Dr. Priyadharsini Nataraj is an accomplished academic and dental researcher specializing in Oral Pathology, with significant experience in teaching, postgraduate mentoring, clinical-academic activities, and scientific research. She currently serves as a Reader in Oral Pathology at SRM Dental College, Ramapuram. Her professional interests encompass oral potentially malignant disorders, oral cancer, dental fluorosis, oral lesions, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, salivary biomarkers, oral microbiology, forensic dentistry, and molecular approaches in oral disease research.

Research & Publication Contributions

Dr. Nataraj has contributed 36 research publications, comprising 22 national and 14 international papers. Her research output includes publications indexed in Scopus and PubMed, with additional publications in UGC-listed journals. She has an H-index of 9, reflecting a sustained contribution to scholarly research.

Her research has addressed diverse and clinically relevant topics, including oral submucous fibrosis, oral squamous cell carcinoma, oral leukoplakia, ameloblastoma, dental fluorosis, potentially malignant disorders, oxidative stress, salivary biomarkers, antifungal activity, oral mucosal lesions, and forensic identification. Her recent work includes investigations into oral pulse granuloma, hyperkeratotic lesions, TGF-β expression in oral lichen planus, and ameloglyphics for victim identification.

Book Publication

She has contributed to the academic literature through the publication of the textbook “Fluorosis – Epidemiological and Histological Perspective,” published by Lambert with ISBN 978-620-6-14501-1. This reflects her specialized interest in the epidemiological and histopathological aspects of dental fluorosis.

Research Areas & Scientific Contributions

Her research demonstrates an interdisciplinary approach connecting oral pathology, cancer biology, histopathology, microbiology, biomarker research, molecular studies, and forensic dentistry. Notable areas of contribution include the assessment of 8-OHdG as a DNA-damage biomarker, evaluation of salivary and serum biomarkers, studies of antifungal agents against resistant Candida species, and histopathological characterization of uncommon oral lesions.

Conference & Academic Participation

Dr. Nataraj has actively participated in academic and scientific forums, attending 10 conferences, including 6 national and 4 international conferences. She has delivered 2 guest lectures, presented 5 posters, and contributed 2 paper presentations, demonstrating continued engagement with professional and academic knowledge exchange.

Postgraduate Mentorship

As an experienced academic mentor, she has guided 8 postgraduate students. Her involvement in postgraduate education reflects her commitment to developing future dental professionals and researchers through structured academic and research supervision.

Academic & Professional Service

Dr. Nataraj has served as an external examiner for undergraduate B.D.S. examinations at Faculty of Dental Sciences, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, and Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha University, Chennai. She has also served as a reviewer for reputed scientific journals and as a chairperson for session judgments, contributing to academic quality assessment and scholarly peer review.

Overall Academic Impact

With 36 publications, an H-index of 9, a book contribution, postgraduate mentoring experience, scientific presentations, journal-reviewing responsibilities, and extensive academic service, Dr. Priyadharsini Nataraj has established a strong profile in Oral Pathology. Her research reflects consistent efforts toward improving the understanding, diagnosis, and scientific evaluation of oral diseases and potentially malignant conditions.

Eligibility for Most Ambitious Researcher Award

Dr. Priyadharsini Nataraj is eligible for the Most Ambitious Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels based on her sustained research engagement, multidisciplinary contributions to Oral Pathology, 36 research publications, international and national scholarly output, H-index of 9, book publication, postgraduate supervision, conference participation, journal-reviewing activities, and continued research in clinically significant areas such as oral cancer, potentially malignant disorders, biomarkers, oral microbiology, dental fluorosis, and forensic dentistry. Her progressive research profile and commitment to academic excellence make her a strong candidate for recognition under this award category.