Category: Biography

Tamanna Sood, Agriculture, Young Researcher Award

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Miss. Tamanna Sood: PhD Research Scholar at CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, India

Article Details

Novelty

  • Integrated approach combining field evaluation, biochemical analysis, and marker-assisted selection (MAS) for disease resistance.

  • First report of release of Him Palam Shimla Mirch-1 and Him Palam Shimla Mirch-2 varieties in India with documented high yield and bacterial wilt resistance.

  • Use of SSR marker CAMS451 for precise differentiation between resistant and susceptible genotypes in a multi-year study is a unique application in bell pepper breeding.

Impact

  • Provides practical solutions for bell pepper growers by identifying high-yielding and wilt-resistant genotypes.

  • Potential to reduce losses caused by bacterial wilt, a major constraint in bell pepper cultivation.

  • Strengthens breeding programs for sustainable horticulture in temperate Indian regions like Palampur.

  • Contributes to food security and profitability in small and medium-scale farming systems.

Originality

  • Combines classical breeding evaluations (phenotyping, trait correlations) with modern molecular tools (SSR markers and DAS-ELISA).

  • Simultaneous assessment of yield, quality, maturity, and disease resistance across three consecutive years demonstrates thorough experimental design rarely seen in regional bell pepper studies.

  • Introduction of new, named varieties adds original contribution to Indian horticulture.

Experimental Rigor

  • Multi-year evaluation (2022–2024) ensures stability and reliability of results.

  • 26 genotypes tested under wilt-sick field conditions, providing real-world relevance.

  • Use of phenotypic, biochemical, and molecular analyses strengthens data validity and reproducibility.

  • Statistical analysis included PCV, GCV, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, and path analysis, showing strong quantitative rigor.

Sustainability Impact

  • By identifying bacterial wilt-resistant varieties, reduces the need for chemical control measures, lowering environmental impact.

  • Enhances resource-use efficiency, as high-yielding genotypes can produce more output on the same land.

  • Early-maturing varieties can adapt to variable climate conditions, supporting climate-resilient agriculture.

Applicability

  • Directly applicable to breeding programs in India and similar temperate regions.

  • Released varieties (Him Palam Shimla Mirch-1 and 2) can be adopted by farmers immediately.

  • Techniques (SSR-based MAS combined with field evaluation) can be replicated for other capsicum varieties or horticultural crops.

  • Provides a model for integrating molecular markers into conventional breeding to accelerate variety development.

Research Portfolio

Tamanna Sood is a dedicated horticulturist and vegetable scientist with a strong foundation in plant breeding, molecular biology, and sustainable agriculture. Currently pursuing her PhD at CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, she focuses on improving vegetable productivity and quality through innovative research approaches. She combines academic rigor with practical experience, aiming to develop disease-resistant and high-yielding vegetable varieties suited for the North-Western Himalayan region.

Online Profile

Google Scholar Profile

Since 2021, Tamanna Sood’s research has garnered significant recognition, with a total of 59 citations, reflecting the relevance and quality of her work in vegetable science. Her h-index of 5 indicates that five of her publications have been cited at least five times, while her i10-index of 1 demonstrates that at least one of her publications has been cited ten or more times. These metrics highlight her growing influence in the fields of plant breeding, molecular biology, and sustainable agriculture research.

Education

She earned her MSc in Agriculture-Horticulture (Vegetable Science) from CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, with a thesis focused on genetic diversity in bacterial wilt-tolerant bell pepper genotypes, graduating with an OGPA of 8.75/10. Earlier, she completed her BSc (Hons.) in Agriculture from the same university with an OGPA of 8.04/10. Her education emphasized crop improvement, experimental design, molecular marker studies, and sustainable vegetable cultivation practices.

Research Focus

Tamanna’s research focuses on understanding genetic diversity, mapping disease resistance, and enhancing yield and quality in vegetable crops. She specializes in integrating field-based agromorphological studies with advanced molecular tools, including SSR markers and genome-wide association studies, to identify superior genotypes of bell pepper and okra. Her work aims to develop climate-resilient, disease-resistant vegetable varieties that can support sustainable agriculture and improve local food security.

Experience

She has participated in numerous national and international training programs, workshops, and webinars on topics ranging from genome editing, biostatistics, and nutraceutical delivery systems to AI applications in scientific writing. Her hands-on experience includes laboratory molecular studies (PCR, gel electrophoresis), field trials for crop improvement, and industrial training at Himalaya Food International. Tamanna also contributes to the academic community as a reviewer for high-impact journals and as a resource person in skill development programs.

Research Timeline & Activities

During her MSc (2020–2022), Tamanna conducted research on bacterial wilt-tolerant bell pepper genotypes, combining molecular markers with field-based evaluations. Since 2023, her PhD focuses on stability analysis and genome-wide association mapping in okra to identify high-yielding and stress-tolerant varieties. She has presented her work at multiple national and international conferences, contributed book chapters and popular articles, and actively participates in collaborative research projects that bridge academic theory with applied agricultural practice.

