Ashok Kumar | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ashok Kumar | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

IIMT UNIVERSITY MEERUT, UTTAR PRADESH, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Kumar’s academic journey is a testament to his commitment to knowledge and growth. He began his foundational education in science with a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology in 2002 from K.N.P.G. College, Gyanpur, Bhadohi, affiliated with VBS Purvanchal University, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. His B.Sc. achievement laid the groundwork for his later explorations in biotechnology.

He furthered his academic pursuits with an M.Sc. in Biotechnology in 2008 from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT)-sponsored University of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana. His master’s thesis, titled “Marker Gene Selection for Cloning in Spirulina Strains,” reflected his early interest in microbial and molecular biology.

In 2015, Dr. Kumar attained his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, one of India’s premier academic institutions. His doctoral thesis, “Identification and Characterization of Diazotrophic Bacterial Isolates and Their Effect on Plant Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.),” demonstrated his focus on sustainable agriculture and microbial biotechnology, achieving an impressive 75.75% grade.


Professional Endeavors and Teaching Excellence 👨‍🏫

Dr. Kumar’s professional career began with his role as an Ad-hoc Assistant Professor at Sri Mahesh Prasad Degree College, Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, where he served from July 2015 to December 2016. His dedication to teaching during this period helped shape the academic foundation of many students.

From December 2016 to June 2022, Dr. Kumar worked as an Assistant Professor (Contract) in the M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology program at the Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. Over five and a half years, he mentored numerous postgraduate students, fostering an environment of learning and innovation.

Since August 16, 2022, Dr. Kumar has been serving as an Associate Professor in the School of Life Science and Technology at IIMT University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Here, he continues to inspire the next generation of biotechnologists while contributing to academic and research excellence.


Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Kumar’s research has consistently centered on addressing critical challenges in biotechnology and agriculture. His expertise lies in microbial biotechnology, plant-microbe interactions, and sustainable agricultural practices.

One of his notable contributions includes the characterization of diazotrophic bacterial isolates and their impact on enhancing wheat crop yield. This research is pivotal in promoting sustainable farming practices by reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and encouraging the use of biofertilizers.

Additionally, his master’s work on marker gene selection in Spirulina strains highlighted his proficiency in molecular cloning techniques, contributing to advancements in algal biotechnology.


Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Kumar’s relentless efforts in teaching and research have earned him widespread recognition among peers and students alike. His tenure at prestigious institutions like BHU and IIMT University underscores his academic credibility and the trust placed in him as an educator and researcher.

His ability to balance innovative research with impactful teaching has made him a role model for students aspiring to pursue careers in biotechnology.


Impact and Influence 🌱

Dr. Kumar’s work has had a lasting impact on both academia and the agricultural sector. By focusing on microbial solutions for crop improvement, he has contributed to the broader goals of food security and environmental sustainability.

His mentorship has empowered countless students to embark on successful careers in biotechnology and related fields, spreading his influence far and wide.


Legacy and Future Contributions đź”®

As an accomplished academic and researcher, Dr. Kumar’s legacy is defined by his dedication to nurturing talent, advancing science, and addressing global challenges through innovative research. His current role at IIMT University positions him to shape the future of biotechnology education and research in India.

Looking ahead, Dr. Kumar aims to expand his work in sustainable agriculture and explore cutting-edge biotechnological solutions to combat climate change, enhance crop productivity, and reduce environmental degradation. His vision for the future ensures that his contributions will continue to inspire and benefit society.

Citations

A total of 2,208 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        2,208
  • h-index          26
  • i10-index       18

Notable Publications 

Title: The role of drought response genes and plant growth promoting bacteria on plant growth promotion under sustainable agriculture: A review
Authors: Kumar, A., Naroju, S.P., Kumari, N., Tyagi, S., Saini, P.
Journal: Microbiological Research
Year: 2024.

Title: Lipophilic bioactive compounds from thermophilic cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. HNBGU-004: Implications for countering VRSA resistance
Authors: Tyagi, S., Singh, R.K., Kumar, A.
Journal: Heliyon
Year: 2024.

Title: Analysis of noise pollution level in and around SIDCUL area in District Haridwar (Uttarakhand) India
Authors: Saini, P., Sharma, N., Kumar, A., Tyagi, S., Sharma, S.
Journal: Environment Conservation Journal
Year: 2023.

Title: Bioremediation potential of green wastes and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and its enhancement by their combination: A review
Authors: Kumar, A., Naroju, S.P., Langthasa, M., Sharma, N., Gautam, R.K.
Journal: Environmental Advances
Year: 2023.

Title: The Effect of Cadmium Tolerant Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria on Plant Growth Promotion and Phytoremediation: A Review
Authors: Kumar, A., Kumari, N., Singh, A., Varshney, A., Sharma, N.
Journal: Current Microbiology
Year: 2023.

ANITA KUMARI | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. ANITA KUMARI | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

CSIR-IHBT, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🌟

Anita Kumari’s educational journey began at Bharat Bharati School in Dhalpur Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. From an early age, her dedication and curiosity in scientific pursuits were apparent, evident in her academic performance. Completing her matriculation in 2011 with an impressive 85.5% score, she continued her studies at the same institution, achieving 83.2% in her senior secondary education in 2013. This foundation prepared her well for higher studies, igniting her interest in the natural sciences, especially botany, which would later become the focus of her career.

