If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together

• Dr. Mitra is interested in the study of microbial biofilms and their role in infectious diseases. Biofilms are complex microbial communities embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix, which contribute to the persistence and resistance of pathogens. Dr. Mitra has investigated the regulatory mechanisms underlying biofilm formation, the impact of biofilms on antibiotic resistance, and the development of novel strategies to disrupt biofilm formation. His research has provided insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in biofilm formation and has potential applications in developing therapeutics and preventive strategies against biofilm-associated infections.
• Another area of focus is the development of vaccines against bacterial pathogens. Dr. Mitra has previously worked on designing and evaluating live attenuated vaccines using poultry models for fowl typhoid, a significant poultry disease caused by Salmonella gallinarum. His research has contributed to developing safe and effective vaccine candidates, providing a foundation for controlling fowl typhoid and other bacterial infections in animals. He is also interested in exploring new approaches, such as reverse vaccinology and nanotechnology-based vaccine delivery systems, to enhance vaccine efficacy and broaden their applications.
• Furthermore, Dr. Mitra has investigated antibiotic resistance in veterinary pathogens, particularly in zoonotic bacteria. His research has focused on understanding the prevalence and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in animal populations, with a specific emphasis on dogs and their role as potential reservoirs of resistant bacteria. Dr. Mitra has provided valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in African dogs by conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This knowledge can guide the development of effective antibiotic stewardship programs and contribute to global efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance.
• As a passionate educator, Dr. Mitra is also interested in advancing higher education pedagogy with a focus on integrating innovative assessment strategies, enhancing learning outcomes, and fostering sustainability in online education. His work emphasizes redesigning assessment methodologies, such as online proctored exams, to incorporate higher-order thinking skills and democratic pedagogical approaches through platforms like OPERHOT. He explores the purpose and implementation of Higher Education Learners' Learning Outcomes (HELLO), addressing the challenges and strategies for improving educational frameworks in higher education. Additionally, his research delves into the innovation and sustainability of online education, highlighting the role of advanced technologies, policy, and capacity building in creating inclusive and impactful learning environments.
• Dr. Mitra’s pedagogical research focuses on enhancing STEM education through the integration of innovative online modules that connect theoretical concepts to real-world challenges. His work on implementing an online module on microbe-plant interactions within the context of ecological disturbances addresses the need for interdisciplinary and application-oriented learning in microbiology and biochemistry courses. This approach aims to improve students’ understanding of complex ecological systems, encourage critical thinking, and provide a platform for exploring the implications of environmental changes on microbial and plant dynamics, thereby fostering a more holistic and impactful educational experience.
• In his future research, Dr. Mitra aims to expand upon these areas of expertise by investigating emerging challenges in healthcare, such as the impact of climate change on infectious diseases, the role of the microbiome in human and animal health, and the development of novel diagnostic tools for rapid and accurate disease detection. By integrating molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics approaches, Dr. Mitra seeks to advance our understanding of host-pathogen interactions, identify novel therapeutic targets, and develop innovative disease control and prevention strategies. Dr. Mitra’s research has been published in reputable peer-reviewed journals, and he has authored two books on microbiology and has actively contributed to the scientific community by serving as an editor and reviewer for international journals.
• Research Interests:
• Dr. Mitra's research interests are diverse and include Microbial Biofilms, Vaccine development, Microbial Pathogenesis, Wastewater Surveillance, Antimicrobial Resistance, Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, Natural Product Discovery, Sustainable Solutions for Global Health and Environmental challenges, Innovation in Pedagogy, Learning in Higher Education Institutions. Dr. Mitra’s research interests focus on the intersection of veterinary microbiology and biotechnology, emphasizing understanding pathogenesis mechanisms and developing novel disease prevention and control strategies. Throughout his career, Dr. Mitra has pursued research projects contributing to understanding microbial biofilms, bacterial pathogenesis, vaccine development, and antibiotic resistance. He aims to continue conducting innovative and impactful research to address critical challenges in animal health and public health.

• Awarded Championship funding from Microbiology Society, UK in 2017 (200 GBP), 2018 (400 GBP), 2019 (460 GBP), 2021 (120 GBP), 2022 (1700 GBP), 2023 (1900 GBP) and 2024 (2000 GBP) to organize workshops, seminars, webinars, and events (~INR 7.25 Lakh)

• Awarded Microbiology Society Supported Conference grant to support a conference on "Biofilms in nature, Industry, and Environment: Impact and Implications" at Adamas University on January 14, 2020 (900 GBP ~ INR 96000)

• Travel support awarded to attend the first editorial board meeting of Access Microbiology in London on November 22, 2019 (Rs. 100000)

• Awarded TRR Grant from SASTRA University Tamil Nadu, India, in 2014. (Rs. 100000)

• Received Research and Modernization Grant from SASTRA University, Tamil Nadu, India, in 2013. (Rs. 1000000)

• Awarded Travel Grant to present a poster at the Mid-Atlantic Microbial Pathogenesis Meeting, Virginia, USA, in 2007 (USD 250)

• Awarded Graduate Research Assistantships during 2003-2008 from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA (USD 21000/pa)

• Awarded Postdoctoral Research fellowship during 2008-2012 from Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA (USD 45000/pa)

• Awarded financial aid via a grant jointly funded by the EMBL Corporate Partnership Programme and EMBO to attend EMBO I EMBL Virtual Symposium "New Approaches and Concepts in Microbiology" held during July 6-8, 2021 (Euro 190)

• Awarded financial aid to attend Keystone Symposia on "Harnessing the Microbiome for Disease Prevention and Therapy" held on January 18-20, 2021 (USD 275)

• Created assessments in the BioMolViz assessment workshop organized by the University of Texas at Austin, USA, on June 15, 17, and 22, 2021. This workshop provides innovative educators interested in effective teaching and learning of biomolecular literacy. Received a consultancy of USD 250 Sponsored by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

• Received Global health award (Scholarship) from Keystone Symposia on Progress in Vaccine Development for Infectious Diseases - T8, held during June 1-4,2022 (USD 350)

• Received Seed Grant Research project from Adamas University on March 03, 2023 (Rs. 200000) as PI

• Received Outstanding Achievement in the Category of Professor at Adamas Acheivers Excellence Awards 2024.

• Featured in the 20th Anniversary of ASU Biodesign Institute (July 2024): https://bit.ly/3VQXv58

• Featured in the Champions Q and A with Microbiology Today (May 2024): https://bit.ly/3VUok8m