Dr. V. Soumya is an accomplished biotechnology researcher with specialized expertise in phytoremediation, environmental microbiology, and plant secondary metabolism. She holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam (2018–2021), where her doctoral research focused on evaluating the phytoremediation potential of Catharanthus roseus in industrially polluted soils, secondary-metabolite responses to heavy-metal stress, and associated microbial communities.

Previously, she served as Instructor in the Department of Biotechnology, Centre for Distance Learning, GITAM (2018–2021), where she taught graduate and postgraduate students in microbial biotechnology, plant biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, metagenomics, and molecular biology. She has also engaged in science education through charitable teaching to primary and secondary school students (2015–2018 and 2022–2026).

Research & Publications

Dr. Soumya has developed a strong research profile in phytoremediation, phytochemistry, plant morpho-anatomy, metagenomics, and microbial characterization. Her research has generated 8 peer-reviewed journal publications across leading international journals including the International Journal of Phytoremediation, Plant Science Today, Natural Volatiles & Essential Oils, and European Chemical Bulletin. Her publications address critical topics such as phytochemical accumulation under metal stress, morpho-anatomical responses to heavy-metal contamination, metal translocation in plant tissues, and bioactive compound characterization. She has also deposited 8 metagenomic datasets (16S and ITS) in the NCBI SRA/BioSample database, supporting research transparency and enabling data reuse by the scientific community.

Books & Scholarly Contributions

Dr. Soumya has contributed to 4 book chapters published by leading academic publishers including Academic Press and Cambridge Scholars Publishing. Her contributions address emerging topics in nanotechnology, theranostics, and precision medicine applied to hepatocellular carcinoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer.

Laboratory & Technical Expertise

Dr. Soumya possesses comprehensive expertise in advanced analytical and molecular techniques, including electrophoresis, DNA/RNA/protein isolation, PCR, microscopy, spectrophotometry, ICP-MS/AAS, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). She is proficient in plant tissue culture methods and phytochemical and biochemical quantification techniques. Her technical skill set encompasses modern productivity and communication software including Microsoft Office applications and video conferencing platforms.

Teaching & Academic Contributions

Dr. Soumya has provided graduate and postgraduate instruction across a broad spectrum of biotechnology disciplines. Her academic exposure encompasses Microbial Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology, Metagenomics, Molecular Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Plant Systematics, Genetic Engineering, Biochemistry, Plant Breeding, Mycology, and Human Genetics, supplemented by rigorous laboratory training in corresponding methodologies.

Faculty Development & Professional Engagement

Dr. Soumya has actively participated in multiple faculty development programs and professional workshops. Her engagement includes a Faculty Development Program on Genome Engineering—Innovations and Applications (2021), international faculty development programs on Recent Advances in Mathematics & Statistics (2020), and specialized training on Advances in Biological Waste Water Treatment Methods (2020). She has also completed training in intellectual property rights, statistics (SPSS/SAS), patent and trademark law, and industrial chemical engineering practices. She coordinated the INSPIRE Internship Science Camp–2019, a government-sponsored initiative organized by GITAM, and participated in international conferences and workshops on genomics, drug delivery, and molecular medicine.

Awards, Honours & Professional Memberships

Dr. Soumya received the Best Poster Presentation Award at Researchers' Day, GITAM (Deemed to be University) on 20 February 2020, recognizing her work on phytoremediation of heavy-metal-contaminated soils. She holds Life Membership in the Biotech Research Society of India (BRSI), demonstrating her professional commitment to biotechnology research and innovation.

Leadership & Institutional Contributions

Dr. Soumya has demonstrated leadership through her role as Institute Fine Arts Captain at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, where she represented the student body and organized sports and cultural programmes. She has contributed to science communication through a radio talk on Madame Marie Curie in the "Women of Glory" series broadcast on Radio Sai (2011). She has served on panels for educational initiatives on Indian culture and spirituality, and led student groups in institutional service roles.

Eligibility for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Soumya's credentials demonstrate substantial achievement across multiple dimensions of research excellence. Her 8 peer-reviewed journal publications in high-impact international journals, 4 book chapter contributions, public deposition of metagenomic datasets supporting research integrity, and Best Poster Presentation Award collectively reflect a strong research portfolio. Her advanced technical proficiency in molecular and analytical methodologies, combined with her sustained engagement in graduate teaching, faculty development, and science outreach, further underscore her commitment to research advancement and academic excellence.

Based on her demonstrated research contributions, publications, technical expertise, and professional recognition, Dr. V. Soumya is eligible for consideration for the Best Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels, particularly in recognition of her significant contributions to phytoremediation research, environmental biotechnology, and microbial community characterization.