Subhash Somkuwar | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Subhash Somkuwar | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Ambedkar College Deekshabhoomi Nagpur | India

Dr. Subhash R. Somkuwar is a distinguished botanist, researcher, and academic leader with over 17 years of dedicated experience in higher education, scientific research, and institutional development. Currently serving as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Botany at Dr. Ambedkar College, Nagpur, he has significantly contributed to teaching, research innovation, and academic governance. His expertise spans ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, ecology, plant biotechnology, and conservation of rare, endangered, and threatened (RET) taxa, reinforced by advanced qualifications including a Ph.D., M.Phil, NET (ICAR), NET-JRF (CSIR), SET, and PG Diploma in Biodiversity. Dr. Somkuwar has demonstrated excellence in research through more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, multiple conference presentations, and successful completion of a UGC-funded project on Byttneria herbacea. His ongoing work includes a major SERB-DST proposal on nano-elicitation in Tinospora species. He has supervised Ph.D. scholars, established plant tissue culture laboratories, and coordinated certificate courses in phytochemistry and tissue culture. His organizational leadership is reflected in his role as convener or secretary for numerous national and international conferences, science exhibitions, and environmental awareness programs. Dr. Somkuwar has delivered invited lectures, served as a resource person for NET/SET coaching, chaired scientific sessions, and contributed as a subject expert to prestigious bodies including CSTT and NASI-DST. A strong advocate of sustainability, he has led green audit initiatives, developed herbal gardens, and guided more than 300 EVS projects. His academic influence extends through board memberships, examination roles, research guidance, and active participation in scientific societies, establishing him as a committed educator and impactful researcher in plant sciences.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Bhilkar, P. R., Madankar, R. S., Chaudhary, A. R., Chaudhary, R. R., Somkuwar, S. R., Potbhare, A. K., Dadure, K., Abdala, A. A., & Chaudhary, R. G. (2024).
Biosynthesis of microrubble-shaped nanoporous Co₃O₄/rGO nanocomposites using Neolamarckia cadamba leaf extract and their antibacterial/antioxidant performance. Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoso.2024.101291

Sawant, R. C., Somkuwar, S. R., Luo, S.-Y., Kamble, R. B., Panhekar, D. Y., Bhorge, Y. R., Chaudhary, R. R., & Abdul Kader, S. (2023).
Novel extraction and characterization methods for phytochemicals. In Recent Frontiers of Phytochemicals (Book chapter). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-443-19143-5.00035-9

Bhilkar, P. R., Bodhne, A. S., Yerpude, S. T., Madankar, R. S., Somkuwar, S. R., Daddemal-Chaudhary, A. R., Lambat, A. P., Desimone, M., Sharma, R., & Chaudhary, R. G. (2023).
Phyto-derived metal nanoparticles: Prominent tool for biomedical applications. OpenNano. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onano.2023.100192

Somkuwar, S. R., Sawant, R. C., Ingale, P. P., Masram, D. T., & Chaudhary, R. R. (2022).
Nanoparticles for sustainable agriculture: Innovative potential with current and future perspectives. In Biogenic Sustainable Nanotechnology (Book chapter). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-323-88535-5.00013-5

Chaudhary, R. R., & Ramteke, P. W. (2022).
Nanopolymer: Overview, innovation, and applications. Polymer Science: Peer Review Journal. https://doi.org/10.31031/psprj.2022.03.000562

Ajay Kumar Rana | Biology and Life Sciences | Outstanding Contribution to Forensic Biology Award

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Dr. Ajay Kumar Rana | Biology and Life Sciences | Outstanding Contribution to Forensic Biology Award

Central Forensic Science Laboratory | India

Dr. Ajay Kumar Rana is a highly accomplished forensic biologist and Scientist-B at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, India, with over a decade of expertise in DNA analysis, serology, and forensic molecular biology. He earned his Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi/Central Drug Research Institute, where he conducted pioneering work on methyltransferases of Wolbachia endosymbionts and anti-filarial drug development, followed by postdoctoral training at the Israel Institute of Technology (Technion-IIT) focusing on tRNA methyltransferases and ribonucleases. Dr. Ajay Kumar Rana’s professional journey spans roles from Scientific Assistant to Assistant Director (Biology) at the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Jharkhand, and now leadership of the DNA/Biology Division at CFSL Hyderabad, where he manages NABL-accredited laboratories, oversees quality compliance, and supervises forensic sample analysis. He has reported over 750 cases, attended more than 35 crime scenes, and mentored numerous scientific assistants and law enforcement personnel in forensic protocols. His research integrates molecular biology, DNA methylation, and advanced forensic genetics, including strategies for extracting DNA from challenging samples, contributing to both theoretical knowledge and practical forensic applications. Dr. Ajay Kumar Rana has published 12 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, accumulating 208 citations with an h-index of 8, as indexed in Scopus, in journals including Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (2013), Frontiers in Genetics (2016), and Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences (2018). Recognized with prestigious awards including the DST-SERB International Travel Award, CSIR fellowships, and national competitive selections, Dr. Rana exemplifies scientific excellence, innovation, and dedication to advancing forensic biology.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Rana, A. K., & Misra-Bhattacharya, S. (2013). Current drug targets for helminthic diseases. Parasitology Research, 112(5), 1819–1831.

Rana, A. K., & Ankri, S. (2016). Reviving the RNA world: An insight into the appearance of RNA methyltransferases. Frontiers in Genetics, 7, 99.

Rana, A. K., & Kumar, N. (2023). Current wildlife crime (Indian scenario): Major challenges and prevention approaches. Biodiversity and Conservation, 32(5), 1473–1491.

