Author: scizentox scizentox

Vijayendra Pratap Dheeraj, Engineering, Young Researcher Award

Posted on by scizentox scizentoxLeave a Comment on Vijayendra Pratap Dheeraj, Engineering, Young Researcher Award

Dr. Vijayendra Pratap Dheeraj: Assistant Professor at Rajkiya Engineering College, Ambedkar Nagar, (U.P), India

Dr. Vijayendra Pratap Dheeraj is a passionate researcher and educator specializing in environmental engineering, mine environment, and sustainable water management. With a strong focus on applying advanced analytical and geospatial techniques, he aims to understand and mitigate the environmental impacts of mining activities. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, contributed to workshops, and actively participates in academic and professional communities to promote research-driven solutions for environmental challenges in India.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

Dr. Dheeraj maintains a strong professional presence online to facilitate academic collaboration and research dissemination. His ORCID profile (0000-0002-8488-6093) lists all his publications, ongoing projects, and collaborations. His Google Scholar profile (Link) shows 76 total citations since 2020, an h-index of 5, and an i10-index of 5, reflecting consistent contributions to environmental and mine engineering research.

Education

Dr. Dheeraj has a comprehensive academic background in engineering and environmental sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Mine Environment from IIT (BHU) Varanasi (2019–2024), focusing on the hydrogeochemical impacts of coal mining, achieving a CGPA of 9.40. Prior to this, he completed his M.Tech in Environmental Engineering from NIT Patna (2016–2018) with an 8.21 CGPA, where he studied river water quality using modern assessment methods. His undergraduate degree, B.Tech in Civil Engineering from REC Azamgarh (2010–2014), with 73% marks, laid a strong foundation in engineering principles and environmental applications.

Research Focus

Dr. Dheeraj’s research focuses on water quality assessment, pollution evaluation, and sustainable resource management in mining-impacted regions. His work employs advanced multivariate statistical methods, geospatial analysis, and water quality indices (WQIs) to understand the interaction between mining activities and environmental health. He is particularly interested in heavy metal contamination, groundwater-surface water interaction, and health risk assessments, with applications aimed at supporting policymakers and environmental management agencies.

Experience

Dr. Dheeraj has significant teaching and research experience, having served as Guest Faculty at M.M.M. University of Technology, Gorakhpur, and Rajkiya Engineering College, Ambedkar Nagar. He has guided undergraduate and postgraduate students in environmental projects, organized workshops on GIS and water quality monitoring, and contributed to national and international conferences. His professional experience blends academic rigor with applied research in real-world mining environments.

Research Timeline & Activities

  • Ph.D. (2019–2024): Conducted detailed hydrogeochemical and health risk studies of groundwater in Korba Coalfield, Chhattisgarh, using multivariate statistical techniques and water quality indices.

  • M.Tech (2016–2018): Assessed Ganga River water quality in Patna, including seasonal variation studies and pollution source identification.

  • B.Tech (2010–2014): Explored sustainable construction techniques using waste materials in road projects.

  • Workshops & FDPs: Actively participated in training programs on GIS, remote sensing, water quality modeling, and statistical analysis to enhance practical research skills.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Dheeraj has been recognized for academic excellence and research contributions. He qualified GATE in 2016, secured 2nd position in his M.Tech cohort at NIT Patna, and received scholarships from the Ministry of Human Resource Development for both M.Tech and Ph.D. studies. He also serves as a reviewer for high-impact journals like Sustainable Water Resource Management (Springer) and Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, reflecting his credibility and standing in the research community.

Top Noted Publication

One of Dr. Dheeraj’s most significant publications is titled “Hydrogeochemical quality investigation of groundwater resource using multivariate statistical methods, water quality indices (WQIs), and health risk assessment in Korba Coalfield Region, India,” published in Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment (2025). This work combines field data, statistical modeling, and geospatial analysis to provide actionable insights for environmental monitoring and public health risk mitigation in mining regions.

  • Heavy metal pollution indices estimation and principal component analysis to evaluate groundwater quality for drinking purposes in coalfield region, India, Sustainable Water Resources Management, 2024 – 19 citations

  • Assessment of surface and ground water quality around Korba Coalfield, India: integrated approach of WQI, multivariate statistics, and GIS, Sustainable Water Resources Management, 2023 – 16 citations

  • Groundwater quality assessment in Korba Coalfield region, India: GIS and HPI model, Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, 2023 – 16 citations

  • Hydrogeochemical quality investigation using multivariate methods, WQIs, and health risk assessment in Korba, Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, 2025 – 11 citations

  • Evaluation of groundwater quality using WQI in Ambedkar Nagar City, Uttar Pradesh, International Conference on Advances in Civil Engineering, 2020 – 10 citations

Strengths for Young Researcher Award

  1. Significant Research Contributions Early in Career

    • Despite being early in his academic career, Dr. Dheeraj has published multiple peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals, with 76 citations since 2020.

