உயர்நிலை வன உயிரினப் பாதுகாப்பு நிறுவனம்
(ஆராய்ச்சி, பயிற்சி மற்றும் கல்வி)Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation
(Research, Training and Education)(A Govt. of Tamil Nadu institute)
Mr.A. Udhayan, I.F.S., has been the Director of the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation, Vandalur in the Tamil Nadu Forest Department since 14th June 2022. He belongs to 1991 batch of Indian Forest Service of Tamilnadu. He holds a M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences from Jawarharlal University, New Delhi, and Post Graduate diploma in wildlife Management from Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. He has several years of experience in the field of wildlife and biodiversity conservation, having worked in various positions in the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. He had also served as Principal of the Eastern Forest Rangers College in Kurseong on deputation. As Deputy Director of the Forest Survey of India, as a Scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India, and a Specialist at the SAARC Forestry Centre in Thimphu, Bhutan Most recently, he served as Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.
Ms. Senbagapriya, IFS has been the Deputy Director (Administration) of AIWC (R, T & E), Vandalur in the Tamil Nadu Forest Department since 19th January 2024. She belongs to the 2013 batch of IFS of Tamil Nadu Cadre, She holds a Bachelors degree in Agriculture from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore and Post Graduation in Geography from Madras University, Chennai, She has eight years’ experience in the field of wildlife and biodiversity conservation, having worked in two territorial division and two wildlife division in the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
Mr. D. Eswaran, SFS has been the Deputy Director (Technical) of AIWC (R, T & E), Vandalur in the Tamil Nadu Forest Department since 14h March 2024. He belongs to the SFS batch of 2017, he holds a Bachelors degree in Commerce and Post Graduation in Business Administration. He worked as Liasion Officer at Madras High Court for 15 years, and worked in Sriperumbudur, Gudalur and forest extension centre.
Dr.D.Vasanthakumari earned a B.V.Sc. & AH in 2005 and a Masters in Veterinary Extension Education from Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in 2008. She has also worked as a Teaching Assistant at Hyderabad Veterinary College. In 2009, she joined the Department of Animal Husbandry as a Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, serving in rural veterinary dispensaries and the Animal Disease Intelligence Unit at Kanchipuram. Currently, she is working as a Forest Veterinary Assistant Surgeon at the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation in Vandalur and serves as the coordinator of Centre for Wildlife Forensic Sciences.
Completed B.V.Sc & A.H., in 2008 and M.V.Sc., in Veterinary Surgery and Radiology in 2023 from Madras Veterinary College, TANUVAS. Joined as Veterinary Assistant Surgeon in Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry Department in 2010 and actively involved in the implementation of various schemes. Also involved in the planning and execution of the prestigious project of the Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry Department titled “Establishment of Advanced Institute for Integrated Research on Livestock and Animal Sciences” at Thalaivasal, Salem District. Currently, she has been working as Forest Veterinary Assistant Surgeon in the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (Research, Training & Education), Vandalur since December 2023.
Dr. C. Bala Amarnath completed interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Biotechnology and Pathology from University of Madras, Chennai under ICAR - Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He has a wide experience in the molecular diagnostic platform, Real-time PCR, Development of Monoclonal Antibodies, and RNAi technology. Currently, he is working as a Project Scientist in Centre for Wildlife Forensic Sciences, AIWC. His are area research focus includes PCR-RFLP assay as a platform for species identification, LAMP assay for detection of Anthrax and Tuberculosis infection in Elephants, Deer, and Gaur. He also focus on development of multiplex qPCR assay for detection viral disease in captive animals. Apart from this he is also part other in-house research projects. Earlier, he was the Scientific Officer in Orbito Asia Diagnostics, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He has qualified for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) – 2016 – Biotechnology; awarded the Department of Biotechnology (Govt. Of India) fellowship for pursuing the Advance Post Graduate Diploma in Molecular Diagnostics. Also, he has secured 60th Rank in the All India Biotechnology talent search by Biotech Helpline Foundation.
