Early Academic Pursuits
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, where she developed a keen interest in food processing and technology. This passion led her to pursue a Master's degree and subsequently a Ph.D. in Post Harvest Engineering, focusing on Processing and Food Engineering. Her academic background provided her with a solid foundation in agricultural sciences and engineering principles, preparing her for a career in the food processing industry.
Professional Endeavors
Her professional journey is marked by diverse experiences aimed at expanding her knowledge and skill set in food processing engineering. She undertook internships at prestigious institutions such as the Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, ICAR - Indian Institutes of Soil and Water, and Central Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute. These internships exposed her to various aspects of food security, climate-smart agriculture, soil conservation, farm machinery, and agricultural practices.
Additionally, she participated in high-end workshops focused on food quality analysis and management techniques, gaining hands-on experience in textural characterization, hyperspectral imaging, acoustics, sensors, and microcontrollers. These experiences equipped her with practical skills and computing tools essential for data acquisition and analysis in the field of food processing engineering.
Contributions and Research Focus in Food Processing Engineering
Her research interests lie at the intersection of food processing engineering, food technology, and sustainable agriculture. Her Ph.D. research focuses on the design and synthesis of novel methods for detecting and removing contaminants from food products and wastewater. She is particularly interested in leveraging big data and advanced analytical techniques to optimize food production processes and ensure food safety and security.
Accolades and Recognition
Her dedication and contributions to the field of food processing engineering have earned her recognition and accolades. She was awarded the prestigious Women Scientist (WOS-A) Principal Investigator grant by the Department of Science and Technology (DST-GOI) for her project on the synthesis and characterization of magnetic composites for environmental remediation. Additionally, she was honored by the Journal of Global Ecology and Environment for her peer reviewing contributions.
Food Processing Engineering encompasses the application of engineering principles and techniques to the production, preservation, and packaging of food products. It involves various stages such as cleaning, sorting, grading, cooking, pasteurization, packaging, and storage of food items. Food processing engineers employ their knowledge of chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and food science to design efficient processes that ensure food safety, quality, and shelf-life extension.
Impact and Influence
Through her research, she aims to address pressing challenges in the food industry, such as food safety, security, and sustainability. Her work has the potential to significantly impact agricultural practices, food production processes, and environmental conservation efforts. By developing innovative solutions and leveraging advanced technologies, she strives to contribute to the advancement of the food processing engineering field and make a positive difference in society.
Legacy and Future Contributions