Student Member Spotlight: Lekhraj Saini

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Student Member Spotlight
Lekhraj Saini

Written by: Kevin Corbley

Originally from Kotputli in Rajasthan, India, Lekhraj Saini is currently in his final year pursuing a PhD at the Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore). Lekhraj’ research is focused on polar meteorology, specifically on Arctic precipitation processes that are strongly affected by the changing climate. His work aims to characterize these changes using ground-based observational instruments data from Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard (around 79°N) and employing instruments such as the micro rain radar, ceilometer, disdrometer, and automatic weather stations to study precipitation and associated conditions. Once active in sports, Lekhraj now enjoys capturing nature through photography and videos during travel and then curating them into engaging travel vlogs. He joined GRSS in 2022.

Why did you decide to join GRSS?

When I joined IIT Indore as a new student, I wanted to connect with communities beyond my institute. One of my seniors, Hemapriya, who was the GRSS Student Branch Chair at that time, encouraged me to join. GRSS offered opportunities to connect not only with peers from my institute but also with researchers from national and international institutions. Later, I got nominated to lead the Student Branch as Chair, which became a major source of inspiration.

How has GRSS benefited you in your academic pursuits?

GRSS has already benefited me a lot. For example, I received a microgrant that helped me to purchase storage equipment for my research as well as to attend conferences and hackathon. I also received International travel grants that supported my participation in international conferences, including IGARSS 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. GRSS also provides access to high-quality journals and discounted publication opportunities, which are extremely valuable for early-career researchers.

What other GRSS activities have you participated in, or plan to participate in?

In India, we have the InGARSS conference. I plan to participate in InGARSS 2025, which will be held in December in India. Additionally, I am looking forward to joining IGARSS 2026 in Washington, D.C. At my institute, we regularly organize workshops and invite distinguished international professors, which GRSS has greatly facilitated.

Looking ahead, how do you expect GRSS to support your professional career?

After finishing my PhD i aim to get a postdoctoral position, particularly in polar meteorology and precipitation studies. GRSS provides strong networking opportunities with leading scientists worldwide. This exposure will be very important for building collaborations and identifying postdoctoral opportunities.

Was your GRSS experience different from your expectations?

Yes. Initially, when I became Chair of the Student Branch in 2023, I thought it would be very difficult to lead a new chapter without funds or resources. But GRSS provided excellent support, both financial and academic. For example, we were able to organize workshops, invite international speakers, and even received the Chapter Excellence Award in 2023. What I expected to be difficult turned out to be very smooth because of the strong backing from GRSS and the India Section leadership.

Where can people meet you in person at upcoming GRSS events?

I attended IGARSS 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. Looking ahead, I will be at IGARSS 2026 in Washington, D.C., as well as InGARSS 2025 in December in India.

What words of encouragement would you offer to other students considering joining GRSS?

GRSS is more than just a society, it feels like a vibrant and supportive family. It provides networking, mentorship, funding opportunities, and career guidance. For students, especially during a PhD, when funding is limited, GRSS provides microgrants, travel support, and visibility in the global scientific community. Being part of GRSS makes the PhD journey much easier and more rewarding.

Do you know an IEEE GRSS Student Member who deserves to be recognized? We invite you to submit a nomination by sending a brief message to ir_pub@grss-ieee.org with the subject: “Student Member Spotlight.”