Dr. Leena Grace Beslin | Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Nesamony Memorial Christian College, India

Professional Profiles

🎓 Educational Background

Dr. Beslin’s educational journey is marked by excellence. She earned her Ph.D. in Aquatic Biology from the University of Kerala in 2003, where her research focused on the influence of environmental parameters on estuarine biodiversity. Her M.Phil in Coastal Aquaculture (1998) was completed at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, followed by an MSc in Zoology from VO Chidambaram College, Tuticorin, in 1996. She began her academic journey with a BSc in Zoology from Women’s Christian College, Nagercoil in 1994.

🔬 Research Areas & Expertise

Dr. Beslin specializes in Conservation Biology and Cancer Biology, focusing on preserving biodiversity and studying the impact of environmental factors on species survival. Her PhD Thesis revolved around the conservation of estuarine species like Arius arius and Glossogobius giuris, highlighting her commitment to ecological sustainability and species conservation.

🏅 Honors and Recognition

Dr. Beslin has been recognized with several prestigious awards for her academic and research contributions. Some of her notable accolades include the International Women Researcher Award (2019), International Research Excellence Award (2021), and the Award of Excellence in Research (2024). Her academic performance has been exceptional, as she was awarded I rank in MSc in 1996 and received a University of Kerala Fellowship for her PhD (1999-2003).

🧑‍🔬 Professional Experience

Dr. Beslin has a rich professional history in academia. She has been serving as an Assistant Professor at Nesamony Memorial Christian College since 2022, where she continues to inspire the next generation of scientists. Previously, she served as a guest faculty at the University of Kerala (2019-2021) and held positions at various prestigious institutions, including Gogate Jogalekar College in Maharashtra, Selvamm Arts and Science College in Tamil Nadu, and Vinayaka Mission’s University in Salem. Her academic career has spanned over two decades, making her an invaluable asset to the academic community.

🌍 Professional Affiliations & Memberships

Dr. Beslin is an active member of several professional organizations. She is a Life Member of the Tamilnadu Science Forum and the Institute of Scholars, as well as a member of the Asian Council of Science Editors. She also holds membership in the Youth Red Cross (YRC) and is actively involved in organizing academic events, including serving on the Abstract Committee for the International Conference on Aquaculture and Fisheries in 2024.

📖 Journal Memberships & Contributions

Dr. Beslin contributes significantly to the scientific community through her roles as an Editorial Member for prestigious journals such as Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Trends in Medical Research. She also serves as a Reviewer for journals like the International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences and Phytotherapy Research, ensuring the quality and integrity of scientific research in her field.

Publications📝

Article Title: Association of BRCA1 promoter methylation with rs11655505 (c.2265C>T) variants and decreased gene expression in sporadic breast cancer

Authors: Hasan, T.N., Leena Grace, B., Shafi, G., Syed, R.

Journal: Clinical and Translational Oncology

Year: 2013

Article Title: Identification of Functional SNPs in BARD1 Gene and In Silico Analysis of Damaging SNPs: Based on Data Procured from dbSNP Database

Authors: Alshatwi, A.A., Hasan, T.N., Syed, N.A., Shafi, G., Grace, B.L.

Journal: PLoS ONE

Year: 2012

Article Title: Affinity of estrogens for human progesterone receptor A and B monomers and risk of breast cancer: A comparative molecular modeling study

Authors: Hasan, T.N., Leena Grace, B., Masoodi, T.A., Alshatwi, A.A., Sivashanmugham, P.

Journal: Advances and Applications in Bioinformatics and Chemistry

Year: 2011

Article Title: Anti-proliferative effects of organic extracts from root bark of Juglans regia L. (RBJR) on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells: Role of Bcl-2/Bax, Caspases and Tp53

Authors: Hasan, T.N., Grace, B.L., Shafi, G., Al-Hazzani, A.A., Alshatwi, A.A.

Journal: Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

Year: 2011

Article Title: Trace metal concentration in the sediments of three backwaters at the south west coast of India

Authors: Grace, B.L.

Journal: Pollution Research

Year: 2007

🎓 Academic and Professional Background

Akshay Unnikrishnan is a dedicated Ph.D. Scholar at the prestigious CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography. Since 2019, Akshay has been deeply involved in research focused on the bacterial communities of cold seeps, with a specialization in bioprospecting hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria—organisms capable of breaking down hydrocarbons like crude oil. His work holds immense promise for bioremediation, an environmentally sustainable method to mitigate pollution. Through this research, Akshay has developed expertise in molecular biology, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics, and microbiology, skills that are crucial for advancing environmental and microbial sciences.

🔬 Research Expertise and Techniques

Akshay has developed a strong foundation in molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). These skills have allowed him to uncover and analyze the unique capabilities of bacteria associated with cold seep ecosystems, paving the way for innovative solutions to environmental challenges such as oil spills.

🔬 Areas of Research

Akshay Unnikrishnan’s research spans several interconnected fields, each contributing to his comprehensive understanding of microbial ecosystems and their applications. In molecular biology, he applies advanced tools and techniques to unravel the intricate mechanisms underlying bacterial behavior, particularly in cold seep environments. His work in microbiology focuses on exploring the diversity of microbial communities and understanding their ecological roles, which is essential for identifying bacteria with biotechnological potential.

In the realm of bioinformatics, Akshay analyzes large-scale genomic datasets to decode microbial interactions and metabolic pathways, providing valuable insights into their functional capabilities. Additionally, he leverages Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies for in-depth genomic research, enabling a more detailed and precise understanding of bacterial genomes and their potential applications in areas like bioremediation. Together, these areas of expertise form the foundation of his innovative and impactful research.