Asst. Prof. Vasundhara Sawant: Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Smt. Kashibai Navale College of Pharmacy, Kondhwa Bk Pune, India
Mrs. Vasundhara N. Sawant is an accomplished Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at S.T.E.S.’s Smt. Kashibai Navale College of Pharmacy, Pune. With over nine years of experience in pharmaceutical education and research, she has developed expertise in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and computational drug design. She is deeply committed to advancing pharmaceutical sciences through eco-friendly synthetic methods and novel drug discovery approaches, particularly focusing on diabetes, cancer, and metabolic disorders. In addition to her academic roles, Mrs. Sawant actively mentors postgraduate students and contributes to scientific literature, fostering innovation in pharmaceutical chemistry.
Online Profiles
Education
Currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Savitribai Phule Pune University (2020–2025), Mrs. Sawant has demonstrated academic excellence throughout her education. She obtained her Master of Pharmacy degree in 2016 from the Government College of Pharmacy, Karad, affiliated with Shivaji University, Kolhapur, specializing in pharmaceutical chemistry. She completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in 2014 from KES Rajarambapu College of Pharmacy, Kasegaon, also under Shivaji University. Additionally, she qualified in competitive exams such as GPAT and NIPER in 2014, reflecting her strong academic foundation and commitment to research.
Research Focus
Mrs. Sawant’s research encompasses a broad spectrum of pharmaceutical chemistry disciplines, with a particular emphasis on heterocyclic synthesis, green and sustainable catalysis, and eco-friendly chemical reactions. Her work extends to diabetes and metabolic drug discovery, leveraging computational and quantum drug development tools including in-silico drug design and molecular modeling. She also investigates anticancer and antifungal agents derived from synthetic and phytochemical sources, combining biological evaluation with advanced chromatographic and analytical techniques to validate drug efficacy and safety.
Experience
With nine years of progressive academic experience, Mrs. Sawant has cultivated a comprehensive skill set in teaching, research, and academic administration. Since December 2017, she has been an Assistant Professor at Smt. Kashibai Navale College of Pharmacy, where she also heads the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Prior to this, she served as faculty at Genba Sopanrao Moze College of Pharmacy and PDEA’s Shankarrao Ursal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research Centre, contributing to curriculum development and student mentoring. Her teaching portfolio includes undergraduate and postgraduate courses in organic, medicinal, and inorganic pharmaceutical chemistry, highlighting her versatility and expertise.
Research Timeline & Activities
Since embarking on her Ph.D. journey in 2020, Mrs. Sawant has been actively engaged in multiple research projects focused on environmentally benign synthesis of heterocyclic compounds and computational drug design. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in indexed journals and presented research at both national and international scientific forums. Her research activities also involve supervising postgraduate students, developing novel methodologies for drug stability and assay analysis, and securing intellectual property through patents. Her scholarly contributions include authoring book chapters and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to promote translational pharmaceutical research.
Awards & Honors
Mrs. Sawant has received several prestigious awards recognizing her academic and research excellence. Notably, she was awarded a Gold Medal by Shivaji University for outstanding performance in her Bachelor of Pharmacy program. She also received the IDMA J B Mody Best Student Award from the Indian Drug Manufacturers Association, honoring her scholastic achievements. Additionally, the Indian Pharmaceutical Association recognized her for excellent academic performance during her undergraduate studies. Her memberships and registrations, including her life membership in the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India and her status as a registered pharmacist, further attest to her professional standing.
Top Noted Publication
Among her significant publications, the comprehensive review titled “Environmentally benign synthesis of heterocyclic compounds using various catalytic approaches,” published in Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry (2025, Impact Factor: 2.54), stands out as a seminal work. This paper synthesizes current advancements in sustainable catalysis and heterocyclic chemistry, offering insights into eco-friendly synthetic methodologies. The article is indexed in both Scopus and Web of Science, reflecting its impact and recognition within the pharmaceutical chemistry research community. This publication exemplifies Mrs. Sawant’s commitment to advancing green chemistry in drug development.
- Environmentally benign synthesis of heterocyclic compounds using various catalytic approaches: A comprehensive review
Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry, October 2025
Role: Writing – Review & Editing
Summary: A detailed review on sustainable and eco-friendly catalytic methods for heterocyclic synthesis. - Comprehensive Review and Perspective on Fructose 1,6-Bisphosphatase inhibitors for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, April 2025
Co-author: Sanjay D. Sawant
Focus: Exploration of novel inhibitors targeting diabetes management. - Thin-layer chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for identification of degradants for phycocyanin
Journal of Planar Chromatography – Modern TLC, 2024
DOI: 10.1007/s00764-024-00317-9
Co-authors: Minal Ghante, Neha Bhaware, Rohan Thosar, Supriya Jagtap, Vidhya Bhusari
Highlights: Advanced analytical techniques for drug degradation study. - 3D Prediction Model for Design of Novel Antidiabetic Agents
Avishkar Conference, November 2024
Co-author: Sanjay D. Sawant
Description: Presentation on computational modeling for designing new antidiabetic drugs. - Computational investigation of phytochemicals for treatment of Diabetes mellitus and obesity
International Conference on Recent Advances on Green Catalysis and Drug Discovery, August 2024
Co-author: Sanjay D. Sawant
Topic: Use of computational tools to assess phytochemicals’ therapeutic potential.
Strengths for Best Innovator Award
Pioneering Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Mrs. Vasundhara N. Sawant has established herself as a pioneer in developing environmentally benign synthetic methodologies. Her innovative research on heterocyclic compound synthesis using green catalytic approaches not only contributes to cutting-edge pharmaceutical chemistry but also addresses global concerns of sustainability and environmental preservation. By reducing reliance on hazardous reagents and minimizing waste generation, her work promotes safer, cost-effective, and scalable drug manufacturing processes that are aligned with modern green chemistry principles.
Interdisciplinary Approach to Drug Discovery
Mrs. Sawant exemplifies innovation through her seamless integration of traditional medicinal chemistry with advanced computational and quantum techniques. Utilizing molecular modeling, in-silico drug design, and quantum drug development tools, she effectively accelerates the drug discovery pipeline for complex diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and metabolic disorders. This cross-disciplinary expertise allows her to generate novel drug candidates with higher precision, reduced development time, and improved therapeutic efficacy, positioning her work at the forefront of modern pharmaceutical innovation.
Translation of Research into Practical Applications
Beyond theoretical contributions, Mrs. Sawant actively bridges the gap between research and real-world impact. She has developed novel analytical methods, including stability-indicating assays and chromatographic techniques, to ensure drug safety and quality. Her patent achievements further reflect her commitment to translating innovative ideas into tangible intellectual property, with potential commercial and clinical applications. This practical orientation demonstrates her ability to foster innovation that benefits both industry and society.
Strong Academic Leadership and Mentorship
As the Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a recognized guide for postgraduate students, Mrs. Sawant nurtures a culture of research excellence and innovation within her academic community. She mentors young researchers, encouraging original thinking, critical analysis, and problem-solving skills. Her leadership extends to curriculum development and research collaborations, creating an environment conducive to scientific breakthroughs and the cultivation of future innovators in pharmaceutical sciences.
Recognition and Scholarly Impact
Mrs. Sawant’s innovative contributions have been recognized by prestigious awards such as the IDMA J B Mody Best Student Award and a Gold Medal from Shivaji University. Her research has been published extensively in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, signifying her influence and thought leadership in pharmaceutical chemistry. Additionally, her active participation in national and international conferences highlights her role as a knowledge disseminator and innovator, fostering collaborations and driving the field forward.