Dr. Hemalatha D | Zoology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Hemalatha D | Zoology – Assistant Professor at PSG College of Arts & Science, India

Dr. D. Hemalatha is a dedicated academician and a passionate researcher in the field of Environmental Toxicology and Molecular Biology. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology at PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore, she has carved a niche in aquatic toxicology and environmental safety research. With more than six years of active research and teaching experience, she has demonstrated commendable commitment to scientific inquiry, innovation, and ecological stewardship. Her work emphasizes eco-toxicological impacts of pollutants and nanoparticles on aquatic life, contributing significantly to environmental health sciences and conservation biology.

Academic Profile

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Education

Dr. Hemalatha has a robust academic background, having earned her Ph.D. in Zoology from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, where she focused on environmental stressors affecting aquatic organisms. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her M.Phil and M.Sc degrees in Zoology from the same university, maintaining a consistent academic record with distinction. She also holds a B.Ed in Biological Sciences, reflecting her strong inclination towards both teaching and research. Her educational journey has been shaped by a deep-rooted passion for life sciences and ecological sustainability, which continues to guide her scientific endeavors.

Experience

Dr. Hemalatha has been serving as an Assistant Professor at PSG College of Arts & Science since 2018. In this role, she has effectively combined teaching, mentoring, and research supervision to foster a scientific mindset among undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her academic responsibilities include lecturing on subjects related to zoology, supervising research dissertations, organizing academic events, and guiding students in experimental methodologies. She also actively contributes to the department’s research initiatives and has collaborated on multiple interdisciplinary projects addressing environmental contaminants, aquatic ecology, and biomarker responses in fish models.

Research Interest

Dr. Hemalatha’s core research interests revolve around Environmental Toxicology, Molecular Biology, and Aquatic Eco-Physiology. Her investigations are primarily concerned with the sublethal and chronic effects of xenobiotics—such as pesticides, UV-filters, pharmaceuticals, and nanoparticles—on aquatic organisms, particularly Indian major carps and zebrafish. She employs a multi-endpoint approach, integrating biochemical, molecular, and histopathological assessments to understand pollutant-induced physiological stress. Her ongoing work aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms of toxicity and their implications for environmental risk assessment and aquatic ecosystem management.

Awards

In recognition of her academic excellence and research contributions, Dr. Hemalatha has received several prestigious honors. She was awarded the UGC-BSR Fellowship by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, for meritorious students in science. She qualified for the Tamil Nadu State Eligibility Test (SET) in Life Sciences, establishing her eligibility for lectureship in Indian universities. Most notably, she was honored with the International Distinguished Young Researcher Award at the ASETJMS EDU Conclave Awards 2024, which celebrates emerging talents in the scientific community who demonstrate innovation, impact, and academic integrity.

Publications

1. 🐟 “Fishcide effect of the fungicide difenoconazole in freshwater fish (Labeo rohita)” – Science of the Total Environment (2023), Impact Factor: 8.2. Cited by 14 articles.

2. 🧬 “Gene Expression Profiling in Liver of Zebrafish Exposed to Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate and its Photoproducts” – Science of the Total Environment (2022), Impact Factor: 8.2. Cited by 20 articles.

3. 💊 “Developmental Toxicity of Ketoprofen in Zebrafish” – Chemosphere (2018), Impact Factor: 7.0. Cited by 37 articles.

4. 🧪 “DNA Damage in Labeo Rohita Exposed to Triclosan” – Fish Physiology and Biochemistry (2019), Impact Factor: 2.794. Cited by 28 articles.

5. ⚗️ “Genotoxic Effects of Quinalphos on Cyprinus carpio” – Journal of Oceanology and Limnology (2021), Impact Factor: 1.265. Cited by 11 articles.

6. 🧫 “Biochemical Alterations from Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Catla catla” – International Journal of Aquatic Biology (2021). Cited by 9 articles.

7. 🌿 “Bioaccumulation of Silver and Histological Changes in Labeo rohita” – Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology (2021). Cited by 13 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. D. Hemalatha exemplifies the qualities of an emerging woman scientist who has persistently worked toward advancing environmental toxicology research with high scientific rigor. Her academic contributions, especially her studies on pollutant-induced stress in aquatic life, have added substantial value to environmental safety and aquatic biology. With an excellent publication record, growing citation count, and active participation in academic growth, she stands out as a worthy candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her research trajectory shows not only promise but also a deep commitment to impactful, evidence-based science that addresses critical environmental challenges of our time.