Starting my PhD journey in Behaviour Science has been exciting, but at times, it’s also been daunting. One question has consistently nagged at me—will using different English dialects, like “Behaviour” versus “Behavior,” affect my research data? I’m particularly concerned about this during the literature review phase. The last thing I want is for my work to be questioned over something as basic as language.
The Role of Vineesh in My Academic Path
During a pivotal time in my life, I joined the ‘First Principle Lab’ (FPL) Fellowship. This four-month program pushed us to think deeply about the problems we were passionate about solving. It was here that my interest in Behaviour Science evolved from curiosity into a genuine passion.
Much of my confidence during this period came from someone I’m deeply grateful for—Vineesh. He wasn’t just a mentor; he was a guide who helped me navigate the complexities of finding my true calling.
In one of our conversations, Vineesh shared a piece of wisdom that has stayed with me.
He said, “This reminds me of what my manager told me 15 years back when I complained that startups were paying more, and we weren’t getting the right people. In India, big companies like Wipro, Infosys, TCS, and HCL hire 60-70% of the workforce every year. They set the base salary, not the startups hiring one or two people. The industry average is driven by mass hiring.”
Lessons from the FPL Fellowship
His words resonated with me because they highlighted the importance of setting a standard. As researchers, we contribute to the collective knowledge in a meaningful way. We define the norms, the language, and the frameworks that others will use long after we’re gone.
During the FPL Fellowship, we were challenged to present a firm question that could drive our research forward. This experience was crucial in helping me decide on my doctoral topic in Behaviour Science. Vineesh’s guidance was instrumental in that decision. He, along with the BeSci cohort, provided a nurturing environment where my ideas could grow, be tested, and refined.
Why Language Matters in Research
This journey has taught me that while language and dialects are important, what truly matters is the scientific rigor and neutrality I bring to my work. Whether I write “Behaviour” or “Behavior,” the key is that my research stands up to scrutiny and adds value to the existing body of knowledge.
I’m deeply grateful to Vineesh for helping me see this. His mentorship and the supportive community of the BeSci cohort have been invaluable in my journey. Because of them, I’m confident that I can contribute to science with integrity and passion, staying true to the principles that first drew me to this field.
In the end, I support science—neutral, unbiased, and globally inclusive. And I’m committed to ensuring that my work reflects these values, regardless of the language I choose.