Desired Job Title
Research AssistantPostdoctoral ResearcherResearch ScientistWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridLocation: Allston, MA, MABoston, MA
Open to relocation: Yes
Open To Work
Lalita Shahu
Allston,MA
Work Preference
Summary
Detail-oriented Researcher with expertise in mechanobiology and protein mechanics, specializing in single-molecule spectroscopy to quantify biomolecular kinetics. Proficient in protein biochemistry and molecular imaging at the nanoscale, with a strong foundation in cell-based assays and transfection. Having bridged biophysical modeling with functional mouse studies, I am eager to further apply and expand my expertise in in vivo animal models to uncover the physical drivers of biological function.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
Centre For Photochemical Sciences, BGSU
Bowling Green, OH
08.2019 - 12.2025
- Executed advanced atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques to enhance high-resolution imaging and precise surface analysis.
- Engineered and executed experiments integrating confocal microscopy and AFM to assess correlations between mechanical force and nitric oxide levels.
- Executed detailed imaging and analysis of single molecules to investigate protein localization and interaction dynamics.
- Employed cellular sectioning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to analyze actin focal rings within focal adhesions of cultured epithelial cells.
- Engineered and executed experimental protocols to investigate calmodulin behavior under stress using advanced techniques such as AFM-FRET and molecular dynamics simulations.
- Assisted in achieving improved research outcomes by creating high-resolution images through collaborative analysis of materials and biological samples. Supported precise image processing and reconstruction from tomograms using inspect 3d while conducting detailed image analysis with imagej and dragonfly to aid research goals.
- Assisted in preparing high-quality samples for biological and non-biological imaging to improve analysis quality. Supported precise secondary and backscattered imaging to enable thorough sample assessments. Conducted qualitative elemental analysis using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to provide valuable insights. Completed sample dot elemental mapping to clarify element distribution and composition. Aided in producing cathodoluminescence image analysis to enhance understanding of sample characteristics.
- Executed basic flow cytometry experiments and conducted thorough data analysis.
- Executed patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments and conducted comprehensive data analysis.
Education
Ph.D. - Biophysics/Chemistry
Centre For Photochemical Sciences, BGSU
Bowling Green, OH12-2025
Master of Science - Chemistry
Centre For Photochemical Sciences, BGSU
Bowling Green, OH05-2023
Skills
- VMD, Pymol, Matlab, Igor, Image J and Dragonfly in image analysis, Steered Molecular Dynamic Simulation using umbrella sampling in ohio supercomputer, protein- protein docking in cluspro 20, Adobe Campaign, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Endnote, Mendeley, Chemdraw, Biorender, Canvas, and Origin
- Chemical inventory management and organization,
- Safety training for – Hazardous materials, lasers, biological hazards, biosafety levels (BSL), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Autoclave usage, Compressed nitrogen and liquid nitrogen usage, organic and inorganic waste management
Timeline
Research Assistant
Centre For Photochemical Sciences, BGSU
08.2019 - 12.2025
Ph.D. - Biophysics/Chemistry
Centre For Photochemical Sciences, BGSU
Master of Science - Chemistry
Centre For Photochemical Sciences, BGSU
Scientific Publications
Peer Reviewed (Published)
- Lalita Shahu, Dedunu S. Senarathne, Sandipan Saha, H. Peter Lu, “Enzymatic Activation Complex Formation Induced by Crowding Stress,” PhysChemChemPhys, (2026). 10.1039/d5cp03239c
- Lalita Shahu; Gyawali, Yadav; Jiang, Ting; Senarathne, Dedunu; Feng, Changjian; Lu, H. Peter, “Compressive Force Activation of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Enzyme,” ACS Omega, (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c03891
- Lalita Shahu, S. Roy Chowdhury, H. Peter Lu, "Single-Molecule Human Nucleosome Spontaneously Ruptures under the Stress of Compressive Force: a New Perspective on Gene Stability and Epigenetic Pathways," J. Phys. Chem. B, 127, 37-44 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c04449
- Dedunu S. Senarathne, Lalita Shahu, and H. Peter Lu, “Probing the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor under Piconewton Mechanical Compressive Force Manipulations,” J. Phys. Chem. B, 129, 5411-5422 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcb.5c00800
- Senarathne, Dedunu S., Lalita Shahu, and H. Peter Lu. "Insights from Void Volumes and Hydration Dynamics on Protein Spontaneous Rupture via Dynamic Internal Impact Forces: Protein Compressibility Changes Under External Piconewton Compressive Force." The Journal of Physical Chemistry B 129.40 (2025): 10272-10284.
In Preparation
- Carol Heckman, Lalita Shahu; Actin focal rings in focal adhesions of cultured epithelial cells studied under electron microscope.
- Lalita Shahu, H. Peter Lu*; Probing the influence of mechanical stress on the calmodulin structure and function for the cellular signaling using combined AFM-confocal microscopy and MD simulation analysis.
- Lalita Shahu, H. Peter Lu*; Measuring binding kinetics of calmodulin- NOSs complex using Atomic Force Microscopy.