P. Susthitha Menon

You will not only grow in character but also contribute globally to your country and society’s well-being. Embrace STEM and discover how you can contribute to the world’s peace and happiness. If you are already in a STEM-based career, remember to motivate other women to join you as well, as we reap what we sow.

My parents were my early inspiration to become involved in a STEM-based career. My father taught mathematics, and Mom was a mathematics teacher who later became a bank officer. My school teachers and university lecturers further instilled the love of science and engineering in me. They molded me to pursue excellence in everything I delved into and taught me that the sky is the limit for achieving my dreams. The euphoria of solving a mathematics equation and/or a science problem continues to entice me still today.

I work as a senior research fellow in plasmonics and optical biosensing. My main responsibilities are teaching postgraduate courses; supervising Masters/PhD students; securing research grants; publishing research journals/patents; delivering talks in conferences; and providing services to my university/society.

My research is related to the interaction of photons and electrons for optoelectronic effects. This includes solar cells, optoelectronic devices, and biomedical sensors.

One of my biggest challenges was when I was given the task of coordinating transdisciplinary research involving engineering and medical/health sciences at my university. I had to work with scientists outside my area of expertise. We had many meetings to understand the technical terms of our individual fields in order to find a transdisciplinary engineering solution for the medical/health sector. Another challenge is finding the correct balance between family and career. In this aspect, time management and the support of friends and family are crucial.

When I first started out, I wish someone had told me that the most important criterion for success is to believe in myself, in whatever I do. I welcome successes and failures equally, as both experiences build and mold me to be stronger in character.

P. Susthitha Menon
Associate Professor (Senior Research Fellow), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) [The National University of Malaysia], Nanophotonics and Quantum Electronics Laboratory (NQEL), Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN)
Born in Malaysia / Resides in Malaysia
Educational Background: BSc and MSc in Electrical, Electronics and Systems Engineering; PhD in Microengineering and Nanoelectronics (Optoelectronics), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)