    • His work demonstrates consistent productivity and influence in the fields of environmental engineering and mine water management.

  2. Innovative and Interdisciplinary Research Approach

    • Employs advanced multivariate statistical methods, GIS, water quality indices (WQIs), and health risk assessments to evaluate groundwater and surface water in mining-impacted areas.

    • Integrates environmental engineering, geospatial analysis, and public health considerations, showing creativity and forward-thinking in problem-solving.

  3. Practical Impact and Policy Relevance

    • Research addresses real-world environmental challenges, such as heavy metal contamination and groundwater pollution in coalfield regions.

    • Provides actionable insights for policymakers and environmental management authorities, bridging the gap between research and societal benefit.

  4. Early Recognition and Academic Excellence

    • Achieved notable academic milestones including GATE qualification, top ranks in M.Tech, and scholarships for M.Tech and Ph.D. studies.

    • Reviewed for high-impact journals, reflecting trust in his expertise even as a young researcher.

  5. Active Engagement in Research Community and Skill Development

    • Participated in workshops, FDPs, and conferences on GIS, water quality modeling, and environmental monitoring.

    • Mentored students and facilitated knowledge sharing, showing leadership and commitment to fostering future research talent.

Laxmipreeya Behera, Agriculture, Best Innovator Award

Posted on by scizentox scizentoxLeave a Comment on Laxmipreeya Behera, Agriculture, Best Innovator Award

Dr. Laxmipreeya Behera: Faculty Department of Agricultural Biotechnology at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology,Bhubaneswar, India

Dr. Laxmipreeya Behera is an emerging scientist in the field of Agricultural Biotechnology whose research integrates modern genome editing, molecular breeding, and plant functional genomics to address key challenges in crop improvement. With a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience in CRISPR/Cas technology, transgenesis, marker-assisted selection, and gene functional analysis, she has made significant contributions to rice male sterility development, mungbean disease resistance, plant stress tolerance, and molecular diversity studies. Her research output includes high-impact journal articles, book authorship, multiple book chapters with renowned publishers like Elsevier and Springer, and collaborations with multidisciplinary teams across India and abroad. Driven by a commitment to innovation and scientific excellence, Dr. Behera aims to develop sustainable genetic solutions for enhancing crop productivity and resilience.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

Dr. Laxmipreeya Behera’s scholarly contributions have gained notable visibility within the scientific community, reflected in her Google Scholar metrics which show a total of 403 citations, with 399 citations since 2020, demonstrating strong and growing research impact in recent years. She holds an h-index of 8 and an i10-index of 8, indicating consistent production of influential publications that continue to be widely referenced across the domains of agricultural biotechnology, genome editing, and plant molecular research.

Education

Dr. Behera has built a strong and consistent academic trajectory, beginning with excellence in her higher secondary studies, followed by a B.Sc. in Horticulture (2016) and an M.Sc. in Agricultural Biotechnology (2018) from the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology. With an outstanding academic record—earning a Gold Medal for her postgraduate achievements—she progressed into her Ph.D. in Agricultural Biotechnology, where she is currently advancing cutting-edge research on the development of thermosensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) rice lines using CRISPR/Cas9. Her educational journey reflects a blend of conceptual understanding, laboratory expertise, and a passion for crop biotechnology.

Research Focus

Her research focuses on cutting-edge genome engineering and molecular breeding techniques, with major emphasis on CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing for functional genomics and trait improvement, development of transgenic lines for enhanced adaptability, and the use of molecular markers for disease resistance breeding. She also works extensively in gene cloning, plant tissue culture, regeneration systems, and multi-omics approaches for studying abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. Additionally, her contributions in bioinformatics, guide RNA design, in silico gene characterization, and genome-wide analysis provide a comprehensive technological perspective in modern plant biotechnology.

Experience

Dr. Behera’s research experience spans multiple high-level academic and collaborative projects carried out during her postgraduate and doctoral studies at OUAT. She has been actively engaged in laboratory-based genome editing, marker validation, genetic diversity analysis, plant tissue culture optimization, and bioinformatics-driven construct design. Her involvement in national symposiums, biotechnology workshops, and advanced scientific training programs has strengthened her practical competencies and broadened her interdisciplinary exposure. Although she has no formal service experience, her extensive research involvement, mentorship roles within lab groups, and active contributions to collaborative scientific studies demonstrate strong professional maturity and independent research capability.