Dr. Kalaiyarasan obtained his PhD from DRDO-Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh, J&K, India in the field of Nanobiotechnology. He was a Scientist at ICMR- Regional Medical Research Centre, Dibrugarh, Assam; Project Scientist (World Health Organization) at CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi and Project Scientist at Punjab Biotechnology Incubator, Punjab. Currently, he is working as a Scientist (TANII Project); his research focuses on the Identification of modified or altered or degraded meat derivatives of deer species to the species level using high though put DNA high-resolution melt. He has been awarded DRDO-Fellowship-2015, GATE-2013, CSIR-NET-2015 and Building Bharat-Boston Biosciences (B4) Young Scientist by South Asia Institute, Harvard University and Department of Biotechnology, India.
Dr. Nittu George pursued her Ph.D. in Zoology (Wildlife Biology) from Government Arts College, Ooty. Her research primarily focused on the genetic study of Bengal tigers in the Western Ghats. She has extensive experience in molecular biology, wildlife forensics, bioinformatics, metagenomics, microsatellite genotyping, and population genetics. She has assisted the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka state in resolving numerous wildlife forensic cases. She served as a Project Scientist at AIWC under the APO project (2021-2022), completing four projects that emphasized the use of molecular techniques for wildlife forensic sample identification, molecular geographical origin identification of wild elephant ivory from Tamil Nadu, individual identification of elephants using highly polymorphic microsatellite markers, the development of a mammalian hair reference repository for species identification based on tricho-taxonomic studies, and health monitoring of free-ranging wild animals in select habitats within Tamil Nadu using a metagenomic approach. Currently, she is a Project Scientist under the Modernization of Forest Forces (MoFF) project (2024-2025), focusing on immunocontraception in elephants. She has published five research papers in reputable international journals and holds a University Rank Gold Medal from her postgraduate studies
Dr. T.T. Shameer holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology. He specializes in Landscape Ecology, Population & Community Ecology, Ecological Modeling, and Climate Change. He has worked with organizations such as the WII, UNDP, and various State Forest Departments, researching carnivores from Tigers to Fishing Cats. He is prolific researcher with a notable publication record. He has authored 21 scientific articles published in various international peer-reviewed journals. Also he is a reviewer for high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports and Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal for Nature Conservation, Ecology and Evolution , and he further contributes to the scientific community through peer review and evaluation of research work. He served as a Project Scientist at AIWC Under APO projects 2021-22, focusing on Human-Wildlife Conflict and wetland identification. During 2023-25, he worked on TBGPCRR projects focused on Wildlife Policy, Species Recovery, Migratory Species Ecology, and Capacity Building and also in identification of potential habitats for Nilgiri Tahr reintroduction in the Western Ghats of TN. Currently, he works as a Project Scientist under the APO Project 2025-26, with special focus on Spatial Distribution and habitat assessment of Indian Bengal Fox and Golden Jackal in TN and Occupancy and Habitat preference of Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata and co-occurring species of small mammals in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR), TN. Research gate https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thekke-Shameer.
Dr. Paulraj earned his Ph.D. in Zoology from Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, in 2001. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Zoology at St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai, and obtained his B.Ed. Degree from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. From 2003 to 2021, he served as a Scientist at the Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai, followed by a tenure at G.S. Gill Research Institute, Guru Nanak College from 2021 to 2022. His research focuses on insect diversity, vector insect survey and management, Integrated Pest Management, biopesticide development, and monitoring the health of captive animals such as elephants and tigers through blood and serum analysis. Currently, he is a Project Scientist working on the APO project, which aims to develop a method for estimating post-mortem intervals using the life stages of carrion insects for wild animal remains in Tamil Nadu.
Dr. S. Abinaya is an environmental biotechnology researcher and former assistant professor with expertise in in vivo and in vitro techniques, molecular biology, and reproductive toxicology. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Biotechnology from Bharathidasan University and Masters in Biotechnology from VIT University, Vellore. She has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications focusing on PCOS, phytotherapy and nanomedicine. Driven by a passion for research and teaching, she blends hands-on laboratory skills like in vivo disease modeling, molecular techniques like qPCR and Western blotting and various cytotoxicity and biochemical assays with a commitment to advancing scientific understanding in reproductive biology and environmental toxicology. She also received academic recognition early in her academic journey by securing University III rank in UG and All India Rank 64 in the National Level Biotechnology Talent Search Examination. She actively contributes to conferences and workshops and have secured best presentation awards at international conferences. Currently she is engaged as Project Scientist on the project entitled “Genetic differentiation of domestic and wild pigs through highly sensitive SNP qPCR and SNP PCR-RFLP assay”.
