Speaker: Dr. Thayaparan Paramanathan, Professor of Physics, Photonics and Optical Engineering
Science & Engineering Building (SENG), Room 222
Ana Doblas
508.999.8471
adoblas@umassd.edu
Topic: “Stretching the Basis of Life: Studying Drug-DNA Interactions Using Optical Tweezers”
Abstract: Dual-beam optical tweezers use two counter-propagating laser beams that are tightly focused to a single point, enabling the trapping and manipulation of microscopic objects. In our research, we use this technique to capture individual DNA molecules and investigate how current and prospective anticancer drugs interact with DNA. These studies help us understand the drugs' binding mechanisms, strengths, and specific interactions at the single-molecule level.
Biography: Dr. Thayaparan Paramanathan (Dr. Thaya) is a biophysicist whose research combines advanced physics techniques with biological investigations at the single-molecule level. He earned his B.S. in Physics with Honors from the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, and his Ph.D. in Physics from Northeastern University, where he investigated anticancer drug–DNA interactions using optical tweezers. He subsequently completed postdoctoral research at Brandeis University, studying biomolecular interactions using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) Microscopy. At Bridgewater State University (BSU), Dr. Thaya established the Single Molecule Biophysics Laboratory, where he mentors undergraduate researchers in investigating anticancer drug–DNA interactions. His research publications have received over 800 citations, and a recent paper coauthored with BSU undergraduates was featured in a special issue of Biophysical Journal dedicated to the “Biophysics of Cancer.” Since joining BSU in 2014, Dr. Thaya has demonstrated a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, research, and mentorship. He coordinated BSU’s Adrian Tinsley Summer Research Program (2017–2020) and has received multiple teaching and mentoring awards, including the prestigious Excellence in Undergraduate Education Award from the Biophysical Society for his outstanding contributions to undergraduate education and research in biophysics.
NOTE: All ECE Graduate Students are ENCOURAGED to attend. All interested parties are invited to attend. Open to the public.
*For further information, please contact Dr. Ana Doblas via email at adoblas@umassd.edu.