Bharathkumar RAJAGOPAL

I’m an early-career researcher who loves exploring how biotechnology can solve environmental problems. My past projects and intended future work are all about trying interdisciplinarity to better understand the research question.

I really enjoy working with analytical instruments. I love learning how high-end instruments work, and with a bit of guidance, I’ll always give them a try. This means I’m now pretty comfortable with almost all the analytical tools used in environmental research.

In this field, we always start by studying sample, materials or pollutants to see what they’re made of. That’s my favourite part. I just like characterising things. Maybe that’s why I like the instruments so much, they help me get to know them better.

For my master’s dissertation, I studied nanoplastics. I characterised and assessed ecotoxicity using tests on in vitro models. I’m also very interested in microbial systems, such as Biofilms and in learning how microbes play their part with pollutants such as micro- & nanoplastics. Lately, I’m also learning to use programming languages and other computational tools helpful in studying metagenomics of these microbial systems. I often try to combine at least two of these areas in my work to get a broader perspective of the problem.

I got my Master’s in Biotechnology with First Class Distinction (CGPA 8.75/10) from Amity University, Uttar Pradesh. Right now, I’m working independently with Dr. Boobal Rangaswamy. He was my adviser during my undergrad too. Together, we’re focusing on projects about ecotoxicology and microbial ecology.

My name’s up there, but you can just call me Bharath. Not sure how to say it? Check out my pronunciation guide 🔍.

Science, for me, is less about having answers and more about learning to ask better questions.