Amarshi Mukherjee, M.Sc., Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow in the UAB Department of Microbiology, recently received two awards for his work at UAB’s Postdoc Research Day, an event designed to showcase the research of UAB Postdoctoral Scholars and to promote networking and collaboration among trainees.

Mukherjee won second place for his presentation titled “Unveiling the Architectural Marvel of S.aureus SaPI1 Particle Portal Structure.” He also won The Dory Award, which is a nomination-based award for a postdoctoral fellow/trainee who, despite setbacks and obstacles in their project, has persevered until they successfully finished the work.

In addition to these awards, in the past year Mukherjee also received an M&M Postdoctoral Scholar Award from the Microscopy Society of America for his paper, “High-resolution Cryo-EM Structure of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteriophage 80α Portal Protein and SaPI1 Capsid.”

Here, Mukherjee answers questions about these recent achievements and his future efforts.

Tell us a little about yourself and your educational background.

I am a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Microbiology, currently working in Dr. Terje Dokland’s lab. I completed my bachelor's and master’s degrees in microbiology and earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry.

Tell us a little about your research and why it interests you.

Our research, which focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of virulence and antibiotic gene transfer among bacteria, addresses one of the most perplexing inquiries in microbiology. To achieve this, we employ electron microscopy, including the state-of-the-art technique known as Cryo Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM).

The intersection of microbiology and structural biology is profoundly intriguing. By utilizing electron microscopy, we can delve into fundamental questions within microbiology. Answers become more accessible when we can directly observe phenomena. Cryo-EM allows us to visualize molecules in their native environment, enabling us to address previously unsolved questions.

What do these awards mean to you?

While scientists are driven by the pleasure of discovery and knowledge, awards offer crucial recognition of our dedication. As an early career researcher, they are vital for career advancement. Beyond that, awards validate and fuel my passion for impactful research, guiding me in pushing boundaries. In essence, while discovery brings its own joy, awards affirm our commitment and drive toward scientific excellence.

What are your goals for the future?

I aim to establish myself as an independent researcher in the fields of microbiology and structural biology.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I am honored to receive awards as an individual, yet it's important to acknowledge that these accolades are not solely the result of individual excellence, but rather reflect the collective effort of a dedicated team. I am truly grateful to be a part of Dokland’s lab, an exceptional group to work with, and to be a member of the outstanding UAB Department of Microbiology, which consistently strives to support each and every member. Being a part of the UAB community fills me with immense pride and gratitude.