Dr. S. Rajesh Kumar completed his doctoral degree in Zoology with a specialization in Ecology from Pondicherry University. He began his career in education, teaching for two years at a matriculation school in Chennai, before transitioning into research. He was actively involved in diverse areas of research for over six years at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre (ANRC), A&N Islands. His work spanned animal taxonomy, behavior, wildlife conservation & education, with a particular focus on primatology, ornithology, & entomology. He has authored over 25 scientific publications, including the discovery of three new species. Notably, he became the second Indian researcher since independence to discover a new bird - the ‘Great Nicobar Crake.’ In recognition of his contributions to ornithology, he was honored with lifelong honorary membership of the Oriental Bird Club, United Kingdom. In addition to his wildlife research, he worked with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), Chennai, for seven years as a Young Professional and contributed significantly to biodiversity governance and policy formulation, offering expert inputs to the NBA Secretariat and other committees. He was actively involved in the amendment processes of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, its Rules, the ABS Regulations, and policies related to Red Sanders. Currently he serves as a Project Scientist for the development of a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) facility at the Centre for Conservation Education.
Dr. C. Divyapriya is an ecologist, nature educator, and science communicator with a PhD in Zoology from the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore. Her doctoral research focused on vocal communication in passerine species of the Western Ghats, including the call characteristics and behavior of the Common Iora, call similarities among related species, and the soundscape of Anaikatty Hills. She is skilled in acoustic data analysis, developing nature education resource material for children, science dissemination, coordinating projects, and project implementation. During her stint at SACON, she worked in a DST-NCSTC science education program, an EIA project, and the national ornithological databank cell. She is also an experienced science writer, having created engaging popular science stories. Previously, she served as a Consultant with the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), developing resource materials for the children's nature awareness program, ‘Vanamum Vaazhvum.’ She has joined as a Scientist in the Centre for Species Survival at AIWC, Vandalur.
Dr. Meganath K. V. completed his B.V.Sc. & A.H. from Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in 2017 and M.V.Sc. in Animal Genetics and Breeding in 2021 from the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala. He obtained his Ph.D. in Animal Genetics and Breeding from the same institute in 2025, specialising in molecular biology, bioinformatics and population genetics. During his PG and doctoral program, he was awarded both the KVASU Junior and Senior Research Fellowships. His doctoral research focused on the genetic diversity and population structure of langurs in the Western Ghats of Kerala using mitochondrial genes, while his postgraduate work on the comparative phylogeny of Nilgiri langurs in the Western Ghats earned him the Best Master’s Thesis Award (2023). He has strong technical expertise in primer design, DNA sequence data analysis, and the use of bioinformatics tools such as MEGA 11, POPART and RAxML. He has authored research publications in peer-reviewed journals and contributed book chapters on bioinformatics protocols. He is also the recipient of the IDEA WILD Equipment Grant (USA, 2024). A highly accomplished researcher, Dr. Meganath has received multiple awards for his scientific presentations at national and international conferences and symposia. Currently working as Scientist in the Centre for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics at the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation in Vandalur.
Ms. Uma Maheswari Radhakrishnan completed her B.Sc. in Biotechnology from JJ College of Arts and Science, followed by a M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Alagappa University. She began her career as a laboratory assistant at Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation, where she developed her foundational understanding of molecular biology. She later served as a project assistant for the project entitled “Development of STR-Based Genetic Database for Leopards across Tamil Nadu.” This project aimed to create a comprehensive genetic database to support conservation efforts and enhance our understanding of leopard populations in the study region. She is working as a Junior Research Fellow at the DNA Laboratory of the Centre for Wildlife Forensic Sciences at AIWC, since 2023. Her work focuses on utilizing advanced forensic science techniques to aid in wildlife conservation and protection.
