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Felix Bast
9872152694
Professor and Head, Department of Botany (431), Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India
Felix Bast
Qualification

Dr. Felix Bast is Head of the Department of Botany, Central University of Punjab. He is a member of the panel of experts of the prestigious International Science Council, Paris, France. Born in Kerala (Payyannur, Kannur), Dr. Bast's education was from Government Boy's High School, Payyanur. He holds a BSc with the first rank from Kannur University. His MSc was from the University of Madras Guindy Campus. Subsequently, he joined as CSIR-Junior Research Fellow at the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Bombay. In 2015 he left PhD position at IITB to accept the prestigious Monbukagakusho International PhD fellowship from Japanese Government nominated through the Ministry of Education, Government of India. He completed PhD in Marine Biology from Kōchi University, Shikoku Island, Japan as MEXT Scholar and has been working at the university from 2010 onwards. Dr. Bast is an alumnus of Friday Harbor Laboratories, University of Washington, US, Marine Biological Association of UK and Plymouth, England, and The Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung in Bremen, Germany. In addition, he is an alumnus of AAAS-TWAS Science Diplomacy program (Italy, Rome) and GYA Science Leadership Program (Budapest, Hungary).

Dr. Bast served as an in-residence intern with the president of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan as an Inspired Teacher in 2015. He received the Ministry of Education's PMMMNMTT Teaching Innovator Award (2019) and the DST Inspire Faculty Award (2012). Dr. Bast served as an expedition scientist at Indian Antarctic Mission 2016-17 and conducted research at India's Antarctic stations Bharati and Maitri. He also served as an elected core committee member (Biology and Medicine), Indian National Young Academy of Sciences, INSA, New Delhi. He is also a member of UGC-SWAYAM program of online education as a coordinator of a course hosted there. The course has been ranked as the 7th most popular MOOC in the world in 2020.

 

 

Education:

Kōchi University, Japan — PhD (MEXT: Japanese Govt. Fellow)

APRIL 2005 - MARCH 2010

Ecophysiology and phylogeography of Monostroma latissimum in Japan (Field: Marine Biology)

University of Madras, Guindy, Chennai — MSc

JUNE 2000 - MAY 2002

76.5% marks, First Class (Outstanding) Grade

Biotechnology, Microalgae, Photobioreactor

Kannur University, Kannur, Kerala — BSc

JUNE 1997 - MAY 2000

87.5% marks, First Class, University First Rank with Gold Medal

Microbiology, Physiology, Chemistry

Experience

Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung, Bremen, Germany

NAM-ZMT Guest Scientist

NOV  2018 - FEB 2019

On sabbatical, research on DNA barcoding and marine experimental ecology

Indian Antarctic Mission, Bharati Station and Maitri Station

Expedition Scientist

DEC  2016 - APR  2017

On sabbatical, research on DNA barcoding and marine experimental ecology

Central University of Punjab, Bathinda — Associate Professor

MAY 2010 - PRESENT

Involved with academic research and teaching in Taxonomy, Phylogenetics

Member, Executive Council and Academic Council

Friday Harbor Lab, University of Washington, US — Summer Fellow

JULY 2007 - AUGUST 2007

Marine Botany course, Phycological Society of America

Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, UK — Summer Fellow

MARCH 2013

Algal Taxonomy Workshop of British Phycological Society

Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay — CSIR JRF

AUGUST 2003 - FEBRUARY 2005

Algae-based desalination.

 

Research Area

Molecular Systematics, Taxonomy, Algae, Polar Biology, Science Communication

Research Interests

NOTABLE RESEARCH FINDINGS/CONTRIBUTIONS

  1. Seven new  plant species discovered: Ulva paschima, Cladophora goensis, Ulva uniseriata, Hypnea indica, Hypnea bullata, Bryum bharatiensis, and Acetabularia jalakanyakae
  2. New records: Endophytic algae Ulvella leptochaete for the first time in Indian Ocean, Sargassum zhangii, Trentepohlia annulata and Ulva sapora first records in India
  3. Open access database of Indian Algae, dbIndAlgae released
  4. Discovery that spores of subaerial green algae Trentepohlia annulata caused blood rain in Kerala
  5. Science Communicator, with frequent contributions in all major science magazines in India (Resonance, Science Reporter, Dream-2047).  Involved with science popularization talks and science community outreach through local libraries, schools, and colleges.
  6. Explored major coastal intertidal habitats of India, Japan, UK, Scandinavia and North Western US and Canada (23 countries). Exploration team member of 36th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica.
  7. An early adopter of e-learning; involved with UGC e-PG pathshala and UGC SWAYAM MOOC
  8. Involved with science education in schools. Organized Science Leadership Workshop, one of the largest science events in the world. Founded Young Academy of India.
Research Grants/Projects

