Vikram Kumar | Hydrology | Emerging Scientist Excellence Award

Dr. Vikram Kumar | Hydrology | Emerging Scientist Excellence Award

Govt of Bihar, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓📘

Dr. Vikram Kumar’s academic journey exemplifies a steadfast dedication to mastering hydrology and water resources. His foundational education in Civil Engineering was completed at Government Engineering College, Kota, Rajasthan, in 2008, where he developed a strong affinity for understanding infrastructure and its environmental implications. Driven by his passion, he pursued an M.Tech in Hydraulics and Water Resources Engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology – BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, graduating in 2011. His thirst for advanced knowledge led him to the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, where he earned his Ph.D. in 2018. His doctoral research focused on the Hydrological Response of an Experimental Watershed in the Himalayas, delving into the intricate interactions between natural water cycles and ecological dynamics.

Professional Endeavors 💼👨‍🔬

Dr. Kumar’s professional trajectory reflects his unwavering commitment to contributing to academia and government. His career began in 2008 as a Planning Engineer for the Stay Cable Bridge Project with Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company, a South Korean multinational corporation. This role honed his practical engineering skills in complex infrastructure projects.

From 2011 to 2012, he served as Assistant Professor and Head of the Civil Engineering Department at Poornima Group of Institutions, Jaipur, Rajasthan, where he played a pivotal role in shaping budding engineers. Dr. Kumar then transitioned to research, working as a Graduate Research Scholar at IIT-BHU (2009-2011) and later as a Research Scholar in the Department of Hydrology, IIT Roorkee (2013-2017), where his expertise flourished.

In 2018, he was appointed as Assistant Professor and Head of the Civil Engineering Department at Gaya College of Engineering, Bihar. During this time, he championed initiatives to enhance the institution’s academic rigor and infrastructure. Since April 2021, Dr. Kumar has been serving as a Scientist (Hydrology) in the Planning & Development Department, Government of Bihar, where he is instrumental in watershed planning and sustainable hydrological development. 🌍💧

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬📊

Dr. Kumar’s research contributions are multifaceted and impactful. His areas of expertise include:

  • Catchment Hydrology: Investigating the intricate relationships between rainfall and runoff.
  • Watershed Planning and Management: Designing sustainable frameworks for soil and water conservation.
  • Agro-climatology: Understanding the interplay between climatic conditions and agricultural productivity.
  • Soil-Water Nexus: Exploring soil infiltration rates and their effects on hydrological systems.

He has led multiple research projects of significant value, including:

  • Sediment Modelling Using HEC-RAS (2020-2021), sponsored by Aqua Tech, USA (₹15 lakhs).
  • Rainfall-Runoff Behavior Studies (2019-2020), sponsored by AICTE-MHRD, India (₹12.6 lakhs).
  • Soil Infiltration Rates Mapping (2019-2020), sponsored by AKU-Patna, Bihar (₹3 lakhs).

Accolades and Recognition 🏆✨

Dr. Kumar’s exemplary work has garnered widespread recognition:

  • Acknowledged for his innovative approaches in hydrology and sustainable watershed management.
  • Invited to present at numerous national and international forums, underscoring his role as a thought leader in his domain.
  • His research projects have significantly contributed to the understanding of soil-water systems, aiding policymakers in developing sustainable solutions.

Impact and Influence 🌟🌱

Dr. Kumar’s work is profoundly impactful, not only in academic circles but also in the practical realm of public governance. His research on rainfall-runoff dynamics and soil infiltration has shaped regional water conservation policies. His mentorship of students and junior researchers continues to inspire the next generation of hydrologists and engineers.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌠🔮

Looking ahead, Dr. Kumar is poised to expand his research horizons, particularly in the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI and machine learning in hydrological studies. His vision includes empowering rural communities through sustainable watershed management and contributing to India’s ambitious water conservation goals.

In conclusion, Dr. Vikram Kumar’s career is a testament to the power of academic excellence, professional dedication, and innovative research. Through his endeavors, he continues to make waves in the field of hydrology, leaving a lasting legacy for both the scientific community and society. 🌏📈

Citations

A total of 184 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        184
  • h-index           22
  • i10-index        09

Notable Publications

  • Chemical and Micronutrients Assessment in Himalayan Foothill Highway Soil Surface
    • Authors: Shaktibala, Sinha, S., Kumar, V., Tripathi, A.K., Rahul, A.K.
    • Journal: Results in Engineering
    • Year: 2024.
  • Delineation of Groundwater Vulnerable Zone for Sustainable Development in the Southwestern Part of Bihar, India
    • Authors: Chouhan, A.K., Harsh, A., Mishra, A.K., Kumar, R., Kumar, S.
    • Journal: Groundwater for Sustainable Development
    • Year: 2024.
  • A Data-Driven Approach to River Discharge Forecasting in the Himalayan Region: Insights from Aglar and Paligaad Rivers
    • Authors: Kumar, V., Unal, S., Bhagat, S.K., Tiyasha, T.
    • Journal: Results in Engineering
    • Year: 2024.
  • Hydrometeorological Field Instrumentation in Lesser Himalaya to Advance Research for Future Water and Food Security
    • Authors: Kumar, V., Sen, S.
    • Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
    • Year: 2023.
  • Rating Curve Development and Uncertainty Analysis in Mountainous Watersheds for Informed Hydrology and Resource Management
    • Authors: Kumar, V., Sen, S.
    • Journal: Frontiers in Water
    • Year: 2023.

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.