Romy Chakraborty, Ph.D.

Romy joined Berkeley Lab as a postdoctoral scholar after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley. She is an environmental microbiologist, and her interests are in the diversity of microbes and their intrinsic metabolic potential that enables them to inhabit complex environmental niches and cycle key nutrients on Earth. Her research program at Berkeley Lab focuses on developing fundamental knowledge about microbes catalyzing key metabolisms in the subsurface, as well as microbes that intimately interact with plants, to enable translational solutions for improving environmental health, and sustainable growth of plants.

What inspired you to study STEM?

Quite frankly, it isn’t that I aspired to be a scientist since childhood. However, from a very young age I found myself enjoying studying biology the most in school. I was intrigued by living processes, and how complicated systems came together to sustain life. I am the first in my family to pursue STEM for higher education, but when I decided to enroll and major in Microbiology for undergraduate and subsequent degrees, my parents were extremely supportive and encouraging.

What inspires you to work in STEM?

The excitement of making a discovery, proving or disproving beliefs and hypotheses, and the potential of finding solutions that affect society at large.

What excites you about your work at Berkeley Lab?

The team-science model, which provides an opportunity to work with an exceptional group of multidisciplinary scientists, truly excites me.

What excites you about your work at Berkeley Lab?

The team-science model, which provides an opportunity to work with an exceptional group of multidisciplinary scientists, truly excites me.

How can our country engage more women, girls, and members of other underrepresented groups in STEM or operations?

Encouragement and creating opportunities to engage and introduce more women and underrepresented groups to STEM is the first step. Allocating resources and providing societal and institutional support to retain them in the STEM workforce is the critical next step.

Do you have tips you would recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?

Seek out small opportunities to associate with a scientist or science institute, and do not be disheartened if your first attempt is not successful: it seldom is!

When you have free time, what are your hobbies?

Music has remained at the top of my list. Reading, art and crafts, and cooking are my other hobbies.