The Division of Biotechnology at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences is dedicated to nurturing skilled biotechnologists, innovators, and researchers equipped to address the evolving demands of the healthcare, agricultural, environmental, and industrial biotechnology sectors. With expertise spanning plant physiology and genomics, microbial and environmental biotechnology, bioinformatics, computational biology, and phytotherapeutics, our faculty bring together strong academic knowledge, research expertise, and industry experience to create an engaging and application-oriented learning environment.
Our faculty members actively contribute to research, consultancy, industry collaboration, and technology development in areas such as genome editing, wastewater treatment, biofertilizers, algae technology, computational drug design, and phytochemical research. Through innovative teaching, interdisciplinary research, industry interaction, and student mentoring, they empower students to develop practical solutions to modern biotechnological challenges while preparing them for successful careers in industry, research, entrepreneurship, and higher education.
Faculty Experts
The Division of Biotechnology provides students, industry partners, and collaborators with access to expertise in plant biotechnology, microbial biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, bioinformatics, and phytotherapeutics.
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Our Faculty Members
Dr. Jibu Thomas, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Dr. Jibu Thomas is a Professor and Head, Division of Biotechnology, with expertise in plant physiology, genomics, phytotherapeutics, algae technology, and plant–microbe interactions. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology and an M.Sc. in Botany with University First Rank and Gold Medal. His contributions include funded research projects, international publications, patents, teaching, and interdisciplinary biotechnology research.
Dr. S. Murugan is an Professor, Division of Biotechnology, specializing in medical microbiology, microbial biotechnology, nanobiotechnology, neuropsychopharmacology, and environmental biotechnology. He holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Bharathiar University and has extensive teaching and research experience. His contributions include international publications, funded research projects, and active professional memberships in microbiology and related fields.
Dr. Biswanath Mahanty is an Professor, Division of Biotechnology, with expertise in anaerobic digestion, microbial carbon capture and utilization, contaminant removal, bioprocess modelling, optimization, and variable selection algorithms. He holds a Ph.D. from IIT Guwahati and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Ulsan, South Korea. His contributions include international publications in biotechnology, environmental science, and bioprocess engineering.
Dr. A. K. Priya is a Professor (Research) in the Division of Biotechnology, with expertise in environmental engineering and biotechnology. Her research interests include bioremediation, water and wastewater treatment, environmental biotechnology, solid waste management, air pollution control, and sustainable environmental technologies.
Dr. S. Antony Ceasar is a Professor (Research), Division of Biotechnology, specializing in plant biotechnology, genetic engineering, genome editing, and crop improvement. A Marie Curie and BELSPO Fellow, he is listed among the World's Top 2% Cited Scientists by Stanford University. His contributions include extensive international publications, prestigious fellowships, research awards, scientific presentations, and research collaborations.
Dr. Reya Issac is an Associate Professor, Division of Biotechnology, with expertise in wastewater treatment, enzyme production and optimization, struvite production, biofertilizer, paper, and bioplastic production. She holds a Ph.D., M.Tech., and B.Tech. and has contributed to research through publications in microbiology, biotechnology, and environmental engineering. She has also secured TNSCST funding for student research on hexavalent chromium removal.
Dr. Premnath Dhanaraj is an Associate Professor, Division of Biotechnology, specializing in computational biology, bioinformatics, medicinal chemistry, cheminformatics, and pharmaceutical sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from Karunya University and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Manitoba, Canada. His contributions include research publications, computational drug-design studies, funded projects, and professional memberships in pharmacy, genomic medicine, and engineering.
Dr. S. Kavitha is an Associate Professor, Division of Biotechnology, specializing in microbial and environmental biotechnology, water treatment technology, microbial fuel cells, and nanobiotechnology. She holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and has contributed to research through publications in reputed international journals, funded projects, and patents. Her teaching expertise includes microbiology, cell biology, environmental biotechnology, industrial effluent treatment, entrepreneurship, IPR, and biosafety.
Dr. David Paul Raj R. S. is an Associate Professor, Division of Biotechnology, specializing in herbal medicine, plant tissue culture, and sustainable agriculture. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Madras and has contributed to research through publications, funded projects, and patents. His work includes plant growth-promoting bioformulations, herbal biocontrol, and production of anti-snake venom compounds through plant cell cultures.
Dr. M.S.A. Muthukumar Nadar is an Associate Professor, Division of Biotechnology, specializing in molecular virology, immunology, phytotherapeutics, wound healing, and health and nutritional studies. He holds a Ph.D. from National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan. His contributions include research publications, patents on wound-healing and polyherbal formulations, and professional memberships in microbiology and engineering.
Dr. Satya Sundar Mohanty is an Assistant Professor, Division of Biotechnology, with expertise in environmental biotechnology, algae technology, wastewater treatment and valorization, and recombinant DNA technology. He holds an M.Tech. and Ph.D. from the National Institute of Technology Rourkela and completed his postdoctoral research at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. His research contributions include publications on algal biomass valorization, biopesticide production, and microbial degradation of herbicides.
Dr. M. Lakshmi Prabha is an Assistant Professor, Division of Biotechnology, with expertise in wastewater treatment, vermitechnology, waste management, and antidiabetic activity. She holds a Ph.D. from Bharathiar University and has extensive teaching and research experience. Her contributions include publications, multiple funded research projects, and interdisciplinary work in environmental biotechnology, bioremediation, and therapeutic applications.
Dr. Jesse Joel Thathapudi is an Assistant Professor, Division of Biotechnology, specializing in oral microbiology, biological compounds, plant phytochemicals, biomaterials, and neurodegeneration. He holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and has research contributions in microbial biotechnology, oral cancer, and nanotechnology. His profile includes international publications, a research project, a patent, and memberships in professional scientific organizations.
