Dr. Murugan Mariraj | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Murugan Mariraj, Sri Kaliswari College, Sivakasi, India
Dr. M. Mariraj, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at Sri Kaliswari College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India, is a dedicated academic with expertise in lichen taxonomy and its biomedical applications. With over 2 years of teaching and 7 years of research experience, Dr. Mariraj has significantly contributed to the field of Botany, focusing on the study of lichen species diversity and their potential biomedical applications. He has published 18 research articles and reported 2 new lichen species to the Tamil Nadu lichen database. As a lifetime member of the Indian Lichenological Society and Nature Science Foundation, his research involves analyzing lichen metabolites for anticancer properties and conducting in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacological studies. Dr. Mariraj’s work is widely recognized in the academic community, showcasing his commitment to both teaching and groundbreaking research.
Professional Profile
Research for Best Researcher Award: Dr. M. Mariraj
Dr. M. Mariraj’s qualifications, experience, and research contributions make him an outstanding candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Holding a Ph.D. in Botany from Bharathiar University, he has spent over seven years in research and two years in teaching, with a clear focus on lichen taxonomy and its biomedical applications. His research has made significant contributions, including the discovery of two new lichen species and extensive studies on the biodiversity of lichens in the Nilgiri and Kodaikanal hills of the Western Ghats. These efforts have broadened the scientific community’s understanding of lichen diversity, especially in southern India.
Dr. Mariraj’s work is notable for its use of advanced analytical techniques such as LCMS, HPLC, and FTIR-ATR, which he employed to identify bioactive compounds in lichens, particularly those with potential anticancer properties. His cancer-related research, which includes both in-vitro and in-vivo studies, reflects the depth of his commitment to exploring how lichens can contribute to biomedical science, especially in skin cancer treatment. His dedication to the field is further emphasized by his role as a reviewer for several respected journals, as well as his membership in prominent organizations like the Indian Lichenological Society.
🎓 Education
Dr. M. Mariraj earned his Ph.D. in Botany from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where he was highly commended for his research on the evaluation of UV irradiation absorbing compounds from lichens against skin cancer. He also completed his M.Sc. in Botany with First Class distinction (75%) from Bharathiar University in 2017, where his post-graduation research focused on the nutritional and antioxidant properties of Centrosema pubescens Benth. Dr. Mariraj holds a B.Sc. in Botany with First Class (68.9%) from Government Arts & Science College, Coimbatore. His academic journey reflects his deep commitment to understanding the complexities of plant biology and their practical applications, particularly in lichenology. Additionally, his undergraduate research involved surveying indoor plants in Coimbatore District, further solidifying his passion for biodiversity and plant science.
💼 Professional Experience
Dr. M. Mariraj’s professional journey has been marked by his passion for both teaching and research. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at Sri Kaliswari College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, since July 2023. Prior to this, he worked as a Project Associate-I at Pasumpon Thiru Muthuramalinga Thevar Memorial (PTMTM) College, Kamuthi, Tamil Nadu, where he gained valuable experience in research. Throughout his career, Dr. Mariraj has contributed extensively to lichen taxonomy, focusing on the diversity and biomedical applications of lichens. His work has led to the discovery of new lichen species and the publication of numerous research papers in esteemed international journals. His research spans across various methodologies, including LCMS analysis, column chromatography, HPLC, and FTIR-ATR, positioning him as a leading figure in his field with significant contributions to both academic teaching and applied scientific research.
🏅 Awards and Recognition
Dr. M. Mariraj’s outstanding contributions to lichenology and Botany have earned him several prestigious accolades. In 2018-2019, he received the ‘Best Research Scholar Award’ from the Nature Science Foundation for his excellence in lichenology specialization. He also won the ‘Best Paper Award’ at the International Conference on Contemporary Research Trends in Mycology and Mycotechnology, held in 2019 at Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal. Dr. Mariraj’s excellence in various fields is further reflected in his receipt of the ‘Gold Medal’ for NCC Firing Camp in 2012 and the ‘Unique Lichen Identifier’ award during a faculty development program in Lichen Biology and Bioprospecting in 2017. These awards demonstrate his commitment to advancing research in Botany and lichenology while also recognizing his contributions to the academic and scientific community, further solidifying his role as a leading researcher in the field.
🌍 Research Skill On Agricultural
Dr. M. Mariraj possesses advanced research skills in lichen taxonomy and its biomedical applications. His research primarily focuses on studying the species diversity of lichens in the Nilgiri and Kodaikanal hills of the Western Ghats, a hotspot for biodiversity. Dr. Mariraj has honed skills in various modern analytical techniques, such as LCMS, column chromatography, HPLC, and FTIR-ATR analysis, enabling him to isolate and study bioactive compounds with potential anticancer properties. His work also involves in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacological studies, particularly for skin cancer treatment, showcasing his proficiency in biomedical research. Moreover, his expertise extends to environmental science, where he evaluates the potential health risks of pesticide toxins in major vegetables and fruits. Dr. Mariraj’s multifaceted research skills, coupled with his deep commitment to understanding plant metabolites and their practical applications, make him a leading researcher in his field.
Publication Top Notes
- Effect of metakaolin on the properties of pervious concrete
Author(s): SB Singh, M Murugan
Citation: Construction and Building Materials, 346, 128476
Year: 2022 - Phytofoods of Nubra valley, Ladakh-the cold desert
Author(s): MP Murugan, XJ Raj, GP Kumar, SG Sunil Gupta, SB Singh
Citation: N/A
Year: 2010 - Effect of aggregate size on properties of polypropylene and glass fibre-reinforced pervious concrete
Author(s): S Bright Singh, M Murugan
Citation: International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 23 (6), 2034-2048
Year: 2022 - Experimental study on concrete using sea sand as fine aggregate
Author(s): R Mahendran, K Godwin, T Gnana Selvan, M Murugan
Citation: Int. J. Sci. Eng. Res, 7, 48-52
Year: 2016 - Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of leaves of Mucuna pruriens in alloxan induced diabetic rats
Author(s): M Murugan, CUM Reddy
Citation: J Pharm Sci Tech, 2009; 1 (2): 69-73
Year: 2009 - Engineering properties of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) varieties as a function of moisture content and structure of grain
Author(s): R Vashishth, AD Semwal, M Pal Murugan, T Govind Raj, GK Sharma
Citation: Journal of Food Science and Technology, 57 (4), 1477-1485
Year: 2020 - Determination of Total Phenols, Free Radical Scavenging and Antibacterial Activities of Mentha longifolia Linn. Hudson from the Cold Desert, Ladakh, India
Author(s): XJ Raj, PK Bajpjpai, GP Kumar, MP Murugan, J Kumar, OP Chaurasia, …
Citation: Pharmacognosy Journal, 2 (12)
Year: 2010 - Antioxidative activity and phytochemical investigation on a high altitude medicinal plant Dracocephalum heterophyllum Benth
Author(s): J Raj, SS Bala
Citation: Pharmacognosy Journal, 2 (6)
Year: 2010 - Antagonistic and antioxidant potencies of Centrosema pubescens benth extracts against nosocomial infection pathogens
Author(s): M Murugan, K Rajendran, T Velmurugan, S Muthu, M Gundappa, …
Citation: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 29, 101776
Year: 2020 - A review on acrylamide mitigation strategies in various processed foods
Author(s): M Pal Murugan, G Agathian, AD Semwal, GK Sharma
Citation: Int. J. Adv. Res, 4, 1025-1040
Year: 2016