Dr. Vibhuti | Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

LSM, Campus, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand-India

Author Profile

• Google Scholar Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Vibhuti’s love for biology began at a young age, which led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry from H.N.B.G. University, Srinagar, Garhwal in 2010. Graduating with a first division and an impressive 72.1%, her undergraduate studies laid the foundation for her future research in botany, allowing her to explore the intricacies of plant life and the natural environment.Building on her undergraduate success, she continued her academic journey with a Master of Science in Botany, specializing in Biodiversity and Conservation. She graduated in 2012 from the same institution with first division honors (70.5%), further deepening her understanding of plant systems, ecosystems, and the importance of biodiversity for maintaining ecological balance.

Ph.D. in Botany: Pioneering Research in Plant Ecology

Dr. Vibhuti’s commitment to research led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Botany, with a specialization in Plant Ecology at Kumaun University, D.S.B. Campus, Nainital. Her doctoral journey began in 2014, and she successfully completed her course work with 74.66%. Her dissertation explored a critical aspect of plant survival, examining “Seed germination and seedling growth parameters of some rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties as affected by salt and water stress.” This research contributed to a deeper understanding of how stress factors impact rice, a staple crop, under changing environmental conditions. For her Ph.D. thesis, Dr. Vibhuti delved into the role of homegardens in carbon sequestration, a key strategy for mitigating climate change. Titled “Homegardens as a Strategy for Carbon Sequestration: A Case Study from Kumaun Himalaya, India,” her research highlighted how small-scale, rural agroforestry systems can serve as an effective tool for capturing carbon and enhancing local biodiversity. This work not only reflects her passion for plant ecology but also emphasizes the intersection of environmental science and sustainable practices.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Vibhuti’s professional experience extends beyond the classroom and into the field. She served as a Field Investigator/JRF in an ICSSR-sponsored research project titled “The role of rural women in homegarden agroforestry systems in Kumaun Himalaya” from May 2014 to October 2015. In this role, she explored the vital role that women play in maintaining agroforestry systems and their contributions to sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation in the rural Himalayas. Her fieldwork in this area not only enriched her research skills but also provided valuable insights into the social dimensions of ecological practices.Currently, Dr. Vibhuti is working as an Assistant Professor (Guest) at LSM Campus Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. Her teaching role allows her to impart her knowledge and passion for botany and plant ecology to the next generation of students. Her approach to teaching integrates her rich research background with practical insights, making her a valuable educator in the field.

Research Focus and Contributions

Dr. Vibhuti’s research is largely focused on plant ecology, particularly in the context of agroforestry systems, carbon sequestration, and sustainable environmental practices. Her studies on homegardens have provided a much-needed ecological perspective on how small-scale farming practices can contribute to larger environmental goals, such as carbon capture and biodiversity conservation. Her work highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into agricultural practices, a crucial aspect of combating climate change and supporting rural communities. In her research on rice varieties, she explored how salt and water stress—two significant stressors in agriculture—affect the growth and survival of Oryza sativa (rice). Her findings contribute to the broader discourse on agricultural resilience, particularly in the face of climate change. The insights gained from her research could inform future strategies for breeding stress-resistant crop varieties, thus ensuring food security in vulnerable regions.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Vibhuti has garnered recognition for her outstanding contributions to the field of botany. Her Ph.D. dissertation and thesis were well-received, reflecting the quality and relevance of her research. She is also recognized for her fieldwork on agroforestry systems, where she played a significant role in understanding the impact of rural women on homegardens and sustainable agricultural practices. Her contributions to research and teaching at the LSM Campus Pithoragarh further exemplify her dedication to advancing botany as a field and sharing her knowledge with students and colleagues alike.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Vibhuti’s work has a profound impact on both local and global scales. Her research on homegardens as carbon sinks offers practical solutions to mitigating climate change, especially in mountainous rural areas like the Kumaun Himalayas. By highlighting the role of women in agroforestry systems, she also brings attention to the importance of gender in environmental conservation.Her contributions to understanding how environmental stressors impact rice crops have the potential to shape agricultural policies and practices aimed at increasing resilience in staple food production. This is particularly important for countries like India, where food security and sustainability are pressing concerns.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Vibhuti’s legacy lies in her ability to bridge the gap between research, fieldwork, and teaching. Her work on homegardens, agroforestry, and carbon sequestration continues to inspire ecologists, farmers, and policymakers to consider sustainable solutions for environmental conservation. As she progresses in her career, her future contributions will likely focus on deepening our understanding of plant resilience in the face of climate change and how small-scale agricultural practices can offer solutions to global environmental challenges.Her passion for teaching ensures that she will continue to inspire young minds in the field of botany and ecology, shaping the future of environmental science.