Pratanu Roy
April 23, 2025
What do you like about your job and/or about working at the Lab?
The Lab offers a unique opportunity to work on challenging interdisciplinary problems of global importance. At the Lab, I have the freedom to pursue projects that I am passionate about. Additionally, the people I work with come from diverse backgrounds and are respectful. Finally, the work-life balance is unmatched.
What do your day-to-day work activities include?
My day-to-day activities include developing models/algorithms and writing codes, brainstorming ideas with peers, mentoring scientists/postdocs/students, attending project update meetings, and writing and reviewing papers and proposals.
What is one project you’re really proud to have worked on?
I have worked on a variety of projects around the Lab. In one of the carbon capture projects, we developed a novel geometry for heat exchangers and reactors that can transport heat and mass ten times better than the traditional technology that is available in the industry. I had to work closely with the additive manufacturing team to conceptualize, create the design, and then build it using 3D printing technology. Through simulations and experiments, we demonstrated the improvement of this new type of geometry for cooling and active packing applications. Our invention resulted in multiple patents and publications and opened up other areas of research. Now, several companies are interested in commercializing this technology. I am proud of this work as it has the potential to impact real world applications.
I also co-authored a graduate-level textbook on computational fluid dynamics alongside two esteemed professors. This project is noteworthy because it allowed me to contribute to the academic community.
What is your educational/career background?
I completed my bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka. Then, I went to Texas A&M University, College Station where I completed my PhD specializing in computational fluid dynamics. There, I studied how fluids in microchannels behave under rotational forces and how to model the flow and heat transport mechanisms using computer simulations.
What inspired you to go into science/your field of work?
I was fascinated by mathematics and physics since my childhood. I was particularly inspired by the biographies of scientists and mathematicians like Feynman, Einstein, and Gauss. My scientific thought process was also very influenced by Carl Sagan, especially by his famous book and TV series “Cosmos.” I learned that the pursuit for scientific knowledge is an ongoing journey, and we need to continuously adapt and adjust our perspectives in light of new discoveries.
What advice would you give to a new employee at the Lab?
The Lab is a great place to launch your career. I would suggest them to interact with other members, build and expand their network as much as possible, use the resources available such as the Mentoring and Buddy Program, and participate in other Lab activities.
What are your hobbies/what do you do in your free time?
Playing chess, watching Netflix, exploring new places.
How many years have you worked at the Lab?
10.
Where are you from?
Bangladesh.
Do you support disciplines or programs outside PLS?
Weapons and Complex Integration
