Geena Prasad | Environment | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Geena Prasad | Environment | Women Researcher Award

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 📘

Dr. Prasad’s academic foundation in engineering set the stage for her distinguished career. She earned her Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Environmental Engineering from P.E.S College of Engineering under Mysore University, where she graduated with first-class honors and distinction. Recognizing her aptitude and drive, she pursued further studies, achieving a Master’s in Technology Management (M.Tech) from the University of Kerala, once again graduating with first-class honors and distinction. Driven by her passion for environmental sustainability and the desire to create impactful solutions, Dr. Prasad continued to excel academically, ultimately obtaining her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. Her doctoral studies provided a solid research background, allowing her to delve deeper into the issues surrounding sustainable urban development, waste management, and environmental conservation.


Professional Endeavors 🌆

Dr. Prasad’s professional experience is as diverse as it is impactful, encompassing roles in both the public and private sectors. Her career began as a Project Fellow at the Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS), where she contributed to earth science research projects, focusing on environmental impacts and assessments. Following this, she took on the role of Environmental Engineer at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), where she was responsible for monitoring and managing the environmental health and safety of the institution, including waste management practices.Her skills were further honed as a Junior Engineer at the Centre for Environment and Development (CED), Thiruvananthapuram, where she played an integral role in environmental planning and project implementation. Her role evolved as she became a Technical Officer (Environment) with the Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP). In this capacity, she spearheaded sustainable development initiatives, focusing on creating more resilient urban landscapes within Thiruvananthapuram. From 2010 to 2011, she returned to CED as an Environmental Engineer, a period in which she dedicated her efforts to environmental consultancy and project management.In 2011, Dr. Prasad joined Amrita University as an Assistant Professor (Senior Grade) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Amritapuri Campus, Kollam. Here, she has been deeply involved in teaching, research, and mentoring, where she blends academic rigor with her extensive practical experience, inspiring future engineers and researchers.


Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Prasad’s research work is vast and varied, covering several pressing topics in environmental engineering and sustainability. Her primary areas of research focus include sustainable urban development, waste management, water quality assessment, and pollution control. Her projects and publications often delve into the environmental implications of urbanization and industrialization, assessing factors such as waste treatment efficacy, air and water pollution mitigation, and resource management. She has also been involved in developing frameworks for urban sustainability, where she addresses the impact of urban expansion on environmental resources and provides strategic insights for managing these effects.Her work at KSUDP as well as at Amrita University demonstrates her commitment to environmental solutions that not only address current issues but also anticipate future challenges. Her research often emphasizes community involvement and public awareness, aligning with global goals for sustainable development and environmental responsibility.


Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Prasad’s contributions have been recognized both within her institution and by the broader scientific community. Her achievements in environmental consultancy and academic mentorship have earned her accolades, as she consistently demonstrates her dedication to advancing knowledge and practical solutions in environmental engineering. She has been acknowledged for her role as an educator, where she leverages her industry experience to enrich the curriculum, offering students a unique, hands-on perspective on the subjects she teaches.


Impact and Influence 🌟

Dr. Prasad’s influence extends beyond her research and professional roles to her students, colleagues, and the wider engineering community. At Amrita University, she is known as a mentor who is committed to nurturing the next generation of engineers. Her courses often include practical insights from her time as an environmental engineer and consultant, encouraging students to view environmental challenges through an interdisciplinary lens.Her involvement in community-driven projects underlines her belief that sustainability is a collaborative effort, requiring input from all levels of society. By leading research that combines academic knowledge with field applications, she has provided insights that contribute to policy-making, environmental education, and sustainable development initiatives across Kerala and beyond.


Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Looking forward, Dr. Prasad is focused on expanding her research into new areas of sustainable technology and eco-friendly solutions. Her vision for a more sustainable future involves the integration of green technologies into urban planning and development, focusing on waste reduction, pollution control, and resource conservation. She envisions her work at Amrita University as a platform for fostering innovation and supporting research that drives environmental responsibility and resilience.In her continued role as a mentor and educator, she hopes to inspire her students to become advocates for environmental change and champions of sustainable practices. Through ongoing research, she remains committed to discovering solutions that will enable future generations to live in a world that respects and preserves its natural resources.

