People & Leadership

Meet our Principal Investigators, laboratory manager, graduate scholars, thesis students, and alumni.

Leadership

Principal Investigators

Prof. Dr. Dwaipayan Sikdar

Principal Investigator Ph.D., Toyama Med. & Pharm. Univ. (MEXT Scholar) · Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong

Dr. Dwaipayan Sikdar is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, where he has been a faculty member since 2001. He earned his B.Sc. (Honors) in 1987 and M.Sc. in 1988 in Biochemistry from the University of Dhaka, followed by a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan, in 1998 under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship. Prior to his university faculty tenure, he served as a Scientific Officer at the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (1993–1999) and as a Post-doctoral Fellow at the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (1999–2001). Beyond his teaching and research, he has held significant academic leadership roles, including Department Chairman (2005–2008) and Head of the Self-Assessment Committee (2015–2018), and serves on the editorial board of Food Research. His primary research focuses on evaluating the pharmacological and health-promoting properties of indigenous fruits and vegetables using in vitro assays and in vivo C. elegans models, alongside the characterization and industrial applications of insect gut digestive enzymes.

Phytochemistry & Bioactives Antioxidant Assays In-Vivo C. elegans Models Insect Gut Digestive Enzymes Nutritional Biochemistry

Prof. Dr. Suman Mojumder

Principal Investigator Kumamoto Univ. Liaison Professor (2024–2029) · Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong

Dr. Suman Mojumder is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, where he has been a faculty member since 2010. He earned his B.Sc. (2006) and M.S. (2008) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Chittagong, followed by a Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology from Kumamoto University, Japan, in 2019. Alongside his academic tenure, he has served as a Kumamoto University Liaison Professor (2024–2029) and previously worked in clinical and research settings, including roles at the National Healthcare Network (BIRDEM) and Popular Diagnostic Center. His primary research focuses on molecular cell biology using C. elegans models, phytonutrient and antioxidant profiling of indigenous natural products (such as seaweeds, dates, and Curcuma species), cellulolytic enzymes for biofuel applications, and pandemic disease readiness.

Molecular Cell Biology C. elegans Models Phytonutrient & Antioxidant Profiling Biofuel Cellulases Pandemic Disease Readiness
Operations & Research Support

Laboratory Management

Md. Mustak Khan

Md. Mustak Khan

Lab Manager · Research Associate

Overseeing daily laboratory operations, maintenance of the C. elegans culture systems, chemical inventory, computational bioinformatics pipelines, and digital laboratory infrastructure.

Student Researchers

Current Graduate & Undergraduate Scholars

Thesis fellows and final-year undergraduate scholars engaged in active wet-bench and computational projects.

Master’s Research Fellow

Postgraduate Scholar
Dipika Chanda

Dipika Chanda

M.S. Thesis Student · Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong
Academic Session: 2020–2021

4th Year Undergraduate Thesis Researchers

B.Sc. (Honors) Final Year
Priyanti Saha

Priyanti Saha

4th Year B.Sc. Honors
Session: 2021–2022

Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong

Fariha Jannat

Fariha Jannat

4th Year B.Sc. Honors
Session: 2021–2022

Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong

Jibon Barua

Jibon Barua

4th Year B.Sc. Honors
Session: 2021–2022

Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong

Hasan Tarek Arif

Hasan Tarek Arif

4th Year B.Sc. Honors
Session: 2021–2022

Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong

Nasrin Akter Nila

Nasrin Akter Nila

4th Year B.Sc. Honors
Session: 2021–2022

Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong

Alumni Network & Voices

Graduate Alumni Reflections & Placements

Celebrating the journeys, memories, and ongoing scientific contributions of researchers who trained in our laboratory.

14+
Distinguished Alumni
Global
USA, Canada, Japan & Bangladesh
100%
Higher Ed & Leadership
Asing, PhD

Asing, PhD

Entrepreneur & Former Food Safety Specialist
Former UN-WFP Specialist · Bangladesh
Session: 1998–1999
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“গুরু যদি এক বর্ণ শিষ্যের শিখায় কোনদিন, পৃথিবীতে নেই দ্রব্য যা দিয়ে শোধ দিবে ঋণ।”

When Professor Dr. Dwaipayan Sikder Sir accepted me as his thesis student, my life took an unexpected turn. His words still inspire me: “Work hard, stay committed, and you can change your life.” Suman and I began our research journey in a long-abandoned departmental laboratory beneath the old Marine Science Building. With determination and perseverance, we spent two to three weeks sweeping, scrubbing, and transforming that space into a place of dreams—marking the beginning of the department’s first chapter of student-led thesis research.

Suman and I spent weeks living among farmers in Chakaria and Lama, Bandarban, collecting insect-infested brinjal directly from the fields and transporting nearly 80–100 kg of samples back to our laboratory. One journey remains unforgettable: traveling by a small boat from Manikpur to Lama under the glow of a full moon.

