Dr. Alok Khemraj Wankar is an accomplished researcher and academician with over 13 years of experience in veterinary science, animal physiology, and climate-responsive livestock research. Dr. Wankar is currently serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Physiology at College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, MAFSU, Parbhani (2015–Present), where responsibilities include teaching, research supervision, and advancement of physiological understanding in livestock production systems.

Previously, Dr. Wankar held positions as Contractual Teaching Faculty at College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Hyderabad (2015) and Assistant Professor at Khalsa College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Amritsar (2012–2014). Dr. Wankar completed doctoral research as an ICAR-IVRI Doctoral Fellow (2009–2012) at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, investigating physio-biochemical responses and gas emission during thermal stress in buffaloes.

Research & Publications

Dr. Wankar has established a substantial research profile encompassing heat stress physiology, climate change and animal adaptation, endocrinology, and sustainable livestock production. The researcher maintains an h-index of 12 and i10-index of 12, reflecting significant research impact. Research output includes 28 peer-reviewed research articles and 8 review articles (36 publications total) published in journals including the British Poultry Science, Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Science, Biological Rhythm Research, Indian Journal of Dairy Science, and Tropical Animal Health and Production. Recent publications address seasonal variation in milk components, haemato-biochemical profiling in indigenous livestock breeds, physiometabolic responses to extended lairage in broilers, and effects of herbal supplementation on animal performance.

Patents & Scholarly Contributions

Dr. Wankar has secured 7 patent applications and design registrations, demonstrating innovation in veterinary diagnostic and monitoring technologies. These include portable biomorphic devices for large animal monitoring, AI-driven smart bolus sensor systems for early diagnosis of ruminal disorders, and novel methods for monitoring physiological properties in animals. Dr. Wankar has also authored or edited 4 books and book chapters, including two volumes on Artificial Intelligence in Animal Science published by Springer (2025) and a monograph on thermoregulatory responses in buffaloes during heat stress (Lambert Academic Publication, 2018).

Research Projects & Funding

Dr. Wankar has led or co-investigated multiple research initiatives funded by institutional and national bodies. Notable projects include the DBT STAR COLLEGE SCHEME (2018–2021) supporting life science and biotechnology education with 104 lakhs funding, investigation of THI-based assessment of growth in Osmanabadi kids, physicochemical analysis of milk adulterations, and evaluation of herbo-mineral preparations for sub-clinical mastitis management. Research addresses critical themes of food security, sustainable animal production, and climate change adaptation in livestock systems.

Teaching & Academic Contributions

As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Wankar is engaged in classroom instruction, laboratory practicals, and postgraduate research guidance in veterinary physiology. The researcher has served as major advisor for multiple postgraduate research projects investigating physiological and biochemical parameters in livestock and poultry. Teaching expertise encompasses animal physiology, climatology, endocrinology, and the intersection of environmental stress and animal performance.

Faculty Development & Professional Engagement

Dr. Wankar has engaged in continuous professional development through multiple training programs and online courses, including summer training on Remote Sensing and GIS (2025), MOOC on AI applications in agriculture at ICAR-NAARM (2025), ICAR CAFT training on genomic tools in physiological processes (2019), and winter school on livestock and climate change (2017). The researcher has delivered lectures as resource person on diverse topics including reproductive physiology, blood biochemical estimation, heat stress amelioration, and meat quality evaluation. Dr. Wankar has served as co-coordinator and organizer for multiple national technical meetings, training programs, and webinars on Marathwadi buffalo management, Deccani sheep, lumpy skin disease, and ruminant health management.

Awards, Honours & Professional Memberships

Recognition of Dr. Wankar's contributions includes the Teaching Faculty Leadership Award from Western Ghat Researcher Association of Agricultural Science & Technology (2026), Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award from Novel Research Academy (2025), Best Researcher Award from DK International Research Foundation (2024), and National Research Excellence Award from Novel Research Academy (2023–24). Professional memberships include Associate Membership of The Physiological Society of India, Life Fellow Membership of Indian Society of Scientific Education and Farmer Welfare, Life Fellow Membership of Innovative Research & Education Academy, Fellow of Scholars Academy & Scientific Society, Fellow Member of Bose Science Society, and Fellow Member of ISROSET. Dr. Wankar is also Recognized PG Guide for Veterinary Physiology at MAFSU and holds Life Membership of National Environmental Science Academy.

Leadership & Institutional Contributions

Dr. Wankar has contributed to institutional capacity building and dissemination of knowledge through editing and publishing activities. The researcher serves as Editorial Board Member for 6 journals including Acta Scientific Veterinary Sciences, European Journal of Animal Health, and Journal of Biomedical and Life Sciences. Dr. Wankar has served as reviewer for 22 scientific journals, having reviewed 87 manuscripts in peer review capacity, contributing to quality assurance in veterinary and animal science research. The researcher has been instrumental in organizing equine welfare training programs in collaboration with BROOKE India, national technical meetings on indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds, and skill development programs for rural communities and SC beneficiaries.

Eligibility for Distinguished Researcher Award

Dr. Alok Khemraj Wankar demonstrates a strong research portfolio characterized by 36 peer-reviewed publications, 7 patent applications, 4 authored or edited books, multiple funded research projects, and consistent recognition through national and international awards. The researcher has established specialized expertise in heat stress physiology and climate adaptation in livestock, addressing critical challenges in sustainable food production. Leadership in editorial and review activities, mentorship of postgraduate researchers, and active participation in professional conferences and skill development programs further strengthen the researcher's profile.

Dr. Alok Khemraj Wankar is eligible for consideration for the Distinguished Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels, particularly in recognition of significant contributions to veterinary physiology research, climate-responsive livestock science, innovation in diagnostic technologies, and advancement of sustainable animal production systems.