Our 2024 FocalPlane correspondents – Daniel Doucet, Subhajit Dutta and Greg Redpath

We’ve been lucky enough to work with Daniel, Subhajit and Greg as our FocalPlane correspondents in 2024. You can read some of their posts here and look out for a few more coming out in 2025. As the year comes to a close, we took the opportunity to interview Daniel, Subhajit and Greg about their research and their experience with FocalPlane. We’d like to thank them for all their fantastic posts and for being involved in our workshops in 2024, even when it meant staying up very late or getting up super-early!

Daniel Doucet

Can you tell us about your career path so far and your current position?

From a background in ecology and organismal biology, I completed my M.S. in Biology at Sam Houston State University – then my experience in a variety of imaging methods landed me a position in the same university running our Microscopy Center, a core facility housed within the SHSU Dept of Biological Sciences which serves the greater hard sciences user base. We run anything from TEM ultrastructure projects to 2D X-rays of preserved vertebrate specimens, from fluorescence microscopy via confocal and inverted systems to even SEM-EDS of gunshot residue! There really is a wide range of equipment we’re privileged to use here at Sam, so I get many opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and often learn something new with each research effort.

Can you tell us about the range different samples you’ve imaged? Any favourites and how different are the sample prep and imaging protocols?

As mentioned, our Microscopy Center gets to assist in all sorts of faculty and student research. I can mention a few examples just to give an idea of my participation in the research (from least to most involved).

On the one hand, our main chemistry faculty partner uses our SEM for high resolution confirmation of nanostructure formation using chemical vapor deposition. Their aim is to develop dye-sensitized solar cells – and the graduate students must work through a variety of parameters and protocols on their own to develop the samples. When they’re brought over, we obtain images at up to 30kx to visualize the structures. At worst, they might be thin and web-like or even far too large, appearing blockier. At best, they begin to look more uniform, as columns which are much more photoactive.

Second, our forensic science program often brings in the strangest needs for our microscopy equipment. Sam Houston State University has unique opportunity to utilize a body farm for forensic research. Recently, we’ve began to work with faculty and students on visualizing DNA degradation with fluorescence in cadavers. Obtaining thin sections of the tissue requires some basic histological protocols, then of course staining with DAPI and other fluorophores.

Finally, my least favorite protocol and yet my favorite samples to image (a problematic relationship, isn’t it?) are TEM and ultrastructure projects. Since the work is unpublished, I can’t go into any details as it might give away the idea of the research altogether – but there’s been several attempts at figuring out the exact protocol necessary to do fixation, embedding, ultrathin sectioning to obtain great results. The part I don’t like is of course using terrible chemicals like osmium and propylene oxide – but absolutely worth it to see some incredible sub-cellular structures!

Have you done any science writing outside of publications, grants etc, or was this a new experience for you?

I briefly did some web writing related to reptile husbandry which was more related to my master’s thesis work on lizards and snakes. As for the science writing world, it acts as a bit of an in between from grant and publication-level detail and traditional blogging or media (at least I imagine, can’t say I’ve done any professional journalism – just read it for leisure!).

There’s something that feels very sharpening about learning to fit your language and research to the audience you’re trying to reach. I’ve been doing a lot of grant writing over this same year, so it has stretched me greatly to find the purpose behind a paragraph. That idea of purpose is not so necessary in a traditional science article, where brevity is often necessary to hit a word limit set by the publisher, not simply for engagement.

Can you tell us a little about the different posts you have written for FocalPlane?

I thought, as an early career researcher, I wouldn’t have much to offer in terms of detailed bioimaging! So I really wanted to focus on presenting what I could speak on, namely the core facility world and what ‘smaller’ science can still accomplish.

I do want to continue writing on education in the core facility world (I published a short piece on the strategies of core education earlier in the year), as I think it is so relevant in our increasingly technological research world. With high-powered microscopy increasingly available to smaller institutions, I would love for there to be more resources out there for developing sustainable education through otherwise primarily research cores. In addition, I believe there’s a lot of creativity that imaging facilities can lean into.

