Meet: Sharmila Bhattacharya

Space Biologist
Chief Scientist for Astrobionics
NASA Ames Research Center

Who I am and what I do
I am Principal Investigator and Head of the Biomodel Performance and Behavior laboratory.

The field of astrobionics creates and provides innovative technological solutions for NASA’s human exploration and space life sciences challenges. As chief scientist, I ensure the research quality and oversee the research that is conducted meets NASA standards. I also manage a research laboratory that conducts gravity and radiation-related research. This involves managing the budgets, personnel, and timelines to meet project science goals. I provide advice to companies and space agencies that build hardware for doing biology research in space. At science conferences I present research results and learn about other scientists’ research. I teach non-biologists, students, and astronauts about space biology and the importance of biological research in space.

Areas of expertise

• Molecular biology
• Biological chemistry
• Neurobiology
• Microbiology
• Effects of gravity and radiation on biological systems
• Project management

How I first became interested in this profession
I always loved biology, ever since I was quite little. At first I thought I would be a doctor, but then I came to realize that along with biology I also loved research. New inventions and innovations always fascinated me, so being a scientist suited the kind of interests that I had.

What helped prepare me for this job
A firm background in biology has been a tremendous asset. Working in research labs has given me experience working with lab techniques and procedures. At NASA, science is a collaborative effort. Working on committees and in groups helped to build my teamwork and leadership skills.

Role Models
I’ve known so many people who have inspired me, that I feel grateful for my experiences. For starters my parents have always been a tremendous influence on my life. They were always the first to say that I could do anything that I set my mind to, and I think they taught me to believe in myself. My older brother, my senior thesis advisor at Wellesley College, my husband, my daughter, everyone I love and respect is an inspiration to me in some way. I have worked with so many wonderful people through the years that many of my academic advisors, bosses etc. ended up becoming my friends, my mentors and my role models.

My education and training

• Post-doctoral Research, Neurobiology, Stanford University
• Ph.D., Molecular Biology, Princeton University
• M.A., Molecular Biology, Princeton University
• B.A., Biological chemistry, Wellesley College
• Additional training in radiation biology (Brookhaven National Laboratory) and project management (NASA)

My career path

• Undergraduate research assistant in biochemistry
• Research technician at Princeton University
• Graduate student and research assistant at Princeton
• Post-doctoral research fellow in Drosophila and neurobiology at Stanford University
• Lecturer/course director of psychobiology at University of California at Santa Cruz
• Payload scientist with Lockheed Martin at NASA Ames Research Center
• Chief scientist, principal investigator, and technical manager in the life sciences division at NASA Ames Research Center

What I like about my job
Flying an experiment on the space shuttle is exciting! My job combines science and management, which I enjoy. I like working with international agencies, scientists, engineers, and managers as well as the multidisciplinary aspects of the job. I constantly use my knowledge of physics, engineering, and biology while learning new technologies.

What I don't like about my job
Since NASA is a government agency, we often have to do lots of paperwork. Ordering lab supplies, for example, requires a complicated form! Writing status reports can take time away from writing science papers and doing research. The budget (approved by Congress every year) is always an issue and can be unpredictable.

My advice to anyone interested in this occupation
Have a goal and stay focused toward achieving it. At the same time, remain flexible as you discover your strengths, skills, likes, and dislikes. Work hard and do well academically; a firm background in biology goes a long way. Participate in organizations since they will give you a feel for how collective decisions are made as well as how to handle budgets, politics, and personalities. Embrace opportunities to develop teamwork and leadership skills. Don’t ever let someone else tell you that you cannot do something—you can and will do anything you want to do!