Academic Background:

Professional Experience

   - 2017 - Present: Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Technology
   Kanpur, India
   - 2016 – 2017 : Research Fellow, University of San Diego, USA
   - 2013 – 2016 : Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California – Los
   Angeles (UCLA), USA
   - 2011 – 2012 : Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Konstanz, Germany

Education

   - Ph.D. (2011): Indian Institute of Science, India
   - M.S. (2003): Indian Institute of Science, India
   - B.Sc. (2000): Presidency College, Kolkata University, India

Research Interests:

We study the statistical physics of soft and active matter, including biological systems, primarily through experimental methods supplemented by numerical simulations and analytical calculations. Our goal is to uncover the microscopic origin of the emergent intriguing physical phenomena in
condensed matter physics.

Soft matter systems are distinguished by their comparatively soft mechanical responses, that is, their ability to deform more easily under ambient conditions. Active systems exhibit enhanced dynamics, beyond spontaneous thermal fluctuations, by consuming energy from their surroundings. The significance of studying statistical phenomena in soft and active matter systems is multifaceted. These systems provide versatile model systems that have become increasingly crucial for understanding fundamental equilibrium and nonequilibrium processes in condensed matter physics, in addition to exhibiting fascinating and tunable mechanical properties for innovative applications.



Some of the projects that we are currently working on include:

·    Active Brownian dynamics in complex environments and under confinements

·    Single particle and emergent collective behavior of run-and-tumble dynamics

·    Bacterial swarming and biofilm

·    Anomalous diffusion and nonequilibrium fluctuations, microrheology

·    Resetting of active and passive dynamics

·    Structural transitions and defect dynamics in colloidal crystals

·    Mechanical responses of cells and bio-membranes



The experimental tools that we currently use are:

·   Laser tweezers and other optical micromanipulation techniques

·   Bright field, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy with advanced video imaging

·   Rheology coupled with confocal imaging