Professional Academic Development đź“š

Anita pursued a B.Sc. Honours degree in Botany at Govt Degree College in Kullu. Her dedication was clearly reflected in her academic achievements, as she graduated with 84.4% in 2016. Her achievements did not stop there; she continued her education at Panjab University, Chandigarh, for an M.Sc. in Botany, graduating in 2018 with an impressive 76.2%. Her choice to specialize in botany was driven by her fascination with plant biology and ecology, as well as the profound potential of plants in environmental sustainability. Her academic journey led her to a Ph.D. program at the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, where she is currently involved in advanced research.

Research Contributions and Focus 🔬

Anita’s research focuses on Himalayan bioresources, highlighting sustainable practices and conservation. The choice of research area is driven by her interest in leveraging local natural resources to address global environmental challenges. Her research contributions are aimed at exploring new methods to sustainably utilize plant resources, particularly within the rich biodiversity of the Himalayan region. Her work emphasizes the intersection of biodiversity, botany, and ecological preservation, making her contributions not only academically valuable but also vital to regional and global ecological efforts.

Professional Endeavors and Practical Experience đź’Ľ

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Anita has engaged in various practical applications of her research. By collaborating with her institution on field projects and lab research, she has gained hands-on experience in the extraction, analysis, and application of botanical resources. Her work aims to support local sustainability initiatives and contribute to larger bio-conservation goals. Through her ongoing Ph.D. work, she has expanded her expertise in scientific methodology, data analysis, and field research, skills that have furthered her development as a researcher and a contributor to the scientific community.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Anita’s academic achievements and dedication to her field have garnered her recognition within her academic and research communities. She has earned the respect of her peers and mentors for her commitment to excellence and her keen insight into botanical science. This recognition is not just limited to her institutions; her work has also caught the attention of organizations focused on Himalayan conservation and sustainable bioresources, further establishing her reputation in the scientific community.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Anita’s research is already contributing to a greater understanding of sustainable practices within the context of Himalayan biodiversity. Her studies on plant resources hold the potential to make significant advancements in sustainable agriculture, herbal medicine, and environmental conservation. By focusing on bioresources unique to the Himalayan region, she is helping to preserve a valuable ecological zone while providing practical solutions that can be applied globally. Her commitment to her work serves as an inspiration for young scientists and environmentalists, encouraging them to pursue careers that contribute to both scientific advancement and ecological preservation.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Looking ahead, Anita is poised to leave a lasting impact on the field of botany and sustainable resource management. As she continues her Ph.D. research and eventually embarks on professional opportunities beyond academia, her work is likely to benefit not only her immediate community but also contribute to larger environmental initiatives. Her future goals include developing eco-friendly solutions that are rooted in scientific research and adaptable for community use, thus merging research with practical, accessible applications. Her vision is to promote a sustainable relationship with nature and empower communities through scientific knowledge.

Conclusion 🌟

Anita Kumari’s academic and research journey reflects a harmonious blend of academic excellence and a deep commitment to ecological preservation. Her educational background, practical research experience, and dedication to sustainability have laid a solid foundation for her future contributions to science and society. As she continues to expand her work, her contributions will undoubtedly help foster a more sustainable future, setting an example for others in the field of botany and environmental science. Her journey is a testament to the potential of young scientists to make a meaningful impact on our world.

Citations

A total of 302 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         302
  • h-index           18
  • i10-index        06

Notable Publications

  • Physiological responses and transcriptomic profiles unveil pivotal genes and pathways implicated in nano-elicited in vitro shoot proliferation of Bambusa balcooa
    • Authors: Kumari, A., Joshi, S., Dar, A.I., Joshi, R.
    • Journal: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture
    • Year: 2024.
  • Phenylalanine encapsulation into an amphiphilic carboxymethyl cellulose-derivative enhanced plant uptake and metabolism efficiency
    • Authors: Kumar, V., Nadarajan, S., Kumari, A., Poverenov, E., Oren-Shamir, M.
    • Journal: Postharvest Biology and Technology
    • Year: 2024.
  • Understanding the population dynamics and spatial variability of tea plantation
    • Authors: Kumari, A., Sharma, R.K., Joshi, R.
    • Journal: Vegetos
    • Year: 2024.
  • Omic tools in understanding stress tolerance in grasses
    • Authors: Kumari, A., Nath, J., Gusain, S., Rawat, M., Joshi, R.
    • Journal: Current Omics Advancement in Plant Abiotic Stress Biology (Developments in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology)
    • Year: 2024.
  • Advancement in understanding cold stress tolerance using “omics” tools
    • Authors: Joshi, S., Nath, J., Kumari, A., Rawat, M., Joshi, R.
    • Journal: Current Omics Advancement in Plant Abiotic Stress Biology (Developments in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology)
    • Year: 2024.

