Graduate Spotlight: Subhrajit Barua, India

You are approaching the end of your PhD. What is your research about, and how have you changed since beginning this journey?

My PhD is broadly in biotechnology. More specifically, I have explored novel methods for removing aflatoxin contamination from milk and dairy products. Since my background is in computational biology and bioinformatics, I also developed new tools, worked with simulation modeling, and explored applications of machine learning in biotechnology.

I have spent around six years at ITMO, including my Master’s studies, and a great deal has changed during that time. The experience made me more independent and gave me greater clarity about what I want and how to achieve it. During a PhD, there are moments when you have to take on a challenge almost entirely by yourself. That may feel isolating at first, but learning to move forward despite that feeling prepares you to face uncertainty both in research and in life.

Why is aflatoxin contamination a significant problem, and what solution did you investigate?

Milk and dairy products are something many people consume every day.  Aflatoxins are especially concerning because they are classified as Group 1 carcinogens and are known to cause cancer.

Conventional physical or chemical decontamination methods may reduce contamination, but they can also affect the quality of the food. Some processes lower its nutritional value, while others introduce preservatives or chemical components that may have unwanted side effects. I wanted to develop a more natural approach based on biologically active substances found in plants and other natural sources.

My research combined biologically active substances with microorganisms and used their natural processes to create a synergistic effect. When introduced into a milk or food matrix, these components could trap, remove, or destroy the aflatoxin while preserving the nutritional value and essential qualities of the product. 

What led you to this particular topic?

My topic developed gradually. During the first years of my PhD, I belonged to another research group and worked with a different supervisor. In my third year, I changed both my group and supervisor, so I needed to adjust the topic to match my new research environment while still building on the work I had already completed.

I was also inspired by the way biologically active substances are used in everyday life across different cultures. Our grandparents often followed certain practices without necessarily knowing the biological mechanisms behind them, yet those practices continued because people observed their benefits. I became interested in understanding why they worked and whether this traditional knowledge could be incorporated into modern science.

Based on your experience, how should a prospective PhD student choose a supervisor?

Choosing the right supervisor may be the most important decision of your entire PhD, even more important than the original research topic. A supervisor can strongly influence not only your academic success, but also your peace of mind. You will work with this person for several years, so the relationship requires compatibility on both professional and human levels.

Students should look beyond a supervisor’s academic profile. Ask how they treat students and how much time they can dedicate to supervision. At the same time, investigate their research record, grants, facilities, and previous achievements. Look at publicly available information and, most importantly, speak to current and former students to learn about their experiences firsthand.

What did you learn about turning research into publications?

Publishing is essential during a PhD, particularly because doctoral candidates must meet specific requirements concerning the number and level of their publications. However, I do not enjoy writing papers merely for the sake of adding another publication. A strong paper should communicate a clear message and be based on solid science.

It helps to develop a publication strategy early. Organize the literature you read, maintain a database that allows you to retrieve information easily, learn how citation and reference managers work, and be prepared to reformat a paper for different journals. Discuss the publication strategy with your supervisor as well.

One lesson I learned is that the discussion section is crucial. A paper may have an excellent introduction, methodology, and results, yet still be rejected if the discussion does not explain the significance of those results convincingly. Doctoral students in Russia should also clarify their faculty’s exact publication requirements, since a conference proceeding may not fulfill the same requirement as a journal article with its own DOI.

You have attended conferences in Russia and abroad. What value did they add to your PhD experience?

Russian and international conferences offer different experiences, and I believe researchers should try both. Conferences allow you to meet people working in the same field, exchange ideas, establish collaborations, and sometimes even develop joint publications.

Students should also search for opportunities independently instead of waiting for a supervisor or university to suggest them. In my second year, I found a conference in Armenia and told my supervisor about it. He became interested, and we eventually traveled together to Yerevan to participate. Another particularly memorable event was a large conference I attended in Milan in 2024, where I met researchers from many parts of the world.

It is also worth following opportunities in countries whose researchers collaborate actively with Russian scientists. Conferences in China, for example, may help early-career researchers form valuable international connections.

 

How did you become part of the ITMO NEWS editorial team, and what made the experience meaningful?

I applied in 2021 while completing my Master’s degree at ITMO. I found the vacancy on the university’s career website and thought it would suit me because I enjoy communicating and writing. I did not fully understand what the role would involve at first, but after a demanding selection process, I was fortunate to join the team.

The team represents ITMO to an international audience through its English-language content. Even as a part-time student employee, I had the freedom to suggest ideas and express my own perspective. The editors always considered my proposals seriously and worked with me to improve them.

The most rewarding part was interviewing international students. Over the years, I conducted more than 270 interviews, and each story offered something both unique and relatable. Sometimes I learned something new about ITMO or St. Petersburg from students who had lived here for far less time than I had. Prospective students later told me that these interviews helped them imagine the life they might have at ITMO. Knowing that the work had a real impact made the effort worthwhile. 

Discover all students' stories written by Subhrajit / Want to share yours? Email us at int.news@itmo.ru