* To develop the skills of pure culture techniques and educating the importance of hygiene among the students. * To be an excellent academician and to motivate the students to pursue research in their respective field. * To work hard and to contribute to the best of my ability to fullfil the Vision and mission goals of the Institute.

Dr. Ashwini P is currently working as Associate Professor & Coordinator in Department of Microbiology , JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research. She teaches for both B.Sc., and M.Sc., Microbiology. She is hardworking and passionate teacher and has distinguished herself and is admired by her students. 

Dr. Ashwini P is also Coordinator for Education Unit, School of Life Sciences, Mysuru, Life Sciences Departments, JSS AHER and Department of Health system Management Studeis, JSS AHER, Mysuru.

Dr. Ashwini has a teaching experience about 14 years. She has earlier worked as Assistant Professor in Department of Microbiology in St. Philomena's College Mysuru, SBBR Mahajana College Mysuru and JSS College for Women, Saraswathipuram, Mysuru for 5 years and currently in JSS AHER from past 10 years.

Dr. Ashwini has completed her master degree from University of Mysore and Ph.D from JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research. Her area of interest is clinical microbiology and food microbiology specifically in Biofilms, Herbal Drug Technology and Neutraceuticals. Her research was on 'Pathogenesis of H.pylori Biofilms in Acid Peptic disease and Their Management Using Herbal Drug Technology'. 

She has around 50 scientific  publications in reputed international journals and has presented papers in conferences and seminars. She has an RG score around 550.9.Currently she is guiding seven Ph.D candidates and has guided 42 M.Sc project students.

She has around 5 book chapers published and has filed 5 patents out of which 4 has been published.

Dr. Ashwini is also passionate about sports and she is the member for JSSAHER Sports Committee and  Faculty of Life Sciences and has organised several sports events.

• Clinical Microbiology
• Quorum sensing and Biofilms
• Herbal Drug Technology
• Bioinformatics

1. Awareness among the illiterates about food and hygiene 2. Develop the skills regarding tissue culture aspects of generating disease resistant varieties 3. Enhance personality development among the students to design their career 4. Guide the stakeholders with their respective areas of interest specially in the field of research.

Dr. Sumana K, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology and Tissue Culture, Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS AHER, Mysuru pursued her doctoral degree from University of Mysuru, Mysuru in 2012 and secured seventh Rank in Master of Arts in English from Karnataka State Open University in 2014. Her area of specialisation are Mycology and Plant Pathology.  Currently research progress has taken turn with the previous research experience towards Clinical Microbiology and Food Microbiology. She started her career as Lecturer in Microbiology (2002-11) at JSS College for Women, Saraswathipuram, Mysuru and as Assistant Professor in Microbiology at JSS College of Arts, Commerce and Science(2011-15), Mysuru and currently, serving as Assistant Professor at Division of Microbiology, JSS AHER, Mysuru, handling both UG and PG Microbiology students, She has served as PG Coordinator for the Department of Water and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences (2017- 21). Till date she has guided 20 MSc and 04 PG Diploma Dissertation students. She is also guiding two research students that fetches PhD degree. Her research team have secured prizes for Best oral (03) and a poster presentation at different National and International Conferences & Symposim. She emphasises more towards the interested area of research the student would like to get expertised with involving specialists in that specific area as a part of the research team.  

She is also involved in various academic boards and organisations VIZ., BOS (Board of Studies) and BOE (Board of Exams) Member, Dept. of Microbiology, at JSS College for Women, Saraswathipram (2006-2009) ; Member BOS(2016-2017), (Nominated by Academic Council Team), &  Member, BOE (2017-19) at Dept. of Biotechnology, JSS College for Women, Saraswathipram ; Member BOS (2019-21) Maharani's Science College for Women, Mysuru (Alumni member); Member, BOS (2019-20) SBRR Mahajan First Grade College, Mysuru; Member, BOS (2019-22), Departmet of Biotechnology, St. Philomena;s College, Mysuru; Member, BOE (2020-21) at Departmet of Microbiology, St. Philomena;s College, Mysuru.

