Dr. Priya Dubey | microbiology | Young Scientist Award

🎓 Education 

💼 Experience 

Priya Dubey gained significant research experience as a Project Associate (2018–2021) at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, under the Division of Environmental Technologies, where she contributed to an RKVY-funded project on arsenic pollution assessment and soil characterization. She previously interned at the same institute (2016), working on the isolation and identification of fungi from arsenic-contaminated soil, developing hands-on skills in ICP-MS, microbial culturing, and enzymatic profiling . Her expertise includes DNA isolation, PCR, heavy metal analysis, microbial inoculants, and soil testing, coupled with a strong command of instruments such as ICP-MS, FTIR, spectrophotometers, and Kjeldahl analyzers . In addition to lab techniques, she has participated in environmental monitoring, field sampling, and statistical analysis using tools like SPSS, MEGA, and Origin. Priya has presented at multiple scientific forums and has developed the ability to lead research initiatives while maintaining a collaborative spirit, balancing analytical precision with field-based ecological understanding .

🏆 Awards and Honors 

Priya Dubey is a named inventor on a patent titled “A novel microbial formulation to reduce arsenic uptake in plants,” officially filed in September 2021, showcasing her innovative contributions to environmental biotechnology. She has actively participated in over ten national and international conferences, where she presented posters and oral presentations on bioremediation and soil pollution, gaining recognition for her scientific communication skills. She has been selected for events organized by CSIR, NASI, and NESA, and has received training in advanced tools like artificial intelligence for environmental monitoring. Priya’s work has been highlighted in newsletters and publications by CSIR-NBRI and other renowned institutions. Her academic excellence, leadership capabilities, and commitment to sustainable innovation have earned her multiple invitations to skill development programs and quality improvement workshops. A passionate and driven scientist, she is highly regarded by peers and mentors for her deep insight and contribution to green technologies.

🔬 Research Focus 

Priya Dubey’s research focuses on soil bioremediation, heavy metal detoxification, and microbial remediation technologies, with a core emphasis on environmental microbiology and ecosystem restoration. Her recent studies include fungal-enriched biochar for chromium removal, microbial consortia for pesticide degradation, and phyto-assisted reduction of organic pollutants in contaminated soils. Her work explores how microbial communities interact with plant systems to detoxify soil and water, aiming to improve crop resilience and reduce health hazards linked to toxic exposure. She employs molecular biology, biochemistry, and statistical modeling to investigate enzymatic pathways, resistance traits, and pollutant degradation mechanisms using tools such as ICP-MS, PCR, and kinetic modeling. Through her research, she aims to design cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable solutions to mitigate pollution and enhance soil fertility. Her contributions support climate-smart agriculture and environmental conservation goals by integrating microbiological innovation with eco-agricultural management .

 Conclusion

Priya Dubey demonstrates outstanding potential as a young researcher. Her scientific rigor, innovation, and contribution to sustainable environmental practices make her a highly deserving candidate for the Young Scientist Award. With continued growth in leadership and broader research outreach, she is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in the field of environmental microbiology.