Dr. Sumana Kumar holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology (2012) from the University of Mysore, where she specialized in microbial biotechnology and disease diagnostics. She also holds an M.A. in English (2012–2014) from KSOU, Mysore, where she secured Seventh Rank in the University.
Currently, she serves as a faculty member and active researcher, with over a decade of academic and research experience in microbiology, biotechnology, and interdisciplinary innovations.

Research and Publications

Dr. Kumar’s academic journey is marked by 103 Faculty Improvement Programmes, including conferences, seminars, workshops, refresher and orientation courses, and webinars.
She has presented 92 research papers at national and international conferences and published 73 research articles in reputed journals. Additionally, she has contributed to 15 books and book chapters, reflecting her depth and breadth of scholarship.

Research Projects

She has successfully completed multiple funded research projects, including a DST-funded project worth ₹30.27 lakhs titled “Development of Device for the Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, causal agent of Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis.”
Beyond this, she has guided and completed several student research projects under JSS University Research Grants, focusing on areas such as antimicrobial resistance, microbial biotechnology, nanotechnology, and sustainable bioenergy solutions.

She has also applied for major national and state-level projects under agencies like DST-SERB, VGST, and KSCST, with proposals ranging from biotechnological applications of microbial pigments to molecular detection of tuberculosis and PGPR-based soil health improvement.

Patents and Innovations

Dr. Sumana Kumar is an accomplished inventor with six patents, several of which have been granted. Her innovations span biomedical and biotechnological devices, including:

• Early Detection of Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis (2020)

• Glucose Monitoring Device (Granted 2023)

• Microreactor for Nanoparticle Synthesis (Granted 2023)

• Portable Device for Bone Cancer Detection (Granted 2024)

• Smart and Compact DNA Analyzer (Granted 2024)

• Mechanical Biosensor Apparatus for Stem Cell Detection (Granted 2024)

These inventions reflect her commitment to translational research and interdisciplinary innovation aimed at addressing pressing biomedical challenges.

Achievements and Awards

Dr. Kumar has received numerous accolades for her outstanding academic and research contributions:

• “Best Microbiologist” Award (2021) – Karnataka Excellence Awards, VPCEM Trust, Bangalore

• “Karnataka Book of Records” Honoree (2021)

• “Outstanding Women Researcher in Microbiology” (2022) – Venus International Foundation, Chennai

• “Bharat Shiksha Gaurav Puraskar” (2022) – KTK Outstanding Achievers & Education Foundation

• “International Research Excellence Best Paper Award” (2022) – Science Father
  She has also received multiple Best Paper and Presentation Awards at national and international scientific forums for her innovative work in microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, and tuberculosis research.

Professional Impact and Mentorship

Beyond her personal achievements, Dr. Kumar has been instrumental in mentoring research students, supervising projects, and organizing academic development programs. Her leadership in fostering a strong research culture and guiding young scientists highlights her role as a mentor and a scientific role model.

Eligibility for Women Researcher Award

Dr. Sumana Kumar’s distinguished record of scientific innovation, impactful research publications, successful patents, and dedication to empowering future researchers makes her highly eligible for the Women Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels.
Her sustained contributions to biomedical research, innovation in device development, and academic excellence reflect the values of leadership, innovation, and commitment that the award seeks to recognize.