Q-ACS is excited to feature Dr. Hriday Bhattacharjee for this month's Monthly Mind Initiative! Thank you for sharing your journey through academia and integrating your research insights into teaching, inspiring students to consider interdisciplinary approaches to solving environmental challenges. Thank you, Dr. Bhattacharjee, for generously sharing your experiences and insights!
I am Dr. Hriday Bhattacharjee. I grew up in the small city of Durgapur in West Bengal, India. Today, I am a Research Associate and an Adjunct Faculty at Queen’s University. And here is my story…
My field of research has primarily been focused on synthetic organometallic chemistry, a discipline that bridges the gap between organic and inorganic chemistry by focusing on compounds containing metal-carbon bonds. This field is pivotal for developing catalysts that drive numerous industrial processes, including polymerization and pharmaceutical synthesis. My journey into this fascinating area of chemistry has been shaped by a series of academic and professional experiences that have fueled my passion and guided my career path.
Academic Journey
I earned my B.Sc. Honours degree in Chemistry from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and an M.Sc. in Inorganic Chemistry from Jadavpur University, where I developed an interest in organometallic chemistry, particularly in the synthesis of metal-ligand complexes. This interest led me to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Saskatchewan, where my research under Dr. Jens Müller focused on boron-bridged ferrocenophanes, contributing to the understanding of their polymerization. I further honed my expertise during a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Cathleen Crudden, where I developed novel palladium catalysts for cross-coupling reactions and contributed to biosensor development, working in a multidisciplinary environment to create innovative solutions for healthcare and environmental monitoring.
Current Position and Research Focus
I am currently a Research Associate at the Beaty Water Research Centre, where I focus on wastewater surveillance to address environmental and sustainability issues. My work involves using techniques such as reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to monitor pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, RSV, and influenza in wastewater across eastern Ontario. In addition to regular monitoring, my team and I engage in fundamental research to enhance the efficiency of wastewater surveillance, exploring advanced techniques like digital PCR (dPCR) for its ability to provide absolute quantification and overcome some of the limitations of RT-qPCR. Alongside my research role, I am fortunate to teach as a term adjunct faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at Queen’s University. Here, I have the opportunity to teach general chemistry to first-year students and sustainable green chemistry to final-year undergraduates, who are poised to become future leaders in sustainability. This dual role allows me to integrate my research insights into teaching, inspiring students to consider interdisciplinary approaches to solving environmental challenges.
Shaping My Career
My passion for synthetic organometallic chemistry drives my pursuit of innovative solutions to global challenges, and I am dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists to foster a future where chemistry plays a crucial role in creating sustainable technologies. Similarly, I am committed to advancing our understanding of biosensor technologies, aiming to develop next-generation biosensors that improve human health and environmental sustainability. Through my research, I strive to contribute to transformative industrial processes and innovative solutions that address pressing global issues. In conclusion, my journey in chemistry has been a rewarding path filled with opportunities to learn, innovate, and make meaningful contributions to a field that holds the promise of a more sustainable future.
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