Assistant Professor & Research Coordinator

Dr. Amruta S. Desai

Plant Breeding • Biotechnology • Plant Pathology • Molecular Biology Researcher

About

Dr. Amruta S. Desai is an accomplished researcher with expertise in Plant Breeding, Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Genetics, and Plant Pathology.

Currently serving as Assistant Professor at the School of Sciences, Pimpri Chinchwad University, and University Research Coordinator, she brings over 11 years of cumulative experience across research, teaching, and field projects.

Her professional journey includes significant contributions at Ganpat University, Central University of Gujarat, and ICAR research centers.

Dr. Desai is recognized for her strong communication skills, analytical thinking, and problem-solving expertise, fostering innovation in molecular biology and agricultural biotechnology.

Years Experience

Research Publications

Research Projects

National Awards

Education

Ph.D., Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

Anand Agricultural University

201779.3%

M.Sc., Plant Biotechnology

Anand Agricultural University

201278.5%

B.Sc., Biotechnology

Saurashtra University

200969.2%

NET – ICAR

Indian Council of Agricultural Research

2014Qualified

Computer Course

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

2009Completed

Professional Journey

Present

Assistant Professor

Pimpri Chinchwad University

•Assistant Professor + University Research Coordinator
•Research guidance, MSc/PhD supervision
•ATC lab in-charge, NAAC Committee core member
•Curriculum delivery, academic planning, mentorship

2021–2023

Assistant Professor

Ganpat University

•Life Sciences Department
•Bridge course speaker
•Workshop facilitator
•Student mentorship and curriculum design

2012–2021

Research Fellow

ICAR Projects

•Plant Breeding, Plant Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology
•Multiple projects on Downy Mildew, BLB resistance
•Semen sexing, transcriptome analysis
•Advanced molecular techniques

Research Projects

Agricultural & Molecular Biology Research Projects

Characterization of Red Rice Genotypes

Using SSR & InDel markers for genetic diversity analysis

Molecular MarkersSSR AnalysisInDel Mapping

Transcriptome-based BLB Resistance Gene Identification

Identification of bacterial leaf blight resistance genes in Rice

RNA-SeqGene MiningTranscriptomics

2-D Proteomics for Sex Chromosome Markers

Development of sex chromosome-specific protein markers

ProteomicsSDS-PAGEMarker Development

SCAR Marker Development & Real-time PCR

Gene mining and quantitative expression analysis

SCAR MarkersqPCRGene Expression

Disease Scoring Experiments

Downy Mildew and BLB resistance screening

Plant PathologyDisease AssessmentField Trials

University-level Research Projects (PCU)

Biofortified Edible Mushroom Cultivation Project

Pilot study completed; aims to combat micronutrient deficiencies through biofortification

Completed Pilot StudyNutritional Security

Psychological Research Projects (2024–25)

Multiple studies on gratitude & happiness, social media & self-esteem, and family support & resilience

OngoingMental Health & Well-being

Expert Talks & Workshops

5-Day NGS & Bioinformatics Workshop

Anand Agricultural University

Workshop Facilitator

Biology Induction Program

Ganpat University

Guest Speaker

Molecular Biology Techniques Program

GBRC + Ganpat University

Trainer

MBA Research Advancements

Pimpri Chinchwad University

Judge

Lokmat Career Guidance Session

Lokmat Media

Guest Speaker (2024)

Global Education Convention (GEC 2025)

PCU

Organizer

Publications

Transcriptome-wide identification and validation of NBS-LRR genes in cultivated and wild rice species

2020

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution•IF: 2.5

Desai, A. S., et al.

Molecular characterization of red rice genotypes using SSR markers

2019

Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding•NAAS: 6.5

Desai, A. S., et al.

Identification of candidate genes for bacterial leaf blight resistance in rice

2018

Plant Molecular Biology Reporter•IF: 2.1

Desai, A. S., et al.

Development of SCAR markers linked to downy mildew resistance in pearl millet

2017

Molecular Breeding•IF: 3.2

Desai, A. S., et al.

Gene expression analysis of resistance genes in rice using qRT-PCR

2017

Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology•IF: 1.8

Desai, A. S., et al.

Proteomic profiling for identification of sex-specific markers in bovine

2016

Animal Biotechnology•IF: 1.5

Desai, A. S., et al.

Genetic diversity analysis in rice germplasm using InDel markers

2016

Crop Science•IF: 2.4

Desai, A. S., et al.

Validation of molecular markers for disease resistance in crop plants

2015

Molecular Plant Pathology•IF: 4.5

Desai, A. S., et al.

Transcriptome analysis reveals candidate genes for stress tolerance in rice

2015

BMC Genomics•IF: 3.8

Desai, A. S., et al.

Biochemical characterization of stress-responsive proteins in plants

2014

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry•IF: 3.5

Desai, A. S., et al.

Marker-assisted selection for disease resistance in rice breeding programs

2014

Euphytica•IF: 2.0

Desai, A. S., et al.

Isozyme analysis for genetic diversity assessment in crop germplasm

2013

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution•IF: 2.5

Desai, A. S., et al.

Next-generation sequencing for gene discovery in agricultural crops

2013

Plant Biotechnology Journal•IF: 6.8

Desai, A. S., et al.

Molecular breeding approaches for improving crop productivity

2012

Current Science•NAAS: 5.0

Desai, A. S., et al.

Book Chapter: Advanced techniques in plant molecular biology

2018

Springer Nature•Book Chapter

Desai, A. S.

Review Article: Recent advances in plant biotechnology and breeding

2019

Biotechnology Advances•IF: 12.0

Desai, A. S., et al.

Conference Abstract: Molecular markers for crop improvement

2017

International Plant Breeding Congress•Conference Proceeding

Desai, A. S.

Awards & Recognition

Young Woman Researcher Award

VIWA 2024

Outstanding research in Plant Stress Physiology

Venue: Green Park, Chennai

Date: 2 March 2024

Global Inspirational Award 2025

Women Leaders in Education & Research

Recognition for excellence in academic research and leadership

Venue: Hyatt Central, Bangalore

Date: 28 September 2025

Skills & Techniques

Core Research Skills

DNA ExtractionPCRGel ElectrophoresisReal-time PCRDigital PCRNext-Gen Sequencing (MiSeq Illumina)Biochemical Profiling (SDS-PAGE, Isozyme)Molecular Marker TechniquesTranscriptomic Data AnalysisSPSS-based Modeling

Software Expertise

SASGenAlexNTYSISPOPGENEExcelSPSSStatistical AnalysisBioinformatics Tools

Teaching Responsibilities

Courses Taught

•Molecular Biology

•Cell Biology

•Biotechnology

•Biochemistry

•Microbiology

•Pharmacology

•Drug Delivery Systems

•Cosmetic Science

•Research Methodology

•Scientific Writing

Teaching Philosophy

Committed to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on research experience in students. Emphasizing problem-based learning and real-world applications of molecular biology and biotechnology to prepare the next generation of researchers and innovators.

Gallery

Contact

For research collaborations, academic inquiries, or professional opportunities, feel free to reach out.