To me, Sir is not simply a mentor—he is my true hero whose patience, compassion, and unwavering faith taught us not to focus on what we lacked, but on what we could create. His words remain forever etched in my heart: “Teachers live on through the thoughts and ideals of their students.” Wherever my journey takes me, a part of my Guru will always live on through me.

MS Thesis Research Topic Characterization of Alpha Amylase in fruit and shoot borer of Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenée).
Mohammad Nasir Uddin Ahamad

Mohammad Nasir Uddin Ahamad

Senior Scientific Officer
Omnicare Diagnostic Center, Bangladesh
Session: 1998–1999
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“Research in this laboratory was truly excellent, memorable, and enjoyable in my life. The rigorous scientific atmosphere, valuable guidance from our respected supervisors, and camaraderie with fellow researchers laid the cornerstone for my career in diagnostic sciences and healthcare research. I will never forget these golden memories.”

MS Thesis Research Topic Assay and characterisation of antimicrobial activity present in the immune-induced larvae of house fly, Musca domestica (Linn.) and potentiality study of its use as a drug.
Abhijit Chowdhury, Ph.D.

Abhijit Chowdhury, Ph.D.

Senior Scientific Officer & Lab In-charge
IFST, BCSIR, Bangladesh
Session: 1999–2000
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“My journey with the laboratory at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, began almost 18 years ago when I joined as a thesis student. I was fortunate to be among the early students working in the lab under the close guidance of my respected supervisor and senior lab mates. At that time, the laboratory was still growing, and it feels special to have been a small part of its early journey.

This laboratory was more than just a place to conduct experiments—it was where I took my first real steps into the world of research. I learned not only laboratory techniques and scientific thinking but also patience, discipline, and the value of learning from mistakes. Even after nearly two decades, the memories of those early days remain very close to my heart.”

MS Thesis Research Topic Investigation of digestive enzyme present in the larvae of Diaphania indica (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).
Md Harunur Rashid

Md Harunur Rashid

Postdoctoral Researcher (Scientist)
University of Alberta, Canada
Session: 2000–2001
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“One of my most unforgettable memories from my MS research in 2008 was travelling from place to place, searching for insects for my enzymatic research. Finding enough samples was extremely difficult, which frustrated me deeply. During that challenging period, Prof. Dr. Dwaipayan Sikdar and my other respected professors continuously encouraged me.

After I finally collected the larvae, I reared them in the laboratory and watched them transform into beautiful butterflies. Seeing that transformation with my own eyes was truly amazing—one of those rare moments when scientific research becomes a beautiful life experience. Actually, research is not only about experiments and results; it is about patience, persistence, and curiosity.”

MS Thesis Research Topic Digestive enzyme characterization and physiological biochemistry in insect models (Lepidoptera).
Mohammad Mosleh Uddin

Mohammad Mosleh Uddin

Associate Professor
Mawlana Bhashani Science & Technology University
Session: 2004–2005
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“I began my research career during my M.S. degree in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chittagong, where I conducted my thesis research on insect cellulase enzyme characterization. Despite considerable limitations in laboratory facilities and resources during my time, I gained valuable hands-on experience in biochemical research and enzyme activity analysis.

I still remember that we developed the zymography technique for the first time in our laboratory, which was a truly exciting experience at that time. The guidance and mentorship of my supervisor, Dr. Dwaipayan Sikder, were invaluable in successfully completing my research. This early experience provided a strong foundation for my subsequent development as a researcher in biochemistry, molecular biology, and vector biology.”

MS Thesis Research Topic Characterization of endo-beta-1,4-glucanase in the gut fluid of a phytophagous insect Podontia quatuordecimpunctata.
Rajib Kumar Shil

Rajib Kumar Shil

PhD Candidate
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, FIU, Miami, FL, USA
Session: 2005–2006
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“This lab shaped me as a researcher I am today.”

MS Thesis Research Topic Isolation of Potential Cellulolytic Microorganisms from the gut of three different Insect species.
Bristy Barua

Bristy Barua

MS Graduate Researcher
Dept. of BMB, University of Chittagong
Session: 2009–2010
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“As I wrap up my time here, I would like to thank this incredible team for the shared discoveries, resilience, and curiosity that made our lab feel like home. Keep pushing the boundaries of research with same dedication and achieving all breakthroughs.”

MS Thesis Research Topic Effects of extraction solvents on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Bangladeshi wild date fruit (Phoenix sylvestris Roxb).
Suman Dash

Suman Dash

Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Columbia University, New York, USA
Session: 2013–2014
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“My thesis research gave me the foundational opportunity to develop rigorous scientific research skills and deepen my interest in molecular biology and enzymology. Working in the laboratory taught me the vital importance of patience, careful experimentation, teamwork, and scientific curiosity.

I truly value and cherish the guidance, mentorship, and encouragement I received from my supervisors Prof. Dr. Dwaipayan Sikdar and Prof. Dr. Suman Mojumder.”

