Working to improve the properties of the steel being used for the Philishave, Kanyakumari illustrates, "The steel being used for a wet-shave application should not rust. Hence, we try to develop properties that suit the uses." By modelling the metallic processes on the computer, using simulation and numerical techniques, a virtual understanding of the requisite metallic properties is achieved. This also helps in optimising the process of steel-making and improving its quality.
Researching the improvement of a man's daily accessory, she says smilingly, "I can feel my exclusive presence in the field: a lady helping develop a man's thing. After all, it is the lady who can actually judge the quality of a man's shave."
Enumerating the other qualities that she tries to develop in the steel for Philishave, she says, "Hardness, sharpness, intricate shapes, resistance to rupture and fracture, dimensional tolerance are some of the characteristics that are absolutely essential. Precision is extremely important. A minor lapse could affect the skin."
She strongly believes that research is an adventure in the early innovating stages but as one gains experience, it becomes a drudgery since one becomes aware of the limitations in the field. "It is frustrating because your experience gets you to the edge of things very soon, from where it is difficult to step further. The constraints make you stagnate", explains Kanyakumari very confidently.
Therefore, she prefers to pursue the management aspect of research: funding and guiding projects. She opines, "your research experience could be of great help in shortening the span of a project because you know which way to go."
Proximity with a philanthropist such as Mother Teresa has influenced Kanyakumari and gave her the desire to use her expertise as a means to an end: socio-economic upliftment. She illustrates, "I would like to embark upon a project that would benefit mankind." A metallurgist with a purpose.
Hometown: Kolkata, India
Languages: English, Hindi, Bengali, little German
Favourite Food: Tandoori chicken
Favourite music genre: Rock
Favourite movie: Pather Panchali (by Oscar winner Satyajit Ray)
Favourite sport: Cricket
Favourite place in NL: Amsterdam
Best part about living in the NL: The overwhelming simplicity and humility of the Dutch
Worst part about living in the NL: The all-alike landscape
Dream destination: Antarctica
Hobbies: Travelling, mountaineering, trekking, cooking, collecting thimbles, playing violin and piano
