Aditya Sagar, Public Health, Best Innovator Award

Dr. Aditya Sagar: Senior Resident (General Surgery) at Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, India

  • Title / Designation: Dr

  • Name: Aditya Sagar

  • Current Role / Designation: Senior Resident (General Surgery)

  • Organization / Institution: Moti Lal Nehru Medical College

  • Country: India

  • Subject Track: Public Health

Key Areas of Expertise

  • Clinical Breast Examination (CBE)

  • Breast Cancer Screening

  • Surgical Oncology Research

  • Evidence-Based Medicine

  • Public Health Screening Strategies

  • Diagnostic Accuracy Studies

  • Patient-Centered Clinical Care

Award Category

  • Best Innovator Award

Anjana Das is a motivated Chemical Engineering undergraduate with a strong academic foundation and extensive exposure to industrial training, research environments, and interdisciplinary technologies. Anjana Das demonstrates a consistent interest in sustainable development, green chemical processes, and data-driven engineering solutions. With hands-on experience in process simulation, laboratory research, and industrial operations, Anjana Das aspires to contribute meaningfully to innovation, safety, and efficiency within the chemical and allied industries while pursuing continuous professional and research-oriented growth.

Online Profiles

ORCID Profile

Anjana Das maintains an active professional presence on online platforms, particularly LinkedIn and ORCID, highlighting academic achievements, industrial training experiences, certifications, workshops, and technical competencies. The profile reflects growing interests in chemical engineering applications, sustainability, digital tools, and emerging technologies, enabling professional networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with researchers, academicians, and industry professionals at national and international levels.

Education

Anjana Das is currently completing a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Chemical Engineering at Hindusthan College of Engineering & Technology for the academic period 2020–2024, achieving an impressive CGPA of 8.9 up to the sixth semester. Academic performance has been strong in core chemical engineering subjects, complemented by extensive laboratory exposure. Secondary education was completed at Vimala Central School with a CGPA of 9.2, and higher secondary education was completed at National Higher Secondary School with 89%, reflecting consistent academic excellence.

Research Focus

Anjana Das’s research interests include sustainable chemical engineering practices, green separation processes, advanced wastewater treatment technologies, and environmentally responsible industrial operations. Specific areas of interest include molecular simulation, process modeling, and optimization using Aspen Plus, MATLAB, DWSIM, and Origin. Research interests also extend to energy-related domains such as hydrogen storage, lithium-ion battery technologies, and process intensification aimed at improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Experience

Anjana Das has gained valuable industrial and research exposure through implant training programs at Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited (HOCL), IISER Bhopal, CIPET, and Makeover Paints and Allied Industries. These experiences provided practical insight into chemical plant operations, laboratory research methodologies, quality control systems, safety practices, and industrial-scale process implementation. Training experiences strengthened the ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world chemical engineering applications.

Research Timeline & Activities

Between 2022 and 2023, Anjana Das actively participated in academic research activities, national conferences, technical workshops, and sustainability-focused programs. Engagements included hands-on laboratory training, molecular simulation workshops, and advanced wastewater management programs. Contributions were also made to innovation-driven initiatives such as sustainability hackathons, entrepreneurship workshops, and technical contests, demonstrating proactive involvement in research, innovation, and professional skill development.

Awards & Honors

Anjana Das received recognition through participation in prestigious national-level technical and innovation platforms. The project titled “Storage of Hydrogen Fuel for the Future” was presented at EUREKA 2022, IIT Bombay. Participation in the LTTS Techgium Contest and Sustainability Hackathon Challenge further highlights problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and commitment to sustainable engineering solutions.

Top Noted Publication

Currently, Anjana does not have peer-reviewed journal publications; however, she has actively contributed to technical discussions and paper presentations at national conferences related to chemical, biochemical, and sustainable technologies. Her ongoing academic projects, research training, and conference participation indicate strong potential for future publications in reputed journals and conference proceedings within the field of chemical engineering.

