Award winning freelance writer, Bijal Trivedi is a scientist by training, but her passion for writing led her to science journalism, specializing in medicine and health. EkWomen brings you stories of inspiring women of the South Asian diaspora. Bijal spent her formative years in the UK and Australia before her family moved to the US in the 80s. Her academic trajectory took her to Oberlin, UCLA, and NYU, but what’s even more exciting are her experiences as a science journalist from blasting off in a Russian vomit comet to prowling the vaults of the Metropolitan Museum in New York learn about her many adventures. While Trivedi has been published in many reputed science journals, find out which well-known philanthropist endorsed her first book, as one of his top five picks for 2020.
Bijal jokes about the long gestation period for her book and sheds light on the roller coaster journey she undertook with the people involved in finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Her book does read like a thriller and is a fun read for those who enjoy reading. She also discusses the procedure of writing and publishing a book, something that was alien to her and that she had to learn as she went, especially given she is dyslexic. She shares tools to help people with her type of learning issues.
Trivedi admits to being culturally Indian but professionally aligned to western sensibilities. She reveals how her childhood shaped her love for science and nature. She admits perturbing her professor dad and librarian mother when she steered away from the traditional desi career path and became a journalist though she did surprise them by getting married. Bijal shares how it is to raise biracial children pointing out cultural similarities and differences. She also explains her decision to raise them in the Jewish faith.
In the rapid fire, this scientist shows a side that is not all serious. After a life spent trotting around the globe, Bijal has now put down roots in Washington DC with her husband and two children.
