Purnati Khuntia – Rowland Fellow, The Rowland Institute at Harvard
Purnati Khuntia is a passionate researcher with a deep curiosity for fundamental science. Her journey began with a BSc and MSc in Microbiology, where she developed a fascination for the microscopic world. She pursued her PhD at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, exploring Mechanobiology in organelle dynamics, epithelial migration, and tissue development. At the Rowland Institute at Harvard, Purnati is merging her love for the microscopic and mechanobiology to explore Micro-Macro Architectures in Biology—unraveling how small-scale organelle dynamics influence larger biological systems. Through her work, she continues to push the boundaries of understanding how cells orchestrate their inner world to shape life itself.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnati-khuntia/
Currently hiring: Purnati Khuntia lab is looking for a postdoc from Cell Biology or Developmental Biology field with experience in Organoid systems. Reach out to purnati_khuntia@fas.harvard.edu or scikonnect@gmail.com if you are interested.
About Rowland Fellowship
The Rowland Fellowship at Harvard offers outstanding early-career experimental scientists and engineers the opportunity to establish fully independent research groups. Fellows receive principal investigator rights, dedicated lab space, generous start-up funding, and an annual budget starting at $225,000 for research operations and hiring personnel. With a salary starting at $89,999, full Harvard benefits, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and mentorship in lab leadership and career development, the fellowship fosters high-risk, creative research in an interdisciplinary environment. Located in Cambridge, MA, the Rowland Institute provides an unparalleled platform for emerging scientists to launch groundbreaking careers.
Website: https://www.rowland.harvard.edu/fellowships/
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Watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/duVrf-MPSpE
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Read full interview below:
Purnati, congratulations on becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Rowland Fellowship!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share your academic journey so far?”
Thank you! I am incredibly honored to receive this award. My academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, where I got fascinated with the microscopic world! This was followed by a Master of Science in Microbiology, during which I developed a molecular understanding of the microscopic world. During my doctoral studies, exposure to Mechanobiology strongly influenced my perspective and knowledge of biological systems. But I still had a strong interest in microscopic things. So, I ended up studying organelles inside cells and how they affect biological systems at a larger scale. And, with the Rowland Fellowship, I am taking my love for the Microscopic world and Mechanobiology to understand Micro-Macro Architectures in Biology.
Fellowship Overview: For our audience unfamiliar with it, could you explain what the Rowland Fellowship is and why it’s such a game-changer for early-career researchers?
The Rowland Fellowship is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers, particularly those with high-risk, creative research ideas. Founded by Edwin Land in 1982, the Rowland Institute of Science aimed to foster innovative research. Edwin Land’s vision was to support young researchers with curiosity and support them financially and intellectually.
As a Rowland Fellow, you benefit from full principal investigator rights, dedicated laboratory space, and generous start-up funding for capital equipment tailored to your research program. The yearly budget is $225,000 for general operations, lab supplies, travel, and hiring personnel such as postdoctoral fellows, postbacs, and undergraduates. The fellowship also includes a starting salary of $89,999 per year. With access to staff scientists and engineers, Rowland Fellows can design and fabricate new experimental setups, utilizing shared research equipment available at facilities within the institute and across Harvard University. Mentoring is a cornerstone of the Rowland Fellowship, supporting the development of a productive lab culture, scientific writing, budgeting, and ongoing career development throughout the fellowship period. It is a comprehensive support system designed to help Fellows do innovative research and achieve successful careers in academia, industry, or as founders of start-up companies.
Game changer, mmh! I don’t know how to answer that. All I can share is what it means to me. For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated with “how things work”. With time and formal education, professionally, the fascination has shaped into an understanding of how living systems work. Since I have come across the concept that people can have their research labs and try to understand their scientific interests, I have wanted to have my lab. The formal training I received during my Ph.D. was fantastic and made me believe I could realize that dream very soon. And, then came the ad for Rowland Fellowship, and “why wait”. To me, this fellowship is a longtime dream come true.
Application Journey
Inspiration to Apply: What motivated you to apply for such a highly competitive fellowship? Was it always part of your career plan?
Starting my lab after Ph.D.? No! It wasn’t part of my career plan. I was going with the idea of a postdoc after Ph.D., and then a faculty position and lab. I wasn’t aware of the Rowland Fellowship. But, once I came across it, I realized an alternative exists! And I should try. The primary motivation was the awareness that I had some good ideas and that I could execute these ideas as an independent researcher.
Preparation and Research: How did you prepare for the application process? Did you research past recipients or their work?
To prepare for the application process, I read the ad thoroughly to understand what kind of candidates they are looking for. I went through the Rowland website in detail, existing fellows, their research, and the institute’s history.
Crafting the Application: The application process for the Rowland Fellowship must be rigorous. How did you approach writing your proposal and personal statement?
As I understood from the application guidelines, the research proposal should be a unique and risky idea. A perspective not being actively pursued by many, but a perspective that is important to a field and could help develop that field. I had some ideas for matching this vibe, and I worked on those ideas. In the proposal, I devised a hypothesis to frame that perspective empirically. The proposal should show how you have thought about the questions, designing the right experiments to ask those questions, and how far you can go in a five-year timeframe.