  • Clinical Breast Examination for Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Women over 40 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care OPD Setting in India
    Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology, 2025
    DOI: 10.1007/s13193-025-02446-x
    ISSN: 0975-7651 | 0976-6952
    Role: Author
    Contributors: Aditya Sagar, Sanjay Singh, Vishal Kewlani, Jitendra Kumar Singh

  • Unaccounted Gall Bladder
    Cureus, 2024
    DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65490
    ISSN: 2168-8184
    Role: Author
    Contributors: Sunil Vishwakarma, Chhavindar Singh, Tripti Agarwal, Aditya Sagar

Strengths for the Best Innovator Award

  1. Interdisciplinary Research Capability
    Anjana demonstrates a strong ability to work across disciplines, combining chemical engineering principles with sustainability, healthcare-related research exposure, and emerging digital technologies. Her involvement in both engineering-focused projects and peer-reviewed medical research reflects adaptability, intellectual curiosity, and an innovative mindset beyond traditional domain boundaries.

  2. Strong Problem-Solving and Innovation Orientation
    Through participation in national-level hackathons, technical contests, and innovation platforms such as EUREKA IIT Bombay and LTTS Techgium, Anjana has consistently applied creative thinking to real-world challenges. Her work on hydrogen fuel storage and sustainability-focused initiatives highlights her capacity to generate forward-looking, impactful solutions.

  3. Hands-on Industrial and Research Experience
    Her implant training at organizations like HOCL, IISER Bhopal, CIPET, and Makeover Paints has equipped her with practical exposure to industrial operations, laboratory research, safety practices, and process implementation. This balance of theory and practice strengthens her ability to translate innovative ideas into feasible, industry-ready solutions.

  4. Commitment to Sustainable and Socially Relevant Innovation
    Anjana’s research focus on green chemical processes, wastewater treatment, energy storage, and environmental protection demonstrates a strong alignment with sustainable development goals. Her engagement in research and publications addressing public health and sustainability reflects a sense of social responsibility alongside technical innovation.

  5. Continuous Learning and Leadership Potential
    With extensive certifications in project management, cloud computing, automation, machine learning, and process optimization, Anjana shows a clear commitment to lifelong learning. Her proactive involvement in workshops, conferences, and professional societies highlights leadership potential, initiative, and the drive to stay at the forefront of technological and research advancements.

Thamaraiselvi Saravanakumar, Public Health, Best Innovator Award

Miss. Thamaraiselvi Saravanakumar: Research Scholar at SRM Intitute of Science and Technology, India

Title/Designation: Miss
Name: Thamaraiselvi Saravanakumar
Current Role/Designation: Research Scholar
Organization/Institution: SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
Country: India
Subject Track: Public Health
Award Categories: Best Innovator Award

Thamaraiselvi Saravanakumar is a committed Ph.D. Research Scholar at the Department of Yoga, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, specializing in the integration of traditional yogic practices with modern scientific approaches to enhance physical and psychological well-being. Her work spans areas such as respiratory health, stress reduction, and lifestyle interventions, reflecting a holistic understanding of yoga’s therapeutic potential. She has actively contributed to peer-reviewed journals, presented at numerous national and international conferences, and is deeply involved in advancing evidence-based research in yoga therapy. Her academic journey is marked by a blend of rigorous research, practical applications, and a dedication to promoting wellness through yogic science.

Online Profiles

Scopus Profile

Education

Thamaraiselvi completed her M.Sc. in Yoga from Bharathidasan University in April 2020, following an extensive academic journey that also includes degrees in M.Sc. and B.Ed. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Yoga at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, where her research focuses on evidence-based interventions for mental and physical health. She has also earned professional certifications including UGC NET, Yoga Certification Board Level 3, and a PG Diploma in Thirumandhiram, reflecting her commitment to both academic rigor and practical proficiency in the field of yoga and allied sciences.

Research Focus

Her research is primarily centered on exploring the therapeutic applications of yoga for physical, psychological, and lifestyle-related health challenges. Key areas include studying the impact of yogic practices on cardiopulmonary function, stress reduction, and psychological well-being among diverse populations, including college students and patients with respiratory disorders. Her work combines experimental research, randomized controlled trials, and systematic analysis to provide scientifically validated insights that contribute to the integration of yoga in modern healthcare and wellness programs.

Experience

Thamaraiselvi has extensive research experience, particularly in designing and executing independent studies as part of her doctoral program. She has successfully conducted randomized controlled trials and observational studies evaluating the effects of yoga on asthma management, stress reduction, and overall well-being. Beyond research, she has presented her work at multiple national and international conferences, demonstrating her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. She also mentors undergraduate and postgraduate students, guiding research methodology and promoting evidence-based yoga practices.

