Sharadamma Narayanaswamy | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sharadamma Narayanaswamy | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at REVA University | India

Dr. Sharadamma Narayanaswamy is an accomplished researcher and academician with extensive expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology. Her career spans significant contributions in enzyme studies, microbial research, and the biochemical characterization of nucleoid-associated proteins in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. With strong experience in advanced techniques such as protein purification, cloning, expression, site-directed mutagenesis, and immunological assays, she has established herself as a skilled experimentalist and mentor. She has guided numerous postgraduate students, successfully completed funded projects, and actively engaged in developing innovative research initiatives with societal and scientific relevance. Her teaching experience across leading institutions has enriched her ability to integrate research with pedagogy, inspiring students to pursue scientific inquiry. Recognized with awards such as Best Researcher, she has consistently demonstrated excellence and dedication to her field. Her commitment to research, teaching, and mentorship highlights her as a valuable contributor to advancing knowledge in biochemistry.

Professional Profile 

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Education

Dr. Sharadamma Narayanaswamy has pursued a strong academic foundation in the field of biochemistry and allied sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Bangalore University, where she worked extensively on enzyme studies and microbial research. She also holds a Post-Doctoral Research Associate fellowship from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, where she gained advanced training in molecular biology and protein chemistry. Her academic qualifications further include an M.Sc. in Biochemistry, B.Ed., and successful completion of SLET/NET, which reflect her comprehensive preparation for both teaching and research. Through her academic journey, she developed a strong expertise in enzymology, protein chemistry, and microbial biochemistry. Her advanced education and specialized training in cutting-edge techniques have enabled her to establish a career combining research, teaching, and mentoring. These academic achievements laid the groundwork for her impactful contributions in higher education and scientific research.

Experience

Dr. Sharadamma Narayanaswamy has over two decades of teaching and research experience across reputed institutions. She has served as a guest faculty, assistant professor, and now as an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry at REVA University. In these roles, she has handled diverse subjects including biomolecules, clinical biochemistry, molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology, and endocrinology, while mentoring postgraduate students in research projects. Her career has also involved guiding seminars, practical training, and organizing academic activities, which demonstrate her ability to integrate classroom teaching with applied scientific skills. In addition to her teaching, she has actively contributed as a research mentor by supervising funded projects and student research initiatives. Her rich professional experience reflects a balance of pedagogy, research, and leadership, enabling her to influence both academic learning and scientific advancement. She continues to be a committed educator and researcher, shaping future scientists.

Research Focus

Dr. Sharadamma Narayanaswamy’s research interests lie at the intersection of biochemistry, enzymology, and molecular biology, with a focus on protein characterization and microbial biochemistry. Her early research included purification and kinetic studies of enzymes such as β-amylase, followed by doctoral work on tannin-degrading enzymes from soil microorganisms. As a postdoctoral researcher, she advanced to studying nucleoid-associated proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, exploring their roles in DNA interactions and cellular regulation. She has developed expertise in molecular cloning, protein purification, EMSA, mutagenesis, and advanced biochemical assays. More recently, her work has expanded into applied research addressing challenges such as pest management using biochemical approaches. She has successfully completed institutional and externally funded projects, emphasizing both fundamental and applied dimensions of science. Her research reflects a deep commitment to solving scientific problems with societal impact, while contributing to the broader understanding of biochemical mechanisms and microbial systems.

Award and Honor

Dr. Sharadamma Narayanaswamy has been recognized for her significant contributions to research and education through several awards and honors. She received the Research Associate fellowship from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, which allowed her to undertake advanced postdoctoral work at the Indian Institute of Science. She has been honored with the Best Student Research Project Award by InSc and multiple recognitions for guiding innovative postgraduate research, including the Best M.Sc. Student Project under government-funded programs. Notably, she was awarded the Best Researcher Award at REVA University, acknowledging her sustained excellence in research and mentorship. These achievements reflect her ability to contribute to both academic and applied research while nurturing young scientists. Her recognition at institutional, state, and national levels highlights her reputation as a dedicated researcher and teacher. The awards stand as a testament to her hard work, innovation, and lasting impact in the field of biochemistry.

