Munmun Basak completed her PhD in Forest Biomaterials in the summer of 2025. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. She also worked as a Research Assistant at the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, chemistry, and real-world impact.

Munmun’s leadership and scholarly excellence have been recognized through several prestigious awards and honors, including the TAPPICon 2024 Poster Award, the Josef S. Gratzl Graduate Fellowship (2024), the Graduate Masaschi Fellowship (2023), the CNR Safety Award, the NC ACS Best Poster Award (2022), and the 17th Graduate Research Symposium Poster Award. In addition to her academic achievements, she demonstrated strong mentorship and leadership by mentoring four undergraduate students and one high school student, while also serving as the Lab Safety In-Charge.

Looking ahead, Munmun aims to transition into the industry, where she plans to apply her research experience to roles centered on sustainable materials, renewable resources, and green technologies, helping drive environmentally conscious solutions across industrial systems.

What inspired you to pursue your current field of study?

Munmun Basak: My background in chemistry helped me understand systems at a fundamental level, and over time, I became interested in applying this knowledge to real-world challenges, particularly sustainability and renewable resources. This led me to pursue research in bio-based materials and sustainable technologies with the goal of creating a positive environmental impact.

Describe your research in one sentence

Basak: My research focuses on converting agricultural residues into valuable bioproducts and biochemicals.

If you could collaborate with any scientist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Basak: I would choose Frances Arnold, whose pioneering work in enzyme-directed evolution transformed green chemistry. I admire how she combines fundamental science with innovative thinking to develop sustainable technologies.

What are your goals after graduation?

Basak: I hope to work in a field focused on sustainable, bio-based materials and
environmentally friendly technologies, applying my research experience to real-world challenges.

What advice do you have for other graduate students?

Basak: Stay curious, be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges—growth often comes from uncertainty. Even small advances in sustainable materials can have a lasting impact, and that belief keeps me motivated.

What motivates you to keep pushing forward in your research? How do you recharge outside of the lab?

Basak: I’m motivated by the possibility that my work can contribute to solutions that benefit the environment and society, even in small ways. Outside the lab, I recharge by spending time outdoors, reading, cooking, and connecting with friends, which helps me return to research with a fresh perspective.

This article was written by Md Nazrul Islam for the Department of Forest Biomaterials.