Research Timeline & Activities

Her research timeline highlights a progressive approach from conceptual frameworks to empirical studies, data analysis, and publication. Key projects include assessing the effects of yogic practices on smartphone-using college students’ psychological health, evaluating kriyas’ impact on cardiopulmonary functions in asthmatic women, and conducting randomized controlled trials for holistic asthma management. Throughout her Ph.D., she has been actively involved in manuscript preparation, peer-reviewed submissions, and collaborations with fellow researchers, reflecting a sustained commitment to scholarly excellence and practical applications of yoga therapy.

Awards & Honors

While her primary accolades include peer-reviewed publications and conference recognitions, Thamaraiselvi has also achieved notable academic milestones such as UGC NET qualification and YCB Level 3 certification. Her research contributions have been acknowledged in national and international forums, and she is recognized for her innovative approaches in applying traditional yogic techniques to modern health challenges. These honors reflect her dedication to advancing both scientific research and the practical application of yoga in wellness and therapeutic contexts.

Top Noted Publication

Among her most significant contributions is the article “Effects of neuromuscular breathing exercise with yogic practices on cardiopulmonary variables among women asthmatic patients: A randomized controlled trial”, published in Respiratory Medicine on 12 December 2025. This study exemplifies her expertise in combining rigorous scientific methodology with yogic interventions to improve respiratory health. The publication has been widely cited in academic discussions on yoga therapy for asthma, highlighting her impact in promoting evidence-based research in integrative health practices.

Thamaraiselvi is an emerging researcher specializing in yoga-based interventions for physiological and psychological health. Her research explores the impact of yogic practices, including mudras and pranayama, on respiratory function and well-being, particularly among individuals with asthma and lifestyle-related stress. Currently, she has one document listed on Scopus (“Exploring the impact of mudra on respiratory function among Asthma Patients”, Journal of Neonatal Surgery, 2025). While her citation count and h-index are in the early stages, her work is gaining recognition for integrating traditional yoga practices with modern scientific methodology.

Her collaborations include multiple co-authors, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach to yoga research. She actively maintains her ORCID profile to ensure proper attribution and visibility of her scholarly output, facilitating engagement with the global research community.

Strengths for the Best Innovator Award

  1. Innovative Research in Yoga Therapy
    Thamaraiselvi integrates traditional yogic practices with modern scientific approaches, developing novel interventions for respiratory health, stress reduction, and lifestyle-related disorders. Her work demonstrates creativity in applying ancient practices to contemporary health challenges.

  2. Evidence-Based Approach
    She emphasizes rigorous, data-driven research, including randomized controlled trials and systematic studies, ensuring her innovative ideas are validated through scientific methodology and can be applied practically in public health and wellness programs.

  3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
    Her research involves collaboration with co-authors and experts from diverse fields, reflecting an ability to combine yoga, psychology, and sports science. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the innovation and applicability of her work.

  4. Impactful Scholarly Contributions
    With publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and emerging recognition on platforms like Scopus and ORCID, her work is gaining visibility and influencing the field of integrative health and yoga therapy.

  5. Commitment to Practical Application
    Beyond research, Thamaraiselvi applies her findings to real-world settings, mentoring students, conducting workshops, and designing interventions that directly benefit individuals with asthma, stress-related issues, and other health challenges, highlighting innovation with tangible societal impact.

Strengths for the Best Innovator Award

Innovative Research in Yoga Therapy
Thamaraiselvi integrates traditional yogic practices with modern scientific approaches, developing novel interventions for respiratory health, stress reduction, and lifestyle-related disorders. Her work demonstrates creativity in applying ancient practices to contemporary health challenges.

Evidence-Based Approach
She emphasizes rigorous, data-driven research, including randomized controlled trials and systematic studies, ensuring her innovative ideas are validated through scientific methodology and can be applied practically in public health and wellness programs.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Her research involves collaboration with co-authors and experts from diverse fields, reflecting an ability to combine yoga, psychology, and sports science. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the innovation and applicability of her work.

Impactful Scholarly Contributions
With publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and emerging recognition on platforms like Scopus and ORCID, her work is gaining visibility and influencing the field of integrative health and yoga therapy.

