I believe that early diagnosis holds immense potential to save human lives.”
Devleena Das (she/her)
Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Chemistry
Devleena Das is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Chemistry in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. Her work centers on tailored healthcare and early diagnosis using personalized devices and monitoring systems. Devleena is also a member of the executive committee for the Northwestern University Postdoctoral Association (NUPA), where she helps maintain the NUPA webpage.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
The purpose of my research is early and personalized diagnosis. A three-pronged approach is employed to achieve this goal. Firstly, I design, fabricate, and develop miniaturized implantable devices that can be embedded to detect and continuously monitor biomarkers for inflammation and other diseases. An interesting combination of micro/nanofabrication techniques, printed circuit board (PCB) designing, and coding is used to achieve this. Secondly, characterization of these devices is done by employing electrochemistry-based assays and microscopy. Finally, the devices are tested in living systems such as in cells and small animal models.
Although I enjoy research the most, one of the experiences unique to academia lies in the transfer of information/knowledge. I have had the opportunity to mentor undergraduate students, write research proposals, and deliver lectures. Being part of the executive committee of NUPA, I also enjoy partaking in various professional outreach programs.
Tell us what inspired your research and/or work.
I believe that early diagnosis holds immense potential to save human lives. I lost my mother to cancer as by the time of detection, it had already metastasized. According to a recent study, the lethality rate of late diagnosis for certain diseases is as high as 20%. Through my work, I want to make sure that number can be significantly reduced.
Whom do you admire in your field and otherwise, and why?
Although I am incredibly fortunate to have met and worked with some amazing scientists, I consider Madam Marie Curie, my adviser, Dr. Shana Kelley, and Dr. Shannon Stott to be immense sources of inspiration for me. For budding women scientists such as me, it's great to have such glowing examples of strong role models who have been objective, empathetic, and empowering leaders.
What is the biggest potential impact or implication of your work?
As inflammation accounts for at least 50% of deaths every year, my research work, in collaboration with the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, has the potential to enhance our understanding of the immune system and ameliorate patient care. This will be achieved via embedded biosensors for continuously monitoring the crucial biomarkers of the immune microenvironment in skin and adipose tissue.
Why Northwestern?
I joined NU primarily to work with my adviser Dr. Shana Kelley who is one of the leaders in the field of biosensors and microfluidics. Northwestern, to me, is a melting pot of cultures, disciplines, and as a result, perspectives. I love the fact that NU is one of the world's leading research institutions with impactful work being done regularly and, of course, being so close to Lake Michigan is a plus.
How do you unwind after a long day?
I love building Lego, playing the piano, and keeping myself updated with the most current research in my field. I also love learning new languages. Currently, I am enjoying learning Korean and Spanish.
What books are on your bedside table?
As an avid reader, my nightstand is admittedly cluttered with books. Some of the staples include Bhagavad Gita as it Is by Prabhupada, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien, Emperor of All Maladies by Dr. Siddharth Mukherjee, The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla by Mark Selfier, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson, Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
What inspires you?
Primarily my mother's belief in me, her compassion, and the innumerable sacrifices she made for me. Additionally, I find such people inspirational who have survived hardships yet remain humble.
What did you originally want to be when you grew up?
As a child, my Sundays were spent repairing wall clocks with my father who is an electrical engineer. The complex organizational mechanism caught my attention and curiosity and since then, I aspired to be an engineer.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
I would advise my younger self to avoid having a myopic view when approaching a research problem and instead focus on the bigger picture. It is, in fact, wise to know when to let go of an idea that no longer serves its purpose. Additionally, as amazing as it is to attain external validation, more often than not we need to be our biggest cheerleaders.
Tell us about a current achievement or something you're working on that excites you.
I defended my PhD thesis in August. I love the multidisciplinary nature of my research problems throughout my career so far. I am extremely thrilled to apply my training as an electronics and nanofabrication engineer to understand the breadth and depth of diseases and enhance patients' quality of life. In Dr. Kelley's laboratory, we focus on the design and characterization of biosensors for continuous monitoring of inflammation and its aftermath.
Tell us about a time when things did not go as you planned, what did you learn?
After the completion of my master’s at the University of Glasgow, UK, I had got an amazing opportunity to do a PhD at the University of Oxford, UK. Unfortunately, my scholarship wasn't going to cover my annual expenses, so I chose to let go of that opportunity and decided to migrate to the USA. The acclimatization wasn't the easiest and it took me a few extra years to get where I really wanted, but I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. I am grateful for the people I met on the way and each experience taught me something valuable. Most important of all, I learned that for the time being, although our paths might appear convoluted, with tenacity and hard work, anything is attainable.
Publish Date: December 5, 2023
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