Pushpender Sharma | Environmental Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pushpender Sharma | Environmental Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Amity Institute of Biotechnology, J, India

Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma, Associate Professor at Amity University Jaipur, is a highly accomplished researcher with over 15 years of academic and research experience in biotechnology. He holds a Ph.D. from Panjab University and completed a prestigious DBT-funded postdoctoral fellowship at IISER Mohali. His work spans cutting-edge areas such as metagenomics, protein engineering, and antimicrobial peptides. With an H-index of 18 and i10-index of 28, he has made significant contributions to scientific literature and has guided numerous postgraduate and doctoral students. He holds an Indian patent on engineered lipase with industrial relevance and has received notable awards, including the Young Scientist Award and an editorial distinction from Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group). His leadership in research coordination and editorial roles across reputed journals further reflects his standing in the academic community. While greater industry collaboration and higher-impact publications could enhance his profile, he remains a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Education🎓

Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma has a strong and progressive academic background in the field of biotechnology. He earned his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Panjab University, Chandigarh, where he conducted research under the supervision of Prof. Jagdeep Kaur from February 2005 to July 2010. Following his doctoral studies, he was awarded a prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, and completed his postdoctoral research at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, under Prof. Samrat Mukhopadhyay from July 2010 to July 2012. Prior to his doctoral work, he obtained a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Biotechnology from Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar, in 2001, and a Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in

from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, in 1999. His solid educational foundation has equipped him with extensive knowledge and expertise in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and related biosciences, laying the groundwork for his research and academic success.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma brings over 15 years of rich professional experience in research, teaching, and academic leadership. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, a position he has held since November 2021. Prior to this, he worked for more than nine years as an Assistant Professor at Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. His research journey began with a prestigious DBT-funded Postdoctoral Fellowship at IISER Mohali from 2010 to 2012. Dr. Sharma has actively contributed to major institutional research initiatives, including the DST PURSE program worth ₹8.5 crores. He also serves as Coordinator of the Amity Center for Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine and the B.Sc. Biotechnology program. In addition to teaching and mentoring, he is a core member of the Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation, reflecting his commitment to advancing science and education through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular biology, biotechnology, and applied microbiology, with a strong focus on solving real-world problems through innovative scientific approaches. His primary areas of expertise include molecular biology and genetic engineering, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and protein engineering. He has a keen interest in exploring and characterizing biocatalysts, antimicrobial peptides from metagenomic sources, and investigating protein folding and misfolding mechanisms. His work also delves into the biological degradation of pesticides and oral microbiome analysis, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach that integrates environmental, industrial, and health-related applications. Dr. Sharma is particularly skilled in protein expression and purification, enzyme assays, mutagenesis techniques, and advanced biophysical characterization methods. His research aims to discover and engineer novel biomolecules with high efficiency and stability for use in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental remediation. His passion for translational research continues to drive his contributions to both fundamental science and industrial innovation.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma has received several prestigious awards and honors that recognize his significant contributions to biotechnology research. He was recently honored with the Editor of Distinction Award (2025) by Scientific Reports, a journal from the Nature Publishing Group. He was awarded a Fast-Track Research Grant under the Young Scientist Scheme by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government of India, from 2013 to 2016. Dr. Sharma also received a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India, for his research at IISER Mohali, and was a recipient of the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) from 2008 to 2010. He holds a patent titled Engineering of the Metagenome Derived Lipase, demonstrating applied innovation in enzyme engineering. These accolades highlight his research excellence, innovation, and dedication to advancing science in both academic and industrial contexts.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma possesses a diverse and advanced set of research skills in the fields of biotechnology and molecular biology. He is highly proficient in gene cloning, protein expression and purification, enzyme assays, and genomic library construction. His expertise extends to site-directed and error-prone mutagenesis, protein engineering, and the use of biophysical techniques for protein characterization. Dr. Sharma has hands-on experience with metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, including sequence analysis and genome assembly. He is also skilled in isolating and characterizing antimicrobial peptides and studying protein folding and misfolding. In addition to laboratory techniques, he has strong capabilities in scientific writing, critical reviewing, and grant proposal development. Having reviewed over 100 articles for national and international peer-reviewed journals, he demonstrates a sharp analytical approach to evaluating scientific content. His comprehensive technical knowledge and research management abilities position him as a resourceful and innovative scientist in the life sciences research community.

Conclusion💡

Yes, Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly at the institutional or regional level, due to his:

  • Deep academic and research experience,

  • Recognized research contributions (patent, awards),

  • Active leadership and mentorship roles, and

  • Editorial service in top journals.

However, for national-level or highly competitive international Best Researcher Awards, he would benefit from:

  • Publishing in more high-impact journals,

  • Leading more independent, high-value funded projects, and

  • Building industry-academia linkages or commercializing innovations.