Commitment to Practical Application
Beyond research, Thamaraiselvi applies her findings to real-world settings, mentoring students, conducting workshops, and designing interventions that directly benefit individuals with asthma, stress-related issues, and other health challenges, highlighting innovation with tangible societal impact.

Priti Solanky, Public Health, Public Health Award

Dr. Priti Solanky: Associate Professor at GMERS Medical College, Valsad, India

Dr. Priti Solanky is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Community Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Valsad, Gujarat, with more than 17 years of experience in medical education, research, and public health practice. She has made significant contributions to the domains of maternal and child health, community-based interventions, tribal health, and health systems research. Her academic journey demonstrates a seamless blend of teaching, training, mentoring, and implementing real-world solutions for public health challenges. Passionate about improving the health and well-being of underserved communities, she actively collaborates with government agencies, research institutions, and development partners. She is also deeply involved in academic mentorship, ethics review, and curriculum advancement for undergraduate medical education. Through her leadership, Dr. Solanky continues to bridge the gap between research and implementation, reflecting her vision of evidence-based, community-centered healthcare delivery.

Online Profiles

ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Solanky completed her M.B.B.S. (2006) and M.D. in Community Medicine (2010) from Government Medical College, Surat, under the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, and earned her Ph.D. in Community Medicine (2025) from the same university. Her doctoral research, titled “Migration of Tribal Females—Its Pattern, Sociocultural Influence, and Effect on Maternal and Child Health Services”, reflects her sustained engagement with social epidemiology and tribal health. In addition to her formal degrees, she has completed several faculty development programs and medical education training courses, including the Advanced Course in Medical Education (ACME), Curriculum Implementation Support Program (CISP), and the ICMR-NIE Basic Course in Biomedical Research. This rich educational foundation has empowered her to integrate research, teaching, and service delivery with a holistic public health approach.

Research Focus

Dr. Solanky’s research interests span a wide range of topics within public health, community medicine, and health systems research. Her primary focus areas include maternal and child health, tribal health and migration, nutrition and malnutrition management, non-communicable disease prevention, and health-seeking behavior in vulnerable populations. She also has a strong interest in medical education research, with studies exploring innovative teaching methods, learner perception, and competency-based learning. Through her work with ICMR, WHO, UNICEF, and SHSRC, she has contributed to projects that blend academic rigor with field application, particularly in tribal regions of South Gujarat. Her ongoing studies explore Chandipura virus seroprevalence, life-skills training among adolescents, and community behavior in malaria control, emphasizing evidence-based interventions for public health improvement.

Experience

With over 17 years of teaching, administrative, and research experience, Dr. Solanky has progressed through roles as Resident, Tutor, Assistant Professor, and now Associate Professor at GMERS Medical College, Valsad. She has been a key faculty member in the Medical Education Unit, contributing to curriculum innovation, mentorship programs, and student learning enhancement. At the institutional level, she serves as a Member of the Institutional Ethics Committee, Coordinator for Undergraduate Teaching, and Facilitator for Faculty Development Programs. Her field engagement includes working as a Regional Monitoring Team (RMT) Member for Valsad and Dang districts, conducting NQAS and Kayakalp assessments, and acting as Trainer for F-IMNCI and CMAM programs. Dr. Solanky’s combined academic and field experience exemplifies her deep commitment to community-based learning, applied epidemiology, and quality improvement in healthcare delivery systems.

Research Timeline & Activities

Dr. Solanky’s research journey has evolved from her early work on HIV prevalence among children during her M.D. dissertation in 2010 to her Ph.D. study on migration and maternal-child health in 2025, encompassing over a decade of continuous scholarly engagement. She has successfully led multiple research projects funded by ICMR, WHO, UNICEF, Ford Foundation, and SHSRC Gujarat, serving as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) in over a dozen major studies. Her projects have addressed diverse issues such as tribal women’s health, newborn care quality, behavioral health models, and primary healthcare service delivery. Notable among these are her ICMR-approved studies on community-delivered life skills training, Chandipura virus infection, and ICMR-MERA India malaria behavior study. She also played a vital role in national surveys and evaluations, including the Multi Indicator Cluster Survey, Routine Immunization Coverage Evaluation, and School Health Program assessments, combining field expertise with methodological excellence.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Solanky has received multiple recognitions for her academic and research excellence. She was awarded the First Prize for Best Oral Presentation at the IAPSM National Conference 2024 for her field-based work on supportive supervision in tribal districts. Her innovative paper on the Health Belief Model for NCD prevention won the First Runner-Up Prize, and her study on Home-Based Newborn Care received the Second Runner-Up Prize under the Shri H.M. Patel Award category at IAPSM Gujarat State Conferences (2022 & 2023). She also earned the First Prize at GRIP 2025 for her innovative state-level public health practice on Seasonal Migration Mapping and Tracking. Additionally, her leadership in organizing World Breastfeeding Week earned her institutional recognition from the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India in 2017 and 2023. These honors reflect her consistent excellence and contribution to advancing public health research and education.

