For Shalini Mudalkar, perhaps, the sky is the only limit. The research scholar from the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad (UoH), has been awarded with the Young Scientist award by the Telangana Academy of Sciences (TAS) for the year 2016 for her contributions in the field of Life Sciences, including Agriculture Sciences.
“I am extremely happy that my hard work has been recognised, especially by the government,” says Shalini, excitedly.
The youngster has already published her research findings in international journals like Journal of Plant Physiology, Plant Molecular Biology and Scientific Reports. Her entire work over the last five years has contributed towards providing basic inputs in understanding photosynthetic and molecular responses of the plant Jatropha curcas to abiotic stress conditions.
“I have been working extensively on physiological, bio-chemical and molecular responses of a potential biofuel plant, Jatropha curcas, to salt, drought and metal stress conditions. My research work provides insights into detoxification of reactive carbonyl (methylglyoxal) and metals where I was successful in finding functional characterisation of key genes, including aldo-keto reductase, glyoxalases and metallothionein. In addition, the findings related to the transcriptome analysis of two imminent biofuel plants, Camelina and Pongamia, received good citations from the scientific community.
“While we are facing problems like climate change, we must know that the solutions are in nature itself. I have been working on two topics: biofuel and climate change,” informs Shalini.
The award is given annually to recognise the work of young scientists in Telangana State. The candidates are selected, based on the lecture delivered on the subject of their research work in the presence of scientists and subject experts.
“I was always attracted to greenery and plant sciences since I was a kid. I eventually wanted to pursue a career in it. My family and friends are extremely happy too and I now plan to pursue my post-doctoral studies in plant sciences. I want to contribute to the society in whatever way I can,” adds Shalini, who pursued her MSc in Plant biology and Biotechnology at UoH.
Apart from her interest in plant sciences, Shalini tells us that she is also passionate about cycling and swimming.
