Thanks to state-of-the art advancements in Biomedical Physics, super high resolution microscopy allows researchers to see biological processes happening in real time at the nanoscale.

Liyana Valiya Peedikakkal, our next pathbreaker, is Senior R&D Scientist (Optics, Instrumentation, and Systems Engineering) at ONI (UK), a company developing advanced life sciences tools that solve complex problems in imaging and biological research, helping scientists see and understand the tiniest details in biological samples.

Liyana talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about always wanting to work at the intersection of fundamental research and real-world technology development.

For students, remember that science and engineering are creative and exciting fields, and they give you a taste of what it’s like to solve real problems.

Liyana, can you share your background with our young readers?

I grew up in Palakkad, Kerala, a small but beautiful town known for its rich culture and scenic landscapes. In our home, education was deeply valued, and curiosity was always encouraged. My dad, a mechanical engineer by profession but a scientist by passion, played a huge role in shaping my love for science. I still remember the first time he taught me about refraction, he showed me how a metal rod appeared bent when dipped in our garden pond. That simple yet fascinating demonstration sparked my lifelong curiosity about physics and optics.

As a child, I loved playing with gadgets and always had a curious mind, often trying to understand how things worked. This interest in science and technology led me to focus on subjects like physics and math during school, and I participated in many science fairs. I also loved being involved in extracurricular activities, especially those that allowed me to problem-solve and build things, which eventually fueled my desire to pursue a career in engineering and technology.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

For my undergraduate degree, I studied Engineering Physics at the National Institute of Technology, Calicut (NITC), India. This program combined physics, mathematics, and engineering, giving me a strong foundation in both theory and practical applications. I was particularly fascinated by nanotechnology, and material science, which later shaped my research interests.

After graduation, I pursued a PhD in Physics and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Sheffield, UK. My research focused on developing advanced optical systems, particularly in photonics, where I studied how light interacts with materials.

Following my PhD, I moved to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), USA for a postdoctoral position. Here, I applied my knowledge of biomedical engineering and systems engineering to the field of quantitative biology. The lab I worked in had a unique approach, believing that everything in nature follows beautiful mathematical equations, and we worked to uncover these patterns through research.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Biomedical Optics?

I had incredible teachers and professors who encouraged me to explore my interest in physics. Later, I worked with experienced scientists who showed me how light could be used for medical and scientific breakthroughs.

Turning Points: One of the biggest turning points in my journey was a research project I did in the Laboratory of Molecular Electronics and Photonics (LAMP) at NITC. My friends and I worked late nights and through weekends, pushing ourselves to get meaningful results.

One day, my guide, Prof. P. Predeep, said something that changed everything:
“Why don’t you present these results as a poster presentation in a conference?”

We took that advice, went to the conference, and won the Best Poster Award! That was just the beginning, this success led to a series of oral and poster conference presentations, prizes, and awards during my undergraduate years. It was incredibly motivating as a student.

One of the most memorable moments was when my university funded me to travel to the UK to present an invited talk at the University of Leeds. There, I received the Young Scientist Award at the conference. These experiences boosted my confidence, reinforced my love for research, and set me firmly on the path of scientific innovation.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path

I didn’t have a rigid, step-by-step plan at the beginning years for my undergrad, I simply followed my curiosity and took every opportunity to explore research and innovation. 

During my undergraduate research, I worked in the Laboratory of Molecular Electronics and Photonics (LAMP) at NIT Calicut, where my focus was on nanotechnology and organic electronics, fields that have significant real-world applications, especially in energy, healthcare, and flexible electronics.

My research focus in my early career years was on nanotechnology and organic electronics, fields that have significant real-world applications, especially in energy, healthcare, and flexible electronics. My research was centered on organic semiconductor materials, which can be used in next-generation electronic devices like flexible displays, low-cost solar cells, and biosensors. Unlike traditional silicon-based electronics, organic electronics offer advantages such as flexibility, lightweight properties, and lower manufacturing costs.

One key project I worked on involved studying the optical and electrical properties of organic materials to improve their performance in electronic devices. We explored how these materials could be engineered to enhance their efficiency, stability, and conductivity. This research is essential for advancing wearable technology, energy-efficient lighting (OLEDs), and even medical sensors that can be integrated into flexible surfaces.

My turning point came when my professor encouraged me to present my undergraduate research as a poster at a conference, where I won the Best Poster Award. This success led to multiple conference presentations, awards, and international recognition, which motivated me to pursue research at a global level.

Tell us about your PhD, Specializing in Optical Systems & Biomedical Engineering

Encouraged by my research experiences, I applied and was awarded a fully funded PhD in physics and biomedical engineering at the University of Sheffield, UK. I was able to go directly into a PhD after my BTech in Engineering Physics because I had built a strong research profile during my undergraduate years. I actively worked on research projects, published my findings, and presented at conferences, even winning awards for my work. These experiences demonstrated my ability to conduct independent research, making me a strong candidate for a PhD program.

