Works on biological problems with mathematical tools

Suvam Roy is an 'Excellence by Choice' Postdoctoral fellow in Life Science in Eric Libby lab and Peter Lind lab. He is developing mathematical models and carrying out computer simulations, that are informed by experimental data.

ImageMattias Pettersson

I want to continue working on biological problems

Tell us more about what your research focusing on!

“I am currently working on a project that deals with how bacteria respond to external stressors like antibiotics and develop resistance to them. To investigate the impact of horizontal gene transfer on bacterial cells becoming resistant to antibiotics, I am developing mathematical models of efflux pump gene regulatory networks.”

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

“Sweden is one of my favourite countries. So, when I came across the advertisement for ‘Excellence of Choice’ postdoctoral fellowships at the Umeå University last year, I was very much interested to apply for it and I am very happy to have received this offer.”

What is challenging and rewarding respectively with being a researcher?

“In my opinion, getting funding for research is the most challenging aspect of being a researcher. And most rewarding experience is the moment when your new research gets published in a journal.”

What are your first impressions of Umeå and its university?

“Coming from a hot and humid country with high pollution levels, I was amazed by the clean air and natural beauty of Umeå when I first arrived here. I was also impressed by how organized and systematic everything here is. The university is also a great environment for working. My colleagues here are very nice people to work with.”

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

“Biology has always been my favourite subject during my school. However, I ended up doing my Bachelor’s and Master’s in physics under peer pressure, and afterwards realized that I do not really like physics. So, I decided to return to biology for my PhD, and carried out research in the field of mathematical biology. I quite enjoyed doing research in this field, and I want to continue working on biological problems.”

What is your academic background?

“I have a Master’s degree in physics. Afterwards, I completed my PhD degree in Mathematical Biology.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

“After working few years as a postdoctoral researcher, I want to join a research institute and open my own research group.”

What do you like to do in your free time?

“I have several passions. I am a Cinephile, which means I like to watch old and arthouse films from different countries. I also love music, preferably from the decades 1950s to 1980s, but I also enjoy classical and traditional music from different countries. I also take pride in being good at singing myself. I like to read literature as well. I am more of an indoors person, but I like biking and swimming as outdoor activities. Recently I also developed an interest in chess, and I like to watch chess tournaments.”

Suvam Roy is happy to be living in Sweden, his favourite country.

ImageMattias Pettersson