Nitu Rani | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Botany Scientist

Dr. Nitu Rani | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Dean at Chandigarh University, India

Dr. Nitu Rani is a passionate researcher and academician specializing in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture, with a particular emphasis on biofertilizer development. With a career spanning academia, applied research, and scientific writing, she has significantly contributed to enhancing soil fertility through innovative bio-based solutions. Her interdisciplinary work bridges microbiology, plant science, and nanotechnology, evident from her numerous patents, peer-reviewed publications, and invited book chapters with global publishers. As an Assistant Professor at Chandigarh University, she has taught and mentored undergraduate and postgraduate students across microbiology, plant biochemistry, and biotechnology. Dr. Rani’s ability to convert laboratory findings into scalable, eco-friendly agricultural solutions sets her apart as a next-generation innovator. Her achievements include multiple patents on zinc biofertilizer technologies, SCI-indexed journal publications, and national recognitions such as the Best Researcher Award by Chandigarh University. She is committed to advancing sustainable food production systems through microbial innovation and environmental stewardship.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Nitu Rani holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Chandigarh University (2018–2023), where her research focused on developing zinc-based biofertilizers to enhance soil fertility and promote crop growth, particularly in the Solanaceae plant family. She earned a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biochemistry from Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam in 2005, graduating as a Gold Medalist with an outstanding academic record of 77.55%. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) with a combination of Biochemistry, Botany, and Chemistry from the same university in 2003, again earning a Gold Medal for academic excellence. Her educational background reflects a strong foundation in life sciences, biotechnology, and applied agricultural sciences. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Rani consistently demonstrated academic leadership, securing top positions in her class and participating in various scholarly events. Her academic training laid the groundwork for her later contributions in microbial biotechnology and sustainable agricultural innovations.

Professional Experience

Dr. Nitu Rani has over 15 years of professional experience spanning academia, scientific writing, and applied research. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University (2022–present), where she teaches microbiology, plant tissue culture, and biotechnology-related subjects. From 2018 to 2022, she worked as an Assistant Professor at the University Institute of Agricultural Sciences, engaging with graduate and postgraduate students in plant biochemistry, micropropagation, and agricultural microbiology. Her earlier roles included serving as a freelance scientific writer with Nerdy Turtlez for a decade and working as a medical content writer at VANS Inform Ltd., Mumbai (2005–2012). She began her teaching journey at TSR and TBK College, Andhra Pradesh, where she taught biochemistry at the postgraduate level. She has also contributed to administrative roles, including academic, alumni, and event coordination at Chandigarh University. Her diverse experience bridges academia, industry, and scientific communication with equal proficiency.

Research Interest

Dr. Rani’s research interests center on microbial biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, and biofertilizer innovation. She is particularly focused on the development and application of zinc-solubilizing bacteria and nano-formulated biofertilizers to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. Her Ph.D. research emphasized the use of Enterobacter ludwigii and other beneficial microbes encapsulated in organic matrices for application in Solanaceous crops, such as tomato. She is also deeply involved in exploring the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and their agricultural applications. In addition, she has contributed to understanding plant-microbe interactions, biowaste valorization, and microbial contributions to nutraceuticals. Her interdisciplinary approach incorporates molecular techniques, microbiological assays, and nanotechnological tools to enhance microbial efficiency and biofertilizer formulations. Furthermore, she is interested in circular agriculture and the use of agro-waste in developing sustainable packaging solutions. Dr. Rani’s research is aligned with global goals for sustainable development, food security, and environmentally responsible farming.