Research Timeline & Activities

Her research journey began with her M.Sc. thesis on the molecular characterization and validation of markers for MYMV tolerance in Urdbean, which laid the foundation for her interest in gene–trait associations and disease resistance mechanisms. Transitioning into her Ph.D., she expanded her scope to include CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing to develop TGMS lines in elite rice cultivars, combining in vitro regeneration, construct design, vector assembly, transformation, and genetic validation. Alongside her main doctoral work, she has contributed to numerous parallel studies involving mungbean disease resistance, rice regeneration protocols, stress physiology, omics-driven plant responses, microbial interactions, and computational genome analysis. Her consistent participation in national and international conferences and specialized training programs has reinforced her scientific skillset and broadened her research perspective.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Behera has earned several prestigious distinctions that reflect her academic excellence and scientific potential. These include the OUAT Gold Medal Award of Excellence (2019) for outstanding postgraduate performance, and the INSPIRE Fellowship (2019) from the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India—a highly competitive national-level research fellowship. She has also been honored with the Young Scientist Award (2020), recognized as an expert in Forensic Biotechnology and DNA Fingerprinting (2023) by the International Forensic Sciences Institute, and received Best Oral Presentation Awards for her contributions to scientific conferences. These accolades collectively highlight her dedication, innovation, and leadership in the field of agricultural biotechnology.

Top Noted Publication

Among her numerous publications, one of the most notable is her 2025 article titled “CRISPR-driven innovations in rice (Oryza sativa L.) breeding: precision development of male sterile lines”, published in Molecular Biology Reports (NAAS 8.6). This work presents advanced CRISPR/Cas-based strategies for generating male sterile rice lines, an important tool for hybrid seed production and yield enhancement. The publication exemplifies her expertise in genome editing, functional gene analysis, and rice biotechnology, and it stands as a key contribution to current advancements in precision breeding and sustainable agricultural productivity.

  • Crucial Cell Signaling Compounds Crosstalk and Integrative Multi-Omics Techniques for Salinity Stress Tolerance in Plants – Rajesh K. Singhal, Debanjana Saha, Milan Skalicky, Udit N. Mishra, L. Behera, et al., Frontiers in Plant Science, 12 (670369), 2021 – 96 citations

  • The Golden Spice Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Its Feasible Benefits in Prospering Human Health — A Review – JP Sahoo, L. Behera, J. Praveena, S. Sawant, A. Mishra, SS Sharma, et al., American Journal of Plant Sciences, 12(3), 455-475, 2021 – 61 citations

  • Omics Studies and Systems Biology Perspective Towards Abiotic Stress Response in Plants – JP Sahoo, L. Behera, SS Sharma, J. Praveena, SK Nayak, KC Samal, American Journal of Plant Sciences, 11(12), 2172, 2020 – 56 citations

  • Understanding the BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) Program and a Step-by-Step Guide for Its Use in Life Science Research – KC Samal, JP Sahoo, L. Behera, T. Dash, Bhartiya Krishi Anusandhan Patrika, 36(1), 55-61, 2021 – 46 citations

  • Understanding the Genetics of Cercospora Leaf Spot (CLS) Resistance in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) – JP Sahoo, KC Samal, SK Tripathy, D. Lenka, P. Mishra, L. Behera, et al., Tropical Plant Pathology, 47(6), 703-717, 2022 – 15 citations

Strengths for Best Innovator Award

  1. Pioneering Research in Genome Editing and CRISPR/Cas Technology
    Dr. Behera has applied advanced CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing to develop thermosensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) rice lines, demonstrating innovation in precision breeding. Her work in functional genomics and trait improvement highlights her capability to create novel, sustainable solutions in crop productivity.

  2. Integration of Multi-Omics and Molecular Breeding Approaches
    She effectively combines genomics, transcriptomics, and marker-assisted selection to understand plant stress tolerance and disease resistance mechanisms. This integrative approach exemplifies her ability to translate complex scientific data into practical agricultural innovations.

  3. High Research Impact and Scholarly Visibility
    With 403 total citations, h-index 8, and multiple high-impact publications, her research has garnered international attention. Notable works on plant stress tolerance, turmeric benefits, and rice biotechnology reflect her capacity to produce influential and widely referenced innovations.

