Asha Lata Singh | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Asha Lata Singh | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Banaras Hindu University | India

Dr. Asha Lata Singh is an Associate Professor at the Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, specializing in Environmental Microbiology. With over 31 years of teaching/research experience, she focuses on bioremediation, coal beneficiation, and wastewater treatment using microbial solutions. A recipient of the Women Research Award 2024, she has guided 5 Ph.D. students and published extensively in reputed journals.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Extensive Research Experience (31+ Years)
    • Specialization in Environmental Microbiology, particularly in bioremediation, coal beneficiation, and wastewater treatment—areas of global environmental significance.
    • Demonstrated expertise in microbial detoxification of pollutants, aligning with sustainability goals.
  2. Strong Publication Record (40+ Papers)
    • Publications in reputed journals (Chemosphere, Geomicrobiology Journal, Energy & Fuels, etc.) with recent works (2024–2025), indicating active contributions.
    • Collaborative international research (South Korea, Croatia) enhancing global impact.
  3. Successful Supervision & Mentorship
    • Guided 5 Ph.D. students (now in academia/industry, including postdocs at UC Davis) and 4 ongoing Ph.D. candidates, showcasing leadership.
    • Supervised 106 dissertations, reflecting dedication to nurturing future scientists.
  4. Active Grants & Projects
    • PI for multiple funded projects (e.g., SERB-DST, CMPDI-Ministry of Coal) totaling ~₹1.15 crores (2023), demonstrating competitive research capability.
    • Focus on clean energy (coal biomethanization, desulfurization) and industrial waste remediation, addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Education 🎓

  • M.Sc. in Botany (Specialization: Environmental Microbiology)
  • Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology
  • Affiliation: Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India

Experience 💼

  • 31+ years in teaching/research at BHU.
  • Administrative Roles: 15 years as Warden/Administrative Warden.
  • International Collaborations: Worked with researchers from South Korea (Hanyang University) and Croatia (University of Zagreb).

Research Interests On Environmental Science 🔍

  • Biomethanization of coal 🏭
  • Microbial removal of heavy metals from industrial effluents 💧
  • Textile effluent treatment using bacteria 🧪
  • Coal desulfurization & demineralization for clean fuel ⚡

Awards & Honors 🏆

  • Women Research Award 2024 (Science Father).
  • Chitralekha Bhattacharya Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.
  • Life Member: International Society of Environmental Botanists (2023), Indian Botanical Society (2023).

Publications 📚 (Selected)

