Dr Reena Arora, ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, India
Dr. Reena Arora is a distinguished Principal Scientist at ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR), Karnal, Haryana. With over three decades of experience in animal genetics and biotechnology, she has made substantial contributions to the field through her research and innovations. Dr. Arora’s pioneering work includes developing genetic diversity indicators, designing SNP chips, and evaluating meat quality traits in indigenous sheep. Her research has led to significant technological advancements and practical applications in animal breeding and genetics. She is recognized for her leadership in research projects and her commitment to mentoring students. Dr. Arora’s contributions have earned her numerous awards and fellowships, affirming her impact and excellence in animal science.
Publication Profile
Scopus
Strengths for the Award
- Extensive Research Contributions:
- Dr. Arora has made significant advancements in genetic diversity studies, particularly in sheep, goats, camels, and poultry. Her work on developing quantitative genetic diversity indicators and transcriptome profiles is noteworthy.
- Innovative Technologies:
- She has pioneered the development of high-density SNP chips for Indian sheep, goats, poultry, and camels, which reflects her contribution to advancing genetic research technologies.
- High Impact Publications and Methodologies:
- Dr. Arora has published impactful research, including advancements in DNA testing for mutton quality traits and alternative RNA sources. Her work on muscle traits in indigenous sheep and comparative transcriptomics is of high significance.
- Leadership and Project Management:
- Her role as Principal Scientist and her involvement in numerous projects, including externally funded ones, highlight her leadership and project management skills. Her role as Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator in ongoing projects indicates a strong capability in managing and executing research initiatives.
- Recognition and Awards:
- Dr. Arora has received several prestigious awards, such as the Dr. D.S. Balain Memorial Award and the Dr. P. G. Nair Memorial Award, which underscore her excellence and impact in the field.
- Guidance and Mentorship:
- She has guided a substantial number of students at various educational levels (PhD, MSc/MTech, BSc/BTech), showcasing her commitment to education and mentoring in her field.
- Patents Filed:
- The filing of multiple patents related to SNP chips indicates her contributions to applied research and development, enhancing the practical impact of her work.
- National and International Recognition:
- Her fellowship in prominent societies and academies, such as SOCDAB and NADSI, reflect her recognized standing in the scientific community.
Areas for Improvement
- Broader Publication Impact:
- While she has several high-impact publications, expanding her work into international high-impact journals could enhance her global research visibility further.
- Collaboration with Other Research Institutions:
- Increasing collaborative efforts with international research institutions could potentially enhance the scope and impact of her research.
- Additional Research Areas:
- Exploring interdisciplinary research areas or expanding into emerging fields related to animal genetics might add further depth to her research profile.
EducationÂ
Dr. Reena Arora holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from GBPUAT, Pantnagar, awarded in 2002. Her academic journey began with a Master’s degree in Animal Biotechnology from ICAR-IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly, completed in 1993, and a Bachelor’s degree from DSB College, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, in 1990. Her educational background is complemented by specialized training and extensive research experience, equipping her with a robust foundation in molecular biology, biotechnology, and animal genetics. Dr. Arora’s advanced education has been instrumental in her development of innovative methodologies and technologies in her field.
ExperienceÂ
Dr. Reena Arora’s career spans over three decades, starting as a Research Associate at ICAR-NDRI from 1993 to 1995. She joined ICAR-NBAGR in 1996 and has held various positions, including Scientist, Scientist (SS), Senior Scientist, and currently, Principal Scientist. Her tenure at ICAR-NBAGR has been marked by her leadership in numerous research projects, including externally funded initiatives. She has been pivotal in developing genetic diversity indicators, SNP chips, and innovative methodologies in animal genetics. Dr. Arora’s role as Project Incharge and Co-PI in several ongoing projects highlights her extensive experience in managing and executing high-impact research.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Reena Arora has received several prestigious awards, including the Dr. D.S. Balain Memorial Award (2022) for outstanding research in animal science and the Dr. P. G. Nair Memorial Award (2021) for exceptional research work at ICAR-NBAGR. She has been conferred with fellowships from the Society of Conservation of Domestic Animal Biodiversity (SOCDAB) and the National Academy of Dairy Science (NADSI). Her publication on transcriptomic diversity in goat breeds earned her the Dr. Pushkar Nath Bhat Best Paper Award (2021). Dr. Arora has also received multiple accolades for her presentations at conferences and has been recognized for her contributions as a member of various advisory and committee roles.
Research FocusÂ
Dr. Reena Arora’s research focuses on genetic diversity, molecular markers, and biotechnological advancements in animal genetics. Her work includes developing quantitative indicators for genetic diversity in indigenous sheep breeds, evaluating meat quality traits, and designing SNP chips for various species. She is known for her pioneering research in transcriptomics, investigating gene expression profiles across different animal breeds. Dr. Arora’s innovative methodologies, such as PCR-SSCP based genotyping assays and high-density SNP chip designs, play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of genetic traits and improving breeding programs. Her research contributes to enhancing the genetic resources and performance of livestock, including sheep, goats, camels, and poultry.
Publication Top Notes
Comprehensive evaluation and validation of optimal reference genes for normalization of qPCR data in different caprine tissues
Comparative transcriptome analyses of cardiac tissue reveals differential gene expression profiles in sheep in response to altitudinal adaptation
Maternal genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis of Indian riverine and swamp buffaloes: insights from complete mitochondrial genomes
Transcriptomics of pectoralis major muscles uncovers a footprint of enriched pathways in five diverse backyard chicken breeds of India
Development and validation of the Axiom-MaruPri SNP chip for genetic analyses of domesticated old world camelids
Molecular insights into Pashmina fiber production: comparative skin transcriptomic analysis of Changthangi goats and sheep
Selection of reliable reference genes for gene expression studies involving peripheral blood mononuclear cells in small ruminants
Conclusion
Dr. Reena Arora is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her extensive and impactful contributions to animal genetics, development of innovative technologies, leadership in research projects, and recognition through various awards highlight her as a leading researcher in her field. Her strengths in advancing genetic diversity studies, pioneering new methodologies, and mentoring the next generation of scientists make her a strong candidate for this award. The potential areas for improvement do not detract from her overall suitability but rather offer opportunities for further growth and enhanced recognition. Overall, her achievements and contributions align well with the criteria for the Research for Best Researcher Award.