Dr. Rajashree Jena is a distinguished academician and researcher in the field of Dairy Microbiology and Dairy Technology. She is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dairy Technology, School of Agricultural and Bio-Engineering, Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), Paralakhemundi, Odisha.
She has been associated with the institution for over six years and eight months (since February 28, 2019), contributing extensively to teaching, research, and institutional development.

Dr. Jena completed her Ph.D. in Dairy Microbiology, supported by a Research Fellowship from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), India. She secured first rank in the All India Entrance Examination (2012) conducted by ICAR in her discipline, demonstrating her strong academic foundation and excellence.

Research Contributions and Publications

Dr. Jena has an impressive research portfolio, having published more than 10 research articles and 5 book chapters of international and national repute in high-impact journals and academic volumes. Her research has earned over 385 citations and an h-index of 7, reflecting significant scholarly impact in the areas of probiotics, functional dairy foods, phytoadditives, and microbial molecular markers.

Some of her notable contributions include:

• Studies on Bifidobacterium species differentiation through molecular markers.

• Research on functional dairy foods and immunomodulatory dietary supplements, especially in the context of human and animal health.

• Co-authorship in the internationally recognized book Rumen Microbiology: Evolution to Revolution (CRC Springer).

She has also presented over 8 research abstracts, guided 4 student research projects, and actively participated in 40 national and international conferences, symposiums, workshops, and webinars.

Awards and Achievements

Dr. Rajashree Jena’s dedication to research and community engagement has been recognized through several prestigious awards and honors, including:

• National Excellence Achievers Award (2024) by WELRED Foundation, West Bengal, recognizing her as an Excellent Researcher.

• Young Researcher Award (2022) by the Institute of Researchers, Kerala, for outstanding professional and research achievements in microbiology.

• Best Oral Presentation Award (2025) for her work on Caseinolytic protease C (clpC) gene as a molecular marker for Bifidobacterium species.

• Best NSS Programme Officer Award (2025) for her significant contribution to the NSS unit at CUTM.

• Young Scientist Appreciation Awards (2018) and Best E-Poster Awards (2018) for innovative research presentations at national conferences.

• ICAR Ph.D. Research Fellowship Recipient and All India Entrance Examination Topper (2012) under the discipline of Dairy Microbiology.

• Contributor to the National Skill Development Framework, developing the Qualification Pack “Dairy Processing and Development Supervisor” (NSQF Level-5) approved by the National Skills Qualifications Committee, India (2025).

Professional Contributions and Community Engagement

Apart from her academic and research achievements, Dr. Jena has been actively involved in student development, skill enhancement programs, and outreach activities under the NSS framework. Her efforts in promoting sustainable dairy technologies and innovation in probiotic research have contributed to both academic and rural development initiatives.

She has also played a vital role in curriculum development and training modules aligning with industry-oriented skill education, bridging the gap between research, teaching, and real-world application in the dairy sector.

Eligibility for the Women Researcher Award

Dr. Rajashree Jena exemplifies the qualities sought in a recipient of the Women Researcher Award (Scientific Laurels) through:

• Proven research excellence with international publications and high citation impact.

• Innovation in applied microbiology and dairy technology contributing to human and animal health.

• Recognition through multiple national and institutional awards for scientific achievements and leadership.

• Active mentorship of young researchers and commitment to academic excellence.

• Contribution to national skill development initiatives in the agricultural and dairy sectors.

Her sustained academic output, impactful research, and leadership in science education make her a highly deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award under the category of Scientific Laurels.