  4. Recognition through Prestigious Awards and Fellowships
    Dr. Behera’s achievements include the OUAT Gold Medal, INSPIRE Fellowship, Young Scientist Award, and international recognition in forensic biotechnology. These honors validate her originality, scientific excellence, and leadership potential in agricultural innovation.

  5. Translational Impact and Contribution to Sustainable Agriculture
    Her research is directly applicable to enhancing crop resilience, productivity, and hybrid seed development. By bridging laboratory discoveries with field applications, she demonstrates tangible societal and agricultural benefits, a key criterion for innovation awards.

Amanpreet Kaur, Chemistry, Female Researcher Award

Posted on by scizentox scizentoxLeave a Comment on Amanpreet Kaur, Chemistry, Female Researcher Award

Dr. Amanpreet Kaur: Assistant Professor at IFTM University, Moradabad, India

Dr. Amanpreet Kaur is an accomplished researcher and Assistant Professor of Chemistry at IFTM University, Moradabad, with a strong specialization in natural product chemistry, phytochemical profiling, and pharmacological evaluations of medicinal plants. Her research spans the extraction, isolation, structural characterization, and biological screening of plant-derived bioactive compounds using advanced techniques such as NMR, FTIR, GC/MS, UV-Vis, and mass spectrometry. She has contributed significantly to the exploration of Ehretia acuminata and other species with therapeutic potential, resulting in numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and patents. With experience in both academic teaching and industrial R&D at Jubilant Generics, she integrates scientific rigor with practical problem-solving. Dr. Kaur is recognized for her contributions to green chemistry, essential oil studies, and innovative extraction technologies, and she continues to mentor research scholars while actively collaborating on interdisciplinary projects.

Online Profiles

Scopus Profile

Dr. Amanpreet Kaur is an active researcher affiliated with IFTM University, Moradabad, India, and is indexed in Scopus under the Author ID 57214487333. Her Scopus profile reflects 12 publications, 68 citations from 49 citing documents, and an h-index of 5, highlighting her growing impact in the fields of natural product chemistry, phytochemical analysis, and medicinal plant research. Her research contributions demonstrate strong interdisciplinary relevance, and through Scopus and ORCID integration, she maintains an authoritative and transparent academic identity that supports global visibility, scholarly collaboration, and recognition within the scientific community.

Education

Dr. Kaur holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar, where her doctoral work focused on the phytochemical investigation and pharmacological analysis of Ehretia acuminata R. Br., integrating both traditional knowledge and modern analytical techniques. She completed her M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Chemistry from Kumaun University, Nainital, securing First Division in both programs and demonstrating consistent academic excellence. Her educational journey is marked by strong analytical skills, hands-on laboratory experience, and scientific curiosity, further enhanced by qualifying the GATE examination in 2018, which underscores her command over chemical sciences and competitive academic standards.

Research Focus

Dr. Amanpreet Kaur’s research centers on natural product chemistry, with a particular emphasis on phytochemical extraction, purification, and characterization of medicinal plant constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and essential oils. She works extensively on evaluating biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antihemolytic, and photoprotective potential using in-vitro assays. Her interests also extend to sustainable extraction technologies like microwave-assisted extraction, structure–activity relationship studies, green nanotechnology applications, and the discovery of plant-based molecules with pharmaceutical and industrial relevance. Her long-term vision involves bridging traditional medicinal knowledge with modern science to identify promising bioactive compounds.

Experience

With a combination of academic and industrial experience, Dr. Kaur currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at IFTM University, where she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supervises Ph.D. scholars, and leads research projects in natural product chemistry. Prior to her academic role, she gained two years of hands-on industrial R&D experience at Jubilant Generics, Noida, where she worked on chemical analysis, extraction procedures, compound profiling, and laboratory quality practices. This dual experience has enabled her to develop a balanced professional profile, combining method development, experimental optimization, scientific writing, and research supervision with a strong understanding of industrial needs, analytical workflows, and regulatory standards.

Research Timeline & Activities

Throughout her research career, Dr. Amanpreet Kaur has progressively expanded her expertise from basic phytochemical screening during her postgraduate studies to advanced bioactive compound isolation and pharmacological evaluation during her doctoral and professional work. Her research timeline includes conducting laboratory experiments, optimizing extraction techniques, developing chromatographic methods, executing structural elucidation using spectral techniques, and evaluating in-vitro biological activities. She has participated in national and international conferences, published impactful research papers, contributed book chapters, and filed patents related to natural products and essential oil extraction. In recent years, she has focused on supervising Ph.D. scholars, strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations, and exploring the industrial applications of plant-based compounds, thereby enriching her scientific contributions and research leadership.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Kaur has received several prestigious awards in recognition of her academic excellence, scientific contributions, and leadership abilities. These include the Young Scientist Award from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India (2020), the Best Paper Award at a DRDO-sponsored national conference (2022), and the Best Oral Presentation Award at the Indian Science Congress Association (2019). She has also been honored by the President of India (2011) and the Governor of Uttarakhand (2009) for her outstanding achievements in Scouts and Guides. Additionally, she has been recognized by Bentham Sciences as a reviewer, highlighting her engagement with scholarly peer-review processes. Her consistent dedication to research and community service has earned her multiple accolades throughout her academic journey.