MS Thesis Research Topic Presence of cellulolytic and xylanolytic activities in the gut fluid of grasshopper Oxya velox.
Ovi Sikder

Ovi Sikder

Lecturer (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology)
Dhaka International University, Bangladesh
Session: 2014–2015
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“The Food Bioactives and Molecular Health (FBMH) laboratory built the strong cornerstone and foundation for my career.

From my very first role in the pharmaceutical industry to university-level academic teaching and my prospective PhD journey, the mentorship, guidance, and continuous encouragement from the lab was immense and inspiring.”

Research Specialization Nutraceutical Bioactives & Applied Enzymatic Characterization in the Laboratory of Food Bioactives and Molecular Health.
Oishee Barua

Oishee Barua

Executive, QC
Nipro JMI Pharma, Bangladesh
Session: 2016–2017
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“My time in the laboratory has been one of the most valuable and memorable parts of my educational life. Every experiment, analysis, and unexpected result became an opportunity to learn and grow. I made countless mistakes but I learned valuable lessons from those mistakes.

I am especially grateful to my supervisors for their guidance, support, and encouragement throughout this journey. Their mentorship has helped me overcome critical situations and maintain a positive mindset. I also cherish the laughter and friendships I built with my friend Rahul, my senior Ovi dada, and my beloved juniors. This place will always be more than just a workplace to me—it is a place of learning, growth, and unforgettable memories.”

MS Thesis Research Topic Evaluation of Nutritional & Phytochemical Constituents of Commercially Grown Sea-Weeds in Bangladesh.
Nilima Islam Nila

Nilima Islam Nila

MS Graduate Researcher
Dept. of BMB, University of Chittagong
Session: 2017–2018
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“The time I spent in this laboratory shaped not only my research skills but also who I am today. We celebrated every small success together and shared happy memories alongside the work pressure. Back then, who would believe that someday I would miss the ordinary days spent here more than anything!

I can't thank enough my lab mates and my two dear supervisors who were there for me whenever I needed support and guidance that gave me confidence and self-assurance. Even though I still have a lot to learn, I am proud of this version of myself who tried to do every step properly and never compromised on the quality of work even when things got difficult. There's so much that I can't put into words—I just want to thank the people who made this place feel like home ❤️”

MS Thesis Research Topic Comparative Evaluation of Nutritional Composition in Indigenous and Exotic Date Fruits Grown in Bangladesh: Effect of Different Ripening Stages.
Ayan Das

Ayan Das

PhD Student & Research Fellow
Pennsylvania State University, USA
Session: 2018–2019
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“I joined Dr. Sikdar and Dr. Mojumder's lab in 2022. I didn't dream big until I joined this lab. Over time, I got to know science from close and found my strong passion in enzymology and biochemical research.

I also got the opportunity to discuss freely with my supervisors and fellow lab members whenever I got stuck in experiments. During my PhD applications, they all immensely supported and guided me. I have many wonderful memories with my lab fellows both indoor and outdoor. I really miss the environment and the people I grew up with!”

MS Thesis Research Topic Purification and Characterization of Potent Xylanase Enzyme from Gut Fluid and Gut Microbiota of Podontia sp.
Mumtaza Mumu

Mumtaza Mumu

Graduate Research Scholar
Dept. of BMB, University of Chittagong
Session: 2018–2019
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“When I first joined the lab, I was unsure about my future goals. Over time, this lab helped me discover my genuine love for research and gave me a clearer direction for my career. Both of my supervisors were always supportive and motivating, guiding me on how to grow scientifically and ethically in life.

My seniors and lab mates were exceptionally helpful, enthusiastic, and welcoming. The three years I spent in this lab are filled with enjoyable memories, valuable lessons, and experiences that I will always cherish.”

MS Thesis Research Topic Xylanolytic potential of insect gut fluid and associated microbiota in Podontia quatuordecimpunctata larvae.
Mita Nur Akter

Mita Nur Akter

MS Graduate Researcher
Dept. of BMB, University of Chittagong
Session: 2018–2019
Alumni Memory & Reflection

“This lab has been my second home throughout my university life. I still remember how nervous I was when I first entered the lab. With time I learned many things, made mistakes and repeated experiments which taught me to be patient, careful, and consistent in my work.

I am sincerely grateful to my supervisors for their guidance and for always looking after us. They cared not only about our research but also about our well-being. I am also thankful for my wonderful lab mates who understood me during difficult times and made every long day in the lab easier. I will always cherish these memories and truly miss this lab.”

MS Thesis & Publication Effect of post-harvest drying on the nutritional contents and antioxidant activities of commercially grown Ulva lactuca in Bangladesh · Co-author, J. Appl. Phycology (Springer 2026).

Join Our Research Family

We induct undergraduate research students from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CU, who progress to complete their Master's theses and advanced research in our laboratory.