In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Vikas Soni, a scientist and entrepreneur working at the intersection of plasma medicine, cancer biology, and space technology. Dr. Soni shares his journey from growing up in one of India's most competitive scientific environments to co-founding JivaJet alongside Dr. Anmol Taploo, who I interviewed earlier this season.

What stands out about Dr. Soni's story is how he balanced his artistic passions with his love for science. Growing up surrounded by some of the best scientists and facing intense academic pressure, he initially considered careers in acting and art before his grandfather's cancer diagnosis shifted his focus toward biomedical research. His experience shows that you don't always have to choose between creativity and science, but instead can find a way to combine both passions.

Dr. Soni offers honest insight into the challenges of being an international entrepreneur in the US, including having to step down as CEO of his own company due to regulatory restrictions. Despite these obstacles, the work he's doing at JivaJet is genuinely amazing. He describes how his team is using plasma technology to treat aggressive brain tumors and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, while also developing applications for space exploration like wound healing in microgravity and enhancing plant growth for future Mars missions.

Episode Outline

(00:44) Dr. Soni's background and journey from India to Washington, D.C.

(04:04) Growing up in a competitive scientific research township in Mumbai

(10:05) The differences between college applications in India vs. the US

(12:14) Key mentors and influences throughout his academic journey

(19:17) The science behind plasma's effects on plant growth and seed germination

(21:51) How plasma technology could revolutionize wound healing in space

(23:53) How entrepreneurship has transformed his approach to space medicine

(28:42) Advice for international entrepreneurs facing regulatory obstacles

(30:38) Advice for the next generation who want to pursue STEM entrepreneurship

Connect with Dr. Vikas

• Connect with Dr. Soni on LinkedIn
• Learn more about JivaJet

Connect with Andrew

• Subscribe to Adding Spice to Career Advice on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

In this episode, I’m joined by Molly Sullivan, Director of Corporate Development at Space Tango, a company that enables research and manufacturing in space. Molly’s journey from biomedical engineering to the commercial space industry shows how oftentimes, the right job comes from being open to non-linear paths and following unexpected connections.

Molly shares how her athletic background shaped her approach to her college and beyond. Playing multiple sports taught her to be adaptable, competitive, and willing to try new things, which she says inspired her to explore different internships and career paths early on in college.

Molly’s advice for anyone trying to break into space or biotech is to stay patient and persistent. She emphasizes that the unexpected detours that she’s taken have been extremely valuable. Even though it might not seem like it on the surface, her experience in technical roles, business development, and legislation all contribute to her success at Space Tango. Molly’s story is an important reminder that when you follow your passions and creativity, the right opportunity will come along.

Episode Outline

(00:57) How Molly got interested in STEM in high school

(01:44) The link between sports and business skills

(05:22) College experience and focusing on tissue engineering

(07:17) How biomedical engineering principles apply across industries

(09:29) The business of biotech

(11:54) Discovering the connection between tissue engineering and space

(14:57) What Space Tango does and the evolution of Molly's role there

(17:01) Breaking into competitive industries and having patience

(18:38) Advice for finding the right fit in STEM careers

Connect with Molly

• Connect with Molly on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Space Tango

Connect with Andrew

• Subscribe to Adding Spice to Career Advice on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Anmol Taploo, an aerospace engineer and co-founder of JivaJet, a company developing plasma propulsion engines for satellites. Anmol shares how he went from studying gas turbine engines in New Delhi to pioneering technology that could revolutionize how satellites operate in low Earth orbit, all while facing significant skepticism from the aerospace community.

Anmol’s path to plasma propulsion started with childhood conversation with his aunt, a NASA scientist who worked on the Challenger spacecraft. Those discussions about space exploration and the possibility of life beyond Earth sparked an interest that eventually led him to focus on how to use air as a propellant for satellite engines at extremely low altitudes. When he first presented his ideas at conferences five years ago, researchers would literally laugh at him, but he persisted because he saw how it could positively impact the increasing levels of “space junk” and limited capabilities of traditional satellites.

Anmol’s perspective of entrepreneurship is that the hustle always pays off, even when the path isn’t clear. It’s also important to surround yourself with people who believe in you and your ideas, especially when skeptics get loud. For anyone considering starting a business, Anmol’s story proves that a clear vision and persistence can transform “crazy” ideas into reality.

Episode Outline

(00:21) Anmol's background and path from New Delhi to George Washington University

(05:20) India's competitive education system and choosing engineering track

(14:16) Aerospace industry restrictions and internship experiences

(16:20) Co-founding JivaJet and commercializing PhD research

(22:04) Developing air-breathing plasma engines for low Earth orbit

(25:33) Transition from scientist to entrepreneur mindset

(30:45) Advice on persistence, hard work, and believing in yourself

Connect with Anmol

• Connect with Anmol on LinkedIn
• Learn more about JivaJet

Connect with Andrew

• Subscribe to Adding Spice to Career Advice on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts