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Debjit Roy

Hebrew University of Jerusalem, University of California Los Angeles, Rajabajar Science College, University of Calcutta, Asutosh College, University of Kolkata, National University of Singapore

ORCID iD 0000-0001-5615-3709
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About

I possess a strong research background, with over 10 years of experience in the field of nano-biophotonics, a multidisciplinary area of research that integrates principles from material science, biophysical chemistry, and advanced microscopy techniques. My doctoral research at IISER Kolkata involved design and development of stable and efficient fluorescent nanomaterials, understanding their fundamental optical properties at the single particle level. I have acquired hands-on experience in developing custom optical setups, learning crucial skills in planning the optical layout, assembling the optomechanical components, walking the laser beam as well as optical alignment techniques for the mirror & lens, fiber optic coupling. I successfully designed and assembled custom fluorescence microscopes (wide field, TIRF, confocal), optimized for high sensitivity and precision, tailored specifically for the detection single nanoparticles and analysis of photoluminescence blinking dynamics at a microscopic level. Apart from that I have had experience in handling a diverse array of commercial microscopes. With a foundation in chemistry and specialized training as a spectroscopist/microscopist during my doctoral research, I developed a robust skill sets in nanomaterial synthesis, characterization as well as ultrafast optical spectroscopy, single molecule fluorescence microscopy techniques. Building on these expertise’s my first postdoctoral research at the NUS, marked a natural transition into experimental biophysics. I explored camera-based fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to map nanoscopic heterogeneity of cell membrane structure and dynamics. Here I have learned the essentials of cell culture techniques for adherent mammalian cell types, live-cell and fixed-cell imaging techniques, basic lab techniques for molecular biology. My research here focused on how myelination, demyelination, and remyelination affect the myelin sheath in oligodendrocyte cells. I have worked with MO3.13 Oligodendrocyte (OL) & CHO cell line. I have also worked towards the development of an openSPIM setup, which is designed for live organoid imaging, deep tissue studies, and observing live zebrafish and Drosophila embryos. My postdoctoral research at UCLA focuses on investigating the dynamics of biological membranes through the lens of their electrical phenomena using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) as a tool. My research here focused on developing tools and techniques to investigate the complex bioelectrical activity of bacterial communities. Here I have learned bacterial cell culture, soft-lithographic techniques for design and development of microfluidic devices. I have worked with B. subtilis (WT168, PY79) bacterial cell line, cardiomyocytes. My research established a fluorescence lifetime calibration for membrane potential changes and enables estimation bacterial membrane potential. I have also worked towards building a wide field/TIRF imaging setup equipped with SPAD array detectors and white light super continuum laser source which enables wide field fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). My current research at HUJI focuses on developing super-resolution methodologies aimed at overcoming the space–time resolution tradeoff in live-cell imaging. I work on nanoscale imaging of excitation energy transfer in unicellular phytoplankton enabling time-resolved visualization of biological dynamics. I aim to uncover mechanistic insights into exciton funneling, nanometer-scale energy flow, and inter-photosystem coupling, as well as the dynamic reorganization of the photosynthetic machinery. This includes state transitions and antenna complex redistribution under changing physiological conditions, to elucidate real-time structure–function relationships in living cells. My interdisciplinary expertise—spanning nanomaterials, optics, and biophysics—has direct implications for scientific and commercial advancements in electronics, healthcare, and renewable energy solutions. I have an extensive track record of scientific contributions, with over 20 publications in high-impact journals, including Angewandte Chemie, The Journal of Physical Chemistry, Nanoscale Advances, and Biophysical Reports. Additionally, I have actively contributed to the scientific community as a peer reviewer, having reviewed more than 50 manuscripts across renowned journals.

Employment

  • Hebrew University of Jerusalem Postdoctoral Research Scholar
    2026 - Present
  • University of California Los Angeles Postdoctoral Research Fellow
    2020 - 2025
  • National University of Singapore Postdoctoral Research Fellow
    2019 - 2020
  • Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata Research Associate
    2018 - 2019

Education

  • Rajabajar Science College, University of Calcutta M.Sc.
    2010 - 2012
  • Asutosh College, University of Kolkata B.Sc.
    2007 - 2010

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (29)