Mukherjee
5th year Physical Chemistry Graduate Student
Integrated Bachelor and Master of Sciences, IISER Mohali, India
Fluorescent biomarkers have revolutionized microscopy and biological research, yet the complexity of light matter interactions in such applications need detailed understanding through spectroscopic analysis. Trained as a Physical Chemist, I am investigating the photophysical properties of Fluorescent Proteins and developing technologies to generate brighter Fluorescent Proteins. I have developed high-throughput optically-integrated microfluidcs assays to direct the evolution of Red Fluorescent proteins to higher fluorescence lifetime values. I am currently studying the implications of higher fluorescence lifetimes on the pathways of energy decay in Fluorescent Proteins - namely, the radiative and the non-radiative rate constants of decay. Aside from this, I am also investigating the dark state conversion properties of fluorescent proteins and I am studiying the impacts of the changes in lifetime on parameters such as single molecule blinking.
The Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC) program supports university-based centers and institutes where the collective efforts of a larger group of individuals can enable transformational advances in the most promising research areas. The program is designed to foster major breakthroughs at the intellectual frontiers of physics by providing needed resources such as combinations of talents, skills, disciplines, and/or specialized infrastructure, not usually available to individual investigators or small groups, in an environment in which the collective efforts of the larger group can be shown to be seminal to promoting significant progress in the science and the education of students. PFCs also include creative, substantive activities aimed at enhancing education, broadening participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, and outreach to the scientific community and general public.