Awards & Honors

Tamanna has been awarded scholarships for both MSc and PhD studies for academic excellence, demonstrating her consistent dedication to research. She qualified the ASRB-NET in Vegetable Science (2023) and has been recognized for active participation in national and international workshops, skill development programs, and research projects, highlighting her commitment to advancing horticultural science and sustainable agriculture practices.

strengths of Miss Tamanna Sood as a young researcher, based on the information you provided:

1. Academic Excellence and Strong Foundation

Outstanding academic record with MSc OGPA 8.75/10 and BSc OGPA 8.04/10 from CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur.

Solid grounding in vegetable science, crop improvement, experimental design, and molecular markers, providing a strong foundation for independent research.

2. Innovative and Integrative Research

Pioneering work in combining field-based phenotyping with molecular tools (SSR markers, GWAS) to develop disease-resistant and high-yielding vegetable varieties.

Developed new bell pepper varieties (Him Palam Shimla Mirch-1 & 2) with documented bacterial wilt resistance and high yield, demonstrating applied impact.

3. Research Productivity and Recognition

Since 2021, 59 citations, h-index 5, and i10-index 1, reflecting growing influence in plant breeding and sustainable agriculture.

Contributions include conference presentations, book chapters, and journal publications, establishing a visible research profile early in her career.

4. Practical and Applied Focus

Hands-on experience in field trials, molecular lab techniques (PCR, DAS-ELISA, gel electrophoresis), and industry exposure (Himalaya Food International).

Focus on climate-resilient, disease-resistant varieties that can directly support local farmers and sustainable agriculture in North-Western Himalayan regions.

5. Commitment to Professional Development and Knowledge Sharing

Active participation in national and international workshops, training programs, and webinars on advanced topics like genome editing, biostatistics, and AI in research.

Engaged as a reviewer for high-impact journals and resource person in skill development programs, demonstrating leadership and community contribution.

Debasish Mohapatra, Environmental Science, Best Innovator Award

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Dr. Debasish Mohapatra: Assistant Professor at Kalinga Institute of Social Science, India

1. Article Details

Title: Assessment of zirconium oxychloride–induced toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): from morphological alteration to oxidative stress evaluation

Journal: Fish Physiology and Biochemistry

Publication Year: 2026
Volume: 52
Article number: 39
Authors: Preetinanda Nayak, Abhipsa Mishra, Ipsita Barik, Ascharyamayee Palei, Monalisa Panda, Jogesh Chandra Sahoo, Subham Samanta, Rutusmita Mishra, Debasish Mohapatra

Objective: To evaluate the toxic effects of zirconium oxychloride on fish physiology

Model Organism: Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia)

Exposure Duration: 45 days

Concentrations Tested: 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 200 ppm

Parameters Studied:

  • Survival and mortality

  • Behavioral changes

  • Histopathology of gills, liver, intestine, and eye

  • Biochemical oxidative stress markers

Biochemical Markers: Lipid Peroxidation (LPX), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Reduced Glutathione (GSH)

2. Novelty of the Study

  • First study to investigate zirconium oxychloride toxicity in Nile tilapia

  • Evaluated oxidative stress in both liver and intestine for the first time

  • Combined behavioral, histopathological, and biochemical analysis

  • Used seven different concentrations for a detailed dose-response assessment

  • Relevant to environmental contamination from mining, ceramics, and industrial discharge

3. Impact of the Study

  • Helps monitor freshwater ecosystems for zirconium contamination

  • Provides guidance for aquaculture and fish farming safety

  • Supports pollution risk assessment and regulatory limits

  • Adds valuable data to fish toxicology and aquatic environmental science

  • Provides a foundation for future research on oxidative stress and emerging pollutants

4. Originality

  • Focus on zirconium oxychloride, rarely studied compared to heavy metals like mercury or cadmium

  • Integrated analysis of morphology, tissue damage, and biochemical stress markers

  • Shows how zirconium induces oxidative stress through SOD, CAT, and GSH activity

  • Offers new insights into freshwater toxicology and industrial pollutant effects

Research Portfolio

Dr. Debasish Mohapatra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India. He is a biomedical researcher specializing in cancer biology, toxicology, and drug discovery using experimental animal models. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer progression and identifying novel therapeutic strategies, particularly through the use of phytochemicals and targeted drug approaches. Dr. Mohapatra completed his Ph.D. in Toxicology, Animal Models, and Cancer Biology in 2022. He has contributed extensively to interdisciplinary research in oncology, radiation biology, and environmental toxicology. With numerous peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized journals and collaborations with leading research institutions, he continues to advance translational biomedical research. In addition to research, he is actively involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students and mentoring young researchers in experimental biology and life sciences.

Online Profile

Google Scholar Profile

Dr. Debasish Mohapatra has demonstrated a growing research impact in the field of cancer biology, toxicology, and biomedical sciences through his scholarly publications. According to academic citation metrics, his research work has received 175 total citations, with 164 citations recorded since 2021, indicating increasing recognition of his work in recent years. His h-index is 7, reflecting that at least seven of his publications have been cited seven or more times in the scientific literature, which highlights the consistent influence of his research contributions. Additionally, he holds an i10-index of 6, meaning six of his publications have received at least ten citations each. These metrics demonstrate the relevance and scientific value of his research in cancer biology, drug discovery, and toxicology, as well as his active engagement with the global research community.