PROJECTS/RESEARCH GRANTS

7 major grants As PI

DST-INSPIRE, DST/SERB-Core Research Grant, CSIR, UGC-BSR, MoES, ICSSR, UGC-Start-Up grant

(Total sanctioned INR 11.3 million)

TEACHING/TRAINING GRANTS

6  grants As PI
UGC-MHRD SWAYAM MOOC Development, Science Academies’ Refresher Course (2 times) and Science Academies’ Lecture Workshop (3 times)

(Total sanctioned: INR 1.95 million)

Professional Affiliation

Member of British Phycological Society, Phycological Society of America, Indian Lichenological Society and Indian Linguistics Society, DST--YASH

Professional Recognition/Awards/Scholarships

Inducted in DST-YASH (2020)
TedX Speaker (2020)
Elected in National Core Committee of INSA-INYAS (Biology and Medicine)
2020
DST-INSA-INSPIRE Faculty Award Phylogenetic Diversity of Seaweeds (2012)

Inspired Teacher recognition Invited In-Resident Intern with President of India at Rashtrapathi Bhavan, New Delhi (2015)

Teacher Innovator Award Commendation certificate, MHRD, Government of India (2016)

NAM-ZMT Germany International Guest Scientist Award, Japanese Govt. Monbukagakusho:MEXT International Doctoral Fellowship 2005, British Phycological Society Student Bursary Award-2009

Member of British Phycological Society, Phycological Society of America, Indian Lichenological Society and Indian Linguistics Society, DST--YASH

CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test Qualified Dec 2001 for JRF and Lectureship
Indian Academy of Sciences Summer Research Fellowship at NIO, Goa- 2002
University First Rank
(2000)
BSc Kannur University, India

CSIR-JRF, GATE, GRE, TOEFL qualified

Research Collaboration

Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung, Bremen, Germany

CSIR-NBRI-Lucknow

CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow

Publications

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

  1. Kundu, P., and Bast, F. (2021). Molecular data reveals two new species of Hypnea (Cystocloniaceae, Rhodophyta) from India: Hypnea indica sp. nov. and Hypnea bullata sp. nov. Botanica Marina, 64(2), 139-148.
  2. Sharma, S., Mehra, R. and Bast, F. (2019) Molecular Phylogeography of Ficus benghalensis Linnaeus using nrDNA ITS 1,cpDNA trnL and cpDNA rps16 from Indian subcontinent. Current Science 117 (2) 293-298
  3. Bast, F., John, AA. and Bhushan, S. (2014). Strong endemism of bloom-forming tubular Ulva in Indian west coast, with description of Ulva paschima Sp. Nov. (Ulvales, Chlorophyta). PLoS ONE 9(10): e109295. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0109295 (IF:3.73) PDF
  4. Bhushan, S., Mehra, R., Rani, P. and Bast, F (2016) "DbIndAlgae: Online resource of Seaweeds of Indian coasts". Current Science (IF: 0.8) 111 (4):717-723 PDF
  5. Bast, F., John, AA. and Bhushan, S. (2015).Cladophora goensis- a bloom forming marine algae from Goa, India. Indian Journal of Marine Sciences 44 (12) 1874-1879 (IF:0.57) PDF
  6. Bast, F., Kubota, S. and Okuda, K. (2014). Phylogeographic Assessment of Panmictic Monostroma Species from Kuroshio Coast, Japan Reveals Sympatric Speciation. Journal of Applied Phycology (IF:2.5) DOI 10.1007/s10811-014-0452-x PDF
  7. Bast, F., Bhushan, S. and John, AA. (2014). DNA Barcoding of a new record of epi-endophytic green algae Ulvella leptochaete (Ulvellaceae, Chlorophyta) in India. Journal of Biosciences 39:711-716 (IF:1.8) PDF
  8. Bast, F., Rani P, and Meena D (2014) Chloroplast DNA Phylogeography of Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) in Indian Subcontinent, The Scientific World Journal (IF:1.731), vol. 2014, Article ID 847482, 6 pages, 2014. doi:10.1155/2014/847482
  9. Bast, F., Shimada, S, Hiraoka, M and Okuda, K (2009). Asexual life history by biflagellate zoids in Monostroma latissimum (Ulotrichales). Aquatic Botany (IF:2.250) 91: 213-218. PDF
  10. Bast, F., Shimada, S, Hiraoka, M and Okuda, K (2009). Seasonality and thallus ontogeny of edible seaweed Monostroma latissimum (Kützing) Wittrock (Chlorophyta, Monostromataceae) from Tosa Bay, Kochi, Japan. Hydrobiologia (IF:1.985) 630: 161-167. PDF