Rana, A. K. (2018). Crime investigation through DNA methylation analysis: Methods and applications in forensics. Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 8(7), 38.

Kushwaha, S., Singh, P. K., Rana, A. K., & Misra-Bhattacharya, S. (2011). Cloning, expression, purification and kinetics of trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase of filarial parasite Brugia malayi. Acta Tropica, 119(2–3), 151–159.

Kumar, N., Yadav, V. K., & Rana, A. K. (2017). Wildlife forensic: Current techniques and their limitations. Journal of Forensic Science & Criminology, 5(4), 402.

Singh, P. K., Kushwaha, S., Rana, A. K., & Misra-Bhattacharya, S. (2014). Cofactor independent phosphoglycerate mutase of Brugia malayi induces a mixed Th1/Th2 type immune response and inhibits larval development in the host. BioMed Research International, 2014, 590281.

Kushwaha, S., Singh, P. K., Rana, A. K., & Misra-Bhattacharya, S. (2013). Immunization of Mastomys coucha with Brugia malayi recombinant trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase results in significant protection against homologous challenge infection. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e72585.

Maria Mavrommati | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Maria Mavrommati | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | University of Patras | Greece

Maria Mavrommati is an accomplished biologist with a Ph.D. in Microbiology-Biotechnology. With extensive experience in adaptive laboratory evolution and bioethanol production, she has made significant contributions to industrial biotechnology, specifically in optimizing yeast strains for high-quality wine production. Maria is passionate about applying microbiological techniques to address real-world challenges in sustainable biotechnology.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  • Robust Academic Background: Maria holds a PhD in Microbiology-Biotechnology, along with an MSc in Biotechnology and a BSc in Biology. Her research on fermentative abilities and strain improvement in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, particularly through Adaptive Laboratory Evolution (ALE), aligns with significant advancements in biofuel production and fermentation science.
  • Prolific Research Experience: She has contributed extensively in research roles at prominent Greek universities, engaging in projects focused on fermentation and biotechnology applications. Her expertise in yeast strain optimization for ethanol tolerance and fructose assimilation speaks to her hands-on, impactful work in biotechnology.
  • High Proficiency in Techniques: Maria’s skills span diverse microbiological and biotechnological techniques, including advanced fermentation methods, cloning, HPLC, and GC. This extensive skill set has been applied in valuable projects, such as bioethanol production and wine quality improvement, which show her contributions to both academia and industry.
  • Publications and Scholarly Impact: With multiple publications in respected journals, Maria has demonstrated her capability to conduct innovative research. Her work on improving yeast strain tolerance and fructophilicity has real-world applications in biofuel and food industries, bolstering her suitability for a research award.
  • Diverse Language Skills: Fluent in English, Greek, and Spanish, with intermediate French proficiency, Maria can collaborate on international projects and engage with diverse research communities. This is particularly valuable in global research collaborations and knowledge dissemination.

Education 🎓

Maria holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology-Biotechnology, a Master’s degree in Biotechnology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, all from prestigious Greek universities. Her Ph.D. research focused on improving the fermentative abilities of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains used in vinification through adaptive laboratory evolution. She has been guided by prominent professors, enhancing her expertise in fermentation and biotechnology.

Professional Experience 💼

Maria has extensive experience as a research assistant at multiple institutions, including the University of Patras and the Agricultural University of Athens. Her roles focused on developing fermentation protocols for bioethanol production and improving yeast strains for enhanced ethanol tolerance and fructose assimilation. She also has teaching experience in biology and Spanish, making her a versatile professional in science and education.

Research Interests 🔬

Maria’s research interests lie in microbial biotechnology, adaptive laboratory evolution, and the fermentation process. She focuses on optimizing microbial strains for industrial applications, particularly in producing bioethanol and enhancing wine quality. Her expertise in applying these techniques to real-world projects contributes to sustainable solutions for biofuel production and agricultural waste management.

Awards and Scholarships 🏆

Maria has been recognized for her academic contributions with a prestigious IKY scholarship for Ph.D. candidates in Greek universities. Her involvement in EU and national projects reflects her commitment to advancing research in sustainable biotechnology and microbial valorization.

Publications 📚

Maria’s research contributions include several impactful publications:

  • Fakas S, Makri A, Mavromati M, Tselepi M, Aggelis G. Fatty acid composition in lipid fractions lengthwise the mycelium of Mortierella isabellina and lipid production by solid-state fermentation. Bioresour Technol. 2009;100(23):6118–20. [Cited by numerous articles]
  • Kothri M, Mavrommati M, et al. Microbial sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the use of organic wastes for PUFA production. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2020;367(5):1–11.
  • Mavrommati M, Daskalaki A, et al. Adaptive laboratory evolution principles in industrial biotechnology. Biotechnol Adv. 2021;54:107795.
  • Mavrommati M, Papanikolaou S, Aggelis G. Improving ethanol tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae through adaptive evolution. Process Biochem. 2023;124:280–289.
  • Mavrommati M, Economou CN, et al. Enhanced fructophilicity and ethanol tolerance in yeast strains via adaptive evolution. Carbon Resour Convers. 2024;100270.
  • Mavrommati M, Christofi S, et al. Fermentative abilities of evolved Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. Beverages. 2024;10:102.

Conclusion 🌍

Maria Mavrommati is a dedicated scientist with a strong background in microbiology and biotechnology. Her extensive research and practical experience in fermentation and adaptive laboratory evolution contribute valuable insights to the field of sustainable biotechnology. She is available for immediate work opportunities and looks forward to further advancing microbial biotechnology for real-world applications.