Sushma Kholiya | Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Research Scholar, M.B.G.P.G College Haldwani, Nainital, India.

Sushma Kholiya is a dedicated Research & Development Scientist with 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and chemical research sectors. Her work is driven by a passion for innovation in drug discovery and development. With a solid foundation in organic chemistry, Sushma has been at the forefront of several large-scale research initiatives, including CSIR’s Aroma Mission. Her expertise spans various cutting-edge laboratory techniques, statistical analysis tools, and regulatory compliance, all of which enhance her ability to lead successful research projects. Known for her strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, Sushma consistently delivers high-quality results while maintaining a commitment to advancing science for societal benefit. She has been recognized for her contributions through prestigious awards and has developed a robust professional presence in the scientific community. Her ongoing PhD work promises further contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in drug development and sustainable agricultural practices.

Publication profile

Google scholar

Education and Experience

Sushma Kholiya holds an impressive academic background with a focus on chemistry. She earned her Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, in 2014, followed by a Master’s in Chemistry from the same institution in 2016. Her continued dedication to the field is evident through her pursuit of a PhD in Organic Chemistry at Kumaun University, which she has been working on since 2018. Although not yet awarded, her PhD research delves into the development of novel chemical processes and applications in drug discovery. Her academic journey is complemented by several technical certifications, including those in data analysis, project management, and laboratory techniques, which enhance her research skills. Her education lays the foundation for her expertise in the pharmaceutical sector, enabling her to contribute significantly to large-scale research projects aimed at benefiting society, such as the Aroma Mission.

Work Experience

Sushma Kholiya’s professional experience is highlighted by her role at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), where she has contributed to the renowned Aroma Mission. As part of this mission, Sushma played a key role in scientific interventions that promote the cultivation of high-value aromatic crops, aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes and generating employment. Her work not only involves cutting-edge research but also has a strong community impact, benefiting rural farmers across India. Additionally, her technical expertise in hydro distillation, GC-MS, antioxidant activities, and statistical tools such as ANOVA and SPSS equips her to manage research projects from conception to completion. Sushma’s experience extends to regulatory compliance, ensuring that her projects adhere to relevant standards. Her five years in the field reflect a blend of technical competence and a commitment to addressing societal challenges through science.

Awards and Honors

Sushma Kholiya has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to science with several prestigious awards. In 2023, she was honored with the USERC Young Women Scientist Excellence Award, a testament to her growing influence in the research community and her innovative work in pharmaceutical research. This award highlights her commitment to excellence in research and development, particularly in fields with significant societal impact. In addition to this, she received the INSPIRE Award for Higher Education in 2011, which recognized her academic potential early on. These accolades reflect both her dedication to her field and her ability to achieve results that resonate beyond the laboratory. Sushma’s achievements in both research and education position her as a rising leader in the scientific community, with a promising future in organic chemistry and its applications in industry and society.

Research Focus

Sushma Kholiya’s research focus lies at the intersection of organic chemistry, drug discovery, and sustainable agricultural practices. Her primary aim is to advance pharmaceutical research through the development of innovative chemical compounds that can be used in therapeutic applications. A significant part of her work involves the identification and optimization of bioactive molecules derived from natural products, particularly essential oils and aromatic compounds, which have potential uses in cosmetics, perfumery, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Conclusion

Sushma Kholiya is a strong candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award based on her contributions to large-scale, socially impactful research projects, her technical skills, and recognition through awards. While her PhD is still in progress, her ongoing work in pharmaceutical research and community-focused initiatives like the Aroma Mission showcase her dedication and potential. Improving her international exposure and publication record could further strengthen her profile for future award considerations.

Publications

Essential oil yield and composition of Ocimum basilicum L. at different phenological stages, plant density and post-harvest drying methods
S. Kholiya, A. Punetha, K.T. Venkatesha, D. Kumar, R.K. Upadhyay, …
South African Journal of Botany, 2022
Cited by: 15

Comparative Chemical Composition and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Inhibitory Potential of Cinnamomum camphora and Cinnamomum tamala
A. Rawat, D. Bhatt, S. Kholiya, A. Chauhan, D.U. Bawankule, C.S. Chanotiya, …
Chemistry & Biodiversity, 2023
Cited by: 8

Chemical variability on Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm. essential oil with respect to different comminution methods
A. Rawat, S. Kholiya, A. Chauhan, K.T. Venkatesha, D. Kumar, R.K. Upadhyay, …
Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 2023
Cited by: 8

Chemical and antibacterial activity evaluation of Alpinia calcarata and Alpinia zerumbet grown in foothills agroclimatic conditions of Northern India
G. Bhatt, R.S. Nagarkoti, S. Kholiya, A. Tiwari, S.K. Verma, R.S. Verma, …
The Open Bioactive Compounds Journal, 2021
Cited by: 5

Phytochemical analysis, post-harvest shade drying, and biological activities of Melaleuca linariifolia Sm. from foothills of Kumaun Himalayas, India
S. Kholiya, H. Pandey, R.C. Padalia, A. Tiwari, O. Prakash
Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 2024
Cited by: 3

Chemical composition of the essential oil from different plant parts of Zingiber zerumbet Sm. grown in the foothills of Uttarakhand
A. Rawat, S. Kholiya, A. Chauhan, D. Kumar, K.T. Venkatesha, R.K. Upadhyay, …
Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 2023
Cited by: 3

Comparative Study of Chemical Composition of Two Cultivars of German Chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla L. syn Chamomilla recutita L. Rauschert
A. Rawat, A. Gupta, S. Kholiya, A. Chauhan, D. Kumar, K.T. Venkatesha, …
Journal of Biologically Active Products from Nature, 2022
Cited by: 3

A comparison of ATR-FTIR and Raman spectroscopy for the non-destructive examination of terpenoids in medicinal plants essential oils
R. Joshi, S. Kholiya, H. Pandey, R. Joshi, O. Emmanuel, A. Tewari, T. Kim, …
Korean Journal of Agricultural Science, 2023
Cited by: 2

Effect of seasons, storage and distillation times on essential oil composition of Melaleuca leucadendra (L.)
S. Kholiya, G. Bhatt, A. Chauhan, D. Kumar, K.T. Venkatesha, R.K. Upadhyay, …
Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources (IJNPR), 2023
Cited by: 2

A comprehensive review of the phytochemical and pharmacological potential of some selected species from Nandhaur landscape, Uttarakhand
S. Kholiya, H. Pandey, M. Singh, N. Pargaien, A. Tiwari
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2023
Cited by: 2