A total of over 42 years of working experience as a research scientist, teacher, educator in the fields of food technology, biotechnology,
industrial microbiology, environmental biotechnology, genetic engineering, enzymology, plant biotechnology, food analysis & quality control etc.
The experience also includes about 10 years of quality control management of a national food laboratory.
…
Also gained experience as an educator working as a visiting professor qatar university, the principal cum director, research of an institution
of higher education and research and also as the head of a school.
POSITIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES HELD
January 2013 to December 2017
Director, Research (Science)
SAFI Institute of Advanced Study (SIAS), Vazhayoor East P.O., Malappuram Dist Kerala State, India
August 2013 to date
Principal
SAFI Institute of Advanced Study (SIAS), Vazhayoor East (additional charge) …
Overall supervision and co-ordination of research activities of SAFI-Centre for Scientific Research (SIAS–CSR) as well as the teaching programmes of all the science faculties of SIAS. The research areas of the Centre broadly encompasses Medicinal & Medical Biotechnology, Food Biotechnology, Industrial Microbiology, Environmental Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, Bioinformatics etc.,
Setting up of a state of art Central Laboratory Facility and upgrading the teaching laboratories, Co-ordination of the teaching of theory and labs of all the faculties,
preparing project proposals for submission to funding agencies,
preparing budgetary proposals for research and teaching, conducting symposia and other activities and interacting with the Governing Board of SIAS,
Convening the activities of the Research Project Evaluation Committee of SIAS-CSR etc.
April 2007 to February 2011
Quality Control Manager
Central Food Laboratory, Supreme Council of Health, (Ministry of Health, State of Qatar), Doha, Qatar
Taking care of the overall quality of the performance of the Laboratory in terms of:
Preparation of written policies regarding organization, management review, document controls, contracts, purchasing, complaint handling, control of non-conforming test results, corrective action protocols, auditing and proficiency testing of the technical & scientific personnel, and continual improvement.
Validation of analytical and test methods,
Verification of analytical and test results and data
Supervision of calibration and maintenance of the laboratory equipment,
Arranging for training of the existing staff and new recruits both in-house and outside the Lab etc.
February 2003 to February 2011
Visiting Professor
Dept. of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
Teaching and conducting practical courses in Food Chemistry and Food Safety & Quality for students of B.Sc. (Hons.) Course in Human Nutrition
February 2001 to March 2007
Laboratory Analysis Specialist
Central Food Laboratory, Ministry of Public Health, State of Qatar, Doha, Qatar
Worked as an Expert in Food Analysis:
To determine the nutritional quality of food
To test for consumer safety in terms of toxic contaminants, additives
To evaluate the food products for conformity with food laws and
To judge the overall food quality and advise the authority concerned.
To give training to existing and newly recruited staff in various analytical techniques and procedures.
August 1999 to December 2000.
Principal Investigator
Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India.
Headed3 Research Projects on ‘biodegradation of pesticides residues, bioremediation of contaminated soils, landfill sites, water bodies etc.’
Preparation of research projects, planning and supervising the execution of them, preparation of annual and project completion reports, writing research and review papers for publication and carrying out the related administrative works.
March 1983 to December 2000
Teaching Faculty Member
H R Dept., Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, Karnataka, India
Supervising and guiding students for their Ph.D., M. Tech., M. Phil., and M.Sc. degrees of various universities.
Teaching and conducting practical classes for M. Sc. Course in Food Technology (Affiliated to University of Mysore)and various other short term courses on Industrial Microbiology, Food Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology, Molecular Biology etc.
February 1997 to December 2000
Scientist EII, (Sr. Asst. Director)
CFTRI, Mysore, Karnataka, India
Heading research projects, preparation of new research projects, planning and supervising the execution of them, preparation of annual and project completion reports, writing research and review papers for publication and carrying out the related administrative works.
February 1992 to January 1997
Scientist-E1 (Asst. Director)
CFTRI, Mysore, Karnataka, India
Heading research projects, preparation of research projects, planning and supervising the execution of them, preparation annual and project completion reports, writing research and review papers for publication and carrying out the related administrative works.
