Forest Research Institute Dehradun, India
AUTHOR PROFILE
ORCID
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Ranjna Kaundal began her academic journey with a strong foundation in biological sciences, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry from Himachal Pradesh University. Her deep interest in plant sciences led her to pursue an M.Sc. in Botany, specializing in advanced topics in applied microbiology. These early academic explorations laid the groundwork for her transition into forestry research, where she continues to excel.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Currently a Ph.D. Scholar under CSIR-SRF at the Forest Pathology Section, Forest Research Institute (ICFRE-FRI), Dehradun, Ranjna is actively engaged in interdisciplinary research bridging microbiology and forest ecology. She has undertaken field surveys across ecologically sensitive and industrially impacted regions, contributing significantly to soil and microbial analysis for environmental rehabilitation.
Her doctoral research focuses on the bioremediation potential of plant growth-promoting microbes for solubilizing heavy metals in industrially contaminated soils. Under the guidance of Dr. Vipin Parkash, her work involves isolation and identification of AMF, rhizobacteria, and mycoflora, as well as controlled bio-inoculation experiments and soil health assessments.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS IN FORESTRY
Ranjna’s core expertise lies in Forest Pathology, with a research orientation centered on soil microbiology, bioremediation, and plant-microbe interactions. Her investigations contribute to sustainable forest management by promoting microbial solutions for heavy metal detoxification and restoring ecological balance in contaminated environments.
She is proficient in mass production of beneficial microbes, analyzing soil physicochemical properties, and utilizing advanced tools for microbial diversity studies. Her research further extends to AMF diversity in mangroves and hill bamboos, endophytic fungi, and wild macrofungi of the Garhwal Himalayas, showcasing her broad ecological interests.
ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION
Ranjna has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in reputed international journals and scientific books by Springer, CRC Press, and Elsevier, including:
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Journal of Forest Science
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Soil and Sediment Contamination
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Advances in Bamboo Science
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Environment and Natural Resources Journal
She has presented at several international conferences, including the MDPI 3rd International Electronic Conference on Microbiology and the Society for Scientific Development in Agriculture and Technology.
Accolades:
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CSIR-SRF and JRF Fellowship awardee
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Merit Scholarship Awardee
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Qualified HP-SET (Assistant Professor Eligibility)
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Ranjna’s work significantly contributes to ecological restoration and forest health monitoring in industrial corridors and fragile ecosystems. Through her multi-layered studies on AMF and rhizobacteria, she offers innovative strategies for sustainable land reclamation, reforestation, and biodiversity conservation in areas impacted by anthropogenic stressors.
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
Ranjna aspires to advance microbial-based solutions for forest ecosystem restoration, enhance soil fertility, and pioneer nature-based remediation technologies. Her future work aims to integrate microbial ecology with climate-resilient forestry, contribute to national green policies, and mentor the next generation of ecological researchers.
Her evolving expertise in eco-toxicology, microbial biotechnology, and sustainable forestry practices positions her to lead impactful research addressing global environmental challenges.
NOTABLE PUBLICATION:
Title: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Biotization Enhances Stress-Resistant Morphophysiological Traits in Forest Tree Species
Authors: Vipin Parkash, Ranjna Kaundal, Supriti Paul, Meghna Thapa
Journal/Book: Biotechnological Approaches for Sustaining Forest Trees and Their Products (Book Chapter)
Year: 2024
Title: Bambusicolous Endophytic Fungi: A Systematic Review with an Emphasis Related on India
Authors: Meghna Thapa, Vipin Parkash, A. Pandey, Ranjna Kaundal, Supriti Paul
Journal: Advances in Bamboo Science
Year: 2024
Title: Influence of Potentially Toxic Elements and Physio-Chemical Parameters of Industrially Contaminated Soil on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Diversity in BBN Corridor, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Ranjna Kaundal, Vipin Parkash, Supriti Paul, Meghna Thapa
Journal: Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal
Year: 2024
Title: Seasonal Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in the Mangrove Forests of Bakkhali, Sundarban, India
Authors: Supriti Paul, Vipin Parkash, Ranjna Kaundal, Bikram Dhara, Meghna Thapa
Journal: Environment and Natural Resources Journal
Year: 2024
Title: Quality Stock Production of Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk. Using Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation: Restoration of Agarwood Source
Authors: Vipin Parkash, Ranjna Kaundal, Supriti Paul, Meghna Thapa
Journal: Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
Year: 2024
CONCLUSION
Ranjna Kaundal is a promising researcher whose interdisciplinary work blends plant sciences, soil microbiology, and forest pathology to address pressing environmental issues. With a strong academic foundation, practical field experience, and a forward-thinking research vision, she is poised to make significant contributions to forestry research, ecological sustainability, and microbial biotechnology.