Ms. M. Prema completed her B.Sc. in Zoology from V.V. Vanniaperumal College for Women, Virudhunagar. She has been working as a laboratory assistant at the Morphometry Laboratory of the Centre for Wildlife Forensic Sciences, Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation, Vandalur, since 2021.
Ms. Karunyaa R holds a Master’s degree in Applied Genetics from Bangalore University and a Bachelor’s degree in Advanced Zoology with a specialization in Biotechnology from Lady Doak College, Madurai. She began her research career as a Project Assistant II in the Department of Proteomics at Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, where she worked on the estimation of protein levels in Diabetic Retinopathy. She later joined the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Vandalur, Chennai, as a Junior Research Fellow in a project focused on the Identification of modified, altered, or degraded meat derivatives of deer species to the species level using high-throughput DNA High-Resolution Melt analysis. Subsequently, under the Modernization of Forest Force initiative, she served as a Project Associate II in a project on the Evaluation of Stress Hormones in selected captive wild animals at AIWC.Currently, she is engaged in the TANII project titled “Microsatellite Panel Development for Gaur, Deer, and Cattle to the Level of Species and Individuality.”
Ms. Madhumita Rajkumar completed her postgraduate degree in Animal Biotechnology from Bharathidasan University. Previously, she worked at the Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) on a project entitled “Assessment of Status, Distribution, and Threats of Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) in Uttar Pradesh,” and then for a brief period with the Meghalaya State Forest Department as a field biologist. Currently, at AIWC, she is involved in developing primers for the project “Development of DNA Mini-barcode for Identification of Molluscs (Seashell) – A Forensic Identification Tool for Protected Marine Molluscs” as a Senior Research Fellow. Regarding her academic credentials, she has published two research papers, presented her work at two international conferences, and authored one book chapter. She also holds a University Rank Gold Medal in her post-graduation and has cleared GATE 2023.
Pradeep Kumar N. holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences. He is currently a Project Associate II at the Centre for Conservation Ecology. Previously, he worked as an educator at the Centre for Wildlife Studies, delivering conservation education in the Western Ghats region. He also served as a Junior Research Fellow at the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Studies, Department of Conservation Education, where he contributed to research and conservation awareness programs targeting schools, the general public, and social media platforms. His work includes organizing training programs in collaboration with the forest department and other government agencies. One of his significant projects is the "Development of a bilingual mobile application for identifying terrestrial and marine fauna to aid in the prevention and control of wildlife crime in Tamil Nadu". In this project, he contributed to application development, species-specific research, fieldwork, biological data collection, data entry, and overall project administration. Including he is involved as a Project Associate in a vital research project on the "Occupancy and Habitat Preferences of Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and Co-occurring Small Mammals in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) of Tamil Nadu." This project involves extensive field surveys, camera trapping, data analysis, and ecological assessment to support the conservation of lesser-known species.
Ms. Shinta Ann Jose holds a Master'sdegree in Biotechnology from Shri Nehru Maha Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. She has worked as Project Assistant II in a DRDO-funded project on the ecotoxicological studies of nanomaterials in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems during her tenure at the VIT, Vellore. Later, she joined as a Junior Research Fellow at the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation, Vandalur, Chennai, in a project on the Development of spectral databases in wildlife articles using FTIR. Currently, her research at AIWC as Project Associate II focuses on the development of multiplex qPCR assay for the detection of viral disease in captive animals. She has authored 1 research article, 1 review article, and 1 book chapter.
Completed B.Sc in Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology from R.K.M. Vivekananda College,Chennai and M.Sc in Zoology from Loyola College, Chennai. He worked as YoungProfessional- II in two different projects in Aquatic Animal Health and Environment Departmentof ICAR- Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai. Currently he is working asJunior Research Fellow in the Centre for Animal Care Sciences in the Advanced Institute forWildlife Conservation, Chennai.
He has completed a B.Sc. in botany from Gurunanak College, Chennai, and an M.Sc. in botany from Madras Christian College, Chennai. He has recently submitted his Ph.D. in Botany at the University of Madras, focusing on succession and recovery of mangrove ecosystems in the Nicobar Islands. He has experience as a researcher in two funded projects at the Wildlife Institute of India; the first involved Python telemetry research in the Moyar Valley, Tamil Nadu (2017-2020), and the second focused on studying the Mangrove vegetation dynamics in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (2020-2023). His work includes mangroves, vegetation ecology, herpetology, and biodiversity conservation, with 25 publications in peer-reviewed journals. He actively delivers lectures, outreach programs, and training to raise ecological awareness and conservation efforts. He is currently working as a Project Coordinator in the Conservation Education Lab.