Top Noted Publication

Among her significant contributions, one of the most notable is the publication “Ehretia genus: a comprehensive review of its botany, ethnomedicinal values, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and clinical studies” in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2025), which provides an in-depth and authoritative overview of the genus Ehretia, integrating ethnobotanical insights, phytochemical diversity, biological activities, and therapeutic potential. This publication has been widely appreciated for its comprehensive synthesis, scientific rigor, and relevance to natural product research, positioning Dr. Kaur as a key contributor in the field of medicinal plant chemistry.

The review article titled “Ehretia genus: a comprehensive review of its botany, ethnomedicinal values, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and clinical studies” is an open-access publication that provides an extensive and integrated overview of the botanical features, traditional uses, chemical composition, biological activities, toxicological assessments, and available clinical insights related to the Ehretia genus. Authored by a multidisciplinary team—including Dr. Amanpreet Kaur—this review synthesizes current scientific knowledge and identifies research gaps, making it a valuable resource for researchers in natural product chemistry, pharmacognosy, and medicinal plant studies. The article has begun gaining scholarly attention, with 2 citations, reflecting its emerging impact and relevance in the domain of medicinal plant research.

Strengths for a Female Researcher Award

1. Exceptional Research Excellence and Scientific Contribution

Dr. Amanpreet Kaur demonstrates outstanding research excellence through her extensive work in natural product chemistry, phytochemical analysis, and biological evaluation of medicinal plants. Her contributions to the scientific understanding of Ehretia acuminata and other therapeutic species reflect a strong command over advanced analytical techniques, from NMR and GC/MS to pharmacological assays. With more than a dozen publications, book chapters, patents, and growing citations, she has significantly contributed to the advancement of plant-based drug discovery. Her research excellence positions her as a leading female scientist dedicated to uncovering sustainable, effective, and natural solutions for human health.

2. Inspiring Leadership and Mentorship in Science

As an Assistant Professor at IFTM University, Dr. Kaur excels not only as a researcher but also as a mentor who actively guides and supports Ph.D. scholars and young researchers. Her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical laboratory training empowers students, especially women, to pursue careers in research with confidence and clarity. Through her leadership, she fosters a research environment that encourages scientific curiosity, integrity, and innovation. Her mentorship contributes significantly to building the next generation of female scientists in chemistry and allied disciplines.

3. Strong Academic–Industry Integration and Applied Skillset

Dr. Kaur’s unique combination of academic expertise and industrial experience sets her apart as an exceptionally well-rounded female researcher. Her two-year R&D role at Jubilant Generics provided her with critical industry-level exposure to analytical workflows, extraction processes, compound profiling, and quality standards. She bridges academia and industry by integrating scientific rigor with practical application, enabling her research to hold both academic relevance and industrial value. This rare dual experience enhances her credibility as a researcher who can translate ideas into impactful, real-world outcomes.

4. Commitment to Innovation, Sustainability, and Green Chemistry

A strong advocate of innovative and eco-friendly scientific approaches, Dr. Kaur actively integrates green chemistry, sustainable extraction techniques, and environmentally conscious methodologies in her research. Her work on essential oils, microwave-assisted extraction, and natural bioactive compounds reflects a deep commitment to developing sustainable solutions for pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Her contributions to green nanotechnology and eco-safe processes further highlight her innovative mindset, positioning her as an influential female scientist driving environmentally responsible research.

5. Recognized Achievements, Awards, and National Impact

Dr. Kaur’s remarkable achievements—including the Young Scientist Award (DBT, Govt. of India), Best Paper Award (DRDO), and Best Oral Presentation (Indian Science Congress Association)—demonstrate her excellence, dedication, and national-level recognition as a researcher. Her accomplishments extend beyond academics, as evidenced by prestigious honors from the President and Governor of India during her early years, reflecting her leadership, discipline, and multi-dimensional talent. These distinctions collectively highlight her as an exemplary female researcher whose contributions significantly impact scientific advancement and inspire women in STEM.