Publication Top Notes

  • Title: Biochemical profiling of plant latex Euphorbia hirta and Croton bonplandianum: Unveiling the nuclease and protease activity

  • Authors: Sharadamma Narayanaswamy, Nagesh Babu Rangappa, B M Chaithanya Rai, Likhitha J, Debasree Basu Mukherjee

  • Year: 2025

Conclusion

The publication “Biochemical profiling of plant latex Euphorbia hirta and Croton bonplandianum: Unveiling the nuclease and protease activity” highlights the potential of plant latex as a natural source of bioactive enzymes with significant biochemical applications. By uncovering nuclease and protease activities, this research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic and industrial relevance of plant-derived biomolecules. Though still in the early stages of citation and recognition, the study demonstrates innovation and provides a foundation for future exploration into medicinal plant biochemistry. It reflects the authors’ commitment to advancing knowledge in enzyme research and opens new avenues for biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications.

Dr. Babita Rahar | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award | 3701

Dr. Babita Rahar | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Postdoc at University of Wisconsin, United States

Dr. Babita Rahar is a dedicated biomedical researcher currently serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Pulmonary Biology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Bharathiar University, her research spans molecular mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis, fibroblast activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. She has extensive international research experience across India, South Korea, and the United States. Dr. Rahar has contributed to high-impact publications in Science Advances and Respiratory Research, and she has been recognized with multiple awards, including Best Poster Awards and a Postdoctoral Mentorship Award at UW–Madison. Her technical expertise includes in vivo models, primary cell cultures, histopathology, and advanced imaging techniques. She is deeply committed to translational science, aiming to bridge basic research and clinical applications. With a strong record of collaboration, leadership in project design, and a focus on impactful lung disease research, Dr. Rahar exemplifies the qualities of a rising leader in biomedical research.

Professional Profile 

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Education

Dr. Babita Rahar holds a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Bharathiar University, India, where she investigated the pharmacological efficacy of Sphingosine-1-phosphate under high-altitude hypoxia. She earned her M.S. in Biotechnology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, one of India’s most prestigious institutions, through a highly competitive national entrance exam under the Department of Biotechnology. Her undergraduate studies in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry were completed at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Rahar consistently demonstrated academic excellence, securing major national fellowships including the UGC Junior and Senior Research Fellowships and qualifying multiple national competitive exams such as CSIR-NET, GATE, JAM, and the JNU-DBT entrance test. Her educational background reflects a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied biological sciences, with a clear trajectory toward translational biomedical research. This comprehensive and competitive education prepared her for a successful research career at the intersection of molecular biology, disease modeling, and therapeutic discovery.

Professional Experience

Dr. Babita Rahar’s professional career encompasses over six years of progressive research experience across top institutions in India, South Korea, and the United States. Currently, she is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she investigates fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix remodeling in pulmonary fibrosis using transgenic mouse models and advanced molecular techniques. Previously, she served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Ajou University in South Korea, focusing on immune response and peptide therapeutics in inflammatory disease models. In India, she worked as a Project Scientist at ICMR-NIIRNCD, contributing to breast cancer early detection programs and public health interventions. Her roles have involved independent research, collaborative project coordination, mentoring field staff, and grant development. Dr. Rahar’s multi-institutional and multidisciplinary experience demonstrates her adaptability, leadership, and strong problem-solving skills, positioning her as a capable and experienced researcher in both academic and applied biomedical science settings.

Research Interest

Dr. Babita Rahar’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular medicine, pulmonary biology, and translational therapeutics. Her work primarily focuses on understanding the molecular pathways involved in fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix remodeling, particularly in the context of pulmonary fibrosis. She is skilled in utilizing genetically modified mouse models, primary cell culture, 3D organoids, and precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) to explore disease mechanisms. Dr. Rahar also has strong interests in inflammation biology, hypoxia responses, and biomarker discovery, as demonstrated in her previous research on high-altitude hypoxia and peptide-based immune regulation. She aims to translate basic science discoveries into targeted therapies that improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes. Her long-term vision is to bridge the gap between lab research and clinical application, making significant contributions to personalized medicine, especially in chronic respiratory and inflammatory disorders. Her interdisciplinary focus equips her to tackle complex biomedical questions with clinical relevance.