She completed her B.Sc.in Biotechnology from Vels University, Chennai, and M.Sc. in Biotechnology from the University of Madras, Chennai. Currently she works as a Laboratory Assistant at the Centre for Animal Care Sciences, AIWC. She specializes in histopathology technique and analysis of blood and serum samples of animals. she has authored 1 review article titled; .Copper Nanoclusters as novel podium for cancer detection, imaging and therapy applications.
Mr. Sakthinarenderan has completed Master’s in Zoology from the New College, Chennai and Batchelor’s in Advanced Zoology and biotechnology at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekanandha College, Chennai. He has joined as Junior Research Fellow in the DNA LAB of Centre for Forensic Wildlife Sciences at Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation, Vandalur. Previously, he has worked on a Ministry of Earth Science, Government of India, funded project entitled-“ Characterization and DNA barcoding of polychaetes from the South East Coast, India.” at Sathyabama Insitute of Science and Technology, Chennai from 2019-2023. He is pursuing his Ph.D. in life Science at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, focusing on to study the toxicity of microplastics in aquatic organisms. His research interests include biodiversity monitoring, environmental impact assessment, Polychaete taxonomy, and marine ecotoxicology (particularly Microplastics). He has authored 2 high-impact research articles in peer-reviewed international journals, 1 review article, and 6 book chapters.
Ms. Yuvasri kasinathan completed her Master's in Biotechnology from University of Madras, Guindy, and her Bachelor's in Biotechnology from Vels University, Chennal. Currently, she is working as a Project Associate II in an APO project titled "Evaluation of different trap models to monitor and control Hematophagous insects which transmit disease to captive animals in zoological parks"and also works on DNA- based molecular identification of wildlife forensic samples and the genetic analysis of Nilgiri Tahr.she has one and half years of experience as a laboratory assistant at the DNA and Scat-DNA Laboratory of the center for wildlife forensic sciences, Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation, Vandalur. Previously, she gained one and a half years of experience in the field of microbiology, particularly working with oil- degrading bacteria from marine sources and scrutinizing their Lipase activity. She is skilled in molecular techniques like PCR, RT-PCR, wildlife forensics, field sampling techniques for forensic purposes, laboratory management, isolation of microorganisms, and their characterization.
Mr.R .Nithesh completed his Bsc Zoology (wild life biology ) from Government Arts College Udagamandalam & Msc zoology (wildlife biology ) from Government Arts College Udagamandalam. He previously worked on WWF INDIA Western Ghats Nilgiris Landscape as a field assistant and assisting the team in the first-ever satellite collaring of the Nilgiri Tahr in the wild along with the Tahr team in monitoring and familiarizing with the Nilgiri Tahr herd in the western catchment area of Mukurthi national park. Currently, he is a Project Associate -2 project entitled “Identification of Suitable Habitats in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu for Reintroduction of Nilgiri Tahr “at the Centre for Conservation Education in the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation.
Mr. S. Ravichandran has completed his Master's in Biotechnology from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, and Bachelor's in Biotechnology at Kongu Arts and Science college, Erode. He has started working as Project Associate II on a project called "Genetic differentiation of domestic and wild pigs using advanced SNP qPCR and SNP PCR-RFLP tests" in the DNA Lab at the Centre for Forensic Wildlife Sciences in Vandalur. Previously, he has worked on DBT-BIRAC (2020-2022) and DST-SHRI (2022-2025) funded projects at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai. He is pursuing his Ph.D. in life science at the Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, focussing on profiling, gene expression, and silencing microRNA in the context of earthworm epimorphosis regeneration. His research interests include predicting miRNA targets, studying gene expression, exosome therapy, RNA interference (RNAi), in vitro transfection, and bioinformatics like variant calling and molecular simulation. He has authored five high-impact research articles in peer-reviewed international journals and two book chapters.