Top Noted Publication

Among Dr. Solanky’s more than 19 original research publications, her paper titled “Low Dose High Frequency (LDHF) training approach to improve competence of primary health care providers in context of maternal and child health services”, published in Discover Public Health (2025), stands out for its innovation and policy relevance. The study emphasizes scalable models for health worker training and capacity building in primary care systems. Other significant publications include “Determinants of Place of Delivery among Women in Indigenous Communities of Western India” (Journal of Preventive and Complementary Medicine, 2025), “Learner’s Perceptions on Teaching Curriculum in Community Medicine” (Panacea Journal of Medical Sciences, 2024), and “Determinants of Health-Seeking Behavior in Major Depressive Disorder” (Cureus, 2023). Her works have been cited for their methodological rigor and contextual insights into community health, marking her as a leading researcher in applied community medicine and public health education.

1. Solanky, P., Shah, H. (2025). Determinants of Place of Delivery among Women in Indigenous Communities of Western India: A Mixed-Methods Exploratory Study. Journal of Preventive and Complementary Medicine, 4(3), 157–166. DOI: 10.22034/jpcm.2025.532275.1229.
This mixed-methods study investigates sociocultural, economic, and systemic determinants influencing delivery site choices among tribal women in western India, contributing critical insights for strengthening maternal health service utilization in indigenous populations.

2. Solanky, P., Shah, H., Varia, K. (2025, October 21). Low Dose High Frequency (LDHF) Training Approach to Improve Competence of Primary Health Care Providers in Context of Maternal and Child Health Services. Discover Public Health, 22, 620. DOI: 10.1186/s12982-025-01023-5.
This paper presents an innovative LDHF training framework aimed at improving the competency of frontline healthcare workers in maternal and child health service delivery, emphasizing continuous learning and practical skill reinforcement at the primary care level.

3. Solanky, P., Bariya, B., Chavda, N. (2024, August 13). Learner’s Perceptions on Teaching Curriculum in Community Medicine. Panacea Journal of Medical Sciences, 14(2), 477–481. DOI: 10.18231/j.pjms.2024.086.
This educational research explores undergraduate medical students’ perspectives on the teaching and assessment patterns in Community Medicine, offering valuable feedback for curriculum enhancement and competency-based learning strategies.

4. Chavda, N., Patel, N., Dhanani, J., Solanky, P. (2022). A Study of New Drug Approval Pattern of a Southeast Asian Developed Country from 2017 to 2021. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 13(1). DOI: 10.5455/njppp.2023.13.06289202220062022.
This pharmacovigilance-focused analysis evaluates regulatory trends and therapeutic categories in new drug approvals, offering comparative insights relevant to pharmaceutical policy and clinical research in the Southeast Asian context.

5. Shah, H., Solanky, P., Kapadia, R., Nayak, S. (2020, December 31). Mid-Level Health Providers—Their Perceptions and Background Knowledge Pertaining to Comprehensive Primary Health Care and Health and Wellness Center. Healthline, 11(2), 102–109. DOI: 10.51957/healthline_159_2020.
This article assesses the knowledge and perceptions of mid-level health providers (MLHPs) in implementing India’s Comprehensive Primary Health Care model through Health and Wellness Centers, highlighting workforce readiness and training needs for achieving universal health coverage.

Strength for the Public Health Award

1. Transformative Leadership in Community and Tribal Health:
Dr. Priti Solanky has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing healthcare access for underserved and tribal populations of Western India. Her pioneering field research on maternal and child health among migrating tribal women has directly informed evidence-based public health planning and interventions. By combining epidemiological insights with culturally sensitive strategies, she has significantly contributed to improving maternal service utilization and health equity in remote communities.

