Novel Bioproducts through Metabolic Engineering of Secondary Metabolites

Dr. Yogesh K. Ahlawat is a plant biotechnologist and molecular biologist who earned his PhD from Michigan Technological University, United States, where his doctoral research focused on enhancing biofuel production through the manipulation of plant cell wall biosynthesis. In addition to bioenergy research, Dr. Ahlawat investigates postharvest trait improvement in fruits and vegetables using multi‑omics approaches, examines soil microbial biodiversity, and explores bioremediation strategies for environmental management. With over 13 years of experience in functional genomics, postharvest genomics, and crop improvement methodologies, he has an established record of impactful publications and has worked extensively across a wide range of crops to dissect key quantitative and qualitative traits supporting smart agriculture practices. He serves on the editorial boards of several leading journals, including BMC, Frontiers, and MDPI. He is the recipient of multiple national and international honors, including a National Overseas Fellowship, a Doctoral Finishing Fellowship, a Best Graduate Teaching Award, and several competitive international and national travel grants awarded by prestigious funding agencies.

Dr. Pawan K. Jaiwal is an Emeritus Professor at the Centre for Biotechnology, Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak, India where he was formerly the Director and Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences. He has nearly 32 years of post-graduate teaching experience in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and plant biotechnology, has guided 27 students for their PhDs, and has completed 12 major research projects funded by various national and international agencies. Dr. Jaiwal has contributed 16 books and authored 28 book chapters and 112 research papers in nationally and internationally reputed research journals. He is a member of several academic bodies and is on the editorial board of national and International journals. Dr. Jaiwal has worked and trained at the Institute of Plant Sciences, ETH, Zurich (Switzerland), the National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, and the University of Ghent, Belgium and has visited labs in Japan, China, and the United States for collaborative research.

Prof. Jaya Prakash (J.P.) Yadav was serving as Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi University as well as Professor in the Department of Genetics at Maharshi Dayanand University, India. He has a total of 15 years of administrative experience and 30 years of teaching and research experience. Over the years, he has presented papers and taken on various organizational roles at national and international conferences and symposiums, including the National Conference of the Society of Cytology and Genetics, the National Symposium of Recent Advances in Biosciences and chairing sessions at the International Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. He has served in various editorial capacities, including the Editorial Board of esteemed journals like Plant Archives and Journal of Plant Sciences. Dr. Yadav has been recognized with awards and grants, including UGC fellowships and international travel grants and has served on numerous committees, including those for project sanctioning and evaluation.

Dr Nisha Sharma did her PhD in Microbiology from Dr YSPUHF, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh-India. She has been awarded “INSPIRE FELLOWSHIP” (JRF/SRF) by DST, New Delhi- India. She has worked as Research Associate for 3 years at YSPUHF. She has significantly contributed in the field of Agricultural, Industrial & Food Microbiology. She has great aptitude for research work as reflected by the paper published in peer reviewed journals, paper presented and acting as a “Rapporteus” in National and International conferences. She published about 50 research articles in reputed National and International Journals, 15 Book Chapters, 15 Popular articles, 1 Text Book of Agricultural Microbiology, 1 Laboratory Manual & 07 Patents.

Dr Nisha Sharma received many prestigious awards, viz. “Young Scientist Award” by Venus International Foundation, “International Best Researcher Award” by International American Council for Research and Development, (IACRD) United States of America and “Young Scientist of the Year” by National Environment Science Academy, New Delhi, India. She is member of many Professional Societies like NASI, NESA, JUST AGRICULTURE. She is a young researcher with considerable self-discipline and confidence.