Bhagyashri arrived in Latvia in February 2022 to pursue her PhD at the University of Latvia. The cold Latvian winter, the silence on public transport and the unusually long summer days initially felt like a completely different world, but over time Latvia became her second home. After defending her PhD thesis in November 2025, she continued her research while also teaching students and recently joined the Faculty’s HR team. In this interview, Bhagyashri shares what brought her to Latvia, how her first impressions of the country have changed over the years, her work in magnetic soft matter research, and how combining several different roles allows her to both support others and continue developing professionally.
What led you to move to Latvia?
After completing my Master’s in India, I wanted to pursue a PhD abroad to gain experience in a different work culture. While searching for positions across European universities, I came across a PhD opening at the Magnetic Soft Materials Lab at the University of Latvia. After the interview, I was offered the opportunity to do my PhD at FST, University of Latvia.
When I started my PhD in the Magnetic Soft Materials Lab, I like the work culture here. I came to truly appreciate the welcoming and supportive working environment at our faculty. The assistance I received with administrative processes and my studies was invaluable, and I also learned the importance of maintaining a healthy work–life balance.
Eventually, Latvia began to feel like my second home. These positive experiences—both academic and personal—made me to stay and build my future here.
What were your first impressions of Latvia and Latvians, and how have they changed over the years?
I still remember my first day in Latvia—it was 1st February 2022, in the middle of winter, with windrow and temperatures below -10°C. After seeing this side of nature, the first question that came to my mind was, “Am I going to survive here?”
For the first two years, I found Latvia’s weather very challenging particularly the long summer days when the sun is still up at 11:00 p.m., and the short winter days when it is already dark by 4:00 p.m. In India, day and night are almost equal throughout the year, so this was a completely new experience for me.
Another surprising thing was the silence in public transport. When I first entered a bus, there was complete silence—it felt unusual to me. I was used to noise and lively conversations, so I initially thought that Latvians were very introverted and did not talk much. Everything seemed so quiet and calm. The funny thing, I was literally use to sit next to window at home and count the how many people passed by.
However, over time, all these impressions completely changed.
I started enjoying sitting at the beach and watching the sunset at 11:00 p.m after work. I began to appreciate going to work in the dark and returning home in the dark. I started enjoying the snow—not just watching it from the window, but experiencing it. I also explored different towns across Latvia.
Later, I began talking to people at the market, on the bus, at concerts, whenever I had the chance and definitely my little Latvian Language knowledge help me a lot to interact with locals. And I realized that Latvians are actually very kind, helpful, and warm people. I also enjoy talking to elderly people; those conversations have always been very meaningful to me.
And now, whenever I find myself in complete silence, I no longer see it as something strange—I experience it as peace.
What is your focus in science?
I defended my PhD thesis in November 2025 and am currently working as a Research Assistant at the Magnetic Soft Matter Lab. So far, my work has primarily been simulation-based, where I worked on the dynamics of ensemble of spinning particles in viscous fluid. I now aim to extend my research toward sustainable science by focusing on real-life applications in the field of magnetic soft matter. My focus in science is not only on research but also on teaching. I aim to make physics understandable and engaging for students while continuing my research. I also teach physics laboratory for non-physics bachelor’s students,
You recently joined the HR department as well — how do you balance your daily work?
I like to interact with people. As I have often been involved in discussions about the university’s work culture and life in Latvia with international students, I realized that I can help them in the initial stages of their journey. This motivated me to support international students at our faculty. To balance my work, I plan my day in advance, prioritize tasks according to deadlines, and make sure to dedicate focused time to each responsibility - research, teaching, and HR work. I also enjoy the diversity of these roles, as they help me grow both professionally and personally.
How do you spend your free time?
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy a variety of hobbies that bring balance and creativity into my daily routine. I love reading. Cooking is another passion of mine—I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and exploring different flavors in my free time. Living in Latvia has also deepened my appreciation for nature. Its beautiful parks and forests have become my peaceful retreat, where I often spend my weekends crocheting and enjoying the quiet surroundings during summer. I like to start my mornings with basic yoga, which helps me stay centered and energized for the day. In the evenings, I do henna art, practicing it several times a week and continually refining my designs.