2. Excellence in Research and Evidence-Based Practice:
With more than 19 original research publications and several ICMR-, WHO-, and UNICEF-funded studies, Dr. Solanky has consistently bridged academic research and applied public health. Her notable contributions—such as the LDHF training model and studies on determinants of institutional delivery—demonstrate methodological rigor, innovation, and translational impact. Her research outcomes have influenced local health system strengthening and capacity-building programs for frontline health workers.

3. Commitment to Health Workforce Development and Medical Education:
As a core faculty member in the Medical Education Unit at GMERS Medical College, Dr. Solanky has led curriculum reforms, faculty training, and competency-based learning initiatives. Her innovative approaches to medical education, including learner-centric teaching and continuous faculty development, have enhanced the quality of public health education and professional practice. Her mentorship has shaped the next generation of community medicine professionals.

4. Integrative Field Engagement and Public Health System Strengthening:
Dr. Solanky’s engagement as a Regional Monitoring Team (RMT) member, NQAS assessor, and technical expert in programs like F-IMNCI, CMAM, and Kayakalp highlights her integral role in public health implementation. She has played a key role in assessing and improving healthcare delivery mechanisms at the district level, ensuring quality assurance, and strengthening primary care infrastructure under the Health and Wellness Centre model.

5. Recognized Excellence and National-Level Contributions:
Dr. Solanky’s impactful work has earned multiple awards, including national and state-level honors from IAPSM and the GRIP 2025 competition. Her research excellence, leadership in breastfeeding promotion, and innovative public health initiatives reflect her dedication to community well-being and professional integrity. Through her sustained academic, field, and mentoring efforts, she exemplifies the spirit of a true public health champion committed to advancing health outcomes and equity in India.

Prasantajyoti Mohanty, Public Health, Female Researcher Award

Dr. Prasantajyoti Mohanty: Project Scientist-C at Regional Medical Research Centre(RMRC)-ICMR, India

Dr. Prasantajyoti Mohanty is a dedicated public health expert with over eight years of experience in medical research, health program implementation, vaccine effectiveness studies, and public health systems strengthening. With formal training in Dentistry (BDS), Public Health Management, and Epidemiology, She has consistently worked at the intersection of clinical research and field-based public health interventions. Her work primarily targets under-served, rural, and tribal communities in Odisha, where She has led and participated in multi-centric studies on rotavirus vaccines, COVID-19 surveillance, and communicable disease prevention. He is known for her meticulous research planning, stakeholder coordination, and data-driven reporting that informs public health policy.

Online Profiles

Scopus Profile

Total Publications (Scopus Indexed): 9
Total Citations: 121 (from 111 documents)
h-index: 6

Dr. Mohanty’s Scopus profile reflects a growing research footprint in vaccine impact assessment, infectious disease surveillance, and public health systems research. Her works have been cited by over 100 peer-reviewed papers, indicating a strong relevance in academic and public health policy communities.

Education

Dr. Mohanty’s academic journey reflects a strong blend of clinical knowledge and public health expertise. She completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Hi-Tech Medical College, Bhubaneswar, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Management from the Indian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar (PHFI), with a focus on program planning and epidemiological analysis. Se further advanced her knowledge with a Master of Public Health (MPH) from RMRC (Utkal University), scoring an impressive 76%. Her education was supplemented with various specialized online courses in clinical research, outbreak response, and epidemiology from WHO, Johns Hopkins, and ICMR.

Research Focus

Dr. Mohanty’s research interests lie at the core of infectious disease epidemiology, immunization programs, vaccine safety monitoring, and health systems research. He is particularly focused on vaccine impact assessments like Rotavac and Rotasil, including studies on intussusception, rotavirus strain variation, and hospital-based surveillance. Her work extends to seroprevalence surveys for COVID-19, understanding epidemic curves, and developing community-level interventions using the One Health approach. He is passionate about evidence-based public health strategies that are inclusive of tribal and vulnerable populations and aims to strengthen local health systems through research-informed decision-making.

Experience

Over the past eight years, Dr. Mohanty has held key roles across several renowned institutions. At Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, she served as Co-Principal Investigator and Medical Officer for the Rotavac and Rotasil vaccine impact studies in Bhubaneswar. She coordinated with major hospitals and government health departments for data and sample collection, trained field teams, and ensured high standards in data quality. At ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar, she actively participated in COVID-19 serosurveys across multiple districts, including remote tribal regions. Her tenure at INCLEN Trust International involved pediatric hospital surveillance, patient enrollment, and protocol compliance for intussusception research. She has also been involved in MIS implementation, health promotion, and evaluation surveys across Odisha.

