Prof. Anuprasanna Vankara is an accomplished Zoologist, Parasitologist, researcher, and teacher with 17 years of teaching and research experience. She completed her Ph.D. in Zoology from Andhra University in 2009, with research focused on the taxonomic, histopathological, and ecological studies of metazoan parasites of freshwater fishes of the Godavari River. She obtained her M.Sc. in Zoology with specialization in Clinical Pathology, securing II Rank with 75%, and her B.Sc. in Zoology, Botany and Chemistry with distinction.

Since July 2009, Prof. Vankara has been serving at Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, where she has contributed extensively to postgraduate Zoology teaching, research supervision, and academic activities.

Research Contributions

Her research expertise encompasses parasitology, fish parasite diversity, taxonomy, aquatic animal health, biodiversity, ecology, and ecosystem health assessment. She has successfully completed and undertaken research projects funded by CSIR and RUSA 2.0, serving as Principal Investigator.

Her current research project, “Evaluation of ecosystem health of selected water bodies in the Penna River system using health assessment index and parasite diversity as indicators,” focuses on using parasite diversity and health indicators to assess aquatic ecosystem conditions.

She has supervised four Ph.D. scholars and has made substantial contributions to postgraduate and doctoral research in Zoology and parasitology.

Publications & Scholarly Contributions

Prof. Vankara has authored 77 published research papers, with one additional manuscript under review. Her scholarly work has received 465 citations, with an h-index of 11 and i10-index of 16.

She has also authored two books dealing with metazoan parasites of elasmobranchs and freshwater fishes. In addition, she has contributed 10 chapters in books and scholarly publications, covering subjects including parasite ecology, marine bioactive molecules, biohydrogen, biofuels, macroalgal resources, and biodiversity conservation.

Academic Achievements & Professional Development

Prof. Vankara qualified the Joint CSIR-UGC NET Examination in 2004 and received a CSIR award for research. She has participated in 46 seminars, 39 webinars, 23 workshops/seminars, 9 refresher courses and faculty development programmes, and an orientation programme at Osmania University.

She has also served in academic and institutional responsibilities, including contributions to IQAC activities and as a jury member for a district-level science exhibition.

Awards & Recognition

Her academic and research accomplishments have been recognized through 14 awards and distinctions, including the:

• Meritorious Teachers Award – 2024
• Teacher’s Excellence Award – 2022
• Dr. (Mrs.) Jagadiswari Rao Women Scientist Award – 2022
• Young Fishery Scientist Award – 2021
• Eminent Parasitologist Award – 2020
• Associate Fellow, A.P. Akademy of Sciences – 2019
• First Best Paper Award in Parasitology – 2017
• Young Scientist Award in Biodiversity – 2009
• Best Poster Awards at national conferences in parasitology and biodiversity.

These recognitions reflect her contributions to teaching, parasitological research, biodiversity studies, and scientific communication.

Professional Memberships

Prof. Vankara is associated with several professional scientific organizations and serves as an Editorial Board Member of the South Asian Journal of Life Sciences. She is a life member of organizations including the Indian Science Congress Association, Indian Society of Parasitology, Applied Zoologists Research Association, Asian Biological Research Foundation, and other scientific associations.

Eligibility for Women Researcher Award 

Prof. Anuprasanna Vankara demonstrates a substantial record of women-led scientific research, academic excellence, teaching, postgraduate research supervision, and contributions to Zoology and parasitology. Her record includes 77 research publications, 465 citations, an h-index of 11, two authored books, 10 book chapters, four completed Ph.D. scholars, externally supported research projects, and 14 academic and research recognitions. Her work on fish parasites, biodiversity, aquatic animal health, and ecosystem assessment further demonstrates sustained scientific engagement.

Based on these documented academic, research, publication, supervision, and professional achievements, Prof. Anuprasanna Vankara is eligible for consideration for the Women Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels, particularly in recognition of her sustained contributions to Zoology, parasitology, aquatic biodiversity, and research-oriented higher education.