Dr. Sujay Ray is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi. He is a biochemist whose research focuses on how cells respond to stress, particularly in the context of diseases like neurodegeneration. By combining techniques from physics, molecular biology, and nanotechnology, he aims to better understand these processes and contribute to the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Research Interests
Dr. Sujay Ray's research is broadly focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie cellular responses to stress, particularly in the context of human disease. His work integrates principles of biophysics, molecular biology, and nanotechnology to explore key questions in biomedical science. His current areas of interest include:
- Investigating how interactions between nucleic acids and proteins regulate cellular stress responses, especially during the progression of disease
- Developing molecular diagnostic tools aimed at enabling early detection and intervention in neurodegenerative disorders
- Engineering DNA-based nanorobots for applications in biotechnology and precision medicine. Dr. Ray's research aims to bridge fundamental science and translational innovation, with the long-term goal of contributing to improved diagnostics and therapeutic strategies
Biography
Dr. Sujay Ray joined the University of Mississippi as an Assistant Professor in the Fall of 2024. He began his academic training in India, earning a Master of Science degree from the Indian Institute of Technology. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Physics at Kent State University, where he developed a strong foundation in biophysics and experimental techniques. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Ray completed postdoctoral research at the University of Michigan and Harvard University. These experiences allowed him to broaden his skill set and deepen his interest in molecular biology and single-molecule biophysics. Dr. Ray’s technical background spans fluorescence microscopy, force spectroscopy, nucleic acid biochemistry, molecular cloning, and protein purification. He also has experience in computational data analysis and has worked on automating custom-built optical systems. His research focuses on developing single-molecule tools to explore the complex mechanisms that govern biological systems. Dr. Ray is enthusiastic about contributing to the University of Mississippi’s research community and looks forward to collaborating with colleagues and mentoring students in an environment that values curiosity, rigor, and innovation.
Education
Ph.D. Physics, Kent State University Main Campus (2014)