METRICS

Total SCI indexed journal articles: 41 Book Chapters: 10 Books: 4 Popular Science articles and newspaper essays: 17

H-index: 13

i10 index: 15

Total Publications: 70

FULL PUBLICATIONS: Accessible at http://bit.ly/FelixLab

 

Research Guidance

Post-Doctoral Fellows

 

S. No

Title

Scholar

Funding Agency

Year

Status

1

Molecular and morphological diversity in photobiont associated with Parmelioid lichens of Indian Himalaya

 

Dr. Ajay Kumar Gautam

CSIR

2018-2020

Completed

 

International Exchange Programme

1

Comparative molecular systematics of selected microalgae from Bathinda and Mongolia

Odgerel Bamabndalai (Internatiopnal Scientist from Mongolia)

NAM-RTF-DCS

April-September 2017

Completed

 

 

Ph.D. Students

 

S. No.

Title (Hyperlinked to dissertations in PDF)

Candidate

Funding Agency

Year of Submission

Status

1

Multitargetted molecular docking of plant/algae derived natural products and its further validation on cancer cell-lines

Pushpendra Singh

ICMR-SRF

2015

Awarded

(Now working as a Scientist at State Forest department, MP)

 

2

Phylogeny and anticancer potentials of Sargassum

Satej Bhushan

 MoES JRF

2017

Awarded

 

(Now PostDoc at NIPGR, New Delhi)

3

Phylogeography of Ulva (Chlorophyta, Ulvophyceae) in Indian Subcontinent

Pooja Rani

-

2018

Awarded (Now Assistant Professor at Panjab University, Chandigarh)

4

Phylogeny and anticancer potentials of Cladophora

Richa Mehra

ICMR-JRF

2018

Awarded, now Scientist at UNESCO-Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad

5

Molecular identification and assessment of anticancer potential of Ulva species from Indian coasts”

Digvijay Singh Yadav

ICMR-SRF

-

Ongoing M.Phil.-PhD Integrated (2016-2021)

6

Biodiversity characterization of Florideophyceae from Indian Coast and eastern Antarctica Coast based upon molecular Taxonomy-assisted polyphasic approach

Pushpendu Kundu

(CSIR-NET, ARS-NET)

-

Thesis submitted

(2021)

7

Molecular taxonomy assisted biodiversity characterization of Moss from Indian Western Himalayas and Larsemann hills of Antarctica

Wahid Ul Rahman

UGC-NFST

-

Ongoing M.Phil.-PhD Integrated

(2013-21)

8

Molecular and morphological diversity of photobionts associated with Antarctic lichens and lichens of Indian Himalayas

Khem Chand Saini

CSIR-SRF

-

Ongoing M.Phil.-PhD Integrated

(2013-21)

9

Anticancer potentials of Gracilaria

Alka rani

ICMR-SRF

-

Ongoing M.Phil.-PhD Integrated

(2013-21)

10

Diversity of epiphytic bacteria associated with seaweeds from Indian Coast

Manpreet Kaur

MANF-JRF

-

Ongoing

(2021-)

 

 

M.Phil. Students

S. No.

Title (Hyperlinked to dissertations in PDF)

Candidate

Funding Agency

Year of Submission

Status

1

Effects of Insulin and Metformin on PC-3 Cell Line

Pushpendra Singh

ICMR-SRF

2011

Awarded

2

Effect of Metformin on Insulin Mediated Proliferation of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines

Seema S

ICMR-JRF

2012

Awarded, Pursuing Ph.D. At Indraprasta University, Delhi

3

Cytotoxic activity of Sargassum swartzii on PC-3 cancer cell line

Mohd. Zahid

ICMR-JRF

2012

Awarded, Pursuing Ph.D. At Delhi University

4

Phylogenetic Analysis of Ocimum tenuiflorum in Indian subcontinent

Devendra Meena

CSIR-JRF

2014

Awarded, Pursuing Ph.D. At Oxford University, UK

5

miRNA Target Prediction and Comparative miRNomics: Study in Different Cancers- Special Focus on Breast Cancer Metastasis

