š Education
Ph.D., Genetics & Plant Breeding (2006-2010) Specialization: Molecular Breeding, Crop Biotechnology, Genomics Thesis Title: Genetic Analysis of Grain Weight in Bread Wheat Using Molecular Markers M.Sc. (Gold Medallist), Genetics & Plant Breeding (2002-2004) B.Sc. (Agriculture), 1998-2002
šØāš« Employment History
Associate Professor/Sr. Scientist, SKUAST-K, Wadura Campus (July 15, 2019-Till Date) Assistant Professor/Jr. Scientist, SKUAST-K, Wadura Campus (May 04, 2016 – July 15, 2019) Assistant Professor/Jr. Scientist, SKUAST-J, Jammu (February 2012 – May 03, 2016) Visiting Scientist (Crop Biotechnology), UC-Davis, California, USA (March 2014 – March 2015) Visiting Scientist, ICRISAT, Patancheru, India (June 1, 2013 – July 1, 2013) Scientist (Applied Genomics), ICRISAT, Patancheru, India (April 2010 – February 2012) Senior Research Fellow (CSIR), New Delhi (October 1, 2008 – March 31, 2010) Senior Research Fellow (DBT), Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut, India (June 1, 2008 – October 1, 2008) Junior Research Fellow (DBT), Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut, India (June 1, 2006 – June 1, 2008) Teaching Assistant, Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut, India (March 2006 – June 2006) Junior Research Fellow (DBT), Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut, India (April 2005 – February 2006)
š¬ Research Projects
Nutri-Genomics and Transcriptomics for Identification of Genes for Zinc, Iron, and Protein Content in Common Bean (SERB, DST) Genetic Dissection of Heat Tolerance in Wheat Using Multiple Biparental RIL Mapping Populations (DBT) Expression Profiling of Dof Genes in Common Bean (DBT) Development of Molecular Laboratory for Analysis of Purity of Germplasm of Basmati Rice and Other Seeds (STFP, J&K State Govt.) Determination of Genetic Diversity Among Common Bean Genotypes and Assessment for Water Stress Tolerance (SERB DST) Transcriptome Analysis and Annotation of Common Bean (SERB, DST) Identification and Characterization of Heat Responsive miRNAs in Wheat (SERB, DST) Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Cold-Tolerant and Cold-Sensitive Chickpea Genotypes Under Cold Stress (CSIR)
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Medals/Awards
DBT CREST Award 2012-13 for Research at UC-Davis, USA Young Scientist Award-2010 in Agriculture and Allied Sciences by J&K Council for Science & Technology GOLD MEDAL in M.Sc. for Highest Merit in Faculty of Agriculture, Ch. Charan Singh University Best Paper Presentation Award during 2nd J&K Agriculture Science Congress Young Achiever of the Week by Biomebiotek
Research Impact šš
Supervised/Co-supervised ~30 M.Sc. students, ~10 Ph.D. students, and Mentored 3 Post-Doc Scholars. Currently leading projects funded by national agencies in the areas of Nutri-Genomics, Heat Tolerance in Wheat, Transcriptome Analysis, and more. š In Progress: Revival of Kala Zeera cultivation, BARC-SKUAST-K Mutagenesis Project, and Germplasm Characterization in Wheat. This comprehensive professional journey reflects a dedication to academia, cutting-edge research, and impactful contributions to the fields of Molecular Breeding, Crop Biotechnology, and Applied Genomics.