Ms. Shreya Chauhan | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, India
Profiles
Academic and Research Profile: Ms. Shreya Chauhan
Ms. Shreya Chauhan is a passionate and dedicated forestry researcher affiliated with Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, India. With a Ph.D. specialization in Forest Biology and Tree Improvement, her expertise lies in genetic diversity analysis, population structure assessments, and the application of molecular markers to conservation strategies. Her work uniquely bridges forest genetics, microbial ecology, and sustainable forest resource management.
Educational Background
Ms. Chauhan’s academic journey began at MRA DAV Public School, Solan, where she completed her secondary education under the CBSE board. She pursued a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forestry at Dr. YSPUHF, graduating with a strong foundation in silviculture and environmental sciences. She further specialized in Forest Genetic Resources during her M.Sc., earning a high OGPA and undertaking research on Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. Her doctoral research continues at the same institution, with a focus on Acer oblongum (Himalayan maple), integrating both molecular genetics and ecological assessments.
Research Focus and Contributions
Her M.Sc. thesis explored the variation and ecological impact of Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) across Himachal Pradesh. She investigated phenotypic and genetic diversity across populations, studied the shrub’s influence on floristic diversity, and isolated non-Frankia actinomycetes from root nodules to examine their symbiotic and nitrogen-fixing potential.
Her Ph.D. research centers on the genetic diversity and population structure of Acer oblongum in the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh. By analyzing populations across different forest types and altitudinal zones, she aims to understand adaptive genetic variation in response to environmental heterogeneity. Her interdisciplinary approach combines molecular marker analysis with ecological data, offering crucial insights for conservation planning. This research contributes a blueprint for in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies, especially for temperate broadleaf forest restoration and sustainable management.
Skills and Competencies
Ms. Chauhan demonstrates a well-rounded skill set, including proficiency in MS Office, R and Python programming, project management, and team coordination. Her strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills have been vital to her research success and academic engagements.
Experiential Learning and Internships
She undertook a six-month internship with the Wildlife Division of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, gaining practical insights in zoo education and wildlife conservation strategies at Kufri, Shimla. Additionally, she has participated in specialized learning programs including a six-month training in the processing and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants, and a socioeconomic survey in Sirmour district under an Extension Learning Program.
Scientific Contributions and Achievements
Ms. Chauhan’s scientific contributions include the successful deposition of Nocardia vinacea strain EUNA at the National Centre for Microbial Resource, with accession number MCC 4701, making it publicly accessible for research. She has been recognized with Best Oral Presentation Awards at prestigious platforms, including the NAU-IES-IUFRO International Conference and the Indian Ecological Society International Conference, highlighting her strong communication and research dissemination skills.
Legacy and Future Contributions
With a strong commitment to sustainable forestry and biodiversity conservation, Ms. Chauhan is poised to make impactful contributions to the field of forest genetics and ecological restoration. Her research combines modern molecular tools with ecological understanding, aimed at guiding conservation practices and promoting resilience in forest ecosystems amidst climate change and environmental transitions. As she continues her academic journey, her integrative and interdisciplinary approach serves as a model for future forest biologists and conservation scientists.
Notable Publications
Effect of N₂-fixing non-Frankia actinomycete inoculum on the growth and nodulation status of Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.
Authors: Chauhan S., Kumari A., Devi S., Saini P.
Year: 2025
Journal: Ecological Frontiers
Ecotype Diversity Assessment of Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.) in Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Chauhan S., Kumari A., Saini P., Jha S.K., Rawale G.B.
Year: 2023
Journal: Indian Journal of Ecology, 50(4)
Optimizing Tree Spacing and Nutrient Management for Marigold Cultivation under Mangifera indica-based Agroforestry System in Submontane Low Hill Zone of the Western Himalayas
Authors: Chauhan S., Guleria V., Jatav H.S., Prakash P., Chauhan S., et al.
Year: 2024
Journal: Agroforestry Systems
Population Characterization for Fruit Morphological Diversity in Myrica esculenta
Authors: Rawale G.B., Kumari A., Jha S.K., Thakur S., Chauhan S.
Year: 2023
Journal: Indian Journal of Agroforestry, 25(1)
Variation Studies in Fruit Characteristics, Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Diospyros montana (Roxb.) in Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Saini P., Kumari A., Chauhan S., Jha S.K., Rawale G.B.
Year: 2023
Journal: Indian Journal of Ecology, 50(3)