Assistant Pofessor at University of Madras, India
Dr. S. Nagaraj is a distinguished botanist and academician, presently serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Madras. With extensive expertise in phycology, algal biotechnology, microbial interactions, and applied plant sciences, he has significantly contributed to advancing knowledge in both fundamental and applied aspects of botany. His research has bridged biodiversity conservation, microbial biotechnology, and natural product discovery, resulting in impactful patents, international collaborations, and influential publications. Beyond research, he has played a vital role in academic leadership, professional societies, and national-level committees, thereby shaping the progress of plant sciences in India and abroad.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile|ORCID
Education
Dr. Nagaraj pursued his higher education in botany with dedication and excellence, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Botany followed by postgraduate and research training at Madurai Kamaraj University. He went on to earn his M.Phil. in Botany and later obtained his doctoral degree in Botany from the University of Madras, where his research was highly commended. He cleared the State Eligibility Test in Life Sciences and was awarded the prestigious Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship by the University Grants Commission, enabling him to expand his research expertise in algal biotechnology and microbial studies. His academic journey reflects a continuous pursuit of excellence, marked by fellowships, grants, and advanced research engagements.
Experience
With a strong academic foundation, Dr. Nagaraj has progressed through successive teaching and research positions at the University of Madras. Beginning as a Research Associate and later as a Project Assistant, he contributed to major research initiatives in water resources, algal taxonomy, and environmental biotechnology. He entered academia as an Assistant Professor, steadily advancing through various stages of professorship. In addition to teaching, he has coordinated skill-based internship programs, postgraduate courses, and research training initiatives, fostering the development of future scientists. His career is marked by leadership roles in academic committees, curriculum development, and international collaborations, reflecting his influence both inside and outside the classroom.
Research Focus
The research portfolio of Dr. Nagaraj spans algal taxonomy, biodiversity conservation, microbial biotechnology, and natural product discovery. He has worked extensively on freshwater and marine algal systems, with a special focus on Haematococcus pluvialis and its astaxanthin production potential. His innovations in algal cultivation systems have resulted in international patents, contributing to sustainable biotechnology. Another key area of his research is the bioprospecting of cyanobacteria and microalgae for pigments, bioactive compounds, and bioremediation applications. He has also advanced knowledge in microbial interactions with seaweeds and plant systems, focusing on antimicrobial compounds with agricultural and biomedical significance. His projects have addressed critical challenges such as plastic biodegradation, algal biodiversity documentation, and the discovery of novel therapeutic molecules, thereby linking traditional taxonomy with cutting-edge biotechnology.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Nagaraj has received wide recognition from national and international scientific bodies. He has been elected as a Fellow of The Academy of Sciences, Chennai, and the Bose Science Society. His excellence in scientific leadership earned him visiting scientist fellowships from both the Indian National Science Academy and the Science and Engineering Research Board. He has also been honored with the DST-SERB Young Scientist Award, UGC-BSR Start-Up Grant, DBT-BUILDER support, and several research fellowships during his early career. His commitment to professional service is evident through his roles as Vice-President of the Microbiologist Society (Tamil Nadu Chapter), Joint Secretary of the Phycological Society of India, and council membership in scientific organizations such as the Krishnamoorthy Institute of Algology. Additionally, he has contributed to curriculum development as a domain author for state-level botany textbooks and as a member of subject expert boards for reputed colleges. These accolades highlight not only his academic achievements but also his service to scientific communities.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions and antimicrobial activity of Synthesized Nickel oxide nanoparticles
Author: Dr. S. Nagaraj
Summary: This article reports the synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles via Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions. The nanoparticles were characterized for their physicochemical properties and evaluated for antimicrobial efficacy against a panel of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Results showed promising inhibitory effects, suggesting potential biomedical applications of nickel oxide nanostructures as antimicrobial agents.
Title: Targeted inhibition of Candida albicans by red alga Palisada cruciata (Harvey) K.W. Nam (2007): A new report on anticandidal and antioxidant potential with phytochemical analysis using GC-MS and FT-IR study
Author: Dr. S. Nagaraj
Summary: This study highlights the antifungal and antioxidant properties of the marine red alga Palisada cruciata. Using GC-MS and FT-IR analyses, the research identified bioactive compounds responsible for inhibiting Candida albicans. The findings represent the first detailed report on the anticandidal potential of this alga, offering new prospects for natural antifungal drug development.
Title: Piperazine derivatives and bioactive compounds from red seaweed Haloplegma duperreyi: A novel source for inhibition of HIV-I
Author: Dr. S. Nagaraj
Summary: This paper investigates the bioactive potential of Haloplegma duperreyi, a red seaweed rich in piperazine derivatives and secondary metabolites. Through structural characterization and biological assays, the study demonstrated strong inhibitory effects on HIV-I replication. These results open up possibilities for marine-derived antiviral compounds as promising candidates in HIV therapeutics.
Title: Impact of pH, nutrient, and salinity stress on lipid synthesis in Coelastrella sp. for sustainable biodiesel production
Author: Dr. S. Nagaraj
Summary: This open-access article explores how environmental stress factors such as pH, nutrient limitation, and salinity influence lipid biosynthesis in the microalga Coelastrella sp. The research demonstrated that stress-induced conditions enhanced lipid accumulation, thereby improving biodiesel yield. The study provides a sustainable approach to algal biofuel production under optimized stress conditions.
Conclusion
Dr. S. Nagaraj exemplifies a scholar whose career integrates teaching, research, and scientific leadership. From foundational studies in botany to internationally recognized innovations in algal biotechnology, his contributions extend to biodiversity documentation, sustainable biotechnology, and academic development. His honors, patents, and leadership roles reflect not only his scientific achievements but also his dedication to advancing knowledge for societal benefit. With his continued commitment to mentoring young scientists, leading collaborative projects, and bridging traditional taxonomy with modern biotechnology, Dr. Nagaraj stands out as a transformative figure in plant sciences and an inspiring candidate for prestigious research awards.