Name: Drashti Parmar | Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland | Course: PhD in Entomology
(March 28, 2025 Drashti Parmar’s academic journey has taken some surprising turns. Starting in India studying big wild animals, she now finds herself in Poland researching insects, the creatures that help break down dead things, playing a vital role in nature’s clean-up crew.
A PhD candidate at Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU), Drashti spends her days untangling the evolutionary relationships of blowflies, the minute creatures with monumental ecological importance. This is a stark but interesting contrast to her earlier training in core forensics at the National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, and her work in Wildlife Forensics at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad.
“I was immersed in the world of top predators—big cats. Ironically, my research focus has now shifted from these apex predators to the ultimate decomposers—blowflies! This transition from studying charismatic megafauna to investigating the intricate evolutionary relationships of these tiny yet ecologically crucial insects has been fascinating,” she tells Global Indian.
Key Highlights
- Right environment matters: Choosing a university with strong research support, like NCU’s expertise in evolutionary biology and entomology, is shaping Drashti’s academic growth
- Funding opens doors: Securing full scholarships and grants allows her to focus entirely on research and access global collaborations.
- Adaptability is key: Navigating a new academic system, language, and culture builds resilience and self-reliance—essential skills for international scholars.
- Beyond the lab: Engaging in science outreach and networking helps bridge research with real-world impact and builds lasting professional ties.
Why NCU is the perfect fit
For Drashti, choosing Nicolaus Copernicus University wasn’t just about pursuing a doctorate. Rather, it was about finding the right environment to explore her scientific curiosities. “Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) became my ideal choice for a PhD due to its strong research environment in evolutionary biology and forensic entomology,” she shares. The presence of Prof. Krzysztof Szpila, an expert in the field and a deeply supportive mentor, was a major draw. His guidance has shaped both her research and personal growth.
She adds that the PhD program’s full funding through a prestigious National Science Centre grant (2018/31/B/NZ8/02113) provided the financial stability needed to focus solely on research. With access to cutting-edge molecular techniques and robust international collaborations, NCU became the ideal launchpad for her work.
Researching evolution, one fly at a time
Drashti Parmar’s research explores phylogenomic relationships within Oestroidea (Diptera: Cyclorrhapha)—a group of flies critical to ecological processes like decomposition and forensic analysis. “By utilizing molecular data, I aim to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and contribute to a deeper understanding of their evolutionary history,” she explains.
Life in Toruń: Medieval charm meets modern science
Drashti moved to Poland in September 2021. Since then, she has embraced the academic and cultural richness of Toruń, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Walking through its beautifully preserved Gothic architecture while being immersed in groundbreaking research is truly an inspiring experience,” she says.
The city’s safety, inclusivity, and cultural discipline left a strong impression. “The way society functions here—without unnecessary judgments, discomfort, or involvement in personal space—is something I had hardly experienced before in my life,” Drashti says. She deeply admires the respect shown towards women and the patient, courteous nature of Polish people.
Adjusting to independence, new language and new academic system
Settling into a new place was not without its challenges. Drashti notes that managing daily life alone, especially tasks like cooking and cleaning were initially difficult. “While back home, hiring help or ordering food is much easier, living alone here means taking care of everything yourself,” she says. But the experience has brought her a newfound sense of pride and self-reliance. “I absolutely enjoy this independence. It makes me proud to have stepped out of my comfort zone and managed to thrive in a foreign country. I strongly believe that such a transformation only happens when you start living alone and taking full responsibility for yourself.”
Language posed another barrier. While English is widely used in academic settings, everyday interactions in local markets were often hindered by the limited use of English. “Polish is a tough language to crack but people are generally helpful and understanding,” she notes.
Also, settling into a new country and academic system came with its challenges, but Drashti turned them into opportunities. She found engaging with diverse academic communities especially rewarding. “Thanks to these networks, I’ve learned to convey my research to non-scientific audiences—a skill I believe is crucial for any scientist,” she says. Her experience at NCU has been smooth, with no concerns about racism or gender bias. “The university is inclusive, and Toruń is a city where I feel safe and free to pursue my ambitions.”
Funding and financial management
Drashti Parmar has been resourceful in managing her academic life. Besides her primary funding grant, she also secured Grants4NCUStudents and the Come-and-GOulu Grant, enabling her to participate in conferences, collaborations, and international internships. Combined with strategic budgeting, these grants allow her to manage expenses comfortably.
Beyond the lab: Outreach and community engagement
Drashti is an active participant in scientific outreach and networking events. During a short-term research visit to India, she reconnected with her academic network and inspired students to explore higher education opportunities. “It was fulfilling to answer their questions about studying abroad and help clarify their doubts,” she recalls. A short video uploaded by the university about her research helped spark these interactions.
These efforts don’t just benefit her PhD, rather contribute to her long-term vision of building strong professional ties across borders.
Time management and growth
Balancing multiple commitments is no small feat, but Drashti has developed her own strategy. “Time management and prioritization are key,” she explains. Whether it’s research, outreach, or academic networking, she approaches each task with structured planning.
One guiding principle she often shares: “Never, ever miss an opportunity to learn—no matter how remotely related it may seem to your field.” For her, every experience adds value, whether it’s new knowledge, a potential collaboration, or even just a meaningful connection.
Facing challenges with grace
Drashti admits that adjusting to a new culture, weather, and living independently wasn’t easy. But over time, she found her rhythm. “I take pride in how much I have grown,” she reflects. She credits the welcoming nature of both Poland as a country and the Nicolaus Copernicus University for helping her overcome these initial struggles and focus fully on her research.
A future in evolutionary biology
As she nears the completion of her PhD, Drashti remains committed to the intersection of evolutionary biology and forensic entomology. “I envision a future where I continue to explore evolutionary biology and forensic applications,” she says. Whether in academia or applied research, she aims to contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation and science communication.
She believes the skills she’s gained—grant writing, public engagement, and effective scientific communication will shape her path forward, either in academia or applied research. And as she continues her journey, one thing is certain that she will always work towards her aim to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community.
From India to Poland, from big cats to blowflies, Drashti Parmar’s journey is one of academic curiosity as well as scientific and cultural discovery.
- Follow Drashti Parmar on LinkedIn
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