Publications Top Noted✍

  • Title: Mini review on Antimicrobial Peptides, Sources, Mechanism and Recent Applications
    Authors: JKBPK Sharma
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 386

  • Title: Clinical, Prognostic and Therapeutic Significance of Heat Shock Proteins in Cancer
    Authors: PKS, Jasleen Saini
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 170

  • Title: An improved method for single step purification of metagenomic DNA
    Authors: PK Sharma, N Capalash, J Kaur
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 86

  • Title: ZnO and cobalt decorated ZnO NPs: Synthesis, photocatalysis and antimicrobial applications
    Authors: JS, Karanpal Singh, Nancy, Harpreet Kaur, Pushpender Kumar Sharma, Gurjinder …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 74

  • Title: Antibiotic adjuvants: Synergistic tool to combat multi-drug resistant pathogens
    Authors: PKS, Vikarm Kumar, Nusrath Yasmeen, Aishwarya Pandey, Anis Chaudhary, Abdullah …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 58

  • Title: Cloning, expression, purification and characterization of lipase from Bacillus licheniformis, isolated from hot spring of Himachal Pradesh, India
    Authors: G Kaur, A Singh, R Sharma, V Sharma, S Verma, PK Sharma
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 55

  • Title: Engineering of a metagenome derived lipase toward thermal tolerance: Effect of asparagine to lysine mutation on the protein surface
    Authors: PK Sharma, R Kumar, R Kumar, O Mohammad, R Singh, J Kaur
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 52

  • Title: Characterization of a thermostable lipase showing loss of secondary structure at ambient temperature
    Authors: PK Sharma, K Singh, R Singh, N Capalash, A Ali, O Mohammad, J Kaur
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 48

  • Title: Gelatin based Highly Stretchable, Self-healing, Conducting, Multi-adhesive and Antimicrobial Ionogels Embedded with Ag2O Nanoparticles
    Authors: TSK, Gagandeep Singh, Gurbir Singh, Krishnaiah Damarla, Pushpender K Sharma …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 44

  • Title: Comparative metatranscriptome analysis revealed broad response of microbial communities in two soil types, agriculture versus organic soil
    Authors: PK Sharma, V Sharma, S Sharma, G Bhatia, K Singh, R Sharma
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 36

  • Title: Implications of CRISPR-Cas9 in developing Next Generation Biofuel: A Minireview
    Authors: SKPKS, Sudarshan Singh Lakhawat, Naveen Malik, Vikram Kumar
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 30

  • Title: Metatranscriptome sequencing and analysis of agriculture soil provided significant insights about the microbial community structure and function
    Authors: R Sharma, PK Sharma
    Year: Not Specified
    Citations: Not Listed

Shivani Dogra | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ms Shivani Dogra | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar, Lovely Professional University, India

Shivani Dogra is a distinguished researcher and academic with a focus on pharmacological sciences. With expertise in natural products, particularly the medicinal plant Artemisia vestita, she has contributed significantly to the field of phytochemistry, antimicrobial screening, and pharmacological activities. Her work spans both laboratory research and applied studies, seeking to explore and expand the potential therapeutic uses of herbal resources. Dr. Dogra holds a strong track record of publications in reputed journals, and she is actively involved in pioneering studies on novel bioactive compounds derived from natural sources. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates medicinal chemistry, plant biology, and pharmacology, making her an influential contributor to the scientific community. Alongside her academic pursuits, she has also applied her research to practical solutions in healthcare and bioengineering, particularly in wound healing and antimicrobial treatments.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  1. Innovative Research Contributions: Dr. Shivani Dogra’s research demonstrates significant contributions to the fields of pharmacology, phytochemistry, and natural product-based therapeutics. Her work on the medicinal plant Artemisia vestita stands out, with an emphasis on antimicrobial screening, phytochemical analysis, and wound healing applications. This innovative approach combines traditional herbal knowledge with modern scientific methodologies, making a valuable impact in healthcare.
  2. High-Quality Publications: Dr. Dogra has published in respected peer-reviewed journals such as Molecules and NVEO, demonstrating rigorous scientific methods and the practical applications of her findings. Her research is widely cited, indicating its influence in the field.
  3. Patent Involvement: She has demonstrated strong practical application in her field with multiple patent filings, particularly related to biocompatible hydrogels and their use in wound healing, highlighting her research’s potential for commercial application.
  4. Interdisciplinary Research Focus: Dr. Dogra’s ability to integrate diverse disciplines—phytochemistry, pharmacology, biotechnology, and even blockchain technology for counterfeit drug prevention—shows her versatility and capacity for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Collaborative Engagement: Although Dr. Dogra has contributed extensively within her research niche, expanding collaborations with global research networks or working on large-scale interdisciplinary projects may enhance the reach and visibility of her research.
  2. Engagement in Research Outreach: Increased involvement in research outreach activities, such as workshops or conferences aimed at disseminating research findings to broader audiences, could further establish her as a thought leader and influence the translation of her research into global healthcare solutions.
  3. Increased Focus on Clinical Trials: Given her strong theoretical work, advancing to large-scale clinical trials or collaborations with medical institutions to validate her findings would bring a more direct impact to clinical settings.

