Ph.D. Scholars
SARMISTHA OJHA
I am primarily a student of Anthropology and my research interests lie in primatology where I am interested in studying the social behavior, feeding ecology, and communication systems of nonhuman primates. Currently, I am pursuing Ph.D. in Zoology at Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bangalore under the guidance of Dr. Chetan Nag K.S where I am studying the behavioral ecology of Nilgiri langurs (Semnopithecus johnii) in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Research Interests: Evolutionary anthropology, social anthropology, cognitive psychology, and primate behavioural ecology
Education:
B.Sc. Honors (Anthropology, 2016) - Vivekananda College for Women, University of Calcutta, Kolkata
M.Sc. (Biological Anthropology, 2018) - Ballygunge Science College, University of Calcutta in Kolkata
Ph.D.(Zoology, January 2021 Batch)- Jain (Deemed to be University) Bengaluru, Karnataka
Awards/Honors
-
UGC-NET JRF (Junior Research Fellow): December 2019 - July 2023
-
UGC-NET SRF(Senior Research Fellow): August 2023 - Till present
Publications:
2025
Ojha, S., Ghosh, D., Kumara, H. N., Singh, M., & Nag, K. S. C (2025). Fragmented habitats, fragmented knowledge: Tracing 140 years of Nilgiri langur (Semnopithecus johnii) research in the changing Western Ghats (1884–2025). Primate Conservation, 39, 1–15.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/399653698_Fragmented_Habitats_Fragmented_Knowledge_Tracing_140_Years_of_Nilgiri_Langur_Semnopithecus_johnii_Research_in_the_Changing_Western_Ghats_1884-2025
Ojha, S., Chatterjee, A., Mahato, S., Nag K S C., Kumara, H N., Singh, M. 2025. Life in transit: Habitat use, behavioural profile and feeding ecology by Nilgiri langur (Semnopithecus johnii) in a fragmented evergreen habitat of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, India. Current Science, 128(8): 766-775. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391063937_Life_in_transit_habitat_use_behavioural_profile_and_feeding_ecology_by_Nilgiri_langur_Semnopithecus_johnii_in_a_fragmented_evergreen_habitat_of_the_Anamalai_Tiger_Reserve_Western_Ghats_India
2023
Sinha, S. K., Mahato, S., Hazari, P., Ojha, S., Jana, N., Pandya, N., ... & Bhattacharyya, S. (2023). Flies in the high for floral hike? Altitudinal variation in species diversity and composition of Diptera (Insecta) in the eastern Himalaya, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 15(11), 24241-24254.
2020
Ojha, S., Pal, B., and Maji, S., (2020). Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) behavior in captivity at the Zoological Garden, Kolkata, India: An exploratory study. Journal of Indian Anthropological Society. 55: 64-86.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360235566_Chimpanzees_Pan_troglodytes_behaviour_in_captivity_at_the_Zoological_Garden_Kolkata_India_An_exploratory_study
Conference Paper
2025
2024
2021
Ojha, S and Nag, K.S.C. (2025). Harmonizing Time and Sound: Activity budget and communication dynamics of Black leaf monkeys (Semnopithecus johnii) in a fragmented habitat in Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India. In 30th Congress of International Primatological Society, Antananarivo, Madagascar. 20-25th July, 2025.
Ojha, S., Nag, K.S.C and Kumara, H.N. (2024). An insight into the daily life of a leaf-eating monkey: Time-Activity budget and space usage of Nilgiri langur (Semnopithecus johnii) in Anamalai Tiger Reserve. In AIP 2nd Conference, University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. 9-11th February 2024.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388411979_An_insight_into_the_daily_life_of_a_leaf-eating_monkey_TimeActivity_budget_and_Space_usage_of_Nilgiri_langur_Semnopithecus_johnii_in_Anamalai_Tiger_Reserve
Ojha, S., Nag, K.S.C and Kumara, H.N. (2021). Can we be heard and seen? A comprehensive review of acoustic communication of Nilgiri langurs (Semnopithecus johnii) and their implications to conservation biology. In 44 th National Conference on Animal Behaviour (Virtual), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. 23-24 th December, 2021.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358497159_Can_we_be_heard_and_seen_A_comprehensive_review_of_acoustic_communication_of_Nilgiri_langurs_Semnopithecus_johnii_and_their_implications_to_conservation_biology
SURAJ DILIP NAGTILAK
I am primarily a Biotechnology graduate and Nature enthusiast. Currently working on Distribution, Phylogeny & Biogeography of freshwater Mollusc (snail) family, for my Ph.D at CUBEC, Jain University, Bengaluru. Previously I have worked on “Hybridisation in South Indian Langurs”
Research Interest: Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Evolutionary Biology, and Molecular phylogenetics.
