Name : Gokula Krishnan J G
Location: Chennai
University: UoM
Which year :2024
Academic and Professional Journey of Gokula Krishnan J G
Contact: +91-85951232603 | Email: gokula.hydrogeo@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jzohllin
My academic and professional journey in Geology has been a multifaceted one, rooted in exploration, collaboration, and a deep interest in Earth sciences and its real-world applications. I completed my B.Sc. (Hons) in Geology from the University of Delhi, where we had the opportunity to explore much beyond textbooks. On National Science Day, we visited the Atomic Minerals Directorate where we interacted with senior scientists, explored their labs, and engaged in a quiz session that deepened our appreciation for India’s nuclear program and the geological aspects of atomic mineral exploration.
Our first post-COVID field trip in March 2022 was to the Himalayas, specifically to Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, where we visited the Pandoh Dam—a vital hydroelectric infrastructure on the Beas River. We then explored a tunnel under construction, where engineers were using advanced geotechnical equipment to map the tunnel face and monitor the surrounding shale rock formations. The trip also gave us cultural insights, as we attended a wedding at our hotel and explored the local town hall in the evenings. One unforgettable moment was meeting Vishal Batra, twin brother of the late Captain Vikram Batra (PVC), whose heroic story was immortalized in the film Shershaah. We even took a selfie with him—adding a personal layer to our patriotic sentiments.
The B.Sc. program at Delhi University was dynamic. We had two open-book exams (in the first and last semesters), and though we lacked some fundamentals, we compensated with practical experience. The friendships I made during those years have remained strong and valuable even today.
For my postgraduation, I pursued an M.Sc. in Applied Geology at Anna University, where I served as the placement representative. We had a memorable industrial visit to the research vessel ORV Sagar Nidhi, a polar-class ship operated by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). The vessel, capable of Antarctic expeditions, is equipped with sophisticated geophysical survey instruments. We met onboard geophysicists and alumni who shared thrilling accounts—like switching to auxiliary motors mid-ocean due to mechanical issues. It was eye-opening to see the risks and resilience in oceanographic research. I even joked about stowing away, but academia called.
Driven by community spirit, I helped establish our department’s alumni group and co-organized the Aspiring Geologists Extravaganza (AGE), a national-level geological fest. Held annually in March, AGE hosts poster presentations, model-making competitions, paper talks, and quizzes to spark geoscientific curiosity among students across India.
In April 2023, our team represented Anna University at IIT Bombay, competing against 250 participants from across the country. We won several events and emerged as the overall champions. Though we mistakenly took 16 participants instead of the allowed 15, only 15 competed, and we still returned triumphant with trophies and departmental pride.
However, the placement season was challenging. The first opportunity was from Ramco Cements, but despite attending interviews, they didn’t recruit anyone that year. Later, Oil India Limited invited five of our batch toppers (under an MoU with Presidency and Anna University) to visit their Digboi Oilfield headquarters in Assam. All expenses, including flights, were reimbursed. Unfortunately, none were selected due to their age limit of 24. This highlighted the constraints students face, even when opportunities arise.
While some peers pursued industry jobs—my best friend now works on a tunneling project in Nagaland—I chose research. My focus is on contributing to India’s scientific community through higher education. I scored 233/300 in CUET PG in 2022, and more recently I managed to secure an AIR of 669 in GATE 2025 with a score of 41/100 (~85 percentile) without much effort as the paper was prettye easy, and I am currently awaiting the CSIR-NET results, rooting for clearing the lectureship category. My goal is to pursue a Ph.D. or M.Tech from an esteemed institute like an IIT, IISER, or NIT, and to conduct meaningful research here in India.
During my MSc, I worked on a consultancy project (details withheld due to confidentiality) under the guidance of Dr. T. Subramani, Head of the Department of Geology at Anna University. My earlier inspirations stemmed from Delhi University, particularly Dr. Prabhas Pande known for pioneering the Almora Geotourism project.
In parallel, I’ve documented many of my learnings on my blog, GeoShorts, where I write about mineralogy, geohazards, the Messinian salinity crisis, and more. The blog serves as both a creative outlet and a way to simplify geological concepts for wider audiences.
My technical skill set includes ArcGIS, QGIS, Python (beginner level), ModelMuse, VMS, Visual MODFLOW Flex, and Microsoft Excel. I’ve also had exposure to RStudio, Power BI, and Java, though not extensively. These tools complement my core geological knowledge and analytical thinking. I continue to stay engaged through academic writing, peer interactions, and personal projects.
In essence, my academic journey reflects a balance between exploration, leadership, research aptitude, and a commitment to giving back to the scientific community. I remain deeply rooted in my passion for Earth sciences, always striving to learn more and contribute meaningfully to India’s geoscientific future.