Dr. Priyadharshini Marckasagayam | Environmental radioactivity | Young Scientist Award
The New College India.
Dr. M. Priyadharshini is a dynamic young researcher in environmental radioactivity and aquatic ecotoxicology, currently completing her Ph.D. at The New College, University of Madras; she has authored 23 international publications with a cumulative impact factor of 76.28, received international media coverage, and holds a top-30 global institutional research ranking (AD Index 2025), showcasing her commitment to radiological safety and environmental health. 
Profile
Education
Dr. Priyadharshini holds a Ph.D. in Zoology (Environmental Radioactivity) from The New College (Highly Commended, 2025), an M.Sc. in Zoology from Ethiraj College , and a B.Sc. in Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology, both under the University of Madras; she has additionally completed multiple certified IAEA training courses and hands-on internships in radiological safety, aquaculture, and molecular diagnostics.
Experience
With strong research exposure at URRBER and hands-on field/lab expertise, Dr. Priyadharshini has conducted radiological and ecological risk assessments across diverse marine ecosystems; her experience includes presenting at over 15 international conferences, mentoring field projects, performing radionuclide and heavy metal evaluations, and engaging in public health-oriented environmental sampling.
Awards and Honors
Recognized in Times of India for impactful research and ranked 26th by AD Scientific Index (2025), Dr. Priyadharshini has received widespread acclaim for her pioneering studies on human health risk due to environmental radionuclides, alongside conference recognitions, international participations, and selection for elite workshops like IAEA, establishing her as a rising voice in environmental toxicology.
Research Focus
Her research focuses on radiological risk assessment, environmental radioactivity in coastal ecosystems, heavy metal contamination, public health impacts from seafood consumption, and pollutant bioaccumulation using radioisotope techniques, molecular tools, and aquatic ecology to guide sustainable health and environmental policy.
Conclusion
Dr. M. Priyadharshini is a highly promising early-career researcher whose work is already making measurable impacts in the fields of environmental radioactivity, ecotoxicology, and public health. Her solid academic grounding, strong publication record, and multidisciplinary technical skills make her a deserving candidate for the Young Scientist Award. With continued emphasis on independent leadership, grant acquisition, and mentoring, she is poised to become a significant contributor to scientific advancement and societal betterment.
Publications
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Title: Impact of Hygrophila auriculata supplementary diets on the growth, survival, biochemical and haematological parameters in fingerlings of freshwater fish Cirrhinus mrigala
Year: 2022
Authors: J Kumar, M Priyadharshini, M Madhavi, SS Begum, AJ Ali, MS Musthafa, β¦
Citations: 38 -
Title: Biological effects of ionizing radiation on Aquatic biota β A critical review
Year: 2023
Authors: CF Kumara Perumal Pradhoshini, Marckasagayam Priyadharshini, Bharathi β¦
Citations: 21 -
Title: Source, fate and transfer of primordial radionuclides as potential contaminants in environmental matrices of high and low background radiation areas β A critical review
Year: 2025
Authors: B Santhanabharathi, KP Pradhoshini, M Suhail Ahmed, M Priyadharshini, β¦
Citations: 20 -
Title: Heavy metals toxicity in edible bivalves and risk exposure to humans through its consumption from Adyar Estuary, Tamilnadu, India β A baseline study
Year: 2024
Authors: TS Chandrasekaran, J Milton, B Santhanabharathi, KP Pradhoshini, β¦
Citations: 11 -
Title: Human health risk assessment due to consumption of dried fish in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India: A baseline report
Year: 2024
Authors: M Priyadharshini, MS Ahmed, KP Pradhoshini, B Santhanabharathi, β¦
Citations: 11 -
Title: Cytopathological and ultrastructural changes in the male reproductive organs of freshwater crab Paratelphusa jacquemontii (Rathbun) exposed to nurocombi
Year: 2022
Authors: S Archunan, M Athisuyambulingam, KP Pradhoshini, N Yelappu, β¦
Citations: 11 -
Title: Investigating radiation profiles and conducting risk assessment for ecological and environmental components on Vaan and Koswari islands in the Tuticorin group of islands, India
Year: 2024
Authors: SJA Krishnan, P Nishanth, A Venkatraman, S Krishnakumar, β¦
Citations: 10 -
Title: Impact of sublethal phenol in freshwater fish Labeo rohita on biochemical and haematological parameters
Year: 2023
Authors: K Muthukumaravel, M Priyadharshini, V Kanagavalli, N Vasanthi, β¦
Citations: 6 -
Title: Microbial consortium and impact of industrial mining on the Natural High Background Radiation Area (NHBRA), India β Characteristic role of primordial radionuclides in influencing β¦
Year: 2024
Authors: KP Pradhoshini, B Santhanabharathi, M Priyadharshini, MS Ahmed, β¦
Citations: 5 -
Title: Radiation doses received by humans in their dwellings β A baseline report on radionuclides exposure from construction materials used in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Year: 2025
Authors: KP Pradhoshini, B Santhanabharathi, A Chandrasekaran, MS Ahmed, β¦
Citations: 4