This Biophysics Week, we're highlighting some of the outstanding members of our Student Chapter program. Today, we'll hear from Saborni Chowdhury, a 2nd year PdD student at the University of St Andrews Biophysical Society Student Chapter .

 

What inspired you to study biophysics? 

The inspiration to study biophysics has been a personal journey for me. As a first-year bachelor student back in 2016, I got sick with food cooked from adulterated oil and it led to discussions with my then supervisor about the use of biophysical tools like spectroscopy to study the adulteration of oil, and I eventually started my first project. Over time I have realized that biophysics has the ability to understand complex biological problems that are not alone possible with most of the traditional methods, which has been my inspiration to study biophysics.  

What do you think makes the study of biophysics unique? 

It is the ability of biophysics to understand and solve complex everyday problems that can bring differences in everyday life that makes it unique to study it. We might often feel that we are just using traditional molecular biology or biochemistry in the project. However, without biophysics most other subjects don’t make proper sense. It is this interwinding nature of biophysics that makes it a highly appealing subject to be involved with. 

What skill have you learned in your studies that you find useful in other aspects of your life? 

Over the years I have developed a lot of useful public engagement skills that have helped me change myself. I have become a better manager of time and resources, with the ability to lead teams to accomplish public engagement projects. I have learnt to express ideas in short and concise ways that are often useful in everyday life. Lastly, I have learnt efficient ways to network that has brought several non-academic opportunities for me. 

What is your dream career? 

The ability to give more to the society, either in knowledge or opportunity, is something I look forward to. I want to creat more awareness about biophysics so as to make people aware about the everyday interwinding nature of it. I dream to start a social enterprise to bring life-changing biophysical tools from labs to the masses, that could be highly beneficial for the low-income countries.   

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Being able to learn and do research in world class universities and knowing my research could potentially help to reduce the cost of drug development is one of the accomplishments I am proud of. Further being able to communicate my research better and in a more efficient way to a non-target audience along with being able to give back to the society in form of scientific outreaches is something I am proud of further. 

What advice do you have for someone thinking about studying biophysics? 

Just go out and learn as much as you can. Learn all the techniques and skills you can so as to being able to use them later. Never stop pushing yourself, even if you are not aware of your capabilities. You will learn so much in this whole journey and there is always so much to be discovered!