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. T.T. Shameer holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology from Government Arts College, Ooty, affiliated with Bharathiar University. He specializes in Landscape Ecology, Population Ecology, Community Ecology, Ecological Modeling, and Climate Change. He has worked with organizations such as the Wildlife Institute of India, UNDP, and various State Forest Departments, conducting research on carnivores from Tigers to Fishing Cats. Dr. T.T. Shameer is a prolific researcher with a notable publication record. He has authored 19 scientific articles published in various international peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, he has served as a reviewer for high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports and Global Ecology and Conservation, further contributing to the scientific community through peer review and evaluation of research work. He served as a Project Scientist at AIWC Under APO projects 2021-2022, focusing on Human-Wildlife Conflict and wetland identification. Currently, he works as a Project Scientist under TBGPCCR projects, his research focus on Wildlife Policy, Species Recovery, Migratory Species Ecology, and Capacity Building.
Dr. Paulraj holds a Ph.D. in Zoology obtained from Bharathidasan University, Trichy in 2001. He has completed his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Zoology from St Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. He was a Scientist at Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai, from 2003 to 2021 and Scientist at G.S. Gill Research Institute, Guru Nanak College, Chennai, from 2021 to 2022. Currently, he is working as a Project Scientist. His research interests include health monitoring of captive animals through blood and serum analysis, identification of forensically important insects found in dead animals and studying the haematophagous insects which transmit diseases to captive animals. Presently he is working as a Project Scientist in an APO project titled 'Evaluation of different trap models to monitor and control hematophagous insects which transmit diseases to captive animals in Zoological parks'.
She completed her Post Graduation in Environmental Sciences from PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. She has joined as Junior Research Fellow at the Morphometry lab of the Centre for Wildlife Forensic Sciences, Advanced Institute of Wildlife Conservation since 2022.She has previously worked as a Programme Fellow at Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, for the “National Ornithological Databank Cell”. She also served as a Junior Biologist in Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History in the project entitled “Developing Management & Conservation Plan for Select IBAs of the Country” (Sikkim & Tamil Nadu).She have also worked as a Junior Research Fellow at Madras University in collaboration with Chennai international Airport for the project “Ecological Study of Bird Hazard at Chennai International Airport”. Her core research interests are in understanding the ecology of birds along various habitats, population ecology, conservation and behavioral ecology, bird migration, meso-carnivores and illegal wildlife trade. She is a keen bird watcher and a passionate wildlife artist.
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.
Mr. Sasipriyan.P. holds a Bachelor's in Environmental Management from Jawahar Science College, Neyveli, and a Master's in Environmental Sciences from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore. He has interned at the Centre for Environmental Education, WWF India, and the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History. His research focuses on environmental sustainability, with proficiency in plastic pollution and biodiversity conservation. He has worked as an environmental consultant at the Center for Sustainable Development, Cuddalore, and as a Project Fellow at Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli. He also actively volunteering at Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB),Currently, he is a Junior Research Fellow at the Center for Conservation Education under the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
M.sc zoology From A.V.C College (Autonomous) Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai. B.Sc Zoology From A.V.C College (Autonomous) Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai.
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 a B.Sc. in Zoology (Animal Science) from Government Arts College, Coimbatore, and an M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore. He is currently a Project Fellow at the Centre for Conservation Education. Previously, he worked as an educator at the Centre for Wildlife Studies, delivering conservation education to young learners, particularly school students 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.
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 B.Sc. in botany from Gurunanak College, Chennai and a M.Sc. in botany from Madras Christian College, Chennai .He is working as Project Coordinator for the "Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) project entitled "Establishment of Innovation cum Incubation Centres for Biodiversity Conservation in Schools and Colleges across Tamil Nadu." at AIWC. He have experience as 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).He is also pursuing his Ph.D. on the Mangrove ecosystem on the subsided sites of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (since 2020) to understand the successional patterns of mangrove vegetation following the 2004 tsunami and anthropogenic pressure in the Islands (2020-2023). He has authored 18 research publications in peer-reviewed journals.
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.
Ragavendran has completed a Bachelor's and Master of Science in Zoology from St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai. He has joined as a project associate at Xavier Research Foundation. The project core concept is promote organic farming and environmental protection in each and every village in Tirunelveli district. He has published seven research articles in highly reputed journals and one book publication. He has research experience at two funding agencies: the Jesuitenweltweit Funding Agency and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Currently, he joined as a project associate in AIWC with project entitled “Fireflies in ecology, species diversity, distribution and habitats in Anamalai tiger reserve”.
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. Iyanar S completed his B.Sc. in Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Chennai, a Diploma in Apiculture from Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, and an M.Sc. in Zoology (Wildlife Biology) from Government Arts College, Udhagamandalam. He interned at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), focusing on surveying Shola birds in the Upper Nilgiris. Since 2015, he has been a member of The Nature Trust (NGO), contributed to projects focused on the conservation of Pallikaranai Marshlands in Chennai. Currently, he is a Project Associate at the Centre for Conservation Education, Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation, working on a project assessing the "Distribution, status, and threat assessment of the endemic Madras Hedgehog and associated species in Chennai, Villupuram, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur districts". He also has experience working on the "Vulture Conservation Project" at the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation.
I pursued my undergraduate and post-graduation degrees of zoology in 2018. After that, I completed my doctoral degree in 2024, from the Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, in the field of research in mosquito vector control. In 2023 I acted as a Project Assistant for one year in AIWC for the project Aquatic Insects: Ecological Indicators of Water Quality in Vellode and Otteri Lake. Currently, I am working as a Project Coordinator in AIWC under Centre for Conservation Education, for the project of the Establishment of innovation cum incubation centers for biodiversity conservation in schools and colleges across Tamil Nadu.
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.