Education

Dr. Debasish Mohapatra earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in the field of Toxicology, Animal Models, and Cancer Biology from the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India. He successfully completed his doctoral research on 4 April 2022. During his Ph.D., he conducted extensive experimental research focused on cancer biology, particularly pancreatic cancer, and explored therapeutic strategies involving radiosensitizers and molecular pathway modulation. His doctoral training provided him with strong expertise in cellular and molecular biology techniques, in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models, and translational biomedical research approaches. His academic training laid the foundation for his current research in cancer therapeutics, toxicology, and drug discovery.

Research Focus

Dr. Mohapatra’s research interests are centered on cancer biology, toxicology, and the discovery of new therapeutic compounds. His work particularly focuses on identifying phytochemical-based compounds and other small molecules that can act as potential anticancer agents or radiosensitizers. He investigates molecular pathways involved in tumor progression, tumor microenvironment regulation, and therapy resistance. Additionally, his research explores the development and use of experimental animal models to study disease mechanisms and evaluate therapeutic compounds. He is also interested in environmental and chemical toxicology, studying the impact of toxic compounds on aquatic organisms and other biological systems. Through interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular biology, pharmacology, and toxicology, his research aims to contribute to the development of effective and safer therapeutic strategies.

Experience

Dr. Mohapatra has accumulated significant academic and research experience in both teaching and laboratory-based scientific investigations. He worked as a Ph.D. research scholar at the Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, from 2017 to 2022, where he conducted advanced research on pancreatic cancer biology and therapeutic responses. During this period, he collaborated with multidisciplinary research teams and gained extensive experience in molecular and cellular experimental techniques. He also served as an Assistant Professor at CV Raman Global University between 2017 and 2022, where he was involved in teaching, curriculum development, and student research supervision. Currently, he holds the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences. In this role, he contributes to academic teaching, scientific mentoring, and the development of research programs in life sciences.

Research Timeline & Activities

Dr. Mohapatra’s research career has evolved through several stages of scientific investigation and collaboration. His early research work focused on understanding infection-associated cancer mechanisms and molecular signaling pathways involved in tumor development. During his doctoral research, he concentrated on pancreatic cancer biology, exploring the effects of drugs such as statins on radiation therapy response and tumor-associated fibrosis. He has also been involved in research related to immune regulation in cancer, macrophage activation, and molecular pathways influencing tumor progression. In recent years, his research activities have expanded to include environmental toxicology studies, particularly evaluating chemical toxicity in aquatic organisms and ecological systems. Alongside laboratory research, he actively participates in scientific publishing, peer reviewing, academic collaborations, and mentoring student research projects.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Mohapatra has gained recognition in the academic and scientific community through his research contributions and professional engagements. His work has been published in several reputed international journals, reflecting the scientific impact of his research. He has also been invited to serve as a peer reviewer for internationally recognized journals published by Elsevier and MDPI, including journals related to immunopharmacology, microbiology, and environmental sciences. These reviewer roles demonstrate his expertise and credibility in evaluating scientific research. Additionally, he has contributed as an editor to the book Futuristic Trends in Biotechnology (Volume 3) published by Interactive International Publisher. His continued contributions to research, peer review, and scientific publishing highlight his commitment to advancing knowledge in life sciences.

Dr. Debasish Mohapatra’s strengths that could support him for a “Best Innovator Award”,

1. Interdisciplinary Research Expertise

  • Dr. Mohapatra combines cancer biology, toxicology, and drug discovery in his research.

  • His work spans molecular, cellular, in-vitro, and in-vivo experimental models, demonstrating a strong integration of multiple scientific disciplines.

  • Ability to apply insights from one field (e.g., environmental toxicology) to another (e.g., translational biomedical research) shows innovative thinking.

2. Novelty and Original Contributions

  • First to explore zirconium oxychloride toxicity in Nile tilapia, linking environmental toxicology with oxidative stress mechanisms.

  • Developed new experimental approaches to study phytochemicals and radiosensitizers in cancer therapy, reflecting originality.

  • His work often opens new avenues in both environmental and biomedical sciences, showing potential for transformative impact.

3. Strong Publication and Citation Record

  • Over 175 citations, with 164 since 2021, indicates growing international recognition.

  • h-index of 7 and i10-index of 6 demonstrate consistent influence and quality of research output.

  • Peer-reviewed publications and contributions to edited volumes reflect a commitment to knowledge dissemination.

4. Mentorship and Academic Leadership

  • Experience teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students and mentoring young researchers.

  • Leadership in developing research programs, supervising projects, and curriculum development at multiple institutes.

  • Shows ability to translate innovative research into educational and institutional impact, a key trait for award recognition.

5. Recognition, Peer Review, and Professional Engagement

  • Invited as peer reviewer for internationally recognized journals, demonstrating credibility in evaluating scientific research.

  • Editorial contribution to “Futuristic Trends in Biotechnology” reflects thought leadership.

  • Broad engagement in scientific publishing, collaborations, and interdisciplinary projects highlights his innovation reach and professional impact.