Bibekananda Sarkar

-

2012

Awarded

6

Diversity of Green and Red Marine Macroalgae distributed in Indian West Coast using morphometry and DNA barcoding

Aijaz Ahmd

CSIR-JRF

2013    

Awarded, Currently in PhD at CDRI, Lucknow

7

DNA barcoding and phylogeography of Brown Seaweeds of Coasts of Indian Subcontinent

Satej Bhushan

MoES Project JRF

2013

Awarded

8

Sequence-based phylogeography and conservation genetics of seaweeds from Indian subcontinent

Pooja Rani

-

2014

Awarded, Currently in PhD

9

Phylogeography of Ceramiales in India

Digvijay Singh Yadav

 -

 2015

Awarded, Currently in PhD

10

Phylogeography of Rhodymeniophyceae (Gracillaria and Grateloupia)

Pushpendu Kundu

 2015

Awarded, Currently in PhD

11

Phylogeography and bioprospects of carrageenophytes (Hypnea and Kappaphycus)

Wahid Ul Rahman

 2015

Awarded, Currently in PhD

12

Phylogeography of terrestrial and freshwater algae in Indian subcontinent

Khem Chand Saini

 -

 2015

Awarded, Currently in PhD

13

Phylogeography of mangroves in Subndarbans, West Bengal

Alka rani

 2015

Awarded, Currently in PhD

14

Phylogeography of Ferns in Harike Wet Land

Chandanpreet Kaur

-

2015

Awarded

15

Phylogeography of Cactus

Balwinder

-

2015

Awarded

 

Research Internships

1

Molecular phylogenetic methods

Sushil Thakkur

-

April-May, 2016

Completed

2

Morphological assessment of Acetabularia from Andaman Islands

Aravind M

SRFP (Science Academies’ Summer Research Fellowship Program)

April-June 2019

Completed

3

Preliminary identification of local algae (Bathinda region)

Jasdeep Kaur

Internship

February 2021- April 2021

Completed

 

 

 

 

M.Sc. Students

S. No.

Title (Hyperlinked to dissertations in PDF)

Candidate

Funding Agency

Year of Submission

Status

1

Genotoxicity of drinking water from Malwa Region, Punjab

Ashish Kumar Pandey

-

2013

Awarded, Currently employed at UNESCO-RCB

2

Phylogeography ofFicus religiosa andFicus benghalensis in Indian Subcontinent

Sheetal Sharma

 -

2014

Awarded

3

Phylogeography ofSalvadora oleoides in Punjab

Navreet Kaur

 -

 2015

Awarded

4

Phylogeography of Betel in Indian Subcontinent

Muzamil Ahmad Rather

 -

 2015

Awarded

5

Phylogeography of  Brahmi in Indian Subcontinent

Meenu Rani

 -

 2015

Awarded

6

Phylogeography of  Shankapushpa in Indian Subcontinent

Nisha Bansal

 -

 2016

Awarded

7

Phylogeography of  Sarpagandha in Indian Subcontinent

Supandeep Kaur

 -

 2015

Awarded

8

Phylogeography of Mentha in Indian Subcontinent

Jyotsna Devgan

-

2016

Awarded

9

Molecular systematics of family fabiaceae, tribe Detarieae

Nilanjan De

-

2016

Awarded

10

Phylogeography of Ashwagandhain Indian Subcontinent

Davinder Singh

-

2016

Awarded

11

Public acceptance of evolution in India

Heena Tahilramani

-

2016

Awarded

12

Molecular systematics of the phycobionts of some lichen species from India

Anish Gupta

-

2016

Awarded

13

DNA Barcoding of the medicinal herb Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Anju Vijayappapanicker

-

2016

Awarded

14

Culture studies of photobionts of lichens from Antarctica

Archana

-

2017

Awarded

15

Culture studies of watermelon snow algae from Antarctica

Sayanya Acharya

-

2017

Awarded

16

DNA Barcoding of the seaweeds (Himantothallus and Calophyllis) from Antarctica

Divya Mittal

-

2018

Awarded

17

Molecular Systematics of Urospora from Antarctica

Guni Pabin

-

2018

Awarded

18

Morphological and molecular assessment of green algae

Prasiola crispa from Eastern Antarctica.