Kudsiya Ashrafi | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Kudsiya Ashrafi | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India

Author Profile

đź“šEarly Academic Pursuits

Kudsiya Ashrafi began her academic journey with a deep passion for biotechnology, enrolling in the Master of Science program at JNVU, Jodhpur. Graduating with distinction, her academic excellence set the stage for a distinguished career in plant biotechnology. Following her M.Sc., she pursued a Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology at Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, where her research focused on the development of transgenic varieties of medicinal plants. Her foundational knowledge in genetics, molecular biology, and transgenic technology laid a strong groundwork for her subsequent professional endeavors.

🔬Professional Endeavors

Since joining Jamia Hamdard in 2016 as a Ph.D. Scholar, Kudsiya Ashrafi has made significant strides in her field. Her research expertise encompasses Plant Tissue Culture, genetic engineering, and molecular biology techniques. Over the past seven years, she has gained extensive experience in in vitro technologies, cloning, miRNAs, gene over-expression, and various analytical techniques such as HPTLC, GC-MS, and Confocal Microscopy. Her work includes developing improved transgenic varieties of medicinal plants, a testament to her commitment to advancing plant biotechnology.

🌿Contributions and Research Focus

Kudsiya’s research is notable for its focus on enhancing plant traits and secondary metabolite production. Her Ph.D. research on the functional characterization of miRstv_7 in Stevia rebaudiana aimed to improve steviol glycosides biosynthesis. By using miRNA interference, she developed a protocol for regenerating stevia plants with enhanced organoleptic and antioxidant properties. This innovative work led to her article being awarded the Dr. P.D. Sethi Memorial National Award for Best HPTLC Publication in 2022.Her contributions extend to other significant projects, including the germline transformation of Artemisia annua using the floral-dip method and profiling berberine biosynthesis in Tinospora cordifolia. She has also studied miRNAs in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea), focusing on sulfur uptake and assimilation. Kudsiya’s research not only enhances our understanding of plant biotechnology but also contributes to practical applications in agriculture and medicine.

🏆Accolades and Recognition

Kudsiya Ashrafi’s research excellence has been recognized through multiple awards and accolades. Her research articles have been published in high-impact journals such as Industrial Crops and Products, ACS Omega, Plant Science, and PLOS ONE. She has received awards for her presentations at both national and international conferences, underscoring her contributions to the scientific community. Her success in qualifying prestigious exams like CSIR-UGC NET, DBT-JRF, ASRB NET, and CTET further highlights her academic prowess.

🌍Impact and Influence

Kudsiya’s work has significantly impacted the field of plant biotechnology. Her research on improving plant traits through genetic engineering and molecular biology has practical implications for crop enhancement and medicinal plant development. The protocols and methods she has developed are being utilized to create plants with better growth, yield, and secondary metabolite production. Her involvement in the scientific community, including her role as a life member of the Indian Science Congress Association and her participation in organizing academic conferences, demonstrates her influence beyond her research work.

🚀Legacy and Future Contributions

As Kudsiya Ashrafi continues her Ph.D. studies, her future contributions promise to further the field of plant biotechnology. Her ongoing research aims to refine transgenic technologies and enhance the secondary metabolite production of various crops. Her legacy will be defined by her innovative approaches to plant biotechnology and her commitment to advancing agricultural and medicinal plant research. With a strong foundation and a track record of impactful research, Kudsiya is poised to make continued strides in her field, driving future innovations and contributing to the global scientific community.Kudsiya Ashrafi’s journey in plant biotechnology is marked by significant achievements and a clear vision for future advancements. Her dedication, research expertise, and contributions to the field highlight her role as a leading scholar and innovator in plant biotechnology. 🌟

Citations

A total of 40 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         40
  • h-index           10
  • i10-index         3

Notable Publications 

  • Artemisinin Production Strategies for Industrial Scale: Current Progress and Future Directions
    • Authors: Qamar, F., Ashrafi, K., Singh, A., Dash, P.K., Abdin, M.Z.
    • Journal: Industrial Crops and Products
    • Year: 2024.
  • Regulatory Trends in Engineering Bioactive-Phytocompounds
    • Authors: Saifi, M., Ashrafi, K., Qamar, F., Abdin, M.Z.
    • Journal: Plant Science
    • Year: 2024.
  • Enhancement of Diterpenoid Steviol Glycosides by Co-overexpressing SrKO and SrUGT76G1 Genes in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
    • Authors: Nasrullah, N., Ahmad, J., Saifi, M., Ashrafi, K., Abdin, M.Z.
    • Journal: PLoS ONE
    • Year: 2023.
  • Insights into Pharmacological Potential of Apigenin through Various Pathways on a Nanoplatform in Multitude of Diseases
    • Authors: Waheed, A., Zameer, S., Ashrafi, K., Sultana, Y., Iqbal, Z.
    • Journal: Current Pharmaceutical Design
    • Year: 2023.
  • Germline Transformation of Artemisia annua L. Plant via In Planta Transformation Technology “Floral Dip”
    • Authors: Qamar, F., Khan, S., Ashrafi, K., Saifi, M., Abdin, M.Z.
    • Journal: Biotechnology Reports
    • Year: 2022.