About Me

I am a chemical biologist turned bioengineer working to develop biomaterials towards interventions for infectious diseases. Specifically, I pursue to develop bio-active polymers and nanoparticles. My academic training has provided expertise in diverse fields of chemical biology, bioengineering, and sufficient experience working with biological systems. In addition, I have had the opportunities to mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and research associates from diverse backgrounds . Also, I have received ample grant writing opportunities during my PhD and postdoctoral training. I am interested in mentoring students from underrepresented minorities particularly, women and promoting diversity and inclusion. Science, for me, has always been a curious journey full of observations. Translating the basic scientific discoveries to develop technologies useful for the society is my driving force.

Divakara SSM Uppu, Ph.D.


Research Fellow, Harvard Medical SchoolResearch FellowDivision of Infectious Diseases, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital181 Longwood AvenueBoston, MA 02115
Advisor: Prof. Jean C. Leehttps://jcleelab.bwh.harvard.edu/current-members/

Email: suppudivakara@bwh.harvard.edu
Research Fellow, FRIUTS Lab, Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan, South Korea, 2018-2020Advisor: Prof. Yoon-Kyoung Cho
Visiting Scholar, Hammond Lab, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambdrige, MA, 2018Advisor: Prof. Paula Hammond

Postdoctoral Associate, Hammond Lab, Infectious Diseases & Antimicrobial Resistance, Singapore MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART-MIT), Singapore, 2016-2018Advisor: Prof. Paula Hammond

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore, India, 2010-2016Advisor: Prof. Jayanta Haldar

M.Sc. & B.Sc.(Hons.) in Chemistry, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Andhra Pradesh, India, 2005-2010

Selected awards


  • Gandhian Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) Award, 2016

  • International Travel Support (ITS) for Gordon Research Conference, 2013

  • Best Oral Presentation Awards, JNCASR, 2013 & 2014

  • Graduate Research Fellowship, University Grants Commission (UGC), 2010-2016

  • University Gold Medal for Distinction (Masters in Chemistry), 2010

  • Summer Research Fellowship, Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc), 2009

Professional Service


  • Member, Materials Research Society (MRS), 2020

  • Member, MRS Academic Affairs Committee, 2020

  • Member, MRS Early Career Professionals Subcommittee, 2020

  • Reviewer, Bioengineering & Translational Medicine (AIChE, Wiley), 2020

  • Reviewer, Theranostics, 2020

  • Reviewer, Microbial Pathogenesis (Elsevier), 2018