Seeking Guidance: Did you seek mentorship or guidance during the application process? If so, how did your mentors help you refine your approach?
Yess! I sought support during the application process wherever I felt it was needed, primarily from my Ph.D. mentor, Tamal Das. Once I had a preliminary draft ready, I had discussions with him about how the idea looked and how the five-year plan for the project looked. He offered helpful suggestions in the proposal as well as for my presentation. I also discussed the idea with some lab mates and peers to get some feedback. A big part of this support was in the form of formal training during my Ph.D. Tamal used to have a lot of conversations around grant writing, proposing ideas, and thinking of your ideas in a critical but constructive manner. I was always exposed to how research ideas evolve, how to make your perspective clear to others, and how to convey your excitement about the idea through different modes of communication (writing, presentations, or discussions). This has shaped my thinking and influenced how I imagine science.
Challenges: What were your biggest challenges during the application process, and how did you overcome them?
The answer to this question would be very subjective. Challenges can be different for different people. What I found challenging may not be the same for others.
Before applying for this fellowship, I asked myself if I was ready for this kind of independence. Is it worth applying for such a competitive fellowship?
For the first question, I always had the desire to do independent research. Still, I had to consider the responsibility of doing independent research and the responsibility of the people working with me. And! I was ready for this 😊. On the second one, I sought encouragement from Shilpa (lab senior and Schmidt Science Fellow). It took some encouragement to realize and accept that we are as good as researchers across the globe. It’s always worth trying; if we are not trying 100%, we will not get it; if we try- there are some chances, no matter how slim.
One thing that could be a challenge was having my interview round over Zoom. But that went as smoothly as one can imagine. The Rowland team was very supportive and made it very comfortable. I did have to stay awake till 3.00 am a couple of nights, but…I don’t mind a couple of sleepless nights for a dream so close to my heart!
Visa and Logistical Hurdles: As the first Indian recipient, did you encounter any challenges related to visas or transitioning from India to the U.S.?
Getting the visa on time for the interview was an issue. However, the Rowland team scheduled my interview over Zoom. When moving to the U.S., Harvard’s international office (HIO) is very efficient. Together with the Rowland Team and the HIO, it was a smooth transition. I also had some friends in Boston who helped me settle nicely when I arrived.
Life as a Rowland Fellow
Transition Experience: How has the transition to Boston been for you? What was it like adapting to the environment and working at Harvard?
This transition is quite exciting. I get to interact with so many kinds of researchers. So many sources for new ideas and collaborations. It is a very conducive place for the science I want to pursue. So, I would not call it adapting to the environment; instead, I thrive in this environment 😊.
Excitement About the Role: As a group leader with full principal investigator rights and dedicated lab space, how do you feel about the level of independence and support this fellowship provides?
At this moment, I feel very excited for sure! But I understand the gravity of it. I am confident in my training to be an independent researcher. Rowland also provides a very supportive mentorship environment about being an independent researcher. And I also have a cluster of people in the research community who are always there whenever I reach out for support and guidance.
Vision for Your Research: What are your immediate research goals as a Rowland Fellow? How do you plan to leverage this platform to make an impact in your field?
In the next few months, I aim to get the lab running immediately. I have hired two students recently; we are starting with simple experiments.
I have a vision of how I want to do science and how I wish to see the biology of living beings. Being in a place like this lets you interact with so many incredible people that you end up finding more researchers who share a similar perspective. I have already come across a few people with similar perspectives. So, it becomes a dynamic environment, discussing ideas, collaborating, and sharing resources. I am in one of the most conducive places to settle into the research vision I have for myself.
Boston Life: Boston is a hub for scientific research and innovation. How has being part of this vibrant ecosystem influenced your work or perspective so far?
I have been here for almost two months now. As I interact with more people, I keep getting surprised by the diversity of science and ideas people pursue. I think I will be in this “surprise-mode” for a while. And! The sunset sky is very colorful in Boston.
Mentorship Goals: Do you see yourself mentoring young researchers, especially from underrepresented backgrounds like your own?
Yess! I would love to help or mentor in any capacity I can. I have been very fortunate to receive much support and guidance from the research community around me. I would be thrilled to offer the same.
Closing Reflections
Advice for Aspiring Applicants: What advice would you give to other aspiring researchers, especially from India, who want to apply for competitive fellowships like the Rowland Fellowship?
Mmmh…Please give it a try! Understand and trust your potential. Reach out to people when you need help. To misquote Morty from Rick and Morty; “Nobody exists on purpose, Nobody belongs anywhere. We are all going to die. Come watch TV do science.”
Looking Ahead: Where do you see yourself five years from now, and how do you think the Rowland Fellowship will shape your academic career?
Well, five years is…five years away. I am excited about this new beginning; I am having fun. I would probably have even more exciting and fun science five years later.
Final Thoughts: Finally, is there anyone you’d like to thank or a message you’d like to share with those who supported your journey?
Many people have positively influenced where I am right now, directly or indirectly. I am lucky to have worked with Tamal and the Collective Cell Dynamics team. And much support from Friends and Family, Badminton mates, and Rick and Morty! & color Yellow.
Purnati, thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us. Your story is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see the groundbreaking research you’ll achieve as a Rowland Fellow!
For guidance on Rowland Fellowship, reach out to scikonnect@gmail.com.
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