RESEARCH INTERESTS
Infectious & Vector-Borne Diseases
Ticks and Tick borne diseases: Eco-epidemiology of tick infestations and tick borne diseases, Otoacariasis of humans and domesticated animals, life cycle, seasonal dynamics, and acaricide resistance in ticks infesting pets and livestock animals.
Gastrointestinal (GI) and blood parasites: Effect of GI parasites of humans on microbiota and respiratory diseases. Diversity, prevalence and, epidemiology of GI and blood parasites in wild, captive and domesticated animals and their zoonotic potential.
Malaria and other vector-borne diseases: Assessment of genes linked to drug resistance, genetic diversity of the malaria parasite, hidden parasite reservoirs in the human host. Emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases like leishmaniasis.
Ecotoxicology & Disease Ecology
Effect of anthropogenic and natural stressors on amphibian populations especially focusing the lone and combined effects of pesticides, ultraviolet B radiation and trematode infections on amphibian species. Laboratory experiments integrated with mesocosm and field surveys to understand the processes in natural systems.
Conservation Biology
Conservation of sea turtles: Genetic diversity, nest paternity, behavioral and biometric data of nesting females, eggs and hatchlings at turtle rookery needed for their protection to aid population recovery. These are matched with rural community based socio-ecological research to assess their contribution towards sea turtles conservation and to build capacity to utilize the natural resources for sustainable tourism while providing local impetus to support the conservation of turtles and their natural environment. Effect of light pollution, coastal development and microplastics on sea turtles.
Plastic & Microplastic Pollution
Plastic and microplastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. We have conducted experients to assess the MP levels various food products and aquatic water systems