Award and Honor

Dr. Babita Rahar has received numerous academic and research recognitions that highlight her commitment to scientific excellence. In 2025 and 2024, she earned multiple Best Poster Awards at prestigious research events hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison, along with a Postdoctoral Mentorship Award and a Travel Award from the Department of Medicine. Earlier, she was awarded the Senior and Junior Research Fellowships by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India—highly competitive honors that supported her doctoral studies. Dr. Rahar also successfully qualified elite national-level examinations including CSIR-NET, GATE, JAM, and the JNU-DBT exam, all of which are considered benchmarks of academic distinction in India. Her academic achievements began early, earning the Gargi Award for academic excellence during her school years. These accolades reflect not only her scientific competence but also her consistency, leadership potential, and impactful contributions across multiple stages of her academic and professional career.

Conclusion

Dr. Babita Rahar is a dynamic and accomplished biomedical researcher with a strong foundation in molecular biology and translational medicine. Her educational and professional journey reflects exceptional dedication to advancing research in pulmonary diseases and immune modulation. With a robust publication record, advanced technical expertise, and cross-continental research experience, she stands out as a well-rounded scientist committed to bridging basic science and clinical application. Her work is both impactful and collaborative, contributing significantly to the understanding of complex disease mechanisms such as fibrosis and inflammation. Recognized with multiple awards and fellowships, Dr. Rahar embodies the values of innovation, leadership, and scientific rigor. She is well-positioned to make substantial future contributions to biomedical research and is a highly suitable candidate for recognition through awards such as the Best Researcher Award. Her ongoing efforts are likely to lead to novel therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes in critical areas of healthcare.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: S1P prophylaxis mitigates acute hypobaric hypoxia‐induced molecular, biochemical, and metabolic disturbances: A preclinical report

    • Authors: S. Chawla, B. Rahar, S. Saxena

    • Year: 2016

    • Citations: 20

  • Title: Preventive preclinical efficacy of intravenously administered sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in strengthening hypoxia adaptive responses to acute and sub-chronic hypobaric hypoxia

    • Authors: S. Chawla, B. Rahar, R. Tulswani, S. Saxena

    • Year: 2020

    • Citations: 17

  • Title: Exogenous sphingosine-1-phosphate boosts acclimatization in rats exposed to acute hypobaric hypoxia: assessment of haematological and metabolic effects

    • Authors: S. Chawla, B. Rahar, M. Singh, A. Bansal, D. Saraswat, S. Saxena

    • Year: 2014

    • Citations: 17

  • Title: Sphingosine-1-phosphate pretreatment amends hypoxia-induced metabolic dysfunction and impairment of myogenic potential in differentiating C2C12 myoblasts by stimulating …

    • Authors: B. Rahar, S. Chawla, S. Pandey, A.N. Bhatt, S. Saxena

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 13

  • Title: [64Cu]Cu-PEG-FUD peptide for noninvasive and sensitive detection of murine pulmonary fibrosis

    • Authors: H.J. Lee, K. Bernau, T.J. Harr, Z.T. Rosenkrans, G.A. Kessler, K. Stott, A.T. Oler, B. Rahar, et al.

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 7

  • Title: Characterization of immune responses associated with ERAP-1 expression in HSV-induced Behçet’s disease mouse model

    • Authors: H.M. Ryu, S.M.S. Islam, H.M. Sayeed, B. Rahar, J.K. Seong, H. Lee, S. Sohn

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 7

  • Title: Acute hypobaric hypoxia-mediated biochemical/metabolic shuffling and differential modulation of S1PR-SphK in cardiac and skeletal muscles

    • Authors: B. Rahar, S. Chawla, R. Tulswani, S. Saxena

    • Year: 2019

    • Citations: 5

  • Title: The fibronectin-targeting PEG-FUD imaging probe shows enhanced uptake during fibrogenesis in experimental lung fibrosis

    • Authors: T.J. Harr, N. Gupta, B. Rahar, K. Stott, Y. Medina-Guevara, M.K. Gari, A.T. Oler, et al.

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 1

  • Title: PEG-FUD, A Promising Probe for Pulmonary Fibrosis, Targets the Pro-fibrotic Phase of Disease

    • Authors: K. Bernau, T.J. Harr, N. Gupta, K. Stott, B. Rahar, A.T. Oler, Y. Medina-Guevara, et al.

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 1