February 1986 to January 1992
Scientist-C
CFTRI, Mysore, Karnataka, India
Heading research projects, preparation of research projects, planning and supervising the execution of them, preparation annual and project completion reports, writing research and review papers for publication and carrying out the related administration works.
October 1984 to September 1985
Fellow of the United Nations University (Tokyo)
Studied and carried out the research project work “Cloning argF and argG genes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa” at the Polytechnic of Central London, London as a partial fulfillment of The International Post-Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology Course at the Institute for Biotechnological Studies, London and Kent, United Kingdom.
February 1981 to January 1986
Scientist-B
CFTRI, Mysore, Karnataka, India
Participated in the preparation, execution, reporting of research projects of CFTRI and in the preparation of papers for publication.
April 1974 to January 1981
Scientific Assistant
CFTRI, Mysore, Karnataka, India
Assisted in the preparation, execution, and reporting of research projects of CFTRI and in the preparation of papers for publication.
October 1973 to March 1974
Hon. Research Worker
Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
Worked as a trainee in the Physiology Department
FELLOWSHIPS/HONOURS/AWARDS OBTAINED
Fellow of the United Nations University, Tokyo, Japan (1984-1985).
Member, Board of Studies in Microbiology, Kuvempu University, Shimoga, Karnataka, India (1996-2000).
Principal Investigator of three projects awarded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, under the umbrella of “Development of microbial technologies for biodegradation of organochlorine pesticide residues and bioremediation of contaminated soils”
…
Recognized Guide (Supervisor) for Ph.D. Degree in the faculties of:
Biotechnology, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka State, India.
Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka State, India.
Applied Botany, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka State, India.
Biosciences, Mangalore University, Mangalore, Karnataka State, India.
Won First Prize for Poster presentation. Kunhi, A.A.M., Venkateswaran, G. and Joseph, R. 1987. Transformation of yeasts – standardization of procedures. VII Indian Convention of Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India), 27thFeb to 1stMarch, 1987, Mysore, Karnataka State, India.
Won First Prize for Poster presentation. Ajith-Kumar, P.V. and Kunhi, A.A.M. 1991. Isolation and characterisation of chlorobenzoic acid degrading strain of Pseudomonas. IX ICFOST National Symposium of AFST(I), June 10-12, 1991, Mysore, Karnataka State, India.
Won First Prize for Poster presentation. Manonmani, H.K. and Kunhi,A.A.M. 1994. Cloning of alpha-amylase genes of Bacillus sp. in E. coli HB101. Microbiol. Intl. Conf. (MICON-94) and 35thAnnual Conference, Assoc. Microbiologists of India, 9-12 Nov., 1994, Mysore, Karnataka State, India.
Won Second Prize for Poster presentation. Karuna Rao, Manonmani, H.K., Shabana, B., Elcey, C.D. and Kunhi, A.A.M. 1998. Improved degradation of mononitrophenols by an acclimatized bacterial consortium. IFCON-98 (4thIntl. Food Convention), 23-27 Nov., 1998, Mysore, Karnataka State, India.
EXECUTIVE POSITIONS HELD AND MEMBERSHIP IN ACADEMIA AND PROFESSIONAL BODIES
Member, Board of Studies in Microbiology, Kuvempu University, Shimoga, Karnataka State, India (1996-99).
Member, Syllabus Committee for the formulation of syllabus for Masters Degree Course in Biotechnology of University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka State, India, (1995).
Secretary, Association of Microbiologists of India, Mysore Chapter (1984).
…
Vice-President, Association of Microbiologists of India, Mysore Chapter (1990).
President, Association of Microbiologists of India, Mysore Chapter (1997).
Secretary, Indian Yeast Group (1988-1990).
Life Member, Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India).
Member, Indian Network for Soil Contamination Research (INSCR).
Recognized Supervisor and guide for Ph.D. degree in Biotechnology, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka State, India.