Research Timeline & Activities

Dr. Mohanty’s research journey began around 2016, aligning with India’s push for evidence-based immunization programs. She played a pivotal role in the Rotavac and Rotasil impact assessment studies, leading field operations, documentation, and stakeholder engagement. Between 2017–2021, she contributed to hospital-based surveillance studies, including adverse events following immunization (AEFI). During the COVID-19 pandemic, she engaged in three major sero-epidemiological surveys across Odisha, covering rural, urban, and tribal districts. From 2021 onward, her focus expanded into One Health research for zoonotic diseases like anthrax. Throughout, she has remained deeply engaged in data analysis, publication writing, and reporting to national-level health agencies.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Mohanty has received multiple accolades and appreciations for her contribution to public health research and emergency response. Her work during the COVID-19 pandemic serosurveys earned him recognition from ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar and state health authorities. He has also been acknowledged for her commitment to community-based interventions, particularly in tribal-dominated districts. As a peer reviewer for the Asian Journal of Pediatric Research, she has demonstrated scholarly engagement and critical evaluation skills. Her consistent involvement in high-impact research projects has also contributed to publications that are cited in policymaking and academic circles.

Top Noted Publication

Among her most significant publications is “Rotavirus Gastroenteritis Hospitalizations Among Under-Five Children in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India”, which has been instrumental in evaluating the post-vaccine introduction landscape. Other high-impact publications include “Intussusception after Rotavirus Vaccine Introduction in India”, and several COVID-19 sero-survey reports such as “Serological surveys to inform SARS-CoV-2 epidemic curve”. Her work on anthrax using the One Health approach adds a unique dimension to her publication record, demonstrating her ability to contribute across a range of public health priorities with multidisciplinary relevance.

Title: Infection, cases due to SARS-CoV-2 in rural areas during early COVID-19 vaccination: Findings from serosurvey study in a rural cohort of eastern India
Authors: Mohanty, Prasantajyoti; [et al.]
Journal: Epidemiology and Infection, 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Access: Open Access
Citation Count: 1 (as per Scopus)
Abstract Summary:
This study presents findings from a sero-epidemiological survey conducted in rural eastern India during the initial rollout of COVID-19 vaccination. It evaluates SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence and correlates it with reported infection and vaccination status. The results provide insights into the level of natural and vaccine-induced immunity in underserved rural populations, highlighting important considerations for targeted public health interventions in similar settings.

Strength for the Female Researcher Award

1. Championing Gender-Inclusive Public Health Interventions in Tribal Areas

Dr. Mohanty’s field-based work in Odisha’s rural and tribal regions often includes the design and implementation of inclusive health programs. Her community-level interventions ensure participation of women in both data collection and health education, contributing to gender-sensitive health planning in traditionally underserved areas.

2. Enhancing Women’s Access to Immunization and Health Information

Through her leadership in vaccine impact studies (like Rotavac and Rotasil), Dr. Mohanty has worked closely with mothers and female caregivers, emphasizing the importance of childhood immunization and maternal awareness. Her research helps shape strategies that improve vaccine outreach to women, especially in patriarchal settings where access to healthcare is limited.

3. Mentorship and Capacity Building for Female Field Researchers

Throughout her tenure at institutions like ICMR-RMRC and CMC Vellore, Dr. Mohanty has trained and mentored female field investigators, health workers, and data managers, encouraging their professional development in research, surveillance, and health system implementation.

4. Research on Women-Centric Health Outcomes in Infectious Disease Surveillance

Her participation in hospital-based surveillance and AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunization) monitoring includes gender-disaggregated analysis, highlighting differential vaccine responses and health outcomes among female patients, thus enriching the evidence base for gender-sensitive policy design.

5. Advocacy for Equity in Public Health Research Participation

Dr. Mohanty’s inclusive data collection approaches during COVID-19 serosurveys ensured equitable representation of women from rural and tribal populations, allowing for better understanding of women’s vulnerability, exposure risk, and vaccination hesitancy, contributing to more equitable pandemic response strategies.