I am a wildlife researcher with a postgraduate degree in Wildlife Science, dedicated to biodiversity conservation through field-based research and data-driven strategies. My work involves conducting systematic wildlife surveys, monitoring bird and mammal populations, and analyzing ecological data on species distribution and habitat use.Proficient in using GPS and geospatial tools, I map critical habitats and document key ecological patterns to inform conservation planning. I collaborate with forest departments, local communities, and stakeholders to ensure that conservation efforts are scientifically sound and socially inclusive. My focus is on bridging research and policy to promote sustainable human–wildlife coexistence and safeguard ecosystems for the future.
Ajith B has completed BSc in Zoology in Government Arts and Science College, Attupakkam in Arakkonam and M.Sc. Zoology in Presidency College Chennai. Since 2016, He worked previously with ‘The Nature Trust’ (NGO), where he contributed his sincere efforts to the conservation of the Pallikaranai Marshlands. Previously, he has worked as a Field Assistant in project titled "Identification of Suitable Habitat in Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu for Reintroduction of Nilgiri Tahr" at the Centre for Conservation Education, Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation. Currently, he is a Project Associate working on a project titled "Occupancy and habitat preference of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicauda) and co-occurring small mammals in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR), Tamil Nadu."
Ms. Aarthika J holds a B.Sc. in Biotechnology from Crescent University, Chennai, and an M.Sc. in Applied Medical Biotechnology and Clinical Research from VELS University, Chennai. She currently works as a Laboratory Assistant at the Centre for Wildlife Forensic Sciences at the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC). She is an expert in laboratory techniques and procedures.
Ms. Mahesh Priya R holds an M.Sc. in Marine Biology from Pondicherry University, Port Blair Campus, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and a B.Sc. in Botany from MG University, Kottayam Kerala. Her postgraduate research focused on the species composition and faunal diversity of tide pools in South Andaman. She has two years of experience from National Biodiversity Authority(NBA) deputed to Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board(TNBB), Chennai, specializing in the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, with emphasis on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) processes. Her work encompassed ABS application review, preparation of e-People’s Biodiversity Registers on the BIOMIS portal, and delivery of awareness programmes for Biodiversity Management Committees. Previously, she served as Quality Controller at Aadhya High Density Fish Farm, overseeing water quality, feed formulation, and farm operations. She is actively engaged in marine conservation and environmental outreach in collaboration with NGOs. She is currently working as Project Associate–II under the APO 2024–25 project on the “Development of Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) Facility at AIWC, Vandalur.
Mr. A. Ajai holds a Master’s degree in Zoology from Kanchi Mamunivar Centre for Postgraduate Studies and Research, Puducherry, and a Bachelor's degree in Zoology from Tagore Arts College, Puducherry. He has demonstrated consistent interest and dedication toward wildlife conservation through his academic pursuits, field visits, and participation in various national-level training programs. Currently, he is working as a Junior Research Fellow at the Centre for Wildlife Forensic Sciences, Facility at AIWC, Vandalur. His role primarily involves morphometry-based laboratory work, supporting research in wildlife forensic investigations.
Ms. Hamsini holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Biotechnology from the National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. As part of her postgraduate research, she conducted a study titled “Degradation Pattern of Blood Stain on Non-Metallic Surfaces through ATR-FTIR and Its Effect on DNA Yield” at the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Pune. She earned her B.Tech in Biotechnology from SRM University, Kattankulathur, Chennai, where she contributed to plant and animal biotechnology projects involving cancer cell lines. She has also gained professional experience as a Scientific Officer at Truth Labs — India’s first independent forensic science laboratory — where she worked across multiple divisions of forensic science and participated in field investigations at crime scenes. In addition, she has received foundational training in the isolation and culturing of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells at Lifecell International Pvt. Ltd. She has successfully cleared GATE Biotechnology (2019) and UGC NET Forensic Science (2022), and was a delegate at the All India Forensic Sciences Conference (AIFSC) 2023. Ms. Hamsini is currently serving as a Project Associate–II at the Centre for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics, Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Vandalur.