Research Skills

Dr. Nitu Rani possesses a versatile skill set in molecular biology, microbiology, and plant biotechnology. She is proficient in plant tissue culture, PCR, and nucleic acid extraction from both microbial and plant sources. Her expertise extends to the morphological and molecular characterization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), biochemical assays, and physiological profiling of soil microbes. She is adept at preparing and analyzing bacterial DNA and fungal ITS sequences using bioinformatics tools such as MEGA X. Additionally, she has hands-on experience with alginate-starch encapsulation techniques and nanoparticle synthesis for biofertilizer development. Her data analysis skills include the use of OriginPro, advanced Excel, and visualization tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. She also brings experience in scientific proofreading and peer review for reputed journals. Dr. Rani’s research competencies are complemented by her ability to translate scientific knowledge into applied innovations such as patents, publications, and real-world biofertilizer formulations.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Nitu Rani has received several awards in recognition of her academic and research excellence. Notably, she was honored with the Best Researcher Award in 2023 by Chandigarh University for her pioneering work in the development of zinc-based biofertilizers. During her postgraduate studies, she earned Gold Medals in both M.Sc. and B.Sc., signifying top academic performance at Andhra University. Her research presentations have also received accolades, including a 2nd prize for oral presentation at the AMI Conference organized by Lovely Professional University in 2020. She has been invited as a proofreader and reviewer for reputed journals like Plant Science Today, further highlighting her scientific credibility. Her achievements in securing one granted and multiple published patents reflect her innovative contributions to applied biotechnology. These recognitions not only affirm her individual capabilities but also validate the broader societal and environmental relevance of her research work in sustainable agriculture.

Publications Top Noted

  • Rani, N., Sagar, N. A., Chauhan, A., & Mondal, A. (2025). Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles: Characterization and emerging applications in sustainable agriculture.

  • Kamble, M. G., Singh, A., Singh, S. V., Sagar, N. A., & Rani, N. (2025). Nanotechnology for encapsulation of bioactive components: a review. Citations: 2

  • Rani, N., Chauhan, A., Kaur, S., Solanki, M. K., Tripathi, M., Jain, D., & Kaur, G. (2023). Molecular Mechanistic of Zn-Solubilizing Bacteria for Agronomic Eminence: Recent Updates and Futuristic Development. Citations: 4

Venkata Ajjarapu | Crop Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Botany Scientist

Mr. Venkata Ajjarapu | Crop Science | Best Researcher Award

Manager – Research & Development at Aurora Specilaty Chemistries, United States

Mr. Venkata Manikya Kumar Ajjarapu is a seasoned chemical industry professional with nearly 30 years of extensive experience in production, process optimization, quality assurance, and research & development. Currently serving as President – East Global Operations at Aurora Specialty Chemistries in Michigan, USA, he has led several high-impact projects, including the development of acrylamide and cationic monomers, contributing significantly to the company’s growth. With prior leadership at SNF (India) Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of SNF Floerger, France, he played a pivotal role in commissioning large-scale polymer plants and implementing cost-saving measures. His expertise spans a wide range of specialty chemicals, including polydadmacs, emulsion and dispersion polymers, and bio-pesticides. He has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up lab processes to industrial production and streamline operations through engineering innovations. Mr. Ajjarapu’s international training, process excellence, and deep technical insight make him a valuable contributor to applied industrial research and chemical manufacturing.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓 

Mr. Venkata Manikya Kumar Ajjarapu holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Organic Chemistry, which he earned in 1994 with First Division from Andhra University in Visakhapatnam, India. His academic foundation in organic chemistry laid the groundwork for a successful career in the chemical industry, where he has applied his knowledge in areas such as polymer science, pesticide formulation, and specialty chemical production. Beyond his formal education, Mr. Ajjarapu has consistently pursued professional development through various advanced trainings. He received hands-on international training in Production and Quality Assurance at SNF Floerger in France during 2007, 2008, and 2011. He also completed certified training in SAP’s Production Planning (PP) module and participated in workshops focused on analytical method development and validation, organized by Waters India Ltd. Additionally, he is a certified Lead Auditor from BVQI, reinforcing his commitment to quality systems and operational excellence. His education and training reflect a strong blend of academic and industry-aligned expertise.

