Dr. Devinder Kaur Kocher joined PAU as Assistant Zoologist on 18.09.2000 after completing her BSc. (Hons).and MSc (Hons.) in Zoology from GNDU. She did her PhD (Zoology) from PAU, Ludhiana in 1996. She joined as Associate Professor on 18.09.2009 and Professor on 18.09.2015 (till date). Her field of specialization is Parasitology (Biology of Parasites and Vectors) with special emphasis on mosquito control by using safe and eco-friendly measures. She has completed one competitive research project funded by DST as PI (2013-2015), associated in AINP on Rodent Control, ICAR as Co-PI (2000-2012) and presently handling one DST-SERB POWER funded project on mosquito control as PI. She has guided 19 MSc. and 6 PhD. students as major advisor, published 95 research papers in national and international journals, two bulletins, two teaching manuals, five book chapters, 26 extension articles, four recommendations, one technology developed, presented 62 papers in national and international conferences, delivered 21 invited talks, 45 extension lectures/campaigns, 9 radio and TV talks. She has performed the duty of President, Young Writers’ Association, PAU (2016-2024), Editor, Punjabi Section, PAU Magazine (2013-2022), Member of Speakers’ Form, PAU (2012-2020) and University level & college level coordinator and member of various “Youth festival organizing committees”, PAU. Presently she is college level Dean PGS nominee of College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, and chairperson of the academic research committee of Zoology department

Professional Accomplishments

Research Projects completed (as PI)

1. “Assessment of Copepods as Bio-control agents of mosquito larvae in standing water bodies of Punjab” funded by DST (2013-2015).

Research Projects in hand (as PI)

• “Evaluation of yeast-encapsulated essential oil based biolarvicide formulation(s) for management of Aedes aegypti mosquito” funded by DST SERB-POWER (Oct., 2022 onwards).

Research Publications (2025)

1. Kaur N and Kocher D K (2023) Ovicidal, larvicidaland pupicidal potential of neem seed kernel extract against Aedes aegypti L.  Int J Trop Insect Sci (Online published https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-023-01020-8), 1-8 (NAAS Rating  7.02).
2. Kaur N and Kocher D K (2023) Eucalyptus oil nanoemulsion as potent ovicidaland pupicidal agent against Aedes aegypti Linnaeus. Theor Biol Forum 12(1): 14-19 (NAAS Rating  6.46).
3. Kaur A, Kocher D K and Kumar R (2022) Larvicidal potential and residual activity effect of kinnow peel oil against Aedes aegypti L. J Vector Borne Dis 59(3): 228-35 (NAAS Rating 7.69).
4. Thakur A and Kocher D K (2020) Impact of antagonist crustaceans on population of Aedes aegypti larvae under laboratory conditions. J Vector Borne Dis: 58-62 (NAAS Rating7.47).
5. Riat A and Kocher D K (2017) Study of histoarchitectural changes in Anopheles stephensi larvae following exposure to Eucalyptus globulus and Aloe vera oils. Turk J Zool 41(5): 763-73 (NAAS Rating 6.682).

Awards and Recognitions:

1. “SOMA Distinguished Scientist Award” by ‘Society of Medical Arthropodology (SOMA)’, India at 17th International Conference of Medical Arthropodology, Khalsa College, Amritsar, Nov., 20-21, 2024.
2. “Prof. T.N. Ananthakrishnan Oration Award” by SOMA, India at 16th International Conference of SOMA, 13-15 Dec., 2023, University of Calicut, Kerala.
3. “Dr. V. P. Sharma Award” in the field of Medical Entomology by SOMA, India at 12th National Conference 25-26th Nov., 2019, ZSI, Kolkata.
4. First position in ‘Slogan Writing Competition’ at “XII Joint Annual Conference of Indian Society for Malaria and Communicable Diseases and Indian Society of Epidemiologists”, Sept., 1-3, 2017, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune. 
5. University Merit Fellowship in Ph.D., P.A.U, Ludhiana (1993-96).
6. Gold Medal & University Merit Fellowship, M.Sc. (Hons.), G.N.D.U, Amritsar (1990-92).
7. Gold Medal & University Merit Fellowship, B.Sc. (Hons.), G.N.D.U, Amritsar (1987-90).