Recognized Supervisor and guide for Ph.D. degree in Applied Botany, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka State, India.
Recognized Supervisor and guide for Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka State, India.
Recognized Supervisor and guide for Ph.D. degree in Biosciences, University of Mangalore, Mysore, Karnataka State, India.
Examiner for theory and practical examinations of Masters Degree Courses in Biotechnology and Microbiology of Kumvempu University, Shimoga; Gulbarga University, Gulbarga; and Bangalore University, Bangalore, India.
Examiner for Ph.D. degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Applied Botany, etc. of Delhi University, Kerala University, University of Mysore, Cochin University of Science and Technology and Mangalore University.
Member, Editorial Board of Journal of Biological Research (Hong Kong)(ISSN 2225-3203), UNIT D107, 11/F., WING TAT COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 97 BONHAM STRAND EAST, SHEUNG WAN, HK http://www.ghrnet.org/index.php/JBR 9 (from January 2012–)
Reviewer of research articles for several international peer reviewed scientific journals.
SUPERVISION & GUIDANCE TO STUDENTS
Post-doctoral
:
2
Ph.D.
:
7 (2 fulltime & 5 partial)
M. Tech. (Environ. Eng.)
:
4
M. Phil.
:
1
M. Sc.
:
12
…
Post-doctoral:
Dr. H. K. Manonmani, Pool Officer, (1994-1998) (a) Cloning of alpha-amylase gene,(b) degradation of HCH and DDT residues, (c) and biodegradation of phenolic compounds
Dr. C. D. Elcey, Res. Associate. (1997 to 2000) (a) Studies on biodegradation of HCH and the enzyme HCH-dehydrochlorinase and (b) biodegradation of nitrophenols and xylenols”
Ph.D.:
Dr. P. V. Ajith-kumar, 1996. “Studies on degradation of 3-chloro and 4- chlorobenzoic acids by P. aeruginosa 3mT", Mangalore University, Mangalore, India (Awarded)
Dr. P.Y. Aneez Ahamad, 1997. “Studies on microbial degradation of phenolic compounds”, University of Mysore, India (Awarded)
Dr. Rajkumar Bidlan. “Studies on Biochemistry and genetics of degradation of DDT by bacterial strains”, University of Mysore, India (Supervised partially, Awarded).
Dr. Shabana Basheer. “Biodegradation of nitrophenols by bacterial mixed cultures” University of Mysore, India (Supervised partially, Awarded).
Dr. K. Girish. “γ- and δ-Hexachlorocyclohexane degradation by pure and mixed bacterial cultures” University of Mysore, India (Supervised partially).
Ms. S. Radha. “Molecular biological studies on the degradation of β-hexachlorocyclohexane by bacteria” (Supervised partially).
Mr. Mohammed Afsar. “Microbial degradation of α-hexachlorocyclohexane – kinetic and biochemical studies” (Supervised partially).
M. Tech. (Environ. Engg.):
Er. K. Sudhakar Babu, 1992, “Degradation of phenols and chlorobenzoates by Pseudomonas spp.” University of Mysore, India (Awarded)
Er. D. H. Chandrashekaraiah, 1993, “Studies on biomineralization of HCH isomers by microbial consortia,” University of Mysore, India (Awarded)
Er. N. Sreedhar Reddy, 1994, “Biodegradation of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers by mixed bacterial cultures.” University of Mysore, India (Awarded)
Er. Karuna Rao, 1997, “Studies on biodegradation of nitrophenols in synthetic effluents.” University of Mysore, India (Awarded)
M. Phil.:
Mr. K. P. Gangadhara 1991, “Effect of aromatic hydrocarbons on seed germination and their degradation by microbial strains”. M. Phil (Seed Technol.). University of Mysore, Mysore, India (Awarded).