Additionally, my BTech in Engineering Physics covered high-level courses in optics, nanotechnology, and material science, which provided me with a solid foundation for pursuing a PhD in optical systems and biomedical engineering. My interest in optics was driven by its vast applications in imaging, sensing, and medical technology. The field offered the perfect combination of fundamental physics and real-world impact, which aligned with my passion for innovation and problem-solving.

My PhD focused on developing advanced optical systems for biomedical imaging, specifically in the field of super-resolution microscopy, a field that was awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Traditional optical microscopes are limited by the diffraction limit of light, meaning they cannot clearly resolve structures smaller than approximately 200 nanometers. However, many biological processes occur at the molecular and nanoscale level, requiring imaging techniques that go beyond this limit.

The goal of my research was to design and optimise a super-resolution optical system to visualize nanoscale biological structures with high precision. My work involved:

  1. Specializing in optical systems and photonics, contributing to advancements in imaging technologies.
  2. Engineering Image Processing Algorithms: To extract meaningful information from data, I worked on computational techniques to enhance image quality and analyze biological structures quantitatively.
  3. Applications in Biomedical Research: I collaborated with biologists and biomedical engineers to apply this technology to study cellular mechanisms and disease-related processes at an unprecedented resolution.
  4. Collaborated internationally, traveling to the USA, France, and Singapore to present my work and connect with top researchers in the field.

Through this work, I contributed to advancing optical imaging techniques that help researchers and medical professionals better understand diseases at a molecular level, which could lead to improved diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. 

Postdoctoral Research, Expanding into Quantitative Biology

After my PhD, I wanted to apply my knowledge of optical systems and biomedical engineering to understand biological systems at a deeper level. I joined the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), USA, for a postdoctoral position in quantitative biology.

The lab I worked in had a fascinating philosophy, everything in nature is ruled by beautiful mathematical equations, and the team worked to discover these underlying patterns. My postdoc allowed me to:

  • Apply biomedical engineering and systems engineering principles to study biological systems quantitatively.
  • Work in an interdisciplinary environment, combining physics, biology, and engineering.
  • Develop new experimental and analytical techniques that contributed to our understanding of complex biological processes.
  • Single-Molecule Detection: Developed an imaging technique to track tiny protein machines inside bacteria, helping scientists understand how cells function.
  • Fluorescence Microscopy: Built a special microscope that helped track the growth of leukemia cells, providing useful data for cancer research.
  • Microfluidics: I worked with microfluidic devices, which are tiny systems designed to control fluids at a microscopic scale. These devices were used to create lab experiments that mimic real-life biological conditions, allowing us to study how cancer cells behave in a flowing environment similar to the human body.
  • Mentorship: Train students and researchers to improve their skills.

Transition to Industry , Driving Innovation in Life Sciences Tools

Through my academic journey, I realized that I loved bridging the gap between fundamental research and real-world technology development. This led me to transition into industry, where I now work as a Senior Scientist in R&D, leading interdisciplinary teams to develop cutting-edge life sciences tools and medical devices.

Each step in my journey, undergraduate research, PhD specialization, international collaborations, and postdoctoral research, helped shape my path. My approach has always been to stay curious, embrace challenges, and seek opportunities that align with my passion for innovation and impact.

Getting into the industry after my PhD and PostDoc was challenging, but I strategically built a strong profile by working on projects with real-world applications. Networking at conferences and staying connected with industry professionals helped open doors. I targeted roles where my expertise in biomedical engineering was needed and highlighted how my academic work could solve practical problems. Collaborating with industry partners during my research also provided valuable experience.

How did you get your first break?

My first break came when I was working in industry, where I had the chance to apply my research skills to real-world challenges. During this time, I developed a technology that led to my first patent, which was later commercialized. This patent focused on innovative optical systems and data analysis algorithms for advanced imaging techniques, with significant potential to impact fields like biosensing.

Filing this patent was a pivotal moment in my career, as it allowed me to understand how to transform an idea from the lab into a practical, tangible solution. The recognition I received for this work opened doors for further collaborations and new career opportunities. It also deepened my passion for combining scientific research with industry-driven applications.

This first patent was a key step that helped me transition from academia to a career focused on innovation and creating real-world impact.

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

Challenge 1: Balancing studies and hands-on work
During my academic journey, one of the biggest challenges was learning how to balance the demands of coursework with the hands-on work in the lab. There were times when the theoretical work required long hours of study, while the experimental side needed continuous attention and troubleshooting. To manage this, I had to develop strong time management skills. I created a schedule that allowed me to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and stay disciplined with deadlines. This also taught me the importance of being flexible and adjusting when unexpected challenges arose in the lab.

Challenge 2: Finding the right career path
Early in my career, I was unsure of which direction to take, as the field of engineering physics offers many avenues for exploration. I was interested in several areas, but it wasn’t until I worked on internships and various research projects that I discovered my passion for optical systems. By experimenting with different fields through internships, research roles, and personal projects, I was able to find the path that truly excited me. The key here was being open to exploring various options and being proactive in seeking out experiences that could help me make an informed decision.

