Optical physics has potential for addressing challenges in life science

Ben Johns in the laser lab at the Department of Physics.

ImageMattias Pettersson

Applying knowledge from one field can drastically improve something in another field

What is your research focusing on?

“I am looking to implement a state-of-the-art optical technique called multidimensional spectroscopy to study enzyme binding and catalysis. We want to show that this ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy technique can map femtosecond protein dynamics, extract information about structural changes and be a useful addition to the toolkit for studying biomolecules.”

How did you end up in Northern Sweden and at Umeå University?

“I was aware of Nicolò’s research from when I was a PhD student in India, and it is exactly the kind of work I wanted to be involved in. Through our conversations online before I joined here, I was convinced that Nicolò is someone who will help me pursue my ambitions.”

What is challenging and rewarding respectively with being a researcher? 

“The biggest reward would be to see your research being useful in real life, but it is also greatly satisfying to see others build upon your research and make progress.”

“The challenge is that we are looking for new things that are unknown, therefore there is an element of risk in any project. But everyone I know who does research enjoys this challenge. At the individual level, mobility is a big challenge for any postdoc when they move to a new place after finishing PhD, then again move after 2 or 3 years. In the future, I expect competitive funds like the ‘EC’ fellowship to extend support for family and/or relocation, similar to the Marie Curie fellowships.”

What are your first impressions of Umeå and its university?

“Umeå is a calm, laid-back city with well-maintained public facilities, clean streets, and beautiful walking paths. To spend a holiday, one can picnic by the riverside, or follow the hiking and biking trails around the town. The only hiccup was when I was a newcomer and all the signboards were in Swedish, so a translator app is my best friend.”

“The university campus blends seamlessly with the offices and buildings around it. I am very happy with the quality of infrastructure and labs at the University. I have also met many friendly and helpful colleagues already.”

What is your driving force to do research in life science?

“Applying knowledge from one field can drastically improve something in another field. Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research is thus very much a necessity to address the challenges in our lives. I believe that physics and particularly optics holds a lot of potential in addressing various challenges in life sciences research.”

What is your academic background?

“Previously, I was a postdoc at the Departmetn of Chemistry, IISER Mohali, where I worked on electronic and vibrational spectroscopy of strongly coupled systems. I did my PhD in Physics from IISER Thiruvananthapuram on thin films for infrared optical coatings. I have a Masters in Physics from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

“I want to stay in academia and contribute to fundamental research in nanophotonics and applying it in interdisciplinary areas.”

What do you like to do in your free time?

“Chat with friends or colleagues over a cuppa tea.”

Ben Johns, 'Excellence of Choice' postdoc at Umeå University.

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