M. Sc.:
Mr. D. S. Sogi, 1992. “Microbial production of food flavours”. Dissertation, M.Sc., (Food Technol.), UN/FAO International Food Technological Training Centre, CFTRI, Mysore, University of Mysore, India (Awarded)
Mr. D. S. Sogi, 1992. “Microbial production of 5′-nucleotides and their application in food products”, Research Project Report. M.Sc., (Food Technol.), UN/FAO International Food Technological Training Centre, CFTRI, Mysore, University of Mysore, India (Awarded)
Mr. S. Vijay Kumar 1997. “Some studies on the plasmid profiles of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-degrading bacterial strains”. Research Project Report, M. Sc. (Bioscience), University of Mysore, Hemagangothri, Hassan campus, Karnataka, India (Awarded)
Mr. V. P. Jayachandran 1998. “Simultaneous degradation of phenol and chlorobenzoate by axenic and mixed bacterial cultures”. Research Project Report, M. Sc. (Apppl. Microbiol.), M.G.R. College, Hosur, University of Madras, India (Awarded)
Mr. Jitendra Ozarkar 1998. “Study on plasmid profiles of phenol and chlorobenzoate-degrading Pseudomonas strains”. Research Project Report, M. Sc. (Microbiology). University of Poona, Pune, Maharashtra State, India (Awarded)
Ms. Rejina A.K. 2014. Production and partial characterization of keratinase enzyme produced by Pseudomonas sp. S-CSR-0004, Research Project Report, M.Sc. (Microbiology), SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, Vazhayoor East, Malappuram Dist., University of Calicut, Kerala State, India.
Ms. Amrutha Vijay P.T. 2014. Elimination of inhibitory effect of phenol on germination of Cicer arietinum seeds through bioremediation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa S-CSR-0013, Research Project Report, M.Sc. (Microbiology), SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, Vazhayoor East, Malappuram Dist., University of Calicut, Kerala State, India.
Ms. Nafila P.P. 2014. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed protein-derived peptides as Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme (ACE-1) Inhibitors, Research Project Report, M.Sc. (Microbiology), SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, Vazhayoor East, Malappuram Dist., University of Calicut, Kerala State, India.
Ms. M. Ajisha 2015. Inhibition of germination of okra seeds by m-cresol and its elimination through bioremediation of soil by Pseudomonas monteiliiS-CSR–0014. Research Project Report, M.Sc. (Microbiology), SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, Vazhayoor East, Malappuram Dist., University of Calicut, Kerala State, India.
Ms. T.C. Shaima2015. Inhibitory effect of o-cresol on germination of eggplant seeds and its elimination through bioremediation of o-cresol-spiked soil by Pseudomonas monteiliiS-CSR–0014. Research Project Report, M.Sc. (Biotechnology), SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, Vazhayoor East, Malappuram Dist., University of Calicut, Kerala State, India.
Mr. Mohammad Musthafa 2016. Production and partial characterization of keratinase of Pseudomonas sp.Isolated from feather-contaminated soil. Research Project Report, M.Sc. (Microbiology),SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, Vazhayoor East, Malappuram Dist., University of Calicut, Kerala State, India.
Ms. Aysha Shafiqa 2016. Studies on ACE-Inhibitory activity of peptides derived from seed proteins of long-podded cowpea. Research Project Report, M.Sc. (Biotechnology),SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, Vazhayoor East, Malappuram Dist., University of Calicut, Kerala State, India
TEACHING & OTHER ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
Director, Research & Post Graduate Studies, Safi Institute of Advanced Study, Vazhayoor East, Kerala, India, Teaching and Supervision of students for M.Sc., M.Phil., & Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry etc.
Senior Teaching Faculty for M. Sc. (Food Technology), Dept. of Human Resource Development (Affiliated to University of Mysore), CFTRI, Mysore, India. Subjects taught: Genetic Engineering, Industrial Microbiology, Enzymology.
Visiting Professor for B.Sc. (Hons.) (Human Nutrition) Course, Department of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar. Subjects taught: Food Chemistry and Food Safety & Quality Control.
Special Lectures on various biotechnology topics at a number of Universities and research institutions.