My other focus would be the organismal side of bioimaging. I don’t have the background that many in the microscopy world do when it comes to microbes or cellular work. Thus, what interests me often is the applications of microanalysis on the larger scale. Speaking of scales, I wrote on my group of interest (squamate reptiles) and the microstructures found on their scales – and this continues to be an area of discovery 50 years after the first publications came out on gecko toepads in SEM. I’m interested to see what other microscopy techniques have been used in other whole organism research, and I believe FocalPlane can help in making those niche fields more well known.

What have you gained from the experience of being a FocalPlane correspondent?

It has been a joy to collaborate and connect with researchers across the pond, as the European bioimaging world is so well-established and has many great programs and institutions. In addition, I had the great opportunity to interview Dr. Kedar Narayan from the National Cancer Institute who invited me to their VolumeEM 101 workshop, which I believe they plan to continue annually going forward. That itself was a great experience to see what cutting edge research facilities have access to and really understand the current frontiers in microscopy equipment and research.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My wife and I enjoy the company of our local church, serving and meeting often with the other Christians in our area for fellowship. We are also big-time readers, of scripture and apologetics as well as fiction novels. I have been doing some writing on my own manuscripts in my personal time on faith and science, as well as Christian fiction.

I find a wide variety of music to listen to and learn on guitar/piano. I’m just beginning to dabble in composition. Honestly, I find it difficult to have such a spread of interests! Though I always know I have something to learn, and that’s the important thing for me – to be a lifelong learner no matter the discipline.

Subhajit Dutta

Can you tell us about your career path so far, your current research and future plans?

I completed my master’s degree (postgraduate) in Biotechnology at Banaras Hindu University. Following that, I gained research experience in various laboratories, focusing primarily on cancer biology and immunology. My training encompassed molecular biology, genomics, and some cell biology and bioinformatics.

Throughout my training, I was increasingly drawn to microscopy to visualise and understand cellular processes in real-time. This fascination led me to my current position as a graduate researcher at the Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). Here, I have the privilege of exploring advanced imaging techniques to investigate the intricate mechanisms governing cell migration and cell communication. My research focuses on cancer cell migration and the interplay between organelles that contribute to metastasis.

Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to remain in academia and pursue research that has a tangible impact on society. I am particularly passionate about unravelling the complexities of cancer, using it as a model system to explore the highly heterogeneous tumour microenvironment and identify new therapeutic avenues. I believe that by combining my expertise in molecular and cellular biology with advanced imaging and multi-omics techniques, I can contribute to a deeper understanding of this disease and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Can you tell us about your microscopy experience and your favourite type of imaging?

My fascination with microscopy began during my undergraduate (in botany) studies, where I first encountered a compound microscope and I was captivated by the intricate details of plant structures revealed through its lenses. During my postgraduate studies, I gained experience with wide-field epifluorescence microscopy, which allowed me to visualise the world of cell organelles.

Since then, I have had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of microscopy techniques, each with its unique strengths and applications. I have utilised confocal microscopy, and various super-resolution microscopy like SIM & STED microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, etc. I have also employed whole slide imaging and multiplexed whole slide scanning to analyse large tissue sections and holotomography-based label-free imaging. Furthermore, I have gained experience in microscope-assisted micro-patterning techniques, which enable precise control of cell behaviour and microenvironment.

Among this array of powerful tools, my current favourite is STED microscopy. Its ability to resolve incredibly small biological structures at the nanoscale level has revolutionised my understanding of cellular processes and opened up new avenues for exploration. I am particularly excited about its potential to reveal the intricate details of organelle interactions and their role in cancer cell migration.

Have you done any science writing outside of publications, grants etc, or is this a new experience for you?

Writing has always been a passion of mine. During my college years, I actively engaged in science communication by writing some articles in Bengali, my native language, aimed at fostering scientific curiosity among local school children. More recently, I have written two journal club articles, synthesising already published complex research findings for a broader research community.

