I am Sanchita from Bangladesh, born in the beautiful city of Chittagong—an area known for its scenic hill tracts and the world’s longest natural sea beach. I completed my Bachelor’s and master’s in microbiology from University of Chittagong. My fascination with microbiology began at secondary level of education, when I first learned about bacteria, viruses, and bacteriophages, sparking a deep curiosity about the microscopic world and its impact. I became familiar with basic research during my master’s thesis where I tried to inhibit biofilm forming multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria by bacteriocin extracted from probiotic bacteria. After that I joined as a Microbiologist in a research organization, Child Health Research Foundation and involved in multiple projects including pneumococcal conjugate vaccine effectiveness against Streptococcus pneumoniae, which was the primary pathogen that caused pneumonia in <5 years children. I investigated the prevalence and the serotype diversity of pneumococcus using microbiological culture and PCR through different modalities like nasopharyngeal carriage, otitis media and invasive disease investigation. In 2021, I achieved fellowship from another research organization institute for developing Science and Health initiatives (ideSHi) that collaborated with from Mass General Hospital, USA. During my fellowship period I focused on etiological findings and AMR. Here I investigated bacterial and viral pathogens of hospital and community-acquired infections using culture and PCR. For genomic analysis of antibiotic-resistant genes, plasmid (S. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae & E. coli) capsular polysaccharide (S. pneumoniae), I performed whole genome sequencing using the illuminaSeq platform.
While working with the antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae and K. pneumoniae, I realized the high diversity of capsular polysaccharides contributing pathogenicity and poses a major challenge to vaccine formulation and efficacy. Biofilm is another factor that help to colonize these bacteria in environment and contribute to the treatment failure. Moreover, acquisition of AMR genes further complicates the development of new antibiotic molecules. All these factors contribute to the growing AMR burden. I am deeply interested in developing affordable and long-lasting solutions to address this issue. When I learn about the opportunity in the ARC Training Centre for Next-Gen Biomedical Analysis based at the University of Western Australia collaboration with Lixa, I become more enthusiastic to work in the development of
an innovative approach by designing biofilm-disrupting small molecules. The research project focuses on developing synergistic compounds that enhance the potency of existing antibiotics against biofilms. These compounds will be specifically engineered to target key mechanisms of biofilm resistance, such as quorum sensing inhibition, disruption of EPS production, and elimination of dormant persister cells, which are known to regenerate biofilms post-treatment. The opportunity to work under the guidance of leading experts Dr Iyer Swaminatha Iyer and the co-supervisors: Dr Aleksandra Debowski and Dr Mitali Sarkar-Tyson —alongside interactions with fellow scholars and access to cutting-edge technologies, will significantly enhance my research capabilities.
Through this research, we aim to identify lead candidates for commercial development that can support global efforts to combat antibiotic resistance. By bridging molecular chemistry with clinical microbiology, this project will provide much-needed solutions to combat persistent infections and curb the spread of MDR bacteria, offering a viable and scalable approach to overcoming antimicrobial resistance.
Beyond academics, I deeply enjoy motherhood and cherish spending time with my family. I’m also passionate about exploring nature, reading books, watching movies, and visiting new places. One of my long-held dreams is to spend time in nature—camping in a tent without any modern facilities—which I find deeply fulfilling.
