FAU-Max Planck Joint Degree Program Produces First Graduate

Brati Das, 32, recently became the first student approved to graduate with Florida Atlantic University’s Integrative Biology and Neuroscience (IBAN) degree.

Brati Das conducts research in a lab at Florida Atlantic University.


By kelsie weekes | 5/3/2016

Brati Das, 32, recently became the first student approved to graduate with Florida Atlantic University’s Integrative Biology and Neuroscience (IBAN) degree, an innovative Ph.D. program jointly instructed by Max Planck Florida Institute (MPFI) with an emphasis in neuroscience. Das will receive her doctorate at FAU’s spring commencement ceremony on Friday, May 6 at 9 a.m.

“Brati joined my research team in 2011 as part of the first-ever incoming class in the FAU/MPFI IBAN program,” said Samuel Young, Jr., Ph.D., Max Planck Florida Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Function Research Group leader and Das’ doctoral advisor. “It’s been rewarding to watch her grow and develop into a dedicated and promising young scientist who can perform at a high level. She has a bright future ahead of her, and we are all excited to see what's next in her scientific career.”

Das’ research centered on the fundamental principles that voltage gated calcium channels utilize to regulate synaptic function throughout the central nervous system.

“The IBAN program provides a platform for research experience and mentoring in the field of neuroscience,” said Das.  “An enormous number of labs are affiliated with the program, which provides students a wide range of options in choosing a research area.”

Das, originally from Cuttack, India, said she looks forward to securing a post-doctoral fellowship position after graduation.

“The IBAN Program is the heart of the FAU-MPFI collaboration and training graduate students like Brati Das is a crucial component of the FAU-MPFI collaboration,” said Rod Murphy, Ph.D. “This unique partnership is unmatched anywhere else and inspires future leaders in neuroscience by working alongside world-renowned scientists.”

For more information on the IBAN program, visit www.fau.edu/jlsi/.

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