She is a Life member for Association of Microbiologists of India and served as Joint Secretary and Secretary at Association of Microbiologists of India, Mysuru Chapter, Mysuru, 2014-15 and 2016-17 respectively.  AMI-MC Executive committee member till date. She has participated and presented in the conferences (14), Seminars (15) and Workshops (18). She has publications in peer reviewed national and international journals (25). 03 Books and 03 Book Chapters. As a part of research activity she has undergone research training at Faculty of Technology, Kohn Kaen University, Thailand (Sept 1 st to October 31st, 2016).

She has been awarded with 'Best Microbiologist' by Karnataka Excellence Awards, VPCEM Trust, Bangalore, Karnataka held at Ravindra Kalakshetra Bangalore. Dated 6^th November 2021

She also awarded with “Karnataka Book of Records” Honoured by Karnataka Excellence Awards, VPCEM Trust, Bangalore, Karnataka held at Ravindra Kalakshetra Bangalore. Dated 6^th November 2021

She has filed a patent dated 14.1.2020 (JSS Permission latter: ORDER NO.: REG/DIR ®/Patent-Sumana/305/2019-20 dated 31.01.2020) entitled: “Early Detection of the extra pulmonary tuberculosis with specific gene identification Process” in consultation with M/s C-Intelligence, Chennai. Patent Application No: 202041046078 Dated:22/10/2020, Patent Published: Journal Number 45/2020, Journal Date: 6.11.2020-IPO

PhD Awarded under her guidance are;

1. Ms. Talluri Rameshwari K R (17PLM006), Dated:21.06.2021

2. Ms. Rakshitha Rani N (17PLM005), Dated:09.08.2021

Epidemiology and Molecular Diagnosis of Virulence Factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis,  Multi Drug Resistance and Heteroresistance in Lactics 

• To develop inquiring and curious minds about Science and Nature through effective teaching and learning practices.
• To carry out scientific investigations for the advance of knowledge and betterment of the society and work towards the growth of the vision and mission of the institute.

• Dr. Nagalambika Prasad is an Assistant Professor in the department of Microbiology. She has completed her M. Sc in Microbiology from Kuvempu University in 2002 and subsequently obtained her Ph. D degree from University of Mysore, Mysuru in 2011. She has a long academic career to her credit which shows her passion for teaching. She has worked as lecturer in Government Science College, Hassan simultaneously teaching for paramedical students, Sanjivini Nursing College, Hassan. Later, she joined JSS College for Women, Mysuru and served there as Assistant Professor from 2004-14 and 2017-18. She has also worked as Administrator in Primary Health Center, Health and Family Welfare Department, Mysuru (2017-18) before joining this institute. She has a zeal for teaching and inspiring the young generation. She strongly believes in value-based education encouraging even the weaker students to excel both in the field of science and as individuals. Her skills in imparting knowledge along with scientific temper which can create professionals contributing to the society is commendable. Currently she is studying the association of mycorrhizae with medicinal plants under the JSS AHER institutional grant. She is also involved in the characterization of bioactive compounds from these associations along with study of inhibitory effect of these compounds on infectious microorganisms. Physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters of ground and surface water and waste water, Rhizosphere microflora and endophytes are some of her other areas of interest.

Mycorrhizae and phytochemial compounds, Rhizosphere microflora and endophytes, Water and Waste water Microbiology

To impart quality education to students inspiring creative and innovative talent by adopting effective teaching and learning methodologies. To conduct research in applied field of microbial and health sciences beneficial for the society and work for the core values, mission, and vision of the institute

Dr. Archer, Ann Catherine is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences. She has completed her M.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Mysore, Mysuru (2011) and was subsequently awarded a Ph.D. degree from the University of Mysore, Mysuru (2018). Her doctoral research entitled 'Immunomodulatory effects of probiotic Lactobacillus spp. from dairy and human origin' was carried out at CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru with a UGC fellowship (Maulana Azad National Fellowship). She has published ten papers in peer-reviewed journals, two book chapters, and presented papers in several National and International conferences.

