Dr. Sonali Khali is an emerging Indian entomologist specializing in insect biodiversity, systematics, and molecular phylogeny, with a research focus on Drosophilidae (fruit flies) of the Himalayan region. She has been actively engaged in ecological and taxonomic research, combining traditional morphology-based approaches with modern molecular tools such as DNA barcoding and mitochondrial gene analysis.

Over the years, she has contributed significantly to understanding the altitudinal distribution, species diversity, and ecological behavior of drosophilids in the Western Himalaya, particularly the Mandakini Valley of Uttarakhand. Her collaborative work with leading researchers has enriched the documentation of Indian Drosophilidae fauna and strengthened molecular characterization efforts across multiple species groups.

Research Publications

Dr. Khali has 12 research publications in reputed international and national journals, covering topics such as drosophilid biodiversity, phylogenetics, molecular characterization, species distribution, and ecological behavior. Her work includes contributions to journals like Biodiversity, Journal of Insect Biodiversity, Environmental Conservation Journal, Drosophila Information Service (USA), Indian Journal of Entomology, Proceedings of Zoological Society (Springer), and others.
Her recent works (2025) also include multiple manuscripts on molecular phylogeny and altitudinal diversity patterns under review or communicated.

Conference Participation, Seminars & Workshops

Dr. Khali has participated in numerous national and international scientific events. She has:

• Presented posters and papers at major conferences including the 19th Uttarakhand State Science & Technology Conference (2024), Asia Pacific Drosophila Research Conference (2020), and International Conference on Climate Change & Biodiversity (2019).

• Delivered research findings related to altitudinal variation, seasonal patterns, and molecular phylogeny of drosophilids in the Himalayan ecosystem.

• Attended specialized workshops such as the Applied Statistical Techniques in Interdisciplinary Research workshop (2020), enhancing her analytical and quantitative research skills.

Research Interests

• Entomology

• Biodiversity Assessment

• Drosophilidae Systematics & Taxonomy

• Insect Ecology & Conservation

• Molecular Phylogeny & DNA Barcoding

• Evolutionary Biology

Honors & Awards

• Young Scientist Award – UCOST (2024)
  Awarded by the Government of Uttarakhand for her outstanding contributions to Himalayan insect biodiversity and molecular systematics.

Eligibility for Women Researcher Award

Dr. Sonali Khali is highly deserving of the Women Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels owing to her significant contributions to insect biodiversity, molecular phylogeny, and Drosophilidae systematics in the Western Himalaya. With 12 research publications in reputed national and international journals, she has advanced the understanding of species diversity, altitudinal distribution, and molecular characterization of drosophilids through rigorous fieldwork and integrative analytical approaches. Her active participation in major scientific conferences, along with her specialized training in applied statistical and molecular techniques, reflects her strong scientific engagement and interdisciplinary competence. The recognition she has already received—most notably the Young Scientist Award from U-COST in 2024—further underscores her research excellence and impact. As an early-career woman scientist contributing original and meaningful insights to conservation biology and evolutionary research, Dr. Khali stands out as an exemplary candidate for the Women Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels.