Monika Makwana | Marine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Monika Makwana | Marine | Best Researcher Award

Tata INstitute of Social Sciences, Mumbai- India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Monika Makwana’s academic journey is marked by a strong dedication to environmental science and sustainability. Born on October 23, 1992, Monika pursued her higher education at the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai. She earned her MSc in Climate Change and Sustainability Studies in 2016, followed by an MPhil in Habitat Studies in 2020, and a PhD in Habitat Studies in 2024. Her academic pursuits were complemented by qualifying for the UGC-NET in Environmental Science with Fellowship in 2019, scoring an impressive 96.3 percentile.

Professional Endeavors

Monika’s professional career is equally impressive, with a key role as the Program Director at Green Governance Initiative, focusing on UNSDG 13 (Climate Action). She has accumulated significant teaching experience at TISS, where she has taught various subjects including Environmental Science fundamentals, Climate Science, Indian Fisheries Policy, Data Analysis, Natural Resource Economics, and Vulnerability Studies. Her professional roles also include serving as a Programme Officer at Jal Bhagirathi Foundation and as an Academic and Field Coordinator at World Learning/School for International Training (SIT) in Jaipur.

Contributions and Research Focus

Monika’s research has made substantial contributions to understanding climate change and its impacts on marine and terrestrial systems. Her PhD dissertation, titled “Vulnerability to Climatic Aberrations and Extremes: An Analysis of Marine Systems Across Indian Coastal Region,” highlights her focus on marine ecology and climate resilience. Her MPhil and MSc dissertations further explore the impacts of cyclonic events on marine fish-catch and the determinants of vulnerability due to heat waves, respectively.

In addition to her academic research, Monika has undertaken significant fieldwork. This includes assessing non-timber forest produce and agriculture in Maharashtra, analyzing socio-economic vulnerabilities in Navi-Mumbai slums, and engaging with rural communities in various capacities.

Accolades and Recognition

Monika’s dedication and contributions to environmental science and sustainability have earned her recognition in both academic and professional circles. Her role as a Program Director at Green Governance Initiative, her teaching contributions at TISS, and her involvement in various high-impact projects and internships underscore her achievements. Her qualification for the UGC-NET fellowship is a testament to her academic excellence.

Impact and Influence

Monika’s work has had a profound impact on both academic and practical aspects of environmental science. Her research on climate change and its effects on marine systems has provided valuable insights that inform policy and conservation efforts. Her teaching has inspired many students to pursue careers in environmental science, and her professional roles have contributed to significant advancements in sustainability practices and climate action.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Monika Makwana’s legacy is defined by her commitment to understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Her future contributions are likely to further the field of habitat studies and sustainability, with a continued focus on innovative research and practical solutions to environmental challenges. Her work promises to shape future policies and practices in climate action, ensuring a lasting impact on both the academic community and broader society.

In summary, Monika Makwana’s journey from a dedicated student to a renowned expert in environmental science highlights her unwavering commitment to addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time. Her contributions at TISS and beyond reflect a career marked by excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainability.

Gyan Singh Shekhawat | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Gyan Singh Shekhawat | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Jai Narain Vyas University- India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. G. S. Shekhawat began his academic journey with a B.Sc. degree from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, in 1997, where he graduated with first division honors. He continued at the same institution for his M.Sc. in Botany, completing it in 1999. His doctoral research focused on the “In Vitro Comparative Study of Neem Tree,” which he pursued at the Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, earning his Ph.D. in 2002. Following this, he undertook postdoctoral fellowships, including a notable tenure at the University of South Florida, Tampa, USA, under the BOYSCAST Fellowship, and another as a CSIR Senior Research Fellow (SRF) from 2003 to 2004.

Professional Endeavors

Currently, Prof. Shekhawat serves at Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, in the Department of Botany under the UGC-CAS program. His roles encompass a variety of institutional responsibilities such as Director of Research, Convener of the Research Committee, and member of various committees including IQAC, Career Counseling Cell, RUSA project, Examination Committee, NAAC, and the Committee of Courses. Additionally, he holds significant departmental responsibilities including overseeing the UGC-CAS Molecular Biology Thrust area, M.Sc. Admission committee, and the Botanical Excursion committee.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Shekhawat’s research is extensive and diverse, with significant contributions to molecular biology, plant physiology, and biotechnology. He has supervised 10 Ph.D. candidates and 20 post-graduate dissertations, and his research activities include submitting gene bank entries and authoring numerous publications. His work includes over 65 research papers, 11 book chapters, and one published book. He has actively participated in and presented papers at various national and international conferences, reflecting his active engagement in the academic community.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Shekhawat’s excellence in research and academia has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. These include the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana and Gramothan Sanstahn award in 2018, the Y.S. Moorthy medal from the Indian Botanical Society in 2016, and the Young Scientist Award from DST-SERB, New Delhi. He was also a recipient of the INSA international exchange fellowship in 2011 and has been recognized as a Direct CSIR fellow and JRF. His contributions to the academic field are further evidenced by his invited talks, including 21 notable addresses, with three at international venues.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Shekhawat’s impact extends beyond his research contributions. He has been an influential member of various editorial boards and advisory committees for journals like 3 Biotech (Springer), Vegetos (Springer), and Current Biotechnology. His role as an editor and reviewer for prestigious journals highlights his expertise and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. Moreover, his international collaborations with institutions in the USA, Russia, Slovakia, New Zealand, UK, and Argentina showcase his global influence and commitment to fostering scientific exchange and cooperation.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With over 18 years of teaching experience at both graduate and post-graduate levels and 21 years of research experience, Prof. Shekhawat has established a legacy of excellence in botany and molecular biology. His leadership roles within Jai Narain Vyas University and contributions to the field ensure that his impact will be felt for years to come. Looking forward, his ongoing research projects and mentorship will continue to shape the future of botanical sciences, fostering new discoveries and innovations.In summary, Prof. G. S. Shekhawat’s career is marked by significant academic achievements, dedicated professional service, impactful research contributions, and recognition from the scientific community. His continued work promises to advance the field of botany and inspire future generations of researchers.

Citations

A total of 2921 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        2921
  • h-index          29
  • i10-index       52
Notable Publications 
Anethum graveolens: An Indian traditional medicinal herb and spice

S Jana, GS Shekhawat
Pharmacognosy reviews
Convolvulus prostratus Forssk: A Memory Boosting Herb

G Chouhan, N Solanki, GS Shekhawat, S Parihar
Plant Science Today
Evaluation of Nutrient Dependent Growth of Spirulina platensis for Pigment-proteins Production

N Solanki, G Chouhan, P Soni
Indian Journal of Agricultural Research
Phytoremediation: A Sustainable Approach for Heavy Metals Uptake and Accumulation

ASPGS Shekhawat
Innovative Biotechnological Approaches in Plant Science