  1. Srivastava A., Singh A.L., Kumar A., Kumar A. (2025)
    Bioremediation of chromium (VI) from mining-contaminated soil using Klebsiella Sp. (BH-A1): environmental implications.
    DOI: 10.1007/s10653-025-02448-2
  2. Kumar A., Singh Asha Lata, Kumar A., Singh Prakash K. (2025)
    Biodesulphurization of High Sulfur Tertiary Coal of Assam: An Eco-Friendly Approach Towards Clean Coal Production.
    Conference: Innovations in Coal & Mineral Characterization for Sustainable Resource Utilization, Kolkata, India.
  3. Kumar A., Singh Asha Lata, Rajak P.K., Kumar A., Singh Prakash K. (2024)
    Beneficiation of high sulfur tertiary coal of Assam with Burkholderia sp. GR 8-02: An eco-friendly Approach Towards Clean Coal Production.
    Geomicrobiology Journal, 41(1).
  4. Yadav M., Singh Asha Lata (2024)
    Decolourization and detoxification of Reactive Red 195 Azo dye by Staphylococcus caprae isolated from textile effluent.
    Folia Microbiologica. DOI: 10.1007/s12223-024-01175-y
  5. Rai S., Singh Asha Lata, Singh P.K. (2024)
    Demineralization of coal from Johilla coalfield using neutrophilic native bacteria: A novel technique to obtain REE from coal.
    Journal of the Geological Society of India, 100(4):486-494.
  6. Rai S., Singh Asha Lata, Singh P.K., Kumar S., Donald H. (2023)
    Optimization of extrinsic parameters for demineralization of coal with Cronobacter sp. using the Taguchi method.
    International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization. DOI: 10.1080/19392699.2023.2297195
  7. Singh Asha Lata, Chaudhary S., Kumar S., Singh A., Yadav A. (2022)
    Biodegradation of Reactive Yellow-145 azo dye using bacterial consortium: A deterministic analysis based on degradable metabolite, phytotoxicity and genotoxicity study.
    Chemosphere. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134504
  8. Singh Asha Lata (2022)
    Emission and mitigation of greenhouse gases from paddy field: Environmental implications.
    In: Traditional Farming and Climate (R.A. Singh) (Accepted).
  9. Kumar A., Singh Asha Lata, Kumar R., Rajak P.K., Singh Prakash K. (2022)
    Desulfurization of dibenzothiophene by different bacterial strains: An eco-friendly approach to obtain clean fuel from coal.
    Geomicrobiology Journal. DOI: 10.1080/01490451.2022.2035020
  10. Singh V., Kumar A., Rajak P.K., Kumar A., Singh Asha Lata, Singh K.N., Naik A.S., Singh P.K. (2021)
    Selected Major, Minor and Trace Elements in Lignite Deposits of Saurashtra Basin, Gujarat: Their Association, Distribution and Environmental Implications.
    Journal of Scientific Research, 65(1):65-72.
  11. Rajak P.K., Singh V.K., Singh Asha Lata, Kumar N., Kumar O.P., Singh V., Kumar A., Rai A., Rai S., Naik A.S., Singh P.K. (2020)
    Study of minerals and selected environmentally sensitive elements in Kapurdi lignites of Barmer Basin, Rajasthan, Western India: Implications to environment.
    Geosciences Journal, 24(4):441−458.
  12. Yadav A., Singh R.P., Singh Asha Lata, Singh M. (2020)
    Identification of genes involved in phosphate solubilization and drought stress tolerance in chickpea symbiont Mesorhizobium ciceri Ca181.
    Archives of Microbiology.

Conclusion 🌿

Dr. Asha Lata Singh is a pioneer in environmental microbiology, bridging gaps between laboratory research and industrial applications. Her work on clean coal technology and bioremediation addresses critical environmental challenges, earning her global recognition. With ongoing projects and collaborations, she continues to inspire sustainable scientific solutions.

Liang-Wei Cui | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Liang-Wei Cui | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Southwest Forestry University | China

Dr. Liang-Wei Cui is a distinguished professor at the Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China. His research primarily focuses on primate behavior ecology and conservation, as well as mammal biodiversity conservation and monitoring. With decades of experience in zoological studies, he has led several key projects on the conservation of endangered primates, particularly the Black-and-White Snub-Nosed Monkey.

Profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Outstanding Research Contributions: Dr. Cui has an extensive publication record, with multiple high-impact papers on primate behavior, ecology, and conservation in well-respected journals such as the American Journal of Primatology, Ecology and Evolution, and Ecosystem Health and Sustainability. His research addresses critical issues in biodiversity conservation, particularly for endangered species like the Black-and-White Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti).

Strong Research Focus & Impact: His work on mammal biodiversity conservation and monitoring directly contributes to wildlife protection strategies, habitat restoration, and species survival. Projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) demonstrate the significance and credibility of his research.

Collaborative and International Recognition: Dr. Cui collaborates with multiple researchers across institutions, including leading primatologists and conservation scientists. His research includes interdisciplinary studies on habitat fragmentation, provisioning impacts, and climate effects on wildlife, showing a broad and integrative scientific approach.

Long-Term Commitment to Conservation: With over 15 years of experience as a professor at Southwest Forestry University, Dr. Cui has contributed significantly to the academic and scientific community, training future conservationists and zoologists.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Zoology (September 1997 – July 2003)
    Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China

👨‍🏫 Experience

  • Professor (August 2008 – Present)
    Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China

🔬 Research Interests On Ecology

Dr. Cui’s research spans two major areas:

  • Primate Behavior Ecology and Conservation
  • Mammal Biodiversity Conservation and Monitoring

His work primarily focuses on understanding primate behavior, habitat fragmentation, and conservation strategies to mitigate threats to endangered species.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Cui has been recognized for his contributions to primate conservation and biodiversity research, receiving multiple grants and accolades for his work in wildlife preservation and ecological sustainability.