Professional Experience 💼 

Mr. Venkata Manikya Kumar Ajjarapu brings nearly three decades of professional experience in the chemical industry, with a strong focus on production, process development, research, and quality assurance. He currently serves as President – East Global Operations at Aurora Specialty Chemistries, USA, where he has led key projects in acrylamide and polymer production since 2013. Previously, he worked for 13 years at SNF (India) Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of SNF Floerger, France, as Senior Manager – Production, where he played a crucial role in plant commissioning, process optimization, and cost-saving initiatives. His early career included roles in R&D and production at SOM Phytopharma and Vantech Industries, focusing on pesticide development and analytical method validation. Over the years, he has successfully scaled up lab processes to industrial levels, implemented ISO standards, optimized resource use, and introduced process improvements. His leadership, technical depth, and operational insight have made significant contributions to chemical manufacturing and industrial R&D.

Research Interest 🔬

Mr. Venkata Manikya Kumar Ajjarapu’s research interests lie primarily in the field of applied industrial chemistry, with a strong focus on specialty chemical synthesis, polymer science, and process optimization. He is particularly interested in the development and manufacturing of water-soluble polymers such as acrylamide, cationic monomers, and polyacrylamides, which have wide applications in water treatment, mining, and industrial processes. His work emphasizes scaling up lab-level research to commercial production, improving process efficiency, and enhancing product quality through innovative engineering interventions. He is also keen on research that leads to cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally sustainable production methods, including the reduction of effluents and resource consumption. Additionally, Mr. Ajjarapu is interested in developing dry polymer formulations for improved shelf life and storage advantages. His approach blends technical chemistry, process engineering, and quality systems, making his research highly relevant to the evolving needs of the chemical manufacturing industry.

Research Skill🔎

Mr. Venkata Manikya Kumar Ajjarapu possesses strong research skills rooted in practical, industry-oriented chemical process development. He excels in translating laboratory-scale research into full-scale industrial production, demonstrating deep expertise in process optimization, technology transfer, and scale-up operations. His ability to troubleshoot complex chemical reactions and implement engineering modifications has led to significant improvements in product quality and manufacturing efficiency. Skilled in analytical techniques such as HPLC, GPC, and GC, he has effectively used these tools for quality control, molecular weight determination, and method validation. Mr. Ajjarapu is also proficient in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), conducting root cause analyses, and ensuring compliance with ISO and quality audit standards. His experience in cost analysis, raw material evaluation, and product development makes him adept at identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement in production systems. Overall, his research skill set bridges chemistry, engineering, and operational strategy, contributing directly to commercial success and technical advancement.

Award and Honor🏆

Mr. Venkata Manikya Kumar Ajjarapu has earned recognition throughout his career for his contributions to chemical manufacturing, process innovation, and operational excellence. While specific formal awards are not listed in his professional record, his accomplishments speak volumes about the impact of his work. Notably, he was selected for international training by SNF Floerger in France across multiple years (2007, 2008, and 2011), a distinction given to high-performing professionals. He also played a leading role in executing a major greenfield polymer plant project at SNF India, demonstrating his technical and leadership capabilities. His appointment as President – East Global Operations at Aurora Specialty Chemistries, USA, further reflects his high standing in the field and trust placed in him for overseeing global operations. As a certified Lead Auditor and a key figure in cost-saving and process improvement initiatives, Mr. Ajjarapu continues to receive professional acknowledgment through roles of increasing responsibility and global impact.

Conclusion📝

Venkata Manikya Kumar Ajjarapu is highly competent and accomplished in applied industrial R&D, with decades of contributions in chemical manufacturing, polymer science, and process optimization. His role in setting up and enhancing production of specialty chemicals across international sites clearly demonstrates a strong impact on industry-focused research.

However, if the “Best Researcher Award” is geared toward academic or fundamental research, he may fall short due to a lack of scholarly publications, patents, or academic affiliations.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Title: Synthesis of ubiquinone Q10 (Co Q10) from natural tobacco leaves
    Author: VMK Ajjarapu
    Journal: Results in Chemistry
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Enhancing Industrial and Municipal Water Treatment Efficiency Using Anionic and Cationic Polyacrylamide Polymers
    Author: VMK Ajjarapu
    Journal: American Journal of Polymer Science, 2025; 14(1): 7–16
    Year: 2025
    Cited by: 10

  • Title: Synthesis of Ubiquinone from Natural Tobacco Leaves
    Author: K Ajjarapu
    Repository: SSRN (Preprint)
    Year: 2025