While I am well-versed in writing for scientific journals, reports, and grant proposals, embarking on this blog series has been a novel and enriching experience. The opportunity to interact with fellow researchers, delve into their personal journeys and perspectives, and then articulate their stories in my own words has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I am relishing this opportunity to hone my communication skills and contribute to a platform that promotes knowledge sharing and collaboration within the scientific community.

How did you find out about the FocalPlane correspondent role, and why did you decide to apply?

I first encountered the FocalPlane correspondent role through a tweet that caught my eye. While I was already acquainted with FocalPlane and its valuable resources for the microscopy community, I wasn’t fully aware of the specifics of the correspondent programme. The opportunity to collaborate with the esteemed FocalPlane team, contribute to their platform, and expand my own horizons in science communication immediately appealed to me. It seemed like a perfect fit with my aspirations to connect with fellow microscopy and imaging researchers. I thought about the potential benefits of engaging with a wider scientific audience and further developing my communication skills. I discussed the prospect with my supervisor, who was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to pursue this exciting opportunity. With his encouragement, I submitted my application, eager to contribute my perspective and expertise to the FocalPlane community.

Can you tell us a little about the blog series that you started on FocalPlane?

Throughout my research career, I have recognised the immense value of collaborative networks in fostering innovation and driving scientific progress. However, finding the right platforms to connect with like-minded researchers can be challenging. When I began my PhD programme at UKE, I was introduced to the FocalPlane network by my supervisor, and it quickly became evident that this was the community I had been seeking. Inspired by the Latin American Microscopists series on FocalPlane, which showcased the vibrant research community in that region, I felt compelled to initiate a similar series focused on Asian Microscopists and Cell Biologists.

My primary aim for this series is to highlight the remarkable contributions of researchers of Asian origin to the field of microscopy and cell biology. I am particularly interested in providing a platform for open and honest discussions about the unique challenges and triumphs they have experienced throughout their careers. By sharing their stories, I hope to inspire and empower aspiring scientists, while also fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration among established researchers.

This endeavour is not without its challenges. Coordinating interviews and communication across diverse cultures and time zones requires careful planning and sensitivity. However, I am confident that this blog series has the potential to make a significant impact, and I am dedicated to actively nurturing its growth and expanding its reach in the coming future.

What have you gained from the experience of being a FocalPlane correspondent?

My experience as a FocalPlane correspondent has been incredibly rewarding. It has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to connect with numerous scientists.  Through these interactions, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the global nature of scientific research and the importance of cross-cultural collaboration.

FocalPlane’s in-house webinars and meetings have been immensely helpful in enhancing my scientific writing and interviewing skills. The guidance and feedback provided by the FocalPlane team have been invaluable in shaping my approach to science communication.

Perhaps most importantly, this experience has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new challenges. As an introvert, I have often found initiating conversations and engaging with new people to be daunting. However, through this interview series, I have discovered a newfound confidence and passion for connecting with others. The opportunity to delve into topics that resonate deeply with me has allowed me to open up and share my own experiences, fostering genuine connections with interviewees.

This journey has not only enriched my professional profile but also contributed significantly to my personal growth. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the FocalPlane community and eager to continue this rewarding collaboration.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I find immense satisfaction in expanding my knowledge and skills in computational biology. This field offers endless possibilities for exploring complex biological questions and developing new hypothesises without any limitation. I dedicate a significant portion of my spare time to exploring various machine-learning techniques for genomics and microscopy data analysis and trying some new pipelines with publicly available data.

I enjoy immersing myself in short stories from different regions of the world, which offer a glimpse into the human experience across various societies and traditions. This passion allows me to connect with others on a human level, fostering empathy and understanding. Beyond that, I cherish the time I spend with my family, who provide unwavering support and are integral to my well-being. They are my constant source of strength and inspiration. I also find joy in unwinding with a good film and losing myself in the melodies of early 90s Hindi music.