Rashmi Ranjan

-

2018

Awarded

19

Characterization of phycocolloids from brown and red seaweeds

Nisha Kumari

-

2018

Discontinued

20

Characterization of normal microflora of moss and seaweeds

Samrin Shamin

-

2018

Awarded

21

Polyphasic taxonomic characterization of epiphytic bacteria found on algae. 

Manisha

 

2019

Awarded

22

Polyphasic taxonomic characterization of endophytic bacteria found on algae.

Soumyashree Bhoi

 

2019

Awarded

23

Impact of global warming and ocean acidification on macroalgae

Ranjan Rashmi Parida

 

2019

Awarded

24

Effect of climate change on microalgae

Shilpi Tyagi

 

2019

Awarded

 

25

Abiotic stress responses in algae: UV A& B Stress, DO stress, and algal secondary metabolites involved in stress, and lipid production.

Malay Kumar Mohanta

 

2020

Awarded

 

26

Abiotic stress responses in algae: salinity, desiccation, biomechanical stresses and gene networks involved in stress.

Rajalaxmi Sahoo

 

2020

Awarded

27

Sustainable Blue Economy: Opportunities and Challenges

Sahil Narwal

 

2020

Awarded

28

 Abiotic stress responses in algae: Temperature, pH/CO2, heavy metal, algal hormones and photo-oxidative stress.

Hiramoni Ojah

 

2020

Awarded

29

Abiotic stress responses in algae: Nutrient stress, contribution of symbionts and transgenic approaches.

Adesh Kumar

 

2020

Awarded

 

Conference/ Workshops/Seminars Attended

 

     

    Conference/ Workshops/Seminars Organised
    1. #Science Leadership Workshop, supported by Science Academies, 22nd June 2020-28th June 2020
      1. Nature India feature article: https://www.natureasia.com/en/nindia/article/10.1038/nindia.2020.115
      2. Current Science https://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/119/06/0894.pdf
    2. #ZeroWaste workshop, in collaboration with DAV College, Bathinda, 16th June 2020-18th June 2020
    3. #BluePlanet workshop, in collaboration with dept of Geology, 7th June 2020-9th June 2020
    4. #TangledBank, a national level workshop, 31st May 2020-5th June 2020

     

    Invited Talks/ Resource Person
    List of public lectures/expert talks



    2021

    Resource person at AICTE/ISTE Sponsored Induction program on Deep Learning and Cyber Security, Madanapalle Institute of Technology & Science, Andhra Pradesh. 10/4
    Invited talk at Kerala Agricultural University, “Crux of Critical Thinking.” 18/3
    DAV College (DBT-Star College scheme), 27/2
    Invited talk at Kerala Agricultural University, “Crux of Academic Writing.” 2/4
    FIP-2 at GNDU-UGC-HRDC, “Time management for teachers”, 25/3
    IQAC, SN-Kannur, Kerala. “What is Science?” 23/3
    AMET, Chennai “Blue Economy: Opportunities and Challenges”. 10/2
    MAHE-Science Journalism National Conference, “Science Journalism- A void to be filled by upcoming scientists” 8/2
    FIP-1 at GNDU-UGC-HRDC, “Time management for teachers” 5/2
    Mumbai University IIC Invited Lecture: “Sustainability as a lifestyle choice”. 6/2
    FDP-2 at MAHE, Manipal, 30th January 2021. “The Crux of Critical Thinking for Academia”
    FDP at CU Rajastan, “How to make online teaching exciting” 23/1
    FDP at CU Rajastan, “Time Management for Teachers” 23/1
    Invited talk on “How Dr. Har Gobind Khorana’s works paved way for the development of vaccines against COVID-19?”, Science City, Jalandhar. 9th January 2021
    FDP-1 at MAHE, Manipal, 9th January 2021: “The Crux of Critical Thinking for Academia”
     “Perception of Online learning among students from India during COVID-19 lockdown”. Virtual International Akhand Conference by GERA and CU Punjab. 7th January 2021
    FDP at UGC-HRDC, PU Chandigarh, “2021: A year of sustainability”, 1st January 2021
    2020