📚 Publications

Dr. Cui has authored several influential research papers in primatology and conservation science. Below are some of his recent publications:

  • A new record of Coelichneumon rufofemoratus (Cameron, 1903) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Eastern Himalayas, with a checklist of all the species of the genus from the Oriental region

    • Authors: Yang, Xia; Huang, Zhi-Pang; Cui, Liang-Wei; Pos, Davide Dal; Reshchikov, Alexey; Xiao, Wen
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: Not available
  • Surviving at the highest and coldest: Nutritional and chemical components of fallback foods for Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys

    • Authors: Pan, Hao; Hou, Rong; Zhang, He; Li, Yanpeng; Huang, Zhipang; Cui, Liangwei; Xiao, Wen
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: Not available
  • Variation in monthly and seasonal elevation use impacts behavioral and dietary flexibility in Rhinopithecus bieti

    • Authors: Kraus, Jacob B.; Huang, Zhi-Pang; Li, Yan-Pang; Cui, Liang-Wei; Wang, Shuang-Jin; Li, Jin-Fa; Liu, Feng; Wang, Yun; Strier, Karen B.; Xiao, Wen
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: Not available
  • Integrative Taxonomy Revealed High Diversity of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) and the Description of Three New Species from Yunnan Province, China

    • Authors: Hongxin Zhou; Xiuyan Li; Chaoying Yuan; Liangwei Cui; Shuo Liu; Dingqi Rao
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: Not available
  • Effects of Environmental Factors on Bird Communities in Different Urbanization Grades: An Empirical Study in Lishui, a Mountainous Area of Eastern China

    • Authors: Zhang, Wenwen; Zhou, Ying; Fang, Xuelan; Zhao, Shengjun; Wu, Yi; Zhang, Haonan; Cui, Liangwei; Cui, Peng
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: Not available
  • Effects of food availability and climate on the activity budget of Shortridge’s langur (Trachypithecus shortridgei) in the Drung Valley, Gaoligong Mountains, China

    • Authors: Zhang, Jia-Yang; Li, Ying-Chun; Yang, Yin; Garber, Paul A.; Han, Ke-Guo; Huang, Zhi-Pang; Cui, Liang-Wei; Xiao, Wen
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: Not available
  • Effects of provisioning on the activity budget and foraging strategies of black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) in the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, Yunnan, China

    • Authors: Li, Hong-Bo; Sun, Jing; Li, Lun-Hong; Zhou, Ying; Fang, Xue-Lan; Li, Bo-Yan; Guo, Long-Jie; Geng, Ying; Wang, Chun-Ping; Huang, Zhi-Pang et al.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: Not available
  • Stepping Stone Strategy: A Cost-Effective Way to Address Habitat Fragmentation of Endangered Wildlife in Montane Forest

    • Authors: Wang, Haohan; Gao, Ying; Li, Yanpeng; Li, Na; Grueter, Cyril C.; Xu, Huiming; Huang, Zhipang; Cui, Liangwei; Xiao, Wen
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: Not available
  • Ontogenetic Development of Sexual Dimorphism in Body Mass of Wild Black-and-White Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti)

    • Authors: Yan-Peng Li; Huang Zhi-Pang; Yin Yang; Xiao-Bin He; Ru-Liang Pan; Xin-Ming He; Gui-Wei Yang; Hua Wu; Liangwei Cui; Wen Xiao
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: Not available
  • Southwest China, the last refuge of continental primates in East Asia

    • Authors: Zhang, He; Lu, Jiqi; Tang, Shiyi; Huang, Zhipang; Cui, Liangwei; Lan, Daoying; Wang, Haitao; Hou, Rong; Xiao, Wen; Guo, Songtao et al.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: Not available

🔚 Conclusion

Dr. Liang-Wei Cui’s research has significantly contributed to the field of primate conservation and biodiversity monitoring. His work on habitat fragmentation, primate ecology, and wildlife protection has influenced conservation policies and strategies in China and beyond. As a dedicated researcher and professor, he continues to mentor young scientists and lead conservation efforts for endangered species. 🌍