Greg Redpath

Can you tell us a bit about your career path and your current research?

I did my undergraduate and my honors in New Zealand. Then, I did my PhD here in Sydney and that’s where I started getting into imaging and endosomal trafficking. My research since then has revolved around these topics and I’ve focused on how receptors traffic through the cell, asking questions from different perspectives. My first postdoc was looking at T cell receptor trafficking, so had an immunology focus. I really enjoyed the imaging side of the project and I started developing different ways to visualize endosomal trafficking processes and manipulate them with optogenetics. Then, I went back to New Zealand for a couple of years and started working on a project looking at how lipoproteins are endocytosed, how they emerge from circulation, but at a cellular level. This, coincidentally, got me looking at serotonin and what it does, because we found there are some antidepressants regulating the endocytosis of lipoproteins. Finally, I moved back to Sydney and started my current role, where I’ve been looking at how molecular motors move things around the cell, focusing on endosomal trafficking and sorting. I’m also still working on the serotonin project, where I’m looking at how psychedelics regulate serotonin receptor trafficking. We are hoping to understand how they act the cellular level and to understand their therapeutic applications for conditions like depression and anxiety.

You’ve written a Review on serotonin for Biology Open from The Company of Biologists family and featured as a ‘Future leader to watch’, can you tell us about this opportunity?

During lockdown I needed something to fill my time in, and with the work in New Zealand I’d just started to research how serotonin regulated endocytosis of lipoproteins. With the lockdown in place, I was reading a lot and I realized that there was some really old work, from the 70s, showing that serotonin could regulate endocytosis. After all this reading, I started writing a review, and then I was looking for somewhere to publish it. I found the Biology Open Future Leader reviews, which are designed to help early-career researchers establish themselves in a new area. Crucially, it really helped someone like me who didn’t have any independent funding to be able to publish a review. It was a really good opportunity, and there was great support from the journal.

Have you done any science writing outside of publications or grants, or is this a new experience for you?

Yeah, this is a pretty new experience for me. Aside from grants and papers, I haven’t really done any science writing. I’ve done some science communication, talking to some community research groups, and being involved in some community research projects. I’ve enjoyed the little bits I have done and I thought it’d be cool to get into it more and develop my writing skills.

Can you tell us how you found out about the FocalPlane correspondent role, and why did you decide to apply?

I found out about the role when I was flicking through the FocalPlane website. I regularly check the site to see if there’s anything of interest coming up in imaging. I saw the ad on the website and I’d been looking for different outreach or science communication project to get involved with. I thought it’d be interesting to involved with a website that I’ve always enjoyed reading myself.

Can you tell us a little about the different posts you have written for FocalPlane?

I’ve written a couple of quite different posts for FocalPlane. I have interviewed some field leaders/upcoming researchers, a technical article in conjunction with the FocalPlane intern Ryan Harrison about a microscope I’ve used heavily, a meeting report on the Indigenous Research day at Biomedical Horizons 2024, and some (upcoming) technical/interest articles on signalling biosensors and their applications.

What have you gained from the experience of being a FocalPlane correspondent?

I’ve gained a lot from the experience as a FocalPlane correspondent! I found the workshops very useful, especially the interview skills. I had never interviewed anyone prior to undertaking the correspondent role, and found the thought pretty daunting. The workshop was really helpful in giving me an idea where to start in formulating questions, and crucially, gave me the confidence to get interviewing. I would say confidence is the other big thing I’ve taken from the experience. This was my first foray into science communication and it was hard to think at times that I really had any idea what I was doing (hence why I didn’t get my articles written until the very end!) But once I had my first interview published on the website, and wrote my meeting report, I realised I could actually write an article and communicate clearly (I think!), and now feel much more confident in my communication skills.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like gardening. I’ve got a very small balcony, but I grow what I can! I’ve also got two cats that we rescued off the street. They demand a lot of time, not that I’m complaining, and they are always wanting to play.

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