Education:
BSc (2020)- RGIBT, Bharti Vidyapeeth University, Pune
MSc (Biotechnology,2022) - Jain University, Bangalore
Ph.D. (Zoology, August 2022 Batch)- Jain (Deemed to be University) Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Publications:
2024
2022
Mahato, S., Suraj, N., Nag, K S C., Muhashin Asaf, V. N., Deena, P. N., Kumara, H. N., & Singh, M. (2024). Where do the langurs criss-cross? Spatial understanding of group composition and habitat of mixed-species groups of Nilgiri langur (Semnopithecus johnii) and tufted grey langur (Semnopithecus priam) across the Western Ghats, India. Mammalia
Nag, K.S.C & Suraj, N. 2022. Leucistic macaque from Southern Western Ghats. Mendeley Data, V1,
doi: 10.17632/gwgjrwt5yf.1
BRAMHI CHOUGULE
Understanding the genetic makeup and population dynamics of endangered species is crucial for their conservation. My research focuses on the population genetics of the endangered Kondana Soft-furred Rat. By studying its population size, gene flow, genetic differentiation, genetic diversity, and inbreeding, I aim to gather insights that will aid in the protection and management of this species. Environmental pressures and human activities pose significant threats to its survival, making this research vital for developing effective conservation strategies.
Research Interest: Conservation genetics, Molecular ecology
Education:
B.Sc. (2020) -Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune
M.Sc. (Biotechnology, 2022)- Jain University, Bengaluru
Ph.D. (Zoology, August 2022 Batch)- Jain (Deemed to be University) Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Publications:
2023
Bramhi, S C., & Nag, K.S.C. 2023. Identifying the Linnean Shortfalls and the Prominence of DNA Barcodes in Urban Areas: Reviews and Reflections from Indian Cities. In Justin A. Daniels (Ed.), Advances in Environmental Research. Vol 95: 181-198 pp. Nova Science publishers, Inc, USA.
Varalakshmi Nadumane, Bramhi Suresh Chougule; Kumar Gaurav; Mutthu Kumar; Nayana Mahadevaprasad; Nisarga HK; Sreya Lakshmi Ponnada; Somasekhara Derangula. 2023. Proteomic analysis of liver cancer- HepG2 cells reveals FAT10 and BAG2 signaling pathways affected by a Protease Inhibitor purified from Tinospora cordifolia leads to apoptosis. Toxicology in Vitro (Submitted)
AMITH S J
I am currently a Ph.D. student in Zoology at Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bangalore, under the guidance of Dr. Chetan Nag K.S. I am currently exploring to understand urban animal adaptations in an urban heat island scenario. Specifically, I shall be exploring ecological, phenotypical changes of Geckos for my Ph.D. study to understand how natural selection might be shaping Urban evolution trajectory.
Research Interest: Urban evolutionary ecology, Neuroscience, and cognitive biology
Education:
BSc (2020): Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore.
M.Sc.(Zoology, 2022): Christ(Deemed-to-be-University), Bangalore
Ph.D. (Zoology, August 2022 Batch): Jain (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India
Publications:
2025
2025
2024
2026
2025
2025
2024
2024
Amith, S. J., & Nag, C. K. S. (in prep). Morphometric divergence between urban and rural populations of two gecko species in Bengaluru, India. Centre for Urban Ecology, Bio-Diversity, Evolution & Climate Change (CUBEC), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru, India.
