Dr. Neena Singla joined PAU as Assistant Zoologist (Rodents) on 28.07.2000 after completing BSc (Medical) from Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar in 1989 and MSc (Zoology) from PAU, Ludhiana in 1992. She did her PhD (Zoology) from PAU, Ludhiana in 1995. She joined as Zoologist (Rodents) on 28.07.2009 and Principal Zoologist (Rodents) on 28.07.2015. She held the additional charge of Head, Department of Zoology from 28.8.2019-28.8.2023. Her field of specialization is Vertebrate Pest Management and her current research priorities include the development and testing of novel rodenticidal molecules, safe fertility control formulations, rodents as reservoirs of parasites of zoonotic importance, genomic identification of rodent species and ecology, behavior and management of nilgai. She has completed an extramural research project on “Molecular characterization of VKORC1 gene for variation in relation to bromadiolone resistance in Rattus rattus population” funded by UGC  (2013-2017) as PI, three sponsored projects as PI (2008-09, 2015-16 and 2022-24). She was also involved in an international project funded by the Institute of Research and Development, Montpellier, France (2022-24) as Co-PI. She has published over 135 research papers and review articles, including more than 45 in top international journals with high impact, alongside book chapters, monographs, and technical bulletins. Her research has led to several recommendations included in PAU’s Package of Practices, benefitting farmers.  Dr. Singla has guided 36 postgraduate and doctoral students, many of whom have received prestigious awards and key positions in academia and research. Passionately committed to farmer outreach and knowledge dissemination, she has conducted over 60 training programs, published 76 extension articles, delivered 35+ media talks, and presented more than 170 expert lectures. Internationally, she has represented India at conferences in Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, China, Germany, Tanzania, and Thailand. Her major accolades include 12 best presentation awards, the Young Scientist Award, and the Dr. M.S. Randhawa Medal. She also serves on editorial boards for several reputed journals. Presently, she is the Coordinator of Research (Basic Sciences & Humanities).  

Professional Accomplishments

Research Projects completed

1. All India Network Project on Vertebrate Pest Management (Rodent Control) funded by ICAR, New Delhi since joining in 2000 and as PI since 2009 
2. Village level implementation of integrated rodent control strategies to increase farmer’s

income and to study the effect of environment on rodent diversity, distribution and fertility funded by Punjab State Govt. Under RKVY from 2023-24 as PI

1. Atypical Human Trypanosomiasis due to Trypanosoma evansi in Punjab, India: A Pilot Study funded by Institute of Research and Development, Montpellier, France from 2022-24 as Co-PI
2. Testing bioefficacy of brodifacoum rodenticide against rodent pests in rice and sugarcane crops funded by Syngenta India Ltd, Pune from 2022-24 as PI
3. Molecular characterization of VKORC1 gene for variation in relation to bromadiolone resistance in Rattus rattus population funded by UGC, New Delhi from 2014-2017as PI 
4. Evaluation of new safer formulation of zinc phosphide (40% powder) for rodenticidal activity in field conditions funded by M/s Excel Crop Care Limited, Mumbai from 2015-16 as PI
5. Testing bioefficacy of a herbal rodenticide/chemosterilant (BIO) against house rat, Rattus rattus funded by M/s Pidilite Industries Ltd, Delhi from 2008-09 as PI 

Research Publications:

1. Arora P, Thukral R, Singla N and Bansal N (2023) Antireproductive changes instigated by efficient drug delivery via papaya seed chloroform extract-based nanoparticles in male rat Bandicota bengalensis. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, http://doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105408 (NAAS Rating 10.20)
2. Kaur G and Singla N (2023) Mitigating neophobia behaviour of Bandicota bengalensis in accepting poison bait and traps using sulphur compounds as additives. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 264 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105947 (NAAS Rating 8.20)
3. Sidhu A and Singla N (2023) Antifertility effects of quinestrol in male lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis and potential in managing rodent population under field conditions. Integrative Zoology https://doi.org/10.1111/1749-4877.12733 (NAAS Rating 9.50)
4. Garg N, Singla N, Jindal V and Babbar B K (2017). Studies on bromadiolone resistance in Rattus rattus populations from Punjab, India. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology 139: 24-31 (NAAS Rating  10.20)
5. Singla N and Kaur S (2015) Toxicity of cholecalciferol to lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis: Biochemical and histopathological changes. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation 103: 125-33. (NAAS Rating  10.10).

Awards and Recognitions:

1. 1. Overall Outstanding Academic Achievements Award in 1993-94, M.S. Randhawa Medal in 1994, Young Scientists award in 1995, PAU Merit Fellowship, several poster and oral paper presentation awards and excellent reviewer awards.
   2. Internationally acclaimed scientist, International Expert for evaluation of Research projects, recipient of competitive international travel grants from organizers, DST, INSA, CSIR and PSCST for representing India in research domain at Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, China, Nepal, Germany, Tanzania and Thailand.

• Associate Editor of prestigious Journal ‘Journal of Applied Animal Research’ (Taylor & Francis) and Agricultural Research Journal, PAU. Had been editorial board member of 09 journals and Reviewer for several national and international journals