Welcome Tanushree !
Tanushree Bhattacharya will be joining the University of Munchen in December as a Doctoral Candidate.
In the framework of the MonaLisa project, Tanushree will spend 3 years working on “The Autonomous Brownian Rotors Based on DNA Origami”, while participating in many trainings and network events.
Read the following introduction to get to know her:
Tell us more about your background!
I am a 25-year-old who was born in a small town in India. I completed an Integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s degree at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Jadavpur, Kolkata, where my Master’s thesis focused on direct and indirect searches for dark matter in theoretical particle physics. Seeking broader horizons, I pursued a second Master’s degree at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, where I began working with biological active matter systems and discovered my love for experimental research. My current thesis explores innovative ways to harness directional flows in chaotic active matter systems. I have always enjoyed learning across disciplines and consistently push myself beyond my comfort zone, an outlook that also motivated my transition from theoretical physics to experimental science.
Why do you want to be part of MonaLisa?
I have always found DNA to be a fascinating blueprint of life, and the idea of using it to synthesize nanorobots immediately captivated me. This project excites me because it allows me to combine both my theoretical instincts and experimental skills, precisely the balance I was seeking in a doctoral research topic. Moreover, the extensive travel opportunities offered by the Monalisa program add another dimension of excitement, as I look forward to engaging with diverse research environments, collaborating across borders, and broadening both my scientific and cultural horizons.
What are your expectations of living and working in Munchen?
I have always known Munich to be a multicultural and vibrant city, and I am truly excited to experience this during my doctorate. Beyond my academic journey, I look forward to maintaining a healthy work–life balance throughout my PhD, while exploring new hobbies and adventures in Germany. I also want to take this opportunity to travel widely over the next three years, using my free time to discover new places, meet new people and know more about their cultures.
What do you think will be your main challenge for you in the next three years?
My main challenge for the next three years will be adjusting to a new environment in Munich with its different climate and culture and building new friendships. I know I will deeply miss my friends at Weizmann, who have stood by me through thick and thin over the past two hard years. As an international student moving across countries, I often feel how easy it is to slip into loneliness while trying to adapt to unfamiliar places. That is why I truly look forward to finding a good circle of friends in Munich, who can bring warmth and belonging to this new chapter of my life.
