Aniqa Khaliq
BIO
PhD candidate in physics at the University of Bari Aldo Moro (Italy). Mother of one.
Aniqa Khaliq
“I had to skip conferences and summer schools for lack of childcare support.”
In January 2021, I started my academic journey in science with a scholarship to study for my PhD in Physics at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy, marking my transition from Pakistan to a foreign country—a move that presented its own set of challenges.
My life took an unexpected turn in July 2022 when I became a mother, something I was not mentally prepared for. This important moment coincided with a period of intense learning as I switched research fields, making everything more complex and difficult for me.
During my pregnancy, I faced health problems, which were worsened by getting COVID-19 twice. Due to my health, I couldn't participate in experimental work for my PhD project. My performance wasn't at its best due to the given circumstances, but I persevered and kept the project moving forward.
It was an exceptionally challenging period, but I'll always be grateful for the constant support of my supervisor who devised a solution by splitting tasks between me and my lab colleague. While my colleague conducted experiments in the lab, I analyzed the data from home.
As a mom in science, going to conferences and schools involves travel. While I can utilize my PhD funds for my own travel expenses, accommodating my baby's needs requires additional financial resources. Unfortunately, not having enough funds meant I often had to travel alone.
I believe that financial support for parents travelling with children is crucial for advancing their academic careers. Sometimes, I had to skip conferences and summer schools for lack of childcare support.
As a postdoc in Physics at Politecnico di Bari, Italy, my husband not only understands the challenges of academic life but also actively supports me both emotionally and logistically.
The support from my husband during my PhD journey has been fundamental to my success story. From sharing household responsibilities and childcare duties to offering academic guidance and serving as a sounding board for my ideas, his unconditional love and support have been instrumental to my success.
My friends and family also provided and still provide huge support, by lending an empathetic ear and helping practically whenever I need. Together, they form a strong support network that helps me navigate the ups and downs of PhD life with strength and confidence.
I’m grateful to my dear friend Ahana for introducing me to the "Mothers in Science" community. This is an organisation that supports and empowers moms in academia and research.
Being a part of Mothers in Science, I've found solidarity, inspiration and helpful resources, and I no longer feel alone.
I feel that there are millions of parents in science, like us, struggling to keep it all together. Mothers in Science has been a valuable addition to our journey as we balance motherhood/parenthood and science together.