Dr. Subhash Somkuwar | Characterization & Bioapplications | Excellence in Innovation Award

Associate Professor & Head of Dr. Ambedkar College Deekshabhoomi Nagpur, India

Dr. Subhash R. Somkuwar, M.Phil., NET (ICAR), NET-JRF (CSIR), SET, Ph.D., is the Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Botany at Dr. Ambedkar College, Nagpur, India. With a strong academic foundation in Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, and Plant Biotechnology, Dr. Somkuwar has over 15 years of experience in teaching and research. His Ph.D. research focused on the ecology and experimental biology of Byttneria herbacea, a threatened plant species, including landmark discoveries of two new medicinal plant species. He is actively engaged in phytochemistry, ethnobotany, and conservation of RET taxa, with several national and international lectures, workshops, and conferences organized under his leadership. A passionate educator and administrator, Dr. Somkuwar contributes significantly to curriculum development, environmental studies, and NET/SET coaching, nurturing scientific thinking and environmental awareness among students.

Professional Profile:

SCOPUS

ORCID

🏆 Summary: Suitability for Research for Excellence in Innovation Award – Dr. Subhash Somkuwar

Dr. Subhash Somkuwar stands as an exemplary candidate for the Research for Excellence in Innovation Award for his pioneering contributions in botanical sciences, plant biotechnology, and conservation biology. His academic excellence, innovative research projects, and commitment to ecological sustainability make him a distinguished innovator in life sciences.

👨‍🎓 Education

• Ph.D. in Botany – RTMNU, Nagpur (2019) 🎓
  Thesis: “Monographic Study and Experimental Biology of Byttneria herbacea Roxb.”

• M.Phil. in Botany – SGB Amravati University (2008) 📘
  Thesis: “Phytonutrient analysis in some plants of Melghat Forest.”

• NET-JRF (CSIR-UGC) – Life Sciences (2007, 2013) ✅

• NET (ICAR) – Agriculture Biotechnology (2014) 🌱

• SET (SGB Pune University) – Life Sciences (2014) 🧪

• PG Diploma in Biodiversity – Mumbai University (2009) 🌿
  Dissertation: Study of medicinal and ecologically important plants in Savantwadi Region

• M.Sc. in Botany – RTMNU, Nagpur (2007) 🧬
  Specialization: Molecular Biology & Plant Biotechnology

• B.Sc. in Botany, Zoology, Chemistry – RTMNU, Nagpur (2005) 🧫

• H.S.C. & S.S.C. – Maharashtra State Board, Pune (2002, 2000) 📚

👨‍🏫 Work Experience

• Associate Professor & Head (2021–Present)
  Dept. of Botany, Dr. Ambedkar College, Nagpur 🏛️

  • Teaching, lab coordination, mentoring, NAAC activities, organizing national/international events

• Assistant Professor (2010–2021)
  Dr. Ambedkar College, Nagpur 🧑‍🏫

  • Involved in student evaluation, curriculum development, and college administration

• Lecturer (2008–2010)
  Shri. Pancham Khemraj College, Savantwadi, Mumbai University 📘

  • Undergraduate teaching in Botany, organizing practicals and evaluations

• Visiting Faculty (Various PG Departments)

  • RTMNU & DBT-RGBC, Nagpur (2010–2024)

  • Conducted NET/SET coaching and M.Sc. teaching in Life Sciences and Biotechnology 🎤

🏆 Achievements & Recognition

• 🔬 Discovered two new medicinal plant species: Murdania ugemugei and Amorphophallus shyamsalilianum 🌺🧪

• 🧬 Authenticated ITS DNA sequence of Byttneria herbacea (submitted to NCBI GenBank) 📊

• 🌿 Developed protocols for callus induction & in-vitro seed germination 🌱

• 📈 Successfully organized over 30+ guest lectures, national/international conferences, workshops & webinars

• 🧑‍🔬 Set up Plant Tissue Culture Labs and coordinated skill-oriented courses in Phytochemistry & Tissue Culture

• 📑 Supervised 324+ EVS student projects

• 👨‍🏫 Conducted NET/SET coaching for Life Sciences aspirants

• 🎯 Served as Co-Convener & Convenor for several national and international science forums and farmer meets

🥇 Honors & Awards

• 🏅 Organizer & Speaker in UGC, ICAR, ISCA, DBT, and ISRO-associated academic events

• 🏵️ Instrumental in Dr. Ambedkar College achieving NAAC “A+” Grade (2011, 2017, 2023)

• 🌍 Invited speaker for international webinars and conferences (Hungary, Sweden, Argentina, Tunisia, Qatar, Thailand, Nepal)

📚Publication Top Notes