Snehasish Mishra, PhD, MBA, Associate Professor, is a distinguished faculty member at the School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed-to-be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. With over two decades of research and teaching experience, including international exposure, he has made significant contributions to infection biology, public health, microbial technology, limnology, environmental biotechnology, renewable energy, bioprocess engineering and food sciences. Dr. Mishra leads the Government of India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) sponsored Biogas Development and Training Centre (BDTC) at KIIT Since 2009, focusing on advancing biogas technologies and promoting sustainable energy solutions. Dr. Mishra has authored over 175 publications, including research articles, popular articles and book chapters, in peer-reviewed journals and books of national and international repute. His scholarly works have garnered more than 2000 citations, reflecting the impact and relevance of his research in the scientific community. Beyond his research, Dr. Mishra is actively involved in skill development and livelihood enhancement initiatives for the farming community through biotechnological interventions. He regularly conducts short-term training programmes funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), on sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy technologies. Dr. Mishra serves as a reviewer and editorial member for several research journals of international standing, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and maintaining the quality of published research. He actively participates in bioentrepreneurship and industry-academia collaborations, bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications. Dr. Mishra received numerous accolades and recognitions through his career, from academies, societies and associations, acknowledging his continued contributions to science and education. He has successfully guided and continues to mentor numerous PhD, MPhil, MTech, and MSc students, fostering the next-generation scientists and researchers.Puneet Kumar Singh is a researcher at the Bioenergy Lab, School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed-to-be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Holding a PhD in Biotechnology, his research interests span across microbiology, bioprocess engineering, environmental biotechnology and renewable energy, focusing on waste management and bioenergy generation. A key focus of his work is enhancing biomethanation processes, thermo-alkali combined lignocellulose pretreatments. His research significantly improved biogas yields and provided molecular-level insights, addressing challenges in waste-to-energy conversion and contributing to the development of sustainable energy solutions. His doctoral research centered on circular bioeconomy zero-waste systems, optimising processes to convert organic substrates into renewable energy. Beyond bioenergy, Dr. Singh’s research extends to environmental remediation, human and environmental health, with particular focus on the use of materials and metals. Dr. Singh gained valuable experience through collaborations with national and international laboratories, which have enhanced his expertise in environmental microbiology and bioprocess engineering. His ability to integrate diverse methodologies and technologies reflects his commitment to address global sustainability challenges and ensuring the health and wellbeing of one and all through scientific interventions. Dr. Singh has published over 40 research papers and five book chapters in esteemed international journals and publications. Dr. Singh actively contributes to academic and research development at KIIT Deemed-to-be University. He mentors MTech, MSc and PhD students and supports the Bioenergy Lab’s mission of advancing renewable and sustainable energy technologies.Ranjan Kumar Mohapatra, an esteemed inorganic chemist specialising in coordination chemistry, works in the Department of Chemistry at the Government College of Engineering, Keonjhar, Odisha, India. He obtained his PhD in 2011 and has since built a remarkable academic and research career. Dr. Mohapatra has published over 300 research and review papers in prestigious national and international journals, 13 books and 25 book chapters, as his significant contributions to the scientific community. He has filed 12 patents, five of which have already been granted, highlighting his focus on practical, innovative solutions. His research interests are broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing bioinorganic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, in silico drug design, public health and infectious diseases. His expertise in in silico methodologies is particularly noteworthy, enabling him to design and optimise potential drug candidates, which contributes to advancements in medicinal chemistry and development of therapeutics. With nearly two decades of teaching and research experience, Dr. Mohapatra has consistently demonstrated academic excellence. He supervises MPhil and PhD students as a mentor of the next generation scientists. His approachable nature and exceptional teaching skills have earned him significant popularity among his students, who greatly benefit from his extensive knowledge and passion. Dr. Mohapatra is listed among the top 2% of global researchers, a testament to the global impact and relevance of his work in the scientific arena.
