Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Dr. Manoj Kumar

Dr. Manoj Kumar, Ph.D.

Department of Zoology, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

Professional Experience

Faculty Member (Zoology)
St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Ranchi

  • Teaching core and elective papers at B.Sc. and M.Sc. levels.
  • Guiding student research projects and dissertations.
  • Organizing internships, workshops, and field activities.

Areas of Specialization

  • Entomology – structure, function, and systematics of insects
  • Morpho-molecular taxonomy and DNA barcoding
  • Insect biodiversity and ecological indices
  • Host–plant interactions and chemical communication
  • Applied zoology and pest management
  • Biostatistics and experimental design

Contact & Online Profiles

Professional Summary

I am currently serving in the Department of Zoology at St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Ranchi. My specialization is in Entomology, and my research interests include insect taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and morpho-molecular approaches to species identification.

Throughout my academic journey, I have been deeply interested in the diversity and complexity of insect life. My doctoral research focused on synthesis of green silver nanoparticles using plant extracts and evaluation of their medicinal impact on a mammalian model.

At St. Xavier’s College, I strive to bridge classroom learning with field-based and experimental zoology. I guide several student projects on insect biodiversity, butterfly population studies, and comparative insect morphology. I also take part in organizing internships, workshops, and departmental field activities that promote experiential learning under NEP-2020.

My passion for writing and documentation has led me to establish and edit Vat-Vriksha: An International Bi-annual Journal of Life Science, encouraging young researchers to publish with academic integrity.

Research Publications

  • Dandapat S., Kumar M., Ranjan R., Sinha M.P. (2018). Pleurotus tuber-regium: a potent source of antioxidant. Balneo Research Journal, 9(3): 228–231.
  • Kumar M. & Dandapat S. (2019). Insect biodiversity in urban environments: ecological perspectives from Ranchi. The Bioscan, 14(2): 45–52.
  • Kumar M., Ranjan R., Raipat B.S. (2022). Morpho-molecular approaches in insect taxonomy: a review from Indian studies. Vat-Vriksha Journal of Life Science, 10(1): 22–30.
  • Kumar M. et al. (2023). DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis of spider Nephila pilipes from Latehar, Jharkhand (India). Natural History Sciences (submitted).

Books & Chapters

  • Handbook on Dairy Technology (2023) – Co-authored with Dr. Rakesh Ranjan and Dr. Bharti Singh Raipat
  • Introduction to Insects – Detailed academic text (in preparation)

Editorial & Academic Contributions

Managing Editor of Vat-Vriksha, overseeing submissions, reviewer coordination, and publication design. Contributing to The Bioscan as a reviewer and editorial team member. Developed Google Apps Script workflow for journal management and certificate generation.

Academic Events & Outreach

  • World Environment Day Celebrations
  • Summer Internship in Natural Sciences
  • Hands-on Training Workshops in Microscopy and Insect Taxonomy
  • Student Research Seminars and Poster Presentations

Current Research & Projects

Focus on biodiversity and molecular characterization of insects, DNA barcoding of Lepidopterans and spiders, comparative morphology, and allelochemical interactions. Compiling Entomological Atlas of Ranchi region.

Philosophy & Recognition

I mentor young researchers and encourage observation, evidence-based learning, and critical thinking. Digital tools and automation enhance scientific publishing and transparency, exemplified in my creation of the Vat-Vriksha online system.

© 2025 Dr. Manoj Kumar | St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi