LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — Chhandak Basu, a California State University, Northridge (CSUN) professor and plant biologist, has received a prestigious Distinguished Fulbright Scholarship to advance sustainable biofuel research in Brazil. The award, granted by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, places him among a select group of scholars globally recognized for excellence in research and teaching.
Basu, a professor of cell and molecular biology in CSUN’s College of Science and Mathematics, specializes in how plants and microbes respond to environmental stressors. His research—backed by NASA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture—focuses on the molecular and physiological responses of plants and microbes to climate extremes. This work, he believes, holds the potential to shape future energy solutions.
“There was also a moment of disbelief because I had been selected in the distinguished category, which is highly competitive and awarded to only a handful of recipients,” Basu told CSUN News. “I am thrilled to begin this Fulbright journey at the University of São Paulo—advancing sustainable biofuel research while building lasting international collaborations.”
Through his Fulbright appointment, Basu will collaborate with Igor Cesarino, a professor of plant biology at the University of São Paulo. The pair will study how drought stress—an escalating consequence of climate change—affects biofuel crops like green foxtail and sugarcane. These species are key to global bioethanol production but are sensitive to water scarcity and contain lignin, a structural compound that makes biomass harder to convert into fuel.
“Biofuels offer an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels,” Basu said, “but their production can be hindered by drought and by plant structures like lignin. Our research will examine how drought affects lignin deposition, gene expression, photosynthesis, and plant anatomy to improve biofuel viability.”
Basu’s Fulbright project spans two summers, 2025 and 2026, during which he will conduct research and teach a credit-bearing course titled Biotechnology for Biofuel at the University of São Paulo. He will also deliver seminars at the São Paulo and Lorena campuses.
Originally from India, Basu began his academic journey at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, earning a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science. He later moved to the United States, completing a master’s in plant molecular breeding at Montana State University and a Ph.D. in plant biotechnology from the University of Rhode Island.
Basu’s passion for sustainable energy and agricultural innovation began at an early age. “As an undergrad, I wanted to study how alternative energy could be used both in the industrial sector and the agricultural sector,” he said. “I am also very aware of the impact of climate change and our constant dependency on foreign oil.”
He emphasized the broader implications of his research, particularly for American farmers. “We could incentivize farmers to grow more resilient, energy-rich crops to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. But therein lies the debate of food versus fuel,” he said. “With the rise of climate change and food scarcity, it’s time to invest in non-food crops like foxtail for biofuel—more environmentally friendly and socially acceptable options.”
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has enabled over 400,000 students, scholars, and professionals to study, teach, and research in more than 160 countries. The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program supports over 800 U.S. academics abroad each year, fostering cultural exchange and tackling global challenges.
Basu joins an esteemed group of Fulbright alumni that includes Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and world leaders. His work in Brazil aims to continue that legacy—advancing science, sustainability, and international cooperation.
