Ashok Kumar Malik | Analytical Chemistry | Emerging Scientist Award

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Prof Dr. Ashok Kumar Malik | Analytical Chemistry | Emerging Scientist Award

Punjabi University, Patiala, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Prof. Dr. Ashok Malik embarked on his academic journey with an unwavering passion for the sciences, particularly chemistry. Born with a curious mind and a penchant for analytical reasoning, he laid a strong foundation during his undergraduate years at Punjabi University, Patiala. Completing his B.Sc. in 1985, he demonstrated exceptional academic performance, securing 72.6% marks, placing him 11th in merit across the university. His major subjects—Botany, Zoology, Sanskrit, and Chemistry—reflected his interdisciplinary curiosity and commitment to holistic learning.

Continuing his academic pursuits, Dr. Malik earned his M.Sc. in Inorganic Chemistry from the same university in 1987, achieving a first division with 60% marks. His dedication to inorganic and analytical chemistry began to crystallize during this period, as he explored the intricacies of chemical structures and their real-world applications. The thirst for knowledge drove him further to pursue an M.Phil. in Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, completed in 1989, with an impressive 73% score, setting the stage for a promising research career.

Professional Endeavors and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Malik’s journey into research culminated in a Ph.D. in Chemistry, conferred by Punjabi University in 1991. His groundbreaking thesis, titled “Spectrophotometric and Polarographic Examination of Some Pesticides”, delved into the critical analysis of pesticides, addressing their chemical properties and environmental impact. This work was not only academically significant but also socially relevant, highlighting his commitment to addressing real-world problems through scientific inquiry.

After completing his doctoral studies, Dr. Malik transitioned into academia and research, focusing on the interplay between inorganic and analytical chemistry. His meticulous research approach and ability to simplify complex chemical interactions won him recognition within academic and industrial circles alike. He also actively mentored students, nurturing the next generation of scientists and chemists.

Contributions and Research Impact 🌍

Dr. Malik’s research has primarily focused on the spectrophotometric and polarographic analysis of chemical substances, with a keen interest in their environmental and industrial applications. His expertise in analytical methodologies has made significant contributions to the understanding and management of pesticide residues. His pioneering work provided innovative insights into how these compounds interact with ecosystems, influencing both policy-making and industrial practices.

Throughout his career, Dr. Malik has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing his findings to the global scientific community. His work is characterized by a blend of rigorous experimentation and practical applications, cementing his reputation as a thought leader in inorganic and analytical chemistry.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Malik’s academic excellence and research contributions have earned him numerous accolades. His consistent performance, from being among the top-ranked students in his undergraduate days to making significant research breakthroughs, reflects his dedication to the field of chemistry. His efforts have been recognized through awards, invitations to speak at international conferences, and collaboration with leading institutions.

Impact and Influence 🌟

As a professor at Punjabi University, Dr. Malik has had a profound influence on both his students and peers. His innovative teaching methods, combined with a deep understanding of chemistry, have inspired countless students to pursue careers in science and research. Beyond the classroom, his research has had a tangible impact, contributing to the safer management of pesticides and advancing the field of analytical chemistry.

Dr. Malik’s work has also been instrumental in bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering collaborations that translate theoretical research into practical solutions. His focus on environmentally sustainable practices underscores his vision for a greener, healthier world.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking ahead, Prof. Dr. Ashok Malik’s legacy as an educator, researcher, and mentor will continue to shape the field of chemistry. His contributions to analytical and inorganic chemistry have laid a strong foundation for future explorations into sustainable chemical practices. As he continues to mentor young scientists, his influence will resonate through their work, ensuring that his passion for chemistry and dedication to societal betterment endure for generations to come.

Dr. Malik’s academic and professional journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to making a difference. His work embodies the spirit of innovation, inspiring both his contemporaries and the next wave of scientific pioneers. 🌟

Citations

A total of 4,886 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        4,886
  • h-index          217
  • i10-index       36

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Turn-off fluorescent magnetic Mn-ZnS molecularly imprinted probe for the detection of chlorpyrifos in vegetable samples
    Authors: Kumar, S.; Bhogal, S.; Kaur, G.; Malik, A.K.; Aulakh, J.S.
    Journal: Spectrochimica Acta – Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
    Year: 2025.
  • Title: Chiral ionic liquids and chromatography: Synergistic effects in enantioseparations
    Authors: Bhogal, S.; Mohiuddin, I.; Kumar, S.; Kaur, K.; Malik, A.K.
    Journal: Chiral Ionic Liquids: Applications in Chemistry and Technology (Book Chapter)
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Chiral ionic liquids as stationary phases in electrophoretic separations
    Authors: Kaur, M.; Malik, A.K.
    Journal: Chiral Ionic Liquids: Applications in Chemistry and Technology (Book Chapter)
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Role of chiral ionic liquids in enantioseparations using capillary electrophoresis
    Authors: Kaur, K.; Bhogal, S.; Kaur, S.; Malik, A.K.
    Journal: Chiral Ionic Liquids: Applications in Chemistry and Technology (Book Chapter)
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Amino-Functionalized Metal Organic Framework-Based Dispersive Micro-Solid-Phase Extraction Coupled With HPLC for Sensitive Quantification of Bisphenol A and Alkyl Phenols in Aqueous Samples
    Authors: Verma, R.; Dhingra, G.; Singh, G.; Dureja, N.; Malik, A.K.
    Journal: Separation Science Plus
    Year: 2024.

