Dr. Sumathi Poleboina is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of Pharmacy, Pharmacology, and Toxicology. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacy at Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (GGV), a Central University, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India. With more than 8 years of research experience and 5 years of teaching experience, she has developed expertise in experimental pharmacology, toxicology, nanopharmaceutical research, and preclinical disease models.

She completed her M.S. (Pharm) in Pharmacology and Toxicology from NIPER-Guwahati, supported by a research fellowship, and subsequently pursued her Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology at NIPER-S.A.S. Nagar, supported by the CSIR-SRF (NET) fellowship. She has also qualified CSIR-NET (JRF and Lectureship), GATE, NIPER, and GPAT, demonstrating a strong academic and competitive research foundation.

Research Expertise & Areas of Interest

Dr. Poleboina has substantial expertise in both in vitro and in vivo experimental studies, including animal handling, dosing, biochemical and molecular investigations, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR. Her research interests particularly encompass:

• Nanopharmacology and nanomedicine
• Pharmacology and toxicology
• Diabetes-associated complications
• Osteoporosis and bone health
• Osteoblast differentiation and osteoclastogenesis
• Neuropharmacology and neurological disorders
• Gut microbiome and gut-brain interactions
• Preclinical drug evaluation and disease models

Her doctoral research focused on the effects of selenium and gold nanoparticles on diabetes- and ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis, contributing to the understanding of nanoparticle-mediated approaches for bone protection.

Research Contributions & Publications

Dr. Poleboina has contributed to research published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Her notable work includes research on selenium nanoparticles for prevention of diabetic osteoporosis through the BMP-2/MAPKs/β-catenin pathway and investigations into gold nanoparticles and their effects on osteoclastogenesis and ovariectomy-induced bone loss.

Her research portfolio also includes studies involving diabetic bone fragility models, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in pharmaceuticals, zebrafish models in pharmacological and toxicological investigations, and phytoconstituents of Centella asiatica for potential Alzheimer's disease therapy.

She has also contributed to scholarly book chapters addressing gut microbiota, gut-brain neuroendocrine pathways, microbiome dysbiosis, and disease mechanisms. In 2023, she authored the book Concepts of Clinical Research and Pharmacovigilance.

Patents & Innovation

Dr. Poleboina has demonstrated a strong orientation toward research innovation through contributions to three Indian patents, including inventions related to:

• Multi-gated rodent behavioral testing laboratory apparatus
• Assessment of lead-induced gut microbiome dysbiosis
• Layered blood-brain barrier (BBB) screening laboratory apparatus

These innovations highlight the translational and experimental dimension of her research and her contribution to the development of specialized research tools.

Honors, Awards & Fellowships

Her academic achievements have been recognized through several competitive fellowships and awards. She received the Best Oral Presentation Award at the International Conference on Nanopharmaceuticals on Neurological Disorders (ICNAND23), IGNTU, Madhya Pradesh, in 2023.

She was awarded the CSIR-SRF (NET) Research Fellowship for her Ph.D. studies and previously received a research fellowship for her M.S. (Pharm) studies. She has also qualified several prestigious national-level examinations, including CSIR-NET JRF, CSIR-NET Lectureship, GATE, NIPER, and GPAT.

Technical & Research Skills

Dr. Poleboina is proficient in a broad range of laboratory and analytical techniques, including ELISA and colorimetric biochemical assays, biomechanical testing, FTIR, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR. She has hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation such as multimode plate readers, electrophoresis and protein-transfer systems, microscopy, microtomes, autoclaves, laminar airflow systems, and PCR platforms. She is also experienced with GraphPad Prism, ImageJ, EndNote, Microsoft Office, and scientific literature databases.

Overall Scientific Contribution

Dr. Sumathi Poleboina represents a promising and accomplished woman scientist whose career combines academic teaching, multidisciplinary pharmacological research, nanomedicine, experimental toxicology, publication, book authorship, and patented innovation. Her research addressing metabolic, skeletal, neurological, and microbiome-related disorders demonstrates the breadth and relevance of her scientific contributions.

Eligibility for Iconic Women Scientist Award 

Dr. Sumathi Poleboina is eligible for the Iconic Women Scientist Award in Scientific Laurels based on her strong academic credentials, sustained research experience, significant contributions to pharmacology, toxicology, nanomedicine and translational biomedical research, peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, authorship of a scientific book, patented innovations, competitive research fellowships, and recognition through the Best Oral Presentation Award. Her interdisciplinary research and contributions to innovative experimental methodologies further strengthen her suitability for recognition as an Iconic Women Scientist.