Arpita Bose

Dr. Arpita Bose is an Associate Professor of Biology at Washington University in Saint Louis, leading a lab focused on microbial metabolisms and their roles in biogeochemical cycling. Her research explores sustainable applications of microbes, including bioplastic and biofuel production, using interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular biology, geochemistry, and -omics technologies.

Education: Ph.D. in Microbiology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, postdoctoral work at MIT and Harvard University. Current lab location: Rebstock 313, Washington University.

Research Interests: Microbial electron transfer mechanisms, microbial electrosynthesis, phototrophic metabolism, and engineering microbes for environmental sustainability. Key projects include leveraging Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1 for CO₂-based bioplastic production and understanding microbial roles in carbon cycling.

Recent Work: Over 30 peer-reviewed publications (2011–2021) on topics like microbial biofilm engineering, PioAB electron conduits, and magnetite-enhanced cathodes for PHB production. Key findings highlighted in Nature Communications, mBio, and Nano Letters.

Awards & Grants: 2024 Fulbright Scholar, David and Lucile Packard Fellowship (2015), NSF grants (2020, 2021), and Army Research Office funding. Collaborations with institutions like Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Lab Team: Includes Tahina Ranaivoarisoa (Lab Manager), Rajesh Singh (Staff Scientist), and Karthikeyan Rengasamy (Staff Scientist), focusing on phototrophic bacteria and microbial electrochemical systems.