Ramandeep Kaur Sidhu, Engineering, Young Researcher Award

Miss. Ramandeep Kaur Sidhu: Assistant Professor at GNC, Budhlada, India

Ramandeep Kaur is a dedicated researcher in the field of Food Science and Technology with a strong academic background in biotechnology and molecular biology. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. with a focus on innovative starch modification and the development of biodegradable materials for sustainable food packaging. With a passion for functional food development and food sustainability, she combines academic knowledge with hands-on experience in product development, food quality assessment, and advanced research techniques. Her scientific curiosity is driven by a commitment to providing eco-friendly solutions to modern food industry challenges.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

As of now, Ramandeep Kaur has received a total of 11 citations, all accumulated since 2020. She holds an h-index of 2, indicating that at least two of her publications have been cited at least twice. Reflecting the early stage of her academic publishing career. These metrics demonstrate emerging recognition of her contributions in the field of starch modification and food science research.

Education

Ramandeep’s academic journey began with a CBSE education, where she completed her 10th grade with a CGPA of 8.0 and 12th grade with 61.26%. She pursued her Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from S.D. College, Barnala (2013–2016), graduating with a percentage of 58.61%. She then earned her Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (2016–2018), with a CGPA of 6.65. Currently, she is a Ph.D. scholar in Food Science and Technology at Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (2021–2025), working on a government-funded project under the DST-WISE PhD scheme.

Research Focus

Her current Ph.D. research focuses on the isolation, modification, and characterization of starch derived from Indian Teff (Eragrostis tef), a nutrient-rich ancient grain. The research aims to improve the physicochemical, thermal, and functional properties of native starch through modern techniques like ultrasonication, heat moisture treatment, gamma irradiation, and enzymatic/chemical modifications. A major goal of her study is to develop biodegradable films using modified Teff starch for potential application in eco-friendly food packaging, contributing to sustainability and waste reduction in the food industry.

Experience

Ramandeep brings both academic and applied experience to her work, having participated in several hands-on workshops, faculty development programs, and research collaborations. She has gained practical skills in starch extraction, rheology, microscopy, digestibility analysis, and biodegradable film production. Her academic training is complemented by active participation in knowledge-sharing events, such as workshops on edible films at Amity University and conferences on food innovation at Punjab Agricultural University. Her experience also includes research paper writing, lab management, and team-based project coordination.

Research Timeline & Activities

Her research timeline (2021–2025) is structured under the DST-WISE PhD program, providing structured opportunities for deep investigation and scientific output. Throughout this period, she has conducted detailed experimental studies, presented findings at national workshops, and published results in reputed peer-reviewed journals. Notably, she has worked extensively with analytical tools and engaged in data-driven research around starch digestibility, film formulation, and functional food development. Ramandeep continues to contribute actively to food innovation through scientific writing, collaboration, and participation in academic development programs.

Awards & Honors

Ramandeep has been honored with the WISE-PhD Fellowship (Women in Science and Engineering), funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, recognizing her potential as an emerging researcher in food technology. This award supports her work on the development of biodegradable films from modified Teff starch. Her scholarly achievements include acceptance of research papers in high-impact journals, selection for participation in prestigious workshops and FDPs, and acknowledgment within her academic institution as a promising contributor to the field of sustainable food science.

Top Noted Publication

One of Ramandeep’s most cited works is the 2024 research article titled “Influence of Heat Moisture, Ultrasonication, and Gamma Irradiation on Pasting, Thermal, Morphological, and Physicochemical Properties of Indian Teff (Eragrostis tef) Starch,” published in Starch‐Stärke (Vol. 76, Issues 7-8). This study explored advanced physical modification techniques to enhance the functional performance of Teff starch, revealing significant improvements in gelatinization, viscosity, and film-forming properties. The publication is recognized for its novelty and potential industrial applications in eco-packaging and clean-label food products.

  • Sidhu, R. K., Riar, C. S., & Singh, S. (2024). Influence of Heat Moisture, Ultrasonication, and Gamma Irradiation on Pasting, Thermal, Morphological, and Physicochemical Properties of Indian Teff (Eragrostis tef) Starch. Starch‐Stärke, 76(7-8), 2300241.
    🔹 Citations: 9
    🔹 This paper investigates the structural and functional changes in Teff starch following various physical modification methods, highlighting potential applications in food packaging and texture improvement.

  • Sidhu, R. K., Riar, C. S., & Singh, S. (2025). In vitro starch digestibility and physicochemical properties of chemical and enzymatic modified Indian Teff (Eragrostis tef) starch for industrial applications. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 307, Article 141910.
    🔹 Citations: 2
    🔹 This research focuses on improving starch digestibility and stability through chemical and enzymatic methods, aiming at industrial utility in biodegradable films and processed foods.

  • Sidhu, R. K., Mittal, Y., & Aran, K. R. (2025). Bilirubin: A Game-Changer in Alzheimer’s Therapy? Unveiling Its Neuroprotective and Disease-Modifying Potential. Metabolic Brain Disease, 40(6), 224.
    🔹 A cross-disciplinary exploration of bilirubin’s emerging role as a therapeutic agent in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, offering insights into its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Strengths as a young researcher award

1. Emerging Innovator in Sustainable Food Packaging Award

This award honors a young researcher who has demonstrated exceptional innovation in developing sustainable and biodegradable food packaging solutions. Recognizing Ramandeep Kaur Sidhu’s groundbreaking work in starch modification using advanced physical and chemical techniques, this accolade highlights her commitment to addressing environmental challenges in the food industry through eco-friendly materials derived from indigenous resources like Indian Teff starch.

2. Excellence in Starch Modification Research Award

Presented to a promising scientist who has made significant strides in the field of starch chemistry and modification, this award acknowledges Ramandeep’s meticulous research on enhancing the physicochemical, thermal, and functional properties of native starches. Her work not only advances fundamental understanding but also paves the way for practical applications in food technology and packaging industries, showcasing her ability to bridge scientific innovation with industrial relevance.

3. Young Scientist in Food Sustainability Award

This distinction celebrates a rising star dedicated to sustainable food science research. Ramandeep Kaur Sidhu’s focus on biodegradable films and environmentally conscious food packaging exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to reducing plastic waste and promoting circular economy principles in the food sector. Her interdisciplinary expertise and active participation in national research programs underscore her potential to influence sustainable practices on a global scale.

4. Promising Food Science Researcher Award

Awarded to an early-career researcher who exhibits strong academic excellence and impactful contributions to food science and technology. Ramandeep’s dedication to functional food development, rigorous experimental research, and her role in mentoring and knowledge dissemination reflect her leadership potential and scientific curiosity. Her steadily growing body of work and recognition in reputable journals mark her as a future leader in the field.

5. Innovator in Functional Food and Biopolymer Research Award

This accolade is given to a young investigator pioneering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of molecular biology, food science, and material engineering. Ramandeep Kaur Sidhu’s innovative efforts to develop novel biodegradable biopolymers from Teff starch and enhance food quality through enzymatic and chemical modifications demonstrate her unique ability to integrate diverse scientific domains. Her contributions are advancing both theoretical knowledge and practical solutions for healthier, sustainable food systems.