Citations

A total of 171 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         171
  • h-index           31
  • i10-index        8

Notable Publications 

  • Seagrass Meadows: Prospective Candidates for Bioactive Molecules
    Authors: Ameen, H.M., Jayadev, A., Prasad, G., Nair, D.I.
    Journal: Molecules
    Year: 2024.
  • Ocean energy in India-bridging gaps for sustainable futures
    Authors: Anuradha, A.P., Girish, D.K., Prasad, G.
    Journal: AIP Conference Proceedings
    Year: 2024.
  • Optimising crop recommendations: A comparative analysis of machine learning models in Indian precision agriculture
    Authors: Prabha, G.N., Rajan, A., Nair, A.B., Mullachery, G., Prasad, G.
    Journal: AIP Conference Proceedings
    Year: 2024.
  • Portable noise level detector
    Authors: Syamala, A.A., Sreekumar, V., Shiju, A.V., Prabha, G.N., Prasad, G.
    Journal: AIP Conference Proceedings
    Year: 2024.
  • Sustainable Mobility and Environmental Impacts of Green Batteries: A Comprehensive Review
    Authors: Abhishek, S.S., Malik, G.R., Suresh, D.T., Anudev, B., Prasad, G.
    Journal: E3S Web of Conferences
    Year: 2024.

Deblina Roy | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Deblina Roy | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Deblina Roy embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. Born on March 8, 1998, in Balichak, West Bengal, she has consistently excelled in her studies. She completed her 10th grade from Balichak Girls’ High School in 2013 with an impressive score of 88.57%. In 2015, she graduated from the same school with a Higher Secondary (HS) score of 88.40%. Her passion for agriculture was clear, and she pursued a B.Sc. (Honors) in Agricultural Sciences from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), where she graduated with a stellar OGPA of 8.28/10 in 2019. This was followed by her M.Sc. in Agronomy from the same institution, where she continued to demonstrate academic excellence with a 9.27/10 OGPA in 2021. Currently, Deblina is pursuing her Ph.D. in Agronomy at BCKV, further deepening her knowledge and expertise in this field. 🌾

Professional Endeavors 🔬

Deblina has a rich blend of academic and research experience. After completing her M.Sc., she began working as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under the prestigious DST INSPIRE Fellowship, and as of April 2024, she transitioned to a Senior Research Fellow (SRF). Her fellowship under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, showcases her dedication to advancing agricultural research. Her primary research focus during this tenure revolves around plant-microbe interactions, nutrient management, and organic waste recycling, specifically through microbial-assisted composting techniques.Additionally, Deblina gained invaluable hands-on experience during her Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) program in 2019, where she worked on Agro-Ecology, Crop Protection, and Soil and Water Quality management. This six-month program gave her a solid understanding of the socio-economic and environmental dynamics of rural agriculture. 🌍

Contributions and Research Focus 🌾🧪

Deblina’s contributions to agronomy and agricultural science have been substantial. She is deeply involved in the isolation, screening, and molecular identification of cellulose-degrading fungi and bacteria, a crucial area of study for enhancing sustainable farming practices. Her work focuses on the recycling of organic wastes through microbial-assisted composting, an innovative and environmentally friendly method for waste management. She has developed a “Cellulose Decomposer” liquid microbial consortium using three fungal and two bacterial strains, which plays a critical role in breaking down cellulose-rich crop residues like groundnut stalks. This method improves soil health and fertility, allowing farmers to recycle their waste effectively.Her work doesn’t stop there. Deblina is also working on optimizing nutrient management in crops, with a particular emphasis on nano-fertilizers and their effect on crop yield and soil health. Her Ph.D. thesis, titled “Microbial-assisted rapid composting of groundnut residues through cellulolytic fungi and bacteria consortium and its effect on maize (Zea mays L.) – groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping sequence,” is a testament to her commitment to sustainable agriculture.Furthermore, she has conducted pioneering research on mycorrhizal interactions (particularly with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi – AMF) to enhance nutrient uptake, especially phosphorous, in maize-groundnut cropping systems. Her research aims to provide practical, field-based solutions that are scalable and beneficial for both small and large-scale farmers. 👩‍🌾