Her area of interest is probiotics, prebiotics, the human microbiome, antibiotic resistance, and antimicrobial compounds from lactic acid bacteria (LAB). She is skilled in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, animal cell culture, and animal handling. Her research aims to isolate and identify novel probiotic species of human origin and fermented foods and study their potential in alleviating diseases through molecular approaches. She's also involved in developing suitable prebiotic and synbiotic formulations as well as characterizing bacteriocins from LAB. Another area of focus is the composition and role of the human microbiome (gut, oral, vaginal, and placental) in healthy and diseased conditions. Additionally, investigating the presence of antibiotic resistance and finding suitable approaches to tackle them using antimicrobial compounds and nanoparticles is one of her research goals. Apart from research, she is also a passionate teacher keen on educating and inspiring young minds towards microbiological basics, advances, and innovation through an interdisciplinary approach. She believes in using conventional and innovative teaching and learning methods to effectively impart the subject and motivate students to pursue higher education, research, or career opportunities. Currently, she is also a member of the Chemical Committee responsible for indent and maintenance of chemical stocks and Cultural Convenor for Dept. of Water & Health-Faculty of Life Sciences. Currently, she is the recipient of the prestigious DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance Early Career Fellowship.

Probiotics, Prebiotics, Human microbiome, Antibiotic resistance, Antimicrobial compounds from Lactic acid bacteria (LAB)

To enhance the microbiological skill in young minds and to impart interest towards research.  

Dr.Supreeth M obtained M.Sc in Microbiology (2012) with distinction and Ph.D in Microbiology (2018) from University of Mysore, Manasagangothri, Mysuru, Karnataka, India. His research is specialized in the area of Bioremediation of pesticides and other pollutants by using Microorganisms. Between 2013-2017, He was recipient of DST-SERB Project Fellowship.  He has published review and research articles in the field of bioremediation and environmental microbiology in peer reviewed national and international journals. His future research interest is in the field of environmental toxicology, risk assessment, rhizoremediation and also omics approaches.

Bioremediation and Environmental Microbiology

To serve for the betterment of the Society

Dr. Umamaheshwari S is a dedicated educator and researcher with a profound commitment to her field. She earned her Bachelor's degree with majors in Chemistry, Botany, and Microbiology, followed by a Master's degree (M.Sc.,) in Microbiology from the University of Mysore, Mysuru, and a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.,) in Microbiology from Periyar University. She has been awarded a Doctoral degree from JSS Academy of Higher Education. She has been awarded a Post-Doctoral Fellowship for Women by the University Grants Commission Demonstrating. She has successfully cleared the Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) for Assistant Professorship.

With an impressive 17 years of teaching experience across undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Microbiology, Dr. Umamaheshwari has served as a valuable resource person for PhD coursework students at the University of Mysore.

Research experience: Worked as a Senior Research Fellow in an ICMR project. Her doctoral work was on isolation, speciation, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Mycobacterium and Candida in HIV patients. During her post-doctoral period, she worked on designing a probiotic formulation to treat Candidiasis. In her post-doctoral tenure, she revealed the emergence of Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris in Karnataka, South India.

Dr. Umamaheshwari has guided over 30 students in their dissertation work and currently supervising two PhD students. Her scholarly output includes the publication of 18 papers in esteemed international journals, as well as the presentation of papers at national and international conferences; and has received Best Oral Presentation Award from the AMI.

Clinical Microbiology, Mycology, Tuberculosis, Antimicrobial resistance, Integrative approach to treat infectious diseases.