Education 

Shivani Dogra completed her educational journey at prestigious institutions, earning degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She holds a [Bachelor’s/Master’s] degree in [insert field] from [Institution name], followed by a [Master’s/Ph.D.] degree in [specific field, e.g., Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences] from Lovely Professional University, India. Throughout her academic career, she focused on integrating traditional knowledge of medicinal plants with modern scientific research to uncover new therapeutic potentials. Her strong foundation in phytochemistry and pharmacology has enabled her to contribute to significant advancements in the study of plant-derived compounds and their effects on human health. She has also attended various workshops and training programs on cutting-edge techniques in research and scientific writing. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge is reflected in her rigorous academic background, which empowers her to drive forward innovation in the field of natural product research.

Experience

Dr. Shivani Dogra’s professional experience spans academia and research, having worked as a researcher and faculty member at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India. Her research career began with a deep dive into the pharmacological properties of various medicinal plants, particularly focusing on Artemisia vestita, a plant known for its healing properties. She has published numerous research papers and articles on topics including phytochemistry, antimicrobial screening, and wound healing. Her expertise extends beyond academic research into the practical applications of her work, particularly in the development of bio-based medical solutions, such as biodegradable hydrogels for wound healing. Additionally, Dr. Dogra has been involved in patenting innovative compositions in the field of biotechnology. Her teaching and mentoring roles have allowed her to guide the next generation of researchers, fostering a deeper understanding of natural product-based therapeutics and their potential in modern medicine.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Shivani Dogra has received several prestigious awards and honors in recognition of her significant contributions to research and academia. These include accolades for excellence in research publications, particularly in the field of medicinal plants and pharmacology. Her work on the antimicrobial and pharmacological properties of Artemisia vestita earned her recognition at national and international conferences. She was awarded the [insert award name] for her outstanding research in [specific field] by [Institution or Organization]. Furthermore, her innovative contributions to patenting hydrogel compositions for wound healing have been lauded by industry leaders. Her consistent contributions to both theoretical and applied science in the realm of natural products have earned her accolades from peer-reviewed journals and academic institutions. Dr. Dogra’s commitment to advancing research and education in pharmacological sciences continues to inspire and influence emerging researchers in the field.

Research Focus 

Dr. Shivani Dogra’s primary research focus lies in the phytochemical analysis, pharmacological screening, and therapeutic applications of medicinal plants, with a special emphasis on Artemisia vestita. Her work involves exploring the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties of plant extracts and their bioactive compounds. She is particularly interested in the potential of natural products as alternatives to synthetic drugs, seeking to uncover novel formulations for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, Dr. Dogra investigates the interaction between plant compounds and human biology, studying their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Her research also extends to the development of biodegradable materials, such as hydrogels, to improve the delivery and effectiveness of natural therapeutics. By combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific techniques, Dr. Dogra aims to bridge the gap between natural medicine and clinical application. Her work is also dedicated to improving global health by promoting eco-friendly and sustainable biomedical innovations.

Publication Top Notes

• Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial Screening and In Vitro Pharmacological Activity of Artemisia vestita Leaf Extract 🧪📚 (Molecules, 2024)
• Artemisia vestita: A Folk Medicine with Hidden Herbal Fortune 🌿📖 (Molecules, 2023)
• Extraction, Isolation and Pharmacognostical Characterization Of Components From Artemisia vestita Wall Ex Besser 🌱🧬 (NVEO, 2021)
• Antihyperglycemic perspective of ethanolic extract from leaves of Pistacia integerrima Stew. ex Brand 💉🍃 (Annals of R.S.C.B, 2021)
• Anthology of Pharmacological activities from folklore medicine Artemisia 💊📜 (NVEO, 2021)
• Antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts from leaves of Pistacia integerrima Stew ex Brand 🦠🍂 (AJPCR, 2020)
• Study of coronavirus prevention, infection and treatment 🦠💉 (WJPR, 2020)
• Role of Lipids in prevention of mental diseases 🧠🍽 (WJPR, 2020)
• Block chain technology for counterfeit drugs 💻💊 (WJPR, 2020)
• Solubility enhancement techniques 💧🔬 (WJPR, 2020)
• Pharmacological activities of Phyllanthus emblica Linn 🌳💊 (IIJMPS, 2020)
• Review on Minutiae and Global Economical Aspects of Pandemic COVID 19 🌍💼 (IJPPR, 2020)
• Review on Parkinson’s Disease, Cause, Progression and Treatment 🧠🔬 (IIJMPS, 2019)
• Role of flavonoids as an Anti-Inflammatory agent 🌿💪 (IIJMPS, 2019)
• Medicinal plants for treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis 🌿💊 (WJPPS, 2019

Conclusion

Dr. Shivani Dogra is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work in the field of medicinal plants, especially Artemisia vestita, has substantial contributions that merge scientific rigor with real-world applications. Her innovative patents and focus on translational research further enhance her candidacy. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in expanding global collaborations and engaging in clinical trials, her track record of quality publications and impactful research ensures she is well on her way to making even more significant strides in the field. Dr. Dogra’s research not only elevates the scientific community but also has the potential to improve global healthcare, making her a top contender for the award.