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Deblina has not only excelled academically but has also gained recognition for her research. In 2024, she received four GenBank Accession Numbers from NCBI for isolating and registering efficient cellulose-degrading microbial strains. These strains, including Priestia megaterium (DBJ6) and Micrococcus yunnanensis (DMB9), are critical in advancing the field of microbial decomposition of organic matter. She also secured four Repository Accession Numbers from NAIMCC, ICAR-NBAIM for depositing these microbial strains, further solidifying her contributions to the field of agriculture microbiology.Her accolades include not only her research achievements but also her ability to effectively apply them in real-world agricultural practices. This recognition from national and international scientific communities highlights her standing as a rising star in agricultural research. 🌟

Impact and Influence 🌍

Deblina’s work has far-reaching implications. Her research on sustainable agriculture and crop residue management contributes to addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by the agricultural sector today, including the need for eco-friendly practices that increase productivity without harming the environment. Her development of the “Cellulose Decomposer” consortium has the potential to revolutionize the way farmers manage waste and improve soil health, providing a significant boost to sustainable farming practices.Through her work on plant-microbe interactions and nutrient management, Deblina is also helping to improve crop yields in a sustainable manner, contributing to food security and the well-being of farming communities. Her emphasis on nano-fertilizers and mycorrhizal fungi showcases her ability to integrate advanced scientific techniques with traditional farming practices.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🧑‍🔬🌱

Deblina’s dedication to agricultural science and her innovative approach to solving practical problems will leave a lasting legacy. Her research is setting the stage for future advancements in organic waste recycling, microbial composting, and sustainable crop management. She aims to continue her research and bring her findings to the forefront of agricultural innovation, potentially impacting policies related to organic farming and environmental sustainability.In the coming years, Deblina plans to focus on expanding her research in cellulose-degrading microbes and nano-fertilizer applications. Her goal is to create more sustainable, eco-friendly farming techniques that can be easily adopted by farmers across India and globally. Through her research, she envisions transforming the way organic farming is practiced, contributing to a greener, more sustainable world. 🌎In conclusion, Deblina Roy’s journey is a remarkable example of how passion, dedication, and scientific curiosity can lead to significant contributions in the field of agronomy. Her work is not just about academic success but also about making a tangible impact on sustainable agriculture and improving the lives of farmers. 🌾

Notable Publications 

  • Effect of Microbes in Enhancing the Composting Process: A Review
    Authors: Deblina Roy, Sunil Kumar Gunri, Suchandra Neogi, Osman Ali, Jyoti Sharma
    Journal: International Journal of Plant & Soil Science (ISSN: 2320–7035)
    Year: 2022.
  • Modern Approaches in Aflatoxin Free Groundnut Production
    Authors: P Bishnu, P De, A Hayat, D Roy, S Das, MK Mahato
    Journal: Advances in Agriculture Sciences (ISBN: 978-93-5570-299-9), Chapter: 3
    Year: 2022.
  • Isolation, Screening and Characterization of Efficient Cellulose-Degrading Fungal and Bacterial Strains and Preparation of Their Consortium under In Vitro Studies
    Authors: D Roy, SK Gunri, KK Pal
    Journal: 3 Biotech (ISSN: 2190–5738)
    Year: 2024.
  • Effect of Various Doses of Basal and Foliar Application of Nitrogen and Potassium with Trace Elements on Summer Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)
    Authors: Madhu HS, Sunil Kumar Gunri, Deblina Roy, Osman Ali, Prateem Bishnu
    Journal: The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences (ISSN: 2394–3319)
    Year: 2023.
  • Role of Microorganisms in Crop Residue Management
    Author: D Roy
    Journal: Agri Meet Multidisciplinary e-Magazine
    Year: 2022.