Jupneet Singh Summer '22

We caught up with Jupneet (B.S. Chemistry '23 and MISTI IdentityX Ambassador), who we last spoke to when she was a panelist at MIT-India's 2022 International Women's Day event! She's currently conducting a research project studying the demographics of current opioid usage in youth in India. The Akal Drug Rehab Center’s mission is to eradicate the globally spiraling problem of drug and alcohol addiction which has severely affected the state of Punjab. Jupneet shared that a vital part of their model is demonstrating their clinical impact through studies about their patients. She said, "they recently published a book about Drug Addiction in Punjab, and my project will continue this work by telling the story of the patients that are treated - from how they became drug addicts to how the Akal Drug Rehab Center has treated them and helped them to become self-supportive and contributing members of society." 

Read our interview below with Jupneet to learn about her daily life in India!

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What is your morning commute like?

I live on “campus” so it’s about a 10 minute walk from where I live. The hospital is in the mountains so is a bit of workout in the Indian sun.

What is your work like day-to-day thus far?

I go to the hospital from 9-5. In the morning a lot of other students are also there so we do activities with the patients and take medical history. In the evening the patients are resting and it’s a little quieter so I’ll work on my research project during that time. In the evening I’ll have dinner, explore the campus, or spend time with the other students!

What is your favorite place to go so far?

My favorite place is definitely this place called the “IB Ground.” It’s a patch of beautiful grass where I like to go running.

Have you tried any new foods you enjoyed or seen anything new?

Most of the food I’ve had are dishes I’ve had at home, so honestly eating makes me feel a little more at home! I’ve never stayed in an Indian college environment before, so all of that is new.