decide between two career paths, try exploring both. Krithika Chandramouli found biomedical engineering to be a sweet spot between health sciences and technology and was able to explore both pursuits before she found her way to software engineering. Join us as we speak about Krithika's path to software engineering, contributing back to the community through her work and mentorship, and going from a love-hate relationship with running to completing a half-marathon.
About Krithika Chandramouli
Krithika Chandramouli is a Software Engineer at Meta. She comes with over 8 years of experience working in a range of industries like video streaming services, fintech, and social media. She is an expert on JS and full stack engineering, and is a technical and thought leader. She thrives when she is working on solving complex people problems that lead to innovation in products. She mentors young professionals, especially women, in the areas of career development in the tech industry. Outside work, Krithika is a runner, rows crew, practices Vipassana for mindfulness, a Veena player and an aspiring writer!
Listen to the Podcast
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Castbox, Deezer, Goodpods, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, TuneIn, Blubrry, Digital Podcast, Gaana, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Podhero, PlayerFM, JioSaavn, RSS, and other podcast platforms.
Watch on YouTube
Show Notes
(00:00:56) Biomedical engineering is the sweet spot between health sciences and technology when deciding whether to pursue med or tech.
(00:03:30) The opportunity to study a broad range of subjects.
(00:04:33) Bioengineering and nano drug delivery.
(00:06:28) Being drawn to wearable medical technology.
(00:09:05) Krithika’s path to computer science through wearables.
(00:09:50) Crowdsourced labelling and gamification of medical images.
(00:11:38) Observations of the human element of crowdsourcing data.
(00:14:10) A desire to use her skills to give back to the community.
(00:16:16) Building tools to help build communities at Meta.
(00:18:58) Buy Nothing groups and the importance of community in times of crisis.
(00:21:26) Krithika’s passion for mentoring and career development. Wanting to pay it forward.
(00:22:43) Finding mentors.
(00:26:59) Nerdy Girl Success.
(00:27:43) Becoming a mentor or advisor in organisations like Nerdy Girl Success.
(00:31:34) Bonus Question 1: What hobby or interest do you have that is most unrelated to your field of work?
(00:31:38) Running and marathons.
(00:34:39) With a love/hate relationship with running, why a half-marathon?
(00:38:02) Bonus Question 2: Which childhood book holds the strongest memories for you?
(00:38:14) “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini and reflections on who and where we are in this world.
(00:40:53) Kumar, R. (2022, Nov 1). The enduring sexism of India’s tech industry. Rest of World.
(00:42:58) Bonus Question 3: What advice you would give someone who wants to do what you do? Or what advice should they ignore?
(00:43:03) Advice for Life: Be bold.
(00:45:08) Reflect on your own qualities, skills, and objectives, and be intentional about it.
(00:49:56) Finding out more about Krithika.
Highlights
Connect with Us
- @steampoweredshow
- @steampoweredshow
- @steampoweredshow
- @steampoweredshw
- @steampoweredshow
- @steampoweredshow
Support STEAM Powered
Review Us
Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, GoodPods, Podchaser, or your preferred podcatcher.
Become a Patron
Support me on Ko-fiAffiliate Programs
Buy your books from BookDepository. There are over 20 million titles and you get free delivery worldwide to over 150 countries on every order. Want some ideas? Check out the list of every book mentioned in our conversations, or authored by our guests.
Start your own podcast or YouTube channel, or run panels and seminars with Riverside.fm. Record up to 8 people in a session with up to 1000 audience members. You can record in advance as I do, or you can livestream with the option to send it straight to Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, or Twitch. There's even a green-room for guests and live call in for audience members. Afterwards, get separate video (up to 4K) and audio (up to 48kHz) tracks per recorded participant for editing, none of that “active speaker only” limitation. You know you're in good hands with a service whose client-base includes some heavy-hitters. Check out Riverside.fm to see who else is on board. Use promo code STEAM25 to get 25% off the first three months of your subscription.