Education: B.Sc., Jiwaji University, Gwalior (1995); M.Sc., Jiwaji University, Gwalior (1998); Ph.D., PAU, Ludhiana (2003)

Positions held: Assistant Professor, PAU Ludhiana (2010 till now)

Field of Specialization: Microbiology, Nanofertilizers

Research Interests:

1. Green synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, to discern nanomaterial-microbe interactions

2. Synthesis of nanoscale plant nutrients and development of novel nanofertilizers

3. Development of degradable polymer based nanocomposite packing films

Research Projects:

1. Nanosynthesis and application of micronutrients for enhanced nutrient use efficiency (as PI) funded under Nanotechnology Platform scheme by ICAR, New Delhi (2015 to date)

2. Enhancement of shelf life of fruits using nanocomposite based active packaging (as Co-PI) funded under Nanotechnology Platform scheme by ICAR, New Delhi (2015 to date)

3. Development of dsRNA based Nanoinsecticides: Novel applications for insect control (as Co-PI) funded under Nanotechnology Platform scheme by ICAR, New Delhi (2015 to date)

4. Survey of water-logged area of South-West Punjab for isolation of vanguard microalgae: Potential for bio-fuel production (as Co-PI) funded by ICAR under AICRP on Energy in Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, New Delhi (2015 to date)

Selected Research Publications (maximum up to 5):

Bala, R., Kalia, A. and Dhaliwal, S.S. (2019) Evaluation of efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles as remedial zinc nanofertilizer for rice. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr (Early view) (NAAS rating: 8.12 Impact factor 2.11)

Kaur, D., Taggar, M.S., Kalia, A. and Kaur, J. (2019) Lipid and carbohydrate trigger in microalgae in response to salt stress for biofuel production. Indian J. Exptl. Biol., (Accepted) (NAAS rating: 7.48 Impact factor 1.475)

Raigond, P., Sood, A., Kalia, A., Joshi, A., Kaundal, B., Raigond, B., Dutt, S., Singh, B. and Chakrabarti, S.K. (2019) Antimicrobial activity of potato starch based active biodegradable nanocomposite films. Potato Res. 62:69-83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11540-018-9397-9 (NAAS rating 7.13, Thomson Reuter Impact factor 0.771).

Maini, C., Tandon, R., Kalia, A. and Kaur, H. (2019) Chemical characterization and antimycotic potential of Azadirachta indica L. leaf extracts against Penicillium digitatum of kinnow fruit. Allelopathy J (accepted) (NAAS rating: 6.71 Impact factor: 1.050)

Awards/Honours/Distinctions: (Exclude best poster/paper presentations, Appreciation letters etc.)

1. Selected as CSIR Senior Research Associate (2008), CSIR, New Delhi

2. Selected as Women Scientist (WOS-A DST scheme) (2005), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi

3. Award of Honor (Academics/Research 2003), Society for Advancement of Academics, Sports and Cultural Activities, PAU, Ludhiana, India.

4. Received Dr. Sukhdev Singh Memorial Essay Award (2001).

5. Role model award from Swami Vivekananda Society, Ludhiana (2000).

6. Awarded Junior Research Fellowship for Ph.D. (CSIR-JRF; 1999-2001) from Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Govt. of India, (Jan) Later, promoted to Senior Research Fellowship (CSIR-SRF) for next two years.