Challenge 3: Keeping up with rapid technological changes
The technology field evolves at an incredibly fast pace, and staying updated with the latest advancements was always a challenge. To keep up, I made a point to stay connected with the cutting edge of the field by regularly reading research papers, attending industry seminars, and participating in conferences. This helped me learn about new developments and trends, allowing me to adapt my work to new technologies. I also learned that being part of a professional network, where ideas and experiences are shared, is invaluable in staying ahead.

Challenge 4: Learning skills beyond my field
While my expertise is in optical systems, I quickly realized that to be successful, I needed to expand my skill set beyond my specific area of focus. I took online courses on subjects like data science, project management, and business development, attended workshops, and collaborated with experts from other disciplines. This helped me become more versatile and better equipped to handle interdisciplinary projects. I found that embracing learning opportunities outside of my core area not only made me more adaptable but also helped me think more creatively in my field.

Challenge 5: Working in a male-dominated industry As a woman in a male-dominated field, I initially found it challenging to navigate certain situations, especially early in my career. There were moments when I felt the pressure to prove myself in a space where I was often one of the few women. To overcome this, I worked hard to build my confidence, pushing through moments of self-doubt. I quickly realized that the most effective way to gain respect and influence was through the quality of my work. I focused on developing my expertise, seeking out mentors who could offer guidance and support, and letting my skills and contributions speak for themselves.

I also made a conscious effort to support and encourage everyone around me. By advocating for an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute, I helped foster a more collaborative and open workplace. Overcoming this challenge not only made me stronger professionally but also deepened my commitment to advocating for diversity and inclusion, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive in the workplace.

Challenge 6: Leading teams and managing projects
Transitioning from individual contributor to leadership roles was a fascinating challenge for me. I learned how to manage people, coordinate multiple tasks, and make critical decisions that impacted the success of projects. I learned a lot from observing my mentors, who were excellent leaders. They taught me the importance of clear communication, setting expectations, and providing constructive feedback. Additionally, I asked for feedback from my team to understand how I could improve as a leader. This process of self-reflection and learning helped me grow into a more effective and confident leader.

Where do you work now? 

Currently, I work as a Senior Scientist and R&D Tech Lead at ONI (UK), a company developing advanced life sciences tools. We solve complex problems in imaging and biological research, helping scientists see and understand the tiniest details in biological samples. Skills needed for my job include deep technical knowledge in optics, microscopy, biomedical engineering, systems and leadership skills to manage teams. I gained these skills through years of experience in the field, along with continuous learning and mentorship.

What’s a typical day like?

A typical day involves brainstorming with my team, designing experiments, analyzing data, and working closely with other departments to ensure that our products meet high-quality standards. What I love about my job is that every day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate.

How does your work benefit society? 

Microscopes are one of the most important tools in science! The ones we design help:

✔ Scientists study diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s
✔ Doctors develop new medicines and treatments
✔ Engineers create advanced materials usingnanotechnology
✔ Environmental scientists study pollution and climate change

Every discovery made using our microscopes brings us closer to solving real-world problems.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

One of my proudest moments was leading the design of a state-of-the art super resolution microscope that allows researchers to see biological processes happening in real time at the nanoscale. This microscope will be used in labs worldwide to study diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. It feels incredible to know that the technology we created could one day help doctors detect cancer earlier and more accurately. 

Your advice to students based on your experience?

  • My biggest piece of advice is to follow your curiosity. Ask questions, explore new ideas, and never stop learning! Curiosity is the fuel that drives innovation and keeps you engaged in the process. Be open to discovering things you never expected.
  • Don’t be afraid of challenges, they are a natural part of growth. Each obstacle is an opportunity to learn something new, and overcoming them will make you stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.
  • Find mentors and role models who inspire you. Surround yourself with people who motivate and guide you. Their experience and insights can help you navigate difficult moments and give you a clearer sense of direction.
  • Never listen to those who say you can’t do something. If you work hard and stay focused, anything is possible. Persistence is key, believe in your abilities and keep pushing forward, even when things seem tough.
  • Always adopt a growth mindset. Embrace the idea that skills and intelligence can be developed through effort and perseverance. Strive to improve with every experience, and always look for ways to expand your knowledge and abilities.
  • Work on real-world projects, even if they’re small. These projects teach you more than any textbook could. They help you understand how theory applies to practice, and they give you a taste of what it’s like to solve real problems.
  • Finally, remember that science and engineering are creative and exciting fields. Don’t just focus on the end goal, enjoy the process, the problem-solving, and the discovery along the way. It’s a journey that offers endless opportunities for growth and innovation.

Future Plans?

I’m incredibly excited about continuing to innovate in the field of life sciences tools and medical devices. The potential these areas have to improve human health and well-being is vast, and I am eager to contribute to advancing these technologies. Moving forward, I hope to lead more interdisciplinary teams, bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds to solve complex problems and create solutions that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Additionally, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers. Sharing my experiences, offering guidance, and inspiring others to pursue careers in research and development is something I look forward to. As I continue to grow in my career, I aim to foster a new wave of innovators who will tackle challenges and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the life sciences and medical technology fields.