    DBT Sponsored Two Day National e-Conference on “COVID-19 Pandemic: Emerging Challenges and Future Strategies” organized by KMV Jalandhar, 28th November
    TEDx talk at Shoolini University, “Antarctica: The Untold Story of Climate Change”. 27th November
    FDP at CU Rajastan, “How to make online teaching exciting” 26th November
    FDP at CU Rajastan, “Time Management for Teachers” 26th November
    FDP at Chandigarh University, 11th November. ‘Coronavirus as Karma”
    FDP, Mithbai College, Mumbai, 10th November “Indian Antarctica Mission”
    FDP (PMMMNMTTT) at BHU Varanasi, “Digital Skills” 6th November
    Macmillan Education Foundation, 24th October “Scopes in basic sciences”
    Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, 20th October
    North Kannur Science Club, Kerala, 17th October
    AMET University, Chennai, 12th October
    Macmillan Education Foundation, 10th October “Journey as a scientist”
    Pondicherry University, 9th October
    Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 30th September “Nutrition myths”
    DAV College (DBT-Star College scheme), Abohar 18th October 2019 “Biotechnology at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19”
    DAV College (DBT-Star College scheme), Bathinda, 26th September. “Biotechnology at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19”
    Osmania University Hyderabad, 8th September “Crux of Critical Thinking for Academia”
    KSSP, Payyanur (Inaugural Public Talk), 22nd August
    JSPS-Japanese Embassy, Cairo, Egypt, 12th August “COVID-19 crisis and the Sustainable Development Goals : Role of the Science & Health Challenges”
    Central University of Jharkhand, 11th August “What COVID-
    19 teaches us about UN-Sustainable Developmental Goals?”
    Likha Program, Sri Chitra Thirunnal College of Engineering, Trivandrum, 29th July “Is Zero waste lifestyle practical?”
    SS College, Khanna, UP, 27th July “Sustainability, Challenges & Transforming Opportunities amidst COVID-19”
    Sathyabhama University, Chennai, “E-Learning and Personalized Education” 19th June
    Sathyabhama University, Chennai, “MOOCs and Flip Class” 19th June
    Sathyabhama University, Chennai, “Screen recording and Video Editing for MOOC” 20th June
    Sathyabhama University, Chennai, “Writing successful Swayam MOOC application and other MOOC platforms” 20th June
    AMET University, Chennai, 13th June
    JDTICAS, Calicut, 10th June “COVID-19 and Climate Change”
    Bishop Kurialassery College for Women, Amalagiri, Kottayam, Kerala, 8th June: COVID-19 and UN Sustainable Developmental Goals”
    Goa Science Centre, Miramar, Goa 5th June: ‘Coronavirus as Karma’
    FDP at KS Rangasamy College, Tituchendur, Tamil Nadu. 29th May
    AMET University, Chennai, 24th May
    Dept of Zoology, Payyannur College, Kerala, 23rd May
    Dept of Chemistry, Payyannur College, Kerala, 23rd May: COVID-19 and Biotechnology”
    Dept of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh 22nd May: ‘Coronavirus as Karma’
    PRNSS College, Mattannur, Kannur, Kerala, 12th June: ‘Voyage to Antarctica’
    SES College, Sreekanthaapuram, Kerala, 12th June: ‘Voyage to Antarctica’
    Korom Public Library, Kerala, 15th May
    ATREE, Bangalore, Policy Meet on “Wetland Biodiversity Conservation” 14th May
    INYAS-IHE, University of Delhi, 29th April 2020 “Online teaching platforms and security concerns”
    NCERT, New Delhi 27th April 2020. “Jitsi: An open-source software for Video Conferencing”
    DAV College (DBT-Star College scheme), Bathinda, 28th Feb 2020. “Pax Antarctica: To Save Antarctica we must act now”




    2019

    Oral presentation: "Sagan effect and future of science communication in India" at INSA Anniversary General Meeting, NIO, Dona Paula, Goa. 16-18 December 2019
    An invited participant at Science Leadership Workshop (Global Young Academy) and World Science Forum, Budapest, Hungary 19-23 November, 2019
    Chaired a session and delivered a presentation on “Life at Extreme Environments” at NatFoS Samod Bagh, 6-8 November, 2019
    Invited key-note address at national conference “Science Fiesta”, at S. Govt. College for Science, Jagraon 21st Oct. 2019
    Delivered expert lecture in INSPIRE Science Camp at Guru Nanak College for Girls, Muktsar, ‘Voyage to Antarctica’ 23rd September, 2019
    Resource Person at Curriculum Design and Development, PMMMNMTT National Workshop, CUPB, (9-18 July 2019).
    Capacity Building Workshop for Swayam Course Coordinators at NITTR, Chennai (Organized by MHRD, Govt. of India). (27-27 May 2019)
    Resource Person at Science Academies' Refresher Course on Plant Taxonomy, Phytogeography and Ecology, CUPB, (5-20 March 2019)
    Resource Person at PMMMNMTT Faculty Induction Programme, CUPB, on (28 Feb 2019)
    Resource Person at Faculty Development Program at IIT-BHU (18-19 Feb 2019) “Online learning with digital experiences”
    NAM-ZMT Visiting Scientist at Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung, Bremen, Germany (November 2018-February 2019)
    2018