Afsona Khatun | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Afsona Khatun | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Bengal College of Pharmaceutical Technology, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Afsona Khatun embarked on her academic journey with an unwavering dedication to the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Her early education at Goghat Bhagabati Valika Vidyalaya set a strong foundation, where she achieved an impressive 90.1% in her secondary examination (WBBSE) in 2016. Continuing her academic success, she pursued her Higher Secondary education at Arambagh Girls High School, excelling in major subjects like Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology with a notable score of 74.6% in 2018. With a clear passion for scientific inquiry and natural products, she pursued a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Brainware University, graduating with a remarkable CGPA of 9.26 in 2022. Currently, she is on track to complete her Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) in Pharmacognosy from Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, with an expected CGPA of 9.45. Her commitment to her education has been consistently exemplary, underscoring her dedication to advancing her knowledge in the pharmaceutical sciences.

Professional Endeavors and Technical Proficiency 🛠️

Afsona’s technical skill set is diverse, covering a range of software, instruments, and hands-on techniques critical to her field. She has demonstrated proficiency in data analysis using MS Excel and is skilled with MS Office tools for general research and documentation tasks. Her expertise extends to Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) software, including Discovery Studio, Autodock Vina, and SwissADME, which are instrumental in molecular modeling and drug discovery processes. Additionally, she has utilized ChemSketch for structural chemistry tasks and honed her graphic design skills with Adobe Photoshop and Canva, showcasing her versatility in both scientific and visual communication.In the laboratory, Afsona’s competence shines through her handling of a variety of essential instruments. From Soxhlet apparatus for plant extraction to UV/IR spectrophotometers for compound identification, she demonstrates technical prowess and meticulous care. Her experience with microcentrifuges, autoclaves, BOD incubators, column chromatography, and laminar air flow cabinets highlights her adeptness in handling sensitive biological materials and ensuring a sterile environment for her experiments. Additionally, her familiarity with flame photometers and digital colony counters supports her expertise in quantitative analysis and microbial culture handling, essential for her work in pharmacognosy.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Afsona’s research interests center around natural product pharmacognosy and herbal formulation development, particularly in the extraction, isolation, and characterization of bioactive compounds from plants and marine sources. She is skilled in various extraction techniques like maceration, decoction, percolation, and Soxhlet extraction, which she applies to separate and isolate valuable alkaloids from aquatic plants. Her focus on bioactive compounds is further illustrated by her practical work in phytochemical screening, including studies on Ashwagandha root, Liquorice, and Sterculia foetida, which have promising pharmacological properties.Her innovative work extends to the formulation and evaluation of herbal products, such as Aloe vera gel, polyherbal handwash, herbal sunscreen, cough syrup, and herbal soap. This hands-on experience is essential for identifying the therapeutic efficacy and commercial potential of natural remedies. Additionally, Afsona’s experience with plant tissue culture and antifungal assays (disk diffusion, cup plate, and pour plate methods) highlights her dedication to advancing pharmaceutical sciences with sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives.

Accolades and Recognition 🌟

Throughout her academic and research journey, Afsona’s hard work and consistent performance have been recognized through her outstanding CGPAs in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Her technical expertise and dedication to her field have garnered her positions of responsibility in collaborative research projects, such as those she has conducted at Brainware University and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology. These accomplishments speak volumes of her commitment to achieving excellence in her research endeavors and contributing significantly to the scientific community.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Afsona’s work in natural product extraction and phytochemical screening not only contributes to the field of pharmacognosy but also supports broader sustainability goals. By focusing on herbal formulations and environmentally friendly practices, she is part of a global movement advocating for greener alternatives in the pharmaceutical industry. Her dedication to in vitro cultivation techniques and antifungal assay development is expected to impact areas such as agriculture, environmental science, and public health, where natural plant-based solutions are increasingly favored.Her expertise with CADD tools also reflects her alignment with modern pharmaceutical advancements, as she combines traditional knowledge of medicinal plants with cutting-edge molecular modeling techniques. By exploring the intersection of traditional medicine and modern technology, Afsona serves as an inspiration for aspiring pharmacognosists who aim to bridge these worlds for the betterment of health sciences.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

As Afsona moves forward in her career, her foundation in both traditional pharmacognosy and computational drug design places her in a unique position to contribute to innovative pharmaceutical solutions. Her ongoing education and research aim to refine her understanding of bioactive compounds and optimize their extraction and formulation processes. She is likely to lead projects that explore sustainable, herbal-based medications, thus impacting not only the field of pharmacognosy but also contributing to global health and sustainability goals.Afsona Khatun’s journey illustrates the blend of dedication, skill, and innovation that are essential for a successful career in pharmaceutical sciences. Her contributions and future pursuits will undoubtedly enrich the field, serving as a testament to her commitment to both scientific rigor and sustainable healthcare solutions.