Dr. Suresh Kumar Kolli: Associate Professor at Department of Life Science (Environment Division), School of Science, GITAM Deemed to be University, India
Dr. Kolli Suresh Kumar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, India. Born in 1975, he has dedicated more than two decades to teaching, research, and community outreach in the field of environmental sciences. His expertise spans air quality monitoring, waste management, water quality assessment, and disaster risk reduction, where he has made significant contributions through academic publications, consultancy, and training programs. He has published over 45 research articles in peer-reviewed journals, delivered more than 20 invited lectures, organized academic workshops, and actively guided both M.Phil. and Ph.D. scholars. He is widely recognized for his applied approach that bridges scientific research with sustainable development practices.
Online Profiles
Education
Dr. Kumar’s academic foundation is rooted in environmental science, chemistry, and safety management. He completed his Ph.D. in Environmental Science & Technology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad in 2008, with research focusing on environmental pollution and remediation. Prior to that, he obtained his M.Sc. in Environmental Studies (1998) and B.Sc. in Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology (1996) from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, which laid the groundwork for his multidisciplinary expertise. To strengthen his applied knowledge, he pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Safety (2007) from Annamalai University, equipping him with technical competence in occupational safety, industrial risk assessment, and disaster management. This diverse academic training has shaped his career as both a researcher and an educator.
Research Focus
His research portfolio is diverse yet centered on addressing pressing environmental challenges through scientific inquiry and practical solutions. His primary interests include air pollution monitoring, with special focus on particulate matter dynamics and their human health impacts; groundwater contamination and remediation, emphasizing sustainable water resource management; solid, hazardous, and biomedical waste management, exploring safe disposal and treatment technologies; and disaster management planning, particularly in urban and coastal regions. He also integrates GIS and geospatial tools for watershed management and sustainable development studies. His research reflects a strong interdisciplinary approach, combining environmental science, engineering principles, and policy frameworks to develop impactful solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability.
Experience
With 21 years of teaching and 20 years of research experience, Dr. Kumar has worked extensively in academic, industrial, and consultancy settings. He began his career as a Trainee Environmental Chemist at Saint Laboratories (1998–1999), gaining hands-on exposure to industrial monitoring. Later, he joined GITAM as a Project Fellow (1999–2002), where he carried out applied research, before serving as a Lab Instructor and Lecturer (2002–2008). Since 2008, he has been part of the Environmental Science faculty at GITAM, progressing to the role of Associate Professor in 2023. Alongside teaching and mentoring, he has held administrative roles such as Hostel Coordinator, Deputy Warden, Assistant Principal, Alumni Coordinator, and NSS Program Officer, showcasing his leadership in both academic and student development domains.
Research Timeline & Activities
Over the past two decades, Dr. Kumar has built a strong trajectory of research and academic service. Between 1999–2010, his early work focused on laboratory research and environmental monitoring, contributing to baseline studies on water and air quality. From 2010–2020, his work expanded into international collaborations, research publications, and participation in government- and industry-linked projects, particularly in hazardous waste and disaster management. Since 2020, he has increasingly engaged in training programs, online courses, and policy-focused research, enhancing his expertise in areas such as smart city solutions, fecal sludge management, and sustainable energy. His role as a reviewer for leading journals (Springer, Wiley, Frontiers) and as a resource person in over 24 invited lectures further highlight his active engagement in advancing the field of environmental science.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Kumar’s contributions have been recognized at institutional and national levels. He received the Best NSS Program Officer Award (2021) from GITAM University for his impactful student and community outreach activities. His role as a Team Member in Atal Innovation Mission & NITI Aayog’s Project Unnati demonstrates his contribution to India’s innovation and sustainability goals. He serves as an Editor for the Journal of Ecology and Natural Resources, in addition to reviewing for high-impact journals like Environmental Monitoring and Assessment and Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health. He is also a Life Member of the Indian Science Congress Association and holds memberships in several professional societies. These recognitions underline his dual role as an academic leader and a committed environmental researcher.
Top Recent Publication
One of his most impactful recent studies is “Vertical profiling of ambient air quality – particulate matter” published in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health (Springer Nature, 2025). This research systematically analyzed particulate matter concentrations across different vertical layers in Visakhapatnam, offering valuable insights into pollution exposure levels in urban areas. The study has implications for environmental health risk assessments, urban planning, and policymaking, especially in rapidly developing cities. Alongside this, his 2024 publications in Discover Environment, Environmental Quality Management, and Journal of Applied and Natural Science continue to strengthen his research reputation in environmental pollution and sustainable remediation techniques.
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Kolli, S. K., Nyayapathi, P. P., & Namuduri, S. (2025). A comprehensive review of vertical profiling of ambient air quality–particulate matter and its impacts on climatic & environmental health. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-025-01697-5
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Kembabazi, C., Nyayapathi, P. P., Kolli, K. S., Surekha, C., & Yatuha, J. (2025). A multi-season analysis of water quality trends from selected water sources in Kyeizooba sub-county, Bushenyi District, Uganda. Water Practice & Technology. https://doi.org/10.2166/wpt.2025.061
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Garuda, R., Daka, G., Kolli, S. K., & Namuduri, S. (2024). A study on heavy metal contamination of yard soils and its remediation potential by weedy species. Environmental Research, Engineering and Management, 80(2). https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.80.2.33364
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Gopamma, D., Rao, K. J., Kolli, S. K., & Namuduri, S. (2019). Assessment of carbon biomass of tree species growing in industrial and traffic density areas. Ecology, Environment and Conservation. (EID: 2-s2.0-85075660734).
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Sailesh, R. A., Rani, S. M., Rao, K. J., Kolli, S. K., & Namuduri, S. (2019). Variability of physico-chemical characteristics of peri-urban soils. Pollution Research. (EID: 2-s2.0-85069752205)