Dr. Anu Jacob is an Assistant Professor, Division of Biotechnology, with expertise in phytochemicals, plant cell culture, and bioprocess. She holds a Ph.D. from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, an M.Tech. from Karunya University, and a B.Tech. from the University of Kerala. Her research contributions include studies on flavonoid production from Ocimum tenuiflorum suspension cultures, dynamic modelling, response surface methodology, and the therapeutic potential of dietary flavonoids.
Dr. Jissin Mathew is an Assistant Professor, Division of Biotechnology, with expertise in microbiology, microbial biotechnology, entomology, nematology, and animal tissue culture. He holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a B.Sc. from St. Mary's College for Women. His research contributions include biogenic larvicidal formulations, entomopathogenic nematodes, anticancer activity of defense peptides, and strategies to limit mosquito spread.
Dr. Megha is an Assistant Professor, Division of Biotechnology, with expertise in microbiology, microbial biotechnology, entomology, nematology, and animal tissue culture. She holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a B.Sc. from St. Mary's College for Women. Her research contributions include biogenic larvicidal formulations, entomopathogenic nematodes, anticancer activity of defense peptides, and strategies to limit mosquito spread.
Dr. Pratap is an Assistant Professor, Division of Biotechnology, with expertise in microbiology, microbial biotechnology, entomology, nematology, and animal tissue culture. He holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a B.Sc. from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences. His research contributions include biogenic larvicidal formulations, entomopathogenic nematodes, anticancer activity of defense peptides, and strategies to limit mosquito spread.
Dr. Neelanjan Bhattacharjee, Ph.D.
Dr. Neelanjan is an Assistant Professor, Division of Biotechnology, with expertise in microbiology, microbial biotechnology, entomology, nematology, and animal tissue culture. He holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a B.Sc. from St. Mary's College for Women. His research contributions include biogenic larvicidal formulations, entomopathogenic nematodes, anticancer activity of defense peptides, and strategies to limit mosquito spread.
Dr. A.S Ruby Celsia, M.Tech., Ph.D.
Dr. Ruby Celsia is an Assistant Professor, Division of Biotechnology, with expertise in microbiology, microbial biotechnology, entomology, nematology, and animal tissue culture. She holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a B.Sc. from St. Mary's College for Women. Her research contributions include biogenic larvicidal formulations, entomopathogenic nematodes, anticancer activity of defense peptides, and strategies to limit mosquito spread.
Dr. Rebu Sundar is an Assistant Professor (Research), Division of Biotechnology, with expertise in microbiology, microbial biotechnology, entomology, nematology, and animal tissue culture. He holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a B.Sc. from St. Mary's College for Women. His research contributions include biogenic larvicidal formulations, entomopathogenic nematodes, anticancer activity of defense peptides, and strategies to limit mosquito spread.
Our visiting faculty bring international academic exposure and specialized research expertise from leading global institutions, enriching the teaching, mentoring, and collaborative research culture of the Division.
Dr. Jagan Srinivasan, Ph.D.
Dr. Jagan Srinivasan is an Associate Professor in the Division of Biology and Biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts, USA. He brings academic and research expertise in biotechnology and contributes to the Division of Biotechnology through his experience in biological sciences, biotechnology research, and higher education.
Dr. Mary Mkandswire
Dr. Mary Mkandswire is a Senior Research Scientist at ENCYT Technologies Inc., Sydney, Canada. She brings research and industry experience to the Division of Biotechnology, contributing to academic and research activities through her expertise in biotechnology and scientific research.
Dr. M. Jerold, Ph.D.
Dr. M. Jerold is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Biotechnology at the National Institute of Technology, Warangal. He contributes to the Division of Biotechnology through his academic and research experience in biotechnology and higher education.
Dr. E. P. Meran Keshawa
Dr. E. P. Meran Keshawa is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Colombo. She brings academic experience in medical and biological sciences to the Division of Biotechnology, supporting teaching, research, and academic collaboration.
Dr. Snehalata Kadam
Dr. Snehalata Kadam is an Associate Professor in the Division of Physics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts, USA. She brings interdisciplinary academic and research experience to the Division of Biotechnology, supporting knowledge exchange and collaborative academic activities.
Fulvia Chiampo
Fulvia Chiampo is a Tenured Associate Professor in the Division of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) at Politecnico di Torino, Italy. She brings international academic and research experience to the Division of Biotechnology and contributes to interdisciplinary knowledge sharing and academic collaboration.
Administrative & Technical Staff
Our administrative and technical staff play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Division's laboratories and administrative operations, enabling faculty and students to focus on teaching, learning, and research.
Mr. Felix J (Executive Assistant Grade I)
Mr. Felix J serves as an Executive Assistant Grade I in the Division of Biotechnology. He supports the Division's administrative activities and contributes to the smooth and efficient coordination of day-to-day academic and administrative operations.
Mr. K. Abraham Iyyadurai (Lab Technician Grade I)
Mr. K. Abraham Iyyadurai serves as a Lab Technician Grade I in the Division of Biotechnology. He supports laboratory operations, equipment handling, and practical activities for teaching and research.
Mr. S. Panneer Selvam (Lab Technician Grade I)
Mr. S. Panneer Selvam serves as a Lab Technician Grade I in the Division of Biotechnology. He supports laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, and practical activities associated with teaching and research.
Mr. P. Jeyakumar (Lab Technician Grade I)
Mr. P. Jeyakumar assists with laboratory operations, equipment handling, and practical activities that support teaching and research in the Division of Biotechnology.
Mr. D. Poomalai (Lab Technician Grade II)
Mr. D. Poomalai serves as a Lab Technician Grade II in the Division of Biotechnology. He supports laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, and practical activities essential to teaching and research.
