Dr. Suman Kumari joined PAU as Assistant Professor (Microbiology) on 13.09.2018 after completing five-year Integrated Master of Science (Hons.)-B.Sc.+ M.Sc. (Microbiology) from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana in 2013 and PhD (Microbiology) from PAU, Ludhiana in 2018. She has worked as Senior Research Fellow from 21-03-2018 to 25-6-2018, just before joining PAU. Presently she is the Dance Drama Music President of the College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, PAU, Ludhiana.

Professional Accomplishments

Research Projects completed

1. Valorization of paddy straw-based biodigested slurry through bioenzymes funded by ICAR – All India Coordinated Research Project on Energy in Agriculture; Agro based Industries (AICRP on EAAI) in April 2024 as Co-PI

Research Publications:

1. Akashdeep, Kumari S, and Rani N (2024) Novel cereal bran based low-cost liquid medium for enhanced growth, multifunctional traits and shelf life of consortium biofertilizer containing Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas sp. Journal of Microbiological Methods 222 p. 106952.
2. Kaur R, Gaba J, Kumari S and Midha R (2023) Thymol based dual chemosensor for optical detection of Cu 2+ and Pb 2+ ions and evaluation of its toxicity against plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. Letters in Organic Chemistry 21 (3) 260-270. (NAAS Rating 6.80)

3. Kumari S, Khanna V and Sharma N (2022) Characterization and biological evaluation of phenazine produced by antagonistic pseudomonads against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris. International Journal of Pest Management pp.1-14. DOI: 10.1080/09670874.2022.2084176.

4. Kumari S, Khanna V and Singh A (2022) Characterization and evaluation of extracellular hydrolytic proteins from rhizobacterial antagonists isolated from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris infected chickpea fields. Indian Phytopathology 75(1):.165-177.

5. Routray S, Kumari S, Borah B, Shelat H and Khanna V (2021) A review on Rhizobia and PGPRs interactions in legumes. The Pharma Innovation Journal 10(7): 1448-1457.

6. Kumari S, Khanna V and Routray S (2020). Biomanagement of seedling rot of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) caused by Rhizoctonia solani by dual inoculation of antagonistic rhizobacteria and native Rhizobium. Chemical Science Review and Letters 9 (35): 622-641.

7. Kumari S and Khanna V (2020) Induction of systemic resistance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris by antagonistic rhizobacteria in assistance with native Mesorhizobium.. Current Microbiology 77(1):85-98. (NAAS Rating 7.60)

Awards and Recognitions:

1. Awarded with "Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) fellowship by the Department of Science & Technology, India for doctoral programme.
2. Award of honour and Merit certificate for securing highest OCPA in (B.Sc. +M.Sc.) five year integrated MSc. (hons.) programme by Society for advancement of Academics, Sports and Cultural activities (SAASCA), College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, PAU -2013
3. PAU Merit fellowship for securing first rank in PAU, Entrance Examination (Ph. D Entrance Test-2013, Microbiology) for Doctorate programme.
4. Award of honour for proficiency in Academics (Qualifying ARS Net) 2014 and for INSPIRE fellowship by Society for advancement of Academics, Sports and Cultural activities (SAASCA), College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, PAU.

5. Best Oral Presentation at National Conference on Role of Biological Sciences in Sustainable Development and Biodiversity Conservation organized by Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, School of Basic Sciences, Arni University, Kathgarh, Indora, 09-10 March 2017, Kangra (H.P.) -176401.
6. Best Oral Presentation at 30 th All India Congress of Zoology and National Seminar on Advances in Zoology for Sustainable Development organized by Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, 15-17 Feb, 2018.