    84th Annual Meeting of Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore (IASc) as an Invited Delegate (1-4, Nov. 2018)
    MOOC Development Workshop at Indian Institute of Managament, Bangalore (15-16 October 2018)
    "Curiosity-driven research in plant sciences: marine, terrestrial and polar algal biodiversity". Keynote Address in National Conference: "Vistas in Biobiversity, Biology, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology of Algae". Madras Christian College, Chennai (19-23 Sep 2018) 
    "E-learning, personalized education, MOOCs and Flip Classes: A Primer on SWAYAM" Invited talk at 1 day MOOC Development workshop at AMET University, Chennai (22 Sep 2018)
    "Pax Antarctica: A continent for science" Invited talk at Bharat University, Chennai on (20 Sep 2018)
    "E-learning with Digital Experiences" and "MOOCs and Flip Classes: A Primer on SWAYAM": Two Expert talks as Invited speaker (Resource Person) at ISTE-AICTE sponsored Faculty Development Programme on "Outcome Based Education- Teaching Learning Skills In Digital Age" at Baba Farid College of Engineering, Bathinda (18th July 2018)
    "Curiosity-driven research in marine and polar sciences"- Invited plenary talk at National Conference organised at Sanmati Government College of Science Education and Research, Jagraon, Punjab (19 April 2018)
    “Lichen Photobiont Diversity: Current State of the Art and Challenges”. Invited Talk at  National Conference on Current developments and Next Generation Lichenology, CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow 27-28 January 2018.
    2017



    “Tracking Trails by cracking codes”. Invited lecture through National Knowledge Network to AMET University, Chennai. 27th September, 2017
    "SRFP, DST-INSPIRE IFA, MEXT, ISEA and RTF-DCS". DST-CII sponsored workshop on Outreach Workshop on Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research, 3rd May 2017. "SRFP, DST-INSPIRE IFA, MEXT, ISEA and RTF-DCS," CUPB, Bathinda  PPT
    "Floristic diversity of Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica", National Conference on Polar Sciences (NCPS-2017)) NCAOR, Goa (16-17 May, 2017)
    Science Outreach presentation 10th March 2017 at Maitri station, Antarctica PPT
    Science Outreach Presentation 9th February 2017 at Bharati Station, Antarctica PPT
    2016



    Delivered an oral presentation on “Subgroup structure of Indian Languages revealed using computational linguistics” in International Conference of Linguistic Society of India, IIT-Guwahati from 10-12 Nov, 2016
    Delivered an oral presentation on “Phylogenetic systematics and diversity of Seaweeds from Indian Coast” in International Seaweed Symposium, Copenhagen, Denmark on 19-24 July, 2016
    Invited talk on “Advances in Algal Biotechnology” at International Conference, VIT University, Vellore 11th August 2016
    Delivered an oral presentation on “Linguistic gender in Indian languages and its relation with sex ratio” in “National Seminar on Gender equality for Sustainable Development”, Central University of Punjab on 22nd March, 2016
    Served as a resource person in DBT sponsored workshop on medical genetics and bioinformatics at Central University of Punjab 9th-23rd March, 2016. “DNA sequencing and genome annotation”
    Delivered an oral presentation on “DNA barcoding of mangrove plants in Sundarban Delta, West Bengal and Payyanur, Kerala reveals hidden biodiversity” in “New Vistas in Plant and Microbial Sciences”, Jammu University on 12th March, 2016
    Delivered a poster presentation on “Multilocal phylogeography of Ficus religiosa in India reveals cryptic speciation” at Young Investigator’s Meeting-2016 organized by DBT, UNESCO-RCB 29th February to 2nd March, 2016
    Coordinated Science Academies’ Lecture Workshop on Recent Breakthroughs in Plant Sciences at Central University of Punjab, 22nd to 24th February, 2016
    Coordinated Science Academies’ Refresher Course on Environmental Biology at Central University of Punjab, 1st to 15th February, 2016
    2015



