Nöbetçi Eczaneler
Your Story – Where Did You Grow Up and How Did Your Upbringing Shape You?
I was born in Glasgow but raised in New York. My father was an engineer from India, and my mother was from Britain. She instilled in me that there is no such word as “can’t,” and that mindset has stayed with me throughout my career. Growing up in a home that blended technical discipline with a strong sense of determination shaped how I approach engineering and leadership.
What Drew You to Aviation (or Aerospace)? Was There a Moment That Sparked It?
My interest started long before college. The moment that sparked it was an episode of Doctor Who, a British science-fiction show, where the Doctor and his companion were on a spacecraft observing the crew of a generational ship in suspended animation. I was fascinated by space travel and alien worlds, and I wanted to explore the unknown with the technical skills to do it. That curiosity guided me toward aerospace engineering and ultimately a career pushing the boundaries of flight and space exploration.
Have You Had Your “I Made It” Moment Yet? What Did It Look or Feel Like?
One of those moments was the Curiosity rover landing. Watching the parachute system operate successfully on Mars was a point of pride for what we accomplished as a team. Another came when we started building the hydrogen-electric propulsion system at Hydroplane. Both experiences showed that ambitious technical ideas could move from concept to reality when a team works with focus and purpose.
A Woman in Leadership Who Has Had a Meaningful Impact on You?
I take inspiration from leaders who show compassion, joy, vulnerability, ingenuity, and a free spirit. In fiction, Captain Picard and Captain Janeway from Star Trek exemplify these traits. Their approach to leadership under uncertainty, calm decision-making, respect for their teams, and willingness to challenge convention resonates with how I try to lead in real life.
Advice for Women Balancing Career and Personal Demands?
You need a support network. High-pressure technical fields demand focus, so it’s important to prioritize what aligns with your long-term goals. Accept that balance shifts over time, and recognize that trade-offs are part of the process. Make your contributions visible and advocate for yourself; your voice matters at every stage of your career.
Most Unforgettable Experiences in Aviation/Aerospace?
Some of the most unforgettable moments have been earning my pilot qualifications. Getting my private pilot license in a large, busy Class Charlie airport was a milestone, and completing my instrument rating and commercial license was a big achievement in becoming a safer, more capable pilot. Another unforgettable experience was the first time we taxied our hydrogen-powered aircraft under hydrogen fuel cell power; seeing that technology operate in the real world was thrilling.
Changes You’d Like to See in Aviation?
Sustainability is the biggest priority. Hydrogen-electric propulsion is a practical path to decarbonizing aviation, but it requires infrastructure, regulation, and investment. I also hope to see greater diversity in aerospace, more women, more underrepresented groups, and more interdisciplinary teams. Broad participation accelerates innovation and ensures we tackle challenges from multiple perspectives.
Our sincere thanks to Dr. Anita Sengupta for sharing her journey and insights with us.
We encourage you to follow Dr. Anita Sengupta on LinkedIn.