Poulami Chatterjee, PhD, is a Physical Science Research Scientist in the laboratory of Dr. Laura M.K. Dassama at Stanford University. Dr. Chatterjee brings over 10 years of expertise in host-microbe interactions, molecular genetics, and multi-omics technologies, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. Her research uses advanced analytical and computational methods to understand how pathogens acquire and utilize nutrients for survival.
Dr. Chatterjee’s research focuses on understanding the lipid metabolism of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Her work investigates how this pathogen, which lacks the biosynthetic capability to produce many of its own lipids, acquires and utilizes lipids from its hosts. Her research explores novel aspects of bacterial lipid biology with implications for understanding pathogen survival and persistence mechanisms.
With 27 peer-reviewed publications and over 980 citations, Dr. Chatterjee has established herself as an emerging leader in host-pathogen biology and lipid metabolism. She has presented her research at major conferences, including the 2026 Gordon Research Conference on Spirochetes, and has received recognition for her innovative work. She is the 2026 Bay Area Lyme Foundation Emerging Leader Award winner.