Advanced Agrochemicals, Bio-pesticides & Fertilizers

Dr. Raj Ramdas Badekar born on March 21, 1985, in Raigad, Maharashtra, India, is a highly accomplished chemist and academician. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Mumbai, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Jaipur National University in 2016. Throughout his academic career, he has served as a co- supervisor at Jaipur National University and Pacific University, Udaipur, successfully mentoring 12 Ph.D. scholars to completion. Dr. Badekar has an impressive research portfolio, with more than 50 publications in reputed national and international journals and 24 presentations at various conferences. His professional background spans both academia and industry, including four years of teaching and over ten years of industrial experience across multiple sectors. Presently, he is the proprietor of RIVA Industries, where he continues to lead advancements and innovation in the field of chemistry.

Prof. Dr. Kalpana Patankar-Jain is an accomplished academician and researcher with an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the field of chemistry. She earned her B.Sc. in Chemistry from B. N. Bandodkar College, Thane, in 1986, followed by an M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry from the University Department of Chemistry in 1988. She was awarded her Ph.D. in Chemistry by Jaipur National University in 2013. With a distinguished record of 30 publications in national and international journals and authorship of 16 books with ISBNs, Prof. Dr. Patankar-Jain has made significant scholarly contributions to chemical sciences. She has served as a resource person for numerous colleges and universities, sharing her expertise in analytical chemistry and higher education. Her academic influence extends to curriculum development, having served as a Member of the Board of Studies at the University of Mumbai, CKT College (Panvel), Sapre Pitre College (Devrukh), and Somaiya College (Vidyavihar). At BNN College, Bhiwandi, she held multiple leadership roles, including Professor, Head of the Department of Chemistry, and Vice Principal, dedicating 34 years of service to the institution. On 29 April 2023, Prof. Dr. Patankar-Jain was appointed Principal of the Royal College of Arts, Science, and Commerce, Mira Road, Maharashtra, where she continues to lead with distinction. Her remarkable career has been recognized with nine prestigious awards, underscoring her dedication to academic excellence, research innovation, and leadership in higher education.

Dr. Melwin Diego D’Souza (b. 25th September 1991) is currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at St. Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim, Goa. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry with specialization in Analytical Chemistry from Jaipur National University, along with an M.Sc. (Physical Chemistry) from Goa University, and a B.Ed. in Mathematicsand Science from Pune University. With teaching experience spanning schools, universities, and now higher education, Dr. D’Souza has been actively engaged in both academic and research pursuits. His research interests include analytical method development, transition metal complexes, biodegradable polymers, and medicinal chemistry. He has published five international research papers in reputed journals such as RASAYAN Journal of Chemistry, Asian Journal of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Journal of Chemical Reviews, and Asian Journal of Chemistry. Apart from teaching and research, he contributes to academic governance as an external examiner and paper setter for Goa University. He is also actively involved in community service as the Secretary of the Arambol Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC). Dr. D’Souza has participated in and presented at several national and international conferences, workshops, and certificate programs, further enhancing his academic and professional profile

Prof. Dr. Yogita Shinde M.Sc., Ph.D., is an accomplished academician and researcher in the field of chemistry, currently serving as Professor in the Department of Chemistry at K.C. College, Churchgate, Mumbai. She earned her B.Sc. in Microbiology from R. N. Ruia College in 1993, followed by an M.Sc. in Analytical and Medicinal Chemistry from SNDT University in 1995. She completed her Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Mumbai in 1999. Since joining K.C. College in July 2005, Dr. Shinde has made significant contributions to research, teaching, and academic leadership. She is a recognized research guide in Analytical Chemistry for the University of Mumbai, JJT University (Rajasthan), and HSNC University (Mumbai). She has published 20 research papers in reputed national and international journals and completed a Minor Research Project under the UGC scheme. Currently, she guides five Ph.D. scholars, with additional candidates in the admission process, and has mentored numerous postgraduate and undergraduate research projects, including guiding five undergraduate students under the Science Honors Programme (SHP) over the past seven years. Dr. Shinde has authored reference books for undergraduate students and played a pivotal role as Departmental Coordinator for the DBT Star Scheme at K.C. College. She has coordinated M.Sc. Part I and II programs across all branches for the past four years and served as a Member of Syllabus Revision Committees for various institutions, including the University of Mumbai and HSNC University. Notably, she was Chairperson for M.Sc. Analytical Chemistry at the University of Mumbai from 2019 to 2023, and has contributed extensively as a paper setter and moderator for postgraduate analytical chemistry examinations across several prominent colleges. Her research interests span Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, and Cosmetic Chemistry. She has been an active Member of the Board of Studies (BOS) in Chemistry at HSNC University for the past four years, consistently working towards advancing curriculum development and promoting high-quality research in chemical sciences.

Dr. Sunil Shripat Yadav is a distinguished academician and researcher, presently serving as Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Coordinator of Research & Development at Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues College of Engineering, Bandra West, Mumbai. His research expertise spans applied chemistry and innovative materials, with a focus on sustainable technological solutions. Dr. Yadav has published over seven research papers in reputed peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, contributing valuable insights to the scientific community. He is also the inventor of a design and innovation patent titled “A Method for Obtaining Silver Nanoparticles from Metallic Silver-Containing Waste” (Application No. 1649/MUM/2012 A; published 31 August 2012), demonstrating his commitment to environmentally responsible innovations. In addition to his academic and research achievements, Dr. Yadav is an active member of the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE), reflecting his dedication to advancing engineering and technical education. Through his teaching, research, and professional engagement, he continues to inspire and guide the next generation of scientists and engineers.