What is one thing you wish more people knew about research?

Sayak: Some things look hard but aren’t. I wish more people understood that it’s not as complex as it seems—what makes it difficult is the preconceived notion that it’s out of reach. When people see research as an impossible task, they create barriers in their minds before they even begin. The truth is that research can be broken down into manageable steps once you know the right approach. I wish students understood that getting into research doesn’t require genius-level brilliance; it just requires clarity of purpose and the right mindset. Another key finding that I didn’t know was about the existence of peer-to-peer journals & high-school journals which help you get your hard work published without having a degree of college.

Tell us what you specifically loved about the Research Bootcamp.

Sayak: What I loved most about the Incognito Blueprint program was how streamlined and structured everything was. I liked the way things were put up on the platform. From the assessments to the weekly meetings. Another standout feature was the team I worked with. We all came from different backgrounds, but everyone was driven and passionate about their research. The collaborative atmosphere made me feel like I was part of something bigger, something that could genuinely make an impact. The best thing about this program from my perspective was the way it made research accessible to everyone, even those new to the field. I had 0 experience in writing research papers. And now, I have a research paper published with the hard work of me and my team. Incognito Blueprint made research less of a mountain and more of a roadmap that anyone could follow. Overall, it was an enriching experience, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to get started in research.

When you think about the future of research and where it’s headed in the next decade, what role do you hope to play in shaping that future?

Sayak: In the next decade, research will evolve in ways we can’t even imagine today. Knowledge will become more accessible than ever, and AI will play a bigger role in the discovery process. But with convenience comes challenges—like how automation may lead to laziness, and perhaps even an increase in health-related issues like obesity due to our increasingly sedentary lifestyles. I want to focus on areas that will need balance—between AI automation and human manual efforts—and I hope to contribute to shaping that equilibrium. address global problems, like health and climate change, while also ensuring that technological advancements don’t make us complacent.

Is the program ideal for young high school students considering research is a very vast and advanced field?

Sayak: 100%. Incognito Blueprint’s Research Bootcamp is worth every buck. Not only do you get a commitment mentor on your team and guidance from Saloni’s experience but also you get to learn from their videos where they don’t hesitate to reveal the real juice of how research can be easily actually done. Their videos are incredibly insightful, and they don’t shy away from revealing the true techniques and shortcuts that can make research more approachable. For any student who feels like research is out of their reach, this bootcamp will change that mindset. It breaks down the complexities into understandable pieces, and by the end, you realize that research isn’t as advanced or difficult as you thought—it’s just about knowing how to approach it.

What song is the soundtrack to your life?

Sayak: Two songs really resonate with me: “When I Grow Up” and “The Search” by NF. They’re rap tracks, but they capture something deeper that speaks to me. Both songs reflect the darker side of ambition—the doubts, the frustrations, and the moments of uncertainty. Sometimes it feels like NF is voicing thoughts I’ve had but never really expressed. I got introduced to this dark genre of rap and phonk in Grade 10, where I think I struggled with depression. These songs are about pushing forward, despite the challenges, and I often listen to them when I’m feeling overwhelmed or unsure about my path. They remind me that I can’t lose if I don’t give up.

What woman inspires you?

Sayak: In Grade 10, my perspective on the world shifted thanks to a few key people. One of them was Ankur Warikoo. He not only introduced me to the world of finance. I even used his Excel templates to help my family reduce our home EMI. I admire people like Mark Manson and Tim Ferriss, who speak honestly and cut through the fluff to offer practical advice. These individuals have inspired me to look at life through a no-nonsense lens and always strive for personal growth.