    Delivered an invited Popular Talk on “Tree Of Life: Disentangling the Tangled Bank” at Vikrama Simhapuri University, Nellore, AP on 17th December, 2015
    Delivered talk on “DNA Barcoding reveals cryptic diversity of mosses from the springs of Himalayas”, Himalayan Studies Conference, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla on 4th November, 2015
    Delivered an invited Popular Talk (Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan) Motivational Contact Programme for Talented School Students of Punjab, on “Fascinating world of plants” at Central University of Punjab on 16th September, 2015
    Participated in two days workshop: “Capacity Building of Higher Education Teachers on e-content Development Using Moodle. 15th to 16th September, 2015
    Delivered an invited Talk on “Fascinating world of plants” at Centre for Plant Sciences, Central University of Kerala, on 31st July, 2015
    Delivered an invited Talk on “Evolution and Humanity” at Centre for Animal Sciences, Central University of Kerala, on 31st July, 2015
    Delivered an invited Talk on “Computational Phylogenetics” at St. Pius X College, Rajapuram, Kerala, on 29th July, 2015
    Delivered a Talk on “Invisible world of marine plants” at Central University of Punjab in connection with Fascination of Plants Day, on 18th May, 2015
    Delivered an Invited Talk at S. Govt. College of Science & Technology, Jagraon, Punjab on 16th February, 2015 on “Phylogenetic Systematics of Aquatic Plants.”
    Orientation Programme at UGC-Academic Staff College, Delhi University. 8th December, 2014-5th January, 2015.
    2014



    National Conference on Recent Advances in Algology, Mycology and Plant Pathology at University of Madras Guindy Campus; 19-20 February 2014. Invited Talk: “Strong Endemism of Bloom-forming Tubular Ulva in Indian West Coast, with Description of Ulva paschima sp. nov. (Ulvales, Chlorophyta)”
    2013-2007

    National Conference on “Climate Change, Environmental and Sustainable Development” at Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi on 9th-10th December 2013. Oral Presentation: “Sargassum zhangii invades India”
    2nd International Conference on "Agriculture, Food Technologies and Environment- New Approaches" (AFTENA- 2013) at JNU, New Delhi, October 2013. Oral Presentation: “Agronomy and cultivation methods for edible seaweeds”.
    British Phycological Society annual workshop on molecular phylogenetics of seaweeds at Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, United Kingdom 13-15 March, 2013
    International Algal Summit by Indian Phycological Society, New Delhi, February 2012. Oral Presentation “DNA barcoding discovers substantial divergence within interbreeding populations of green alga, Monostroma (Ulvophyceae)”
    National Seminar on Environment and Health, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. Poster presentation “How does the DNA Sequencer work?” 27th September 2011
    New Horizons in Cancer Research by American Association of Cancer Research (AACR), New Delhi, December 2011. Poster presentation: Cancer Phylogenetics: Computational Modelling of Tumor Evolution
    57th Winter meeting of the British Phycological Society, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom. January 2009. Supported by student bursary from the BPS (Oral presentation). “Ecophysiology and phylogeography of Monostroma latissimum’
    57th Winter meeting of the British Phycological Society, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom. January 2009. Supported by student bursary from the BPS (Poster presentation). “Gametangial development in Monostroma latissimum’
    XIX International Seaweed Symposium, Kobe, Japan, March 2007. Supported by Japanese Phycological Society grants. (Seasonal fluctuations in the growth of Monostroma latissimum).
    XIX International Seaweed Symposium, Kobe, Japan, March 2007. Supported by Japanese Phycological Society grants. (Seasonal fluctuations in sex ratios of Monostroma latissimum).
    31st Annual International meeting of the Japanese Society of Phycology, Kobe, Japan organized by Japanese Society of Phycology, Kobe, Japan March 2007 (Poster: “Ontogenical observations on edible marine algae Monostroma”)
    Marine Botany Summer Course (With scholarship from National Science Foundation (NSF), USA), including attendance in FHL conference 2007. Friday Harbor Laboratories, University of Washington, USA. August 2007. Oral presentation: “Same or different? DNA Barcoding of ulvophycean green algae in and around Puget Sound, WA, USA”
    Patent Filed/ Published
    PATENT FILED
    One (Photobioreactor)