Doctoral candidate 7 - Manisha Chatterjee - Laboratorio Iberico Internacional de Nanotecnologia (INL), Braga, Portugal

Supervisor: Pieter De Beule, INL;

co-supervisor: Thomas Huser, UniBi

Tell us about yourself, who are you? (and how do you like to spend your time?)

My name is Manisha Chatterjee, and I am from Bankura, a small city in the state of West Bengal, India and this is my first time here in Europe. I arrived in Braga (Portugal), about one month ago and have been enjoying the city ever since, mainly due to its pleasant and quiet environment as well as the nature in- and outside the city.

Since I am very fond of traveling and exploring, I am very much looking forward to my stay here.

In my free time I am usually watching movies, listening to music and I love cooking! This is mainly due to the fact, that I somewhat miss the delicious cuisine from my home.

What is your educational background and what have been up until now?

In September 2021, I successfully completed my Bachelor's degree in Chemistry at the University of Bankura. Building on this, I started my Master's programme, with a specialization in physical chemistry, at the University of Kalayani in December 2021.

While doing my M.Sc. I participated in a project in the field of computational, biophysical chemistry where I was conducting a computational simulation study for active site binding in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Which was an especially important project, since the antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens is increasing rapidly.

Following up on this project, I joined for a research internship in biophysical chemistry at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, to study the Bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV). Within the scope of the internship, we were specifically researching on the TAR-TAT binding in the BIV.

Most recently I have joined the ImAge-D project as a research fellow for my PhD at International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory under the supervision of Pieter De Beule.

Why did you decide to join ImAge-D?

Due to my academic background and training, I have a great interest in both biology and chemistry, and the project perfectly combines my interest by working on endothelial cells and working with atomic force microscopy.

In addition, it was important to me that my work would be of benefit to people. If I am successful in my work and can provide good results, I see it as helpful for mankind and science.

What are your expectations regarding your work in the ImAge-D project?

In the ImAge-D project I will mainly work with atomic force microscopy on endothelial cells to further develop my knowledge and skills in the field of microscopy.

In addition, the project offers me the opportunity to expand my network, exchange ideas and explore further ideas thanks to the other highly qualified doctoral candidates and their supervisors.

I am also very much looking forward to the exchange with different research institutions and the associated stays in Norway, Germany, Poland and possibly others. I firmly believe, that the project will help me to grow not only on a professional but also on a personal level.

Could you share a fun fact with me?

Recently I went for a morning walk in a park near to INL when I noticed that a dog was chasing me. I kept walking faster and faster to get away, but the dog was also going faster and faster behind me until the owner of the dog kindly asked me to stop on the spot. When I stopped, the dog immediately stopped as well, right next to me.

With Manisha we have now found our fourth candidate, we are very happy to welcome her on board and hope that the project fulfils her expectations!