Mr. Surya R is a Marine Biologist, wildlife illustrator, and conservation communicator passionate about connecting people with nature through science and art. With a background in Marine Biology and Oceanography, he focuses on using visual storytelling and outreach to make marine and coastal conservation more engaging. He has worked on marine mammal research, community engagement, and science communication projects across India, with work featured in Hornbill, Sirenews, and The Hindu Tamil. In 2025, he joined the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) as a Project Coordinator to support conservation education and outreach initiatives.
Pooja Saravanan is a wildlife biologist and conservation communicator passionate about understanding human–wildlife relationships through local ecological knowledge and ecology. With a background in wildlife science, she works at the intersection of research and science communication to make conservation more inclusive and community-oriented. Her work focuses on small carnivores and coexistence in the Western Ghats, combining field ecology with Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) to better understand elusive species and their roles in dynamic landscapes. She has worked with The Dhole Project at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the Wildlife Conservation Society–India (WCS–India) on carnivore ecology in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In 2025, she joined the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) as a Project Coordinator, supporting conservation education and outreach initiatives.
Dr. Manigandan Selvaraj holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from Government Arts College, Udhagamandalam. He secured the University Second Rank in his postgraduate program in Zoology (Wildlife Biology). His academic journey spanning M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. has been dedicated to community-based vulture conservation studies in the Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam region. He is recognized as the first local researcher to earn a Ph.D. focusing on vulture conservation. He worked for five years as a biologist with Arulagam (an NGO) on vulture conservation studies in the Tamil Nadu part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and later served for two years as a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Wildlife Studies, where he contributed to the Mudumalai Community Health Project. He has received three independent research grants the Rufford Small Grant, THT Seed Grant, and Idea Wild Grant in recognition of his pioneering vulture conservation work in the Western Ghats. He has published 14 research papers in peer-reviewed national and international journals, with three more currently under review. Beyond research, he has trained two tribal youth in vulture identification and conservation leadership. His long-term vision is to empower local tribal communities to become wildlife researchers and conservation leaders. Currently he serves a project associate II for the centre for species survival.
Ms. Sneka Chinnadurai holds a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and Her Post graduate diploma in Bioinformatics and possesses over three years of combined research experience in Molecular biology, plant tissue culture and pharmacology. She previously worked at ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), specializing in tissue culture and molecular characterization, and later served as a Junior Research Fellow at the Siddha Central Research Institute (SCRI), conducting chronic toxicity studies on Siddha formulations involving biochemical and histopathological evaluations. Currently, she is associated with the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) as a DNA Sequencer Operator, contributing to wildlife forensics and molecular genetic analysis. Her research interests include molecular diagnostics, DNA sequencing, wildlife forensics, and toxicology.
Ms. Vanishree J, is a Zoologist completed her Master’s degree in Zoology from Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai. She has recently submitted her Ph.D. thesis in Zoology at the University of Madras, focusing on the Population status and reproductive biology of sea cucumbers in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay. She has five years of research experience at the Zoological Survey of India, Marine Biology Regional Centre, Chennai, she is skilled in conducting scientific marine field surveys and in the taxonomy of various marine faunal groups. She has also contributed to the TANII Project at Dr. M.G.R. Fisheries College and Research Institute, Ponneri. Currently, she serves as a Project Associate at the Centre for Species Survival, AIWC, Vandalur. Her research interests include marine biodiversity, conservation biology, and the sustainable management of marine invertebrate resources.
Ms. Neha Singh is a committed researcher in the field of Biotechnology, currently serving as Project Associate-II at the Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation, Chennai. She has completed her Ph.D. in Biotechnology (Thesis submitted, March 2025) from the University of Madras, and holds M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Biotechnology from Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur. Her research focuses on molecular biology, phytochemical profiling, and wildlife forensics. She has hands-on experience in qualitative and quantitative metabolite analysis, compound isolation, and identification using FTIR-ATR, GC-MS, and HPTLC techniques. She is also proficient in molecular biology protocols including DNA isolation, PCR amplification, and in vitro bioassays for antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer studies. Ms. Singh has published more than ten UGC-CARE and Scopus-indexed research papers and a book chapter with Springer Nature. Her strengths lie in experimental design, data interpretation, bioinformatics, and academic writing
