Dr. Shabeena M has made history by becoming the first woman from the Lakshadweep Islands to earn a doctorate. She recently defended her PhD thesis on Aquaculture and Microbiology. Despite facing criticism from relatives and neighbors, Dr. Shabeena showed great courage and determination. Her research focused on the “Composition, Importance, and Diversity of Different Species of Algae in Lakshadweep Peninsula.” The Lakshadweep administration has recognized her achievements, praising her for revealing new aspects of marine life in the region.
A Journey of Education
Dr. Shabeena, 35, grew up in Androth, one of the inhabited islands in Lakshadweep. During her college days, she often faced questions like, “What will you, as a woman, do studying aquaculture and microbiology?” Despite these doubts, she completed her graduation and post-graduation in Lakshadweep. After finishing her studies, she became a fisheries teacher at a local school in 2014. Dr. Shabeena faced many struggles, especially after her father passed away when she was in the 4th standard. This loss made her education uncertain, but she persevered and succeeded.
Support and Research
Dr. Shabeena never thought she could pursue a PhD due to limited opportunities in Lakshadweep. However, her passion for aquatic biology caught the attention of Idris Babu and Suresh Kumar, who guided her in her doctoral studies. She enrolled for her PhD in 2016 and began her research in 2017. Dr. Shabeena traveled to different islands to collect samples of marine plants and algae. She often took her infant daughter with her to Kochi for university research, staying there for months to work on her thesis. Dr. Shabeena credits her husband and parents-in-law for their support throughout her journey. Her research revealed that out of 182 species of algae once found in Lakshadweep, only 96 species are still surviving today.
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