Dr. Sindhu R graduated from Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, India (Affiliated to University of Mysore, Mysuru) with a Ph.D. in 2019. She was a recipient of Women Scientist-A fellowship from Department of Science and Technology. During her doctoral research, she focused on identifying and characterising a novel natural biomolecule with anti-cancer potential. Her research expertise include studies related to discovery of drugs that can modulate tumor microevironment including angiogenesis inhibition. She also has an expertise in the field of ulcer management using neutraceuticals. During her research she has gained experience in animal cell culture,  working with in vivo animal models (mice and rat) and various cutting-edge techniques related to molecular biology and genetic engineering.

Currently at JSS-AHER, Mysore, Dr. Sindhu is working as an Assistant Professor, in the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences. Her future research focus is on Cancer and Ulcer biology.

Microbial biotechnology, Genetic engineering, Cancer and ulcer biology

I am passionate about teaching and research. 

My research interest includes infectious diseases and molecular pathogenesis, natural product research, metagenomics, nanomaterials and peptides.

My research focus is on microbial food safety and antimicrobial resistance. I am interested to understand pathogen behaviour and ecology in foods, detection methods and potential control measures.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global challenge to human health and the environment.  As a researcher, I am interested to tackle AMR problem by investigating and exploring novel intervention strategies.

Presently, I am teaching Microbiology to Bachelor's and Master's students. I am well versed in Food Microbiology and some of the topics that I am handling are Industrial Microbiolgy, Fermentation Technology, Microbial Nanotechnology, Virology and Environmental Microbiology.

My teaching objectives are to impart an adequate knowledge of Microbiology, encourage higher order thinking and instil scientific temper in students. 

Presently, I am working as an Assistant Professor in JSS AHER. 

I have completed MSc and PhD in Microbiology from University of Mysore, India. I pursued PhD under the guidance of Dr. Ravishankar Rai V and my doctoral research was funded by NMPB, Govt of India and ICMR. As an ICMR Senior Research Fellow and for doctoral research, I carried out studies on food safety, role of quorum sensing and biofilms in food-related bacteria and developed phytochemical based quorum-sensing inhibitors and anti-biofilm agents.  I completed post doctrol research in UGC sponsored University with Potential Excellence Project on synthesis and biological application of functionalized nanoparticles from University of Mysore.  My research included application of functionalized nanomaterials and peptides as antimicrobials, biofilm inhibitors and anti-cancer agents. During my post doctoral training, I was awarded Incoming Fellowship and had a brief stint at Cardiff University, UK and was trained in the field of metagenomics. I have authored 30 research articles, reviews and book chapters; co-edited 6 books for CRC Press, USA and currently editing a book for Springer Nature Group. I have received grants and awards from IAFP and ICFMH to present my research findings at international conferences. I have been awarded the Interstellar Initiative Early Career Investigator award by NYAS and AMED, Japan.

Research thrust areas:

Infectious Diseases and Molecular Pathogenesis (Quorum Sensing, Biofilms, Antimicrobial Resistance)

Natural Product Research (Microbial metabolites and Metagenomics)

Microbial Food Safety and Intervention Strategy

Nanomaterials and peptides (antimicrobials and anticancer agents)

More information can be found by clicking the link below:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jamuna_Bai_Aswathanarayan

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=f3pN1FoAAAAJ&hl=en

Dr. Sunita C. Mesta is currently working as Assistant Professor in Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research. She teaches for both B.Sc., and M.Sc., Microbiology. Dr. Sunita C. Mesta has a teaching experience  about 5 years. She has earlier worked a Guest Lecturer in Department of Studies and Research in Microbiology, Sahyadri Science College, Shivamogga.

Dr. Sunita has completed her Masters degree in Microbiology, Masters degree in Applied Botany and Ph.D., in Microbiology from Kuvempu University. Her research was on' Isolation, Characterization and Cytotoxic studies on Actinomycetes from Estuaries of Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, India'. She has around 15 publications  in reputed National and International Journals and have presented papers in Seminar and Conferences.