By Babra Wani
Dr Fatima Jalid, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, has earned a place in She Is – 75 Women in Chemistry, a recently launched book celebrating the contributions of Indian women in chemistry and allied sciences.
Published by Beyond Black in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), UK, the book was unveiled on 6 February at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal. Authored by ElsaMarie D’Silva and Supreet K Singh, it is the fourth instalment in the She Is series, which seeks to amplify the voices of women breaking barriers in STEM fields.
Academic Journey
Dr. Jalid completed her B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from NIT Srinagar in 2015, graduating as a valedictorian. She then started M.Tech. in Chemical Engineering at IIT Delhi. During her first semester at IIT Delhi, NIT Srinagar advertised for the position of Trainee Teachers, inviting applications from across the country. The Trainee Teacher position entailed that regular teaching at NIT Srinagar, while undertaking PhD from IIT Delhi.
“I was selected from the Department of Chemical Engineering,” she said. “That was in January 2016, when I left my M.Tech. to join this program at IIT Delhi, pursuing PhD under Prof. M. Ali Haider.” Dr. Jalid started teaching at NIT Srinagar from 2017. She completed her doctorate in July 2020 and has been working at NIT Srinagar as an Assistant Professor.
Born in Hazratbal, Srinagar, Dr Jalid is the eldest of three sisters. She studied at Presentation Convent High School for high school before completing her higher secondary education at Delhi Public School Srinagar.
Recognition and Research
Dr Jalid’s supervisor encouraged her to submit her nomination for She Is – 75 Women in Chemistry. “They reviewed my research work, my publications and how it aligns with sustainable development goals laid out by the UN. Besides that, it also included my work as a mentor and community outreach. It was because of the research work my supervisor, the work I did under his guidance, and my teaching experience that I was selected,” she said.
Her research has been published in high-impact journals, and in 2018, she received the Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award. “I was not there, but it was presented by the President of India. It was a team effort under Prof. M. Ali Haider at IIT Delhi.”
She has also received the Young Faculty in Chemical Engineering Award (2023) and the Vallway Women Scientist Award (2022).
Perspectives on Women in STEM
Dr Jalid believes that a woman’s stage in life influences her career progress. “There are no major obstacles—at least in Kashmir for women” she said. “Women here are well-read, and education is a priority compared to other parts of the world. If we look beyond stereotypes, we can advance.”
She has always been drawn to scientific inquiry. “Understanding science has always fascinated me. It was never a chore; I loved the practical side of how things work.”
Dr Jalid credits her success to her parents, especially her mother, a mathematics lecturer, and her schoolteachers. “They nurtured my curiosity. My mother’s involvement in my education was my biggest support.” She further added that, “Without the support of my family – parents, husband, grandmothers, parents’ in law, it would not have been possible.”
She acknowledges the challenges women face when transitioning into motherhood. “Parents in Kashmir are very encouraging, but once a woman becomes a mother, balancing roles is difficult. I do not think women need to pressure themselves to achieve balance—it is a demanding phase. When I became a mother, I realised I could not contribute to my profession as much as before. Accepting that change is important, rather than battling with it.”
“It is all right to take a step back at that stage of life,” she added.
Future Goals
Dr Jalid hopes to make real-time contributions as a scientist. “I want to work on water pollution issues in Kashmir. It is going to be my prime focus, finding a solution with catalytic systems towards solving this issue.” She also aims to engage with schoolchildren. “I want to inspire them by arising their curiosity and to work hard. Hard work always pays off, in one way or another.”
Institutional Acknowledgement
NIT Srinagar’s Director, Professor Binod Kumar Kanaujia, and Registrar, Professor Atikur Rehman, extended their congratulations to Dr Jalid.
Professor Kanaujia said her recognition in She Is – 75 Women in Chemistry highlights her achievements and serves as an inspiration for aspiring women scientists across India. “Her journey exemplifies perseverance and innovation, reflecting the core values of NIT Srinagar and the broader scientific community.”
Professor Rehman also wished Dr Jalid success in her future endeavours, encouraging her to continue inspiring young minds in science and research.
