We are working on the rhizospheric microbes to utilise them in bioremediation of toxic metals. Currently, we are characterising microbes capable of metal accumulation and biotransformation into less or non-toxic forms and less leaching in the environment. We have isolated several strains of fungi and bacteria with arsenic biotransformation capabilities with beneficial effects on the plants. Our aim is to study the molecular mechanism of uptake, biotransformation, accumulation and tolerance of toxic elements by these microbes. We are investigating the role of Arsenite Transporters (Acr3) and Ycf1/Vmr1 in arsenic tolerance and accumulation in fungi.

1.       Plant-microbe interaction and its impact on the arsenic mobilisation in plants: We are utilising the arsenic-sensitive plants (monocot and dicot) to study the role of screened microbes in the mobilisation of arsenic in the produce or edible parts.

Our fungal strains viz. Serendipita indica var. Rajasthan, Serendipita indica var. Germ, Serendipita sp var. West Bengal, characterised plant root interacting symbiotic fungi, and endofungal Rhizobium sp. are helpful in arsenic reduction in crop plants.

2.       Microbes in food are the primary cause of food spoilage and results in issues related to the nutrition and health of human. Intrinsic factors are involved in the survival of the microbes (especially of persister cells). They are related to the microbial spoilage of food, toxigenesis, pathogenesis and resistance to antibiotic and environmental factors. We are characterising the mechanism of survival and stress tolerance of microbes in the food matrix with special emphasis on the mechanism of survival in the persister cells and its involvement in toxigenesis and spoilage of the food by microbes.

3.       Biopesticide/Bioinsecticide: The control of insects with pesticides is necessary to prevent damage and insect-borne diseases in plants and animals besides its adverse health effects on humans and other organisms, whereas insects are likely to develop resistance to these chemicals. The development of bioinsecticides derived from bacteria has been successful in insect control for a long time. Bioinsecticides do not disturb the environment and exhibit high specificity to insect targets. We are characterising bacterium capable of producing new and safe insecticidal toxins against specific insect parasites in plants and animals. More specifically, we are looking into the mechanism of toxicity of bacterial toxins and their interaction with target insects, biosafety and fate.  

Qualified “NET/JRF Examination” conducted by University Grant Commission (UGC), Government of India, India (2006).

Qualified in “Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) Examination” conducted by Indian Institute of Technology.

Awarded “University Grant Commission (UGC) non plan fellowship” by University Grant Commission (UGC) Government of India, India (2005-2006).

Awarded “UGC Meritorious Student Fellowship” in Life Sciences, by University Grant Commission (UGC) Government of India, India (2006-2008).

Qualified and Awarded “Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Junior Research Fellowship” by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India, India (2008-2010).

Awarded “Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Senior Research Fellowship” by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India, India (2010-2012).

Travel award for attending conference in Boston, USA, from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India (2008).

Travel award for attending conference in  Edinburgh, UK, from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Science and Technology (DST),  Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), HRDG, Government of India, India (2010).

Young Scientist Award (PhD Category) in National Symposium on “Microbes in Health and Agriculture, 2012” organized under UGC Resource Networking by School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India (2012).

Awarded Dr. D.S. Kothari Fellowship by University Grant Commission (UGC) Government of India, India (2013).

Fellowship / Membership of Professional bodies:

• International Myological Association (IMA)
  
• Association of Microbiologist of India (AMI)
  
• American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
  
• Membership of Editorial Board:
  
• Ad-Hoc Reviewer, National Academy Science Letters (Springer)