K.S. Chetan Nag, S J Amith , T. Prathusha. A new locale for an old pattern: enumerating the faunal species-area relationship between two golf courses in Karnataka. JAD. 2025 (Submitted)
Tudu S, S J A, Nag K.S. C. A review of Szulkin, M., J. Munshi-South, and A. Charmantier, eds. 2020. Urban Evolutionary Biology. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 303 pp. ISBN 978-0-19-883685-8. JAD 2024; 6 (1) URL: http://jad.lu.ac.ir/article-1-422-en.html
CONFERENCES:
Amith, S.J., Winchell, K, & Nag, K.S.C. (2026). Climbing the urban ladder: Locomotor performance of urban and rural geckos in Bengaluru, India. In. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB). Portland, Oregon, USA. 3-7 January 2026.
Amith, S.J., & Nag, K.S.C.* (2025). Adaptation to Urban Ecosystems? Towards Understanding the Impact of Urbanization on Morphometric Trait Variations of Cnemaspis mysoriensis Gecko Individuals Along an Urban-Rural Gradient of Bengaluru, India. In: International Conference on “Behavioural Studies & Environmental Influence,” REVA University in association with ESI, Bengaluru, India. 22nd–23rd April 2025. p. 53.
Amith, S.J.*, Lahare, S.R., Tudu, S., & Nag, K.S.C. (2025). Understanding the Impact of ALAN on Insects from an Urban Forensic Entomology Perspective. In: WFCCP-2025 Second National Symposium cum Workshop, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, India. 20th January 2025.
Amith S J & Nag, K.S.C. (2024). "Morphometric Trait Variations of Hemidactylus parvimaculatus Gecko Individuals Along an Urban-Rural Gradient in Bengaluru, India". In. 5th Conference of the Indian Society of Evolutionary Biologists. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. 17th -19th October 2024. p 53.
NEWS ARTICLE:
Singh, A., Prasad, A., Sj, A., Aj, D., Kumar, S., & Chhipa, V. (2024, September 26). From industrial boom to heat doom: Peenya’s struggle with rising urban temperature. Citizen Matters. https://citizenmatters.in/peenya-industrial-area-urban-heat-island-effect-bengaluru/
SHALINI TUDU
I hold a Masters Degree in Zoology with a keen interest in Disease Ecology, Zoonosis, and the One Health approach. I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. at Jain University, Bengaluru, under the guidance of Dr. Chetan Nag K.S., focusing on hygiene practices, pathogen prevalence, ectoparasite presence, and risk assessments in abattoirs. My research aims to investigate the influence of human activities on the diversity, distribution, and health of animal species in urban environments, with a particular emphasis on pathogen transmission and zoonotic disease risks.
Research Interest: Wildlife Biology, Urban Ecology, Climate Change & Conservation
Education:
BSc (2020): Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore.
M.Sc.(Zoology, 2022): Christ(Deemed-to-be-University), Bangalore
Ph.D. (Zoology, January 2023 Batch): Jain (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India
Publications:
2024
Shalini, T., Amith, S. J. and Nag, K. S. C. (2024). A review of Szulkin, M., J. Munshi-South, and A. Charmantier, eds. 2020. Urban Evolutionary Biology. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 303 pp. ISBN 978-0-19-883685-8. Journal of Animal Diversity, 6 (1): 21–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.22034/JAD.2024.6.1.3
CONFERENCES:
2025
Tudu, S., & Nag, K.S.C.* (2025). Scratching the Surface: Disentangling the Role of Ectoparasites of Backyard Slaughterhouses through the One Health Lens: International Conference on “Behavioural Studies & Environmental Influence,” REVA University in association with ESI, Bengaluru, India. 22nd–23rd April 2025. p. 53.
Amith, S.J.*, Lahare, S.R., Tudu, S., & Nag, K.S.C. (2025). Understanding the Impact of ALAN on Insects from an Urban Forensic Entomology Perspective. In: WFCCP-2025 Second National Symposium cum Workshop, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, India. 20th January 2025.
SANTOSH SUTAR
Research Interests: Plant Biology, Plant Ecology, Taxonomy & Systamatics
Period: August 2024- Current
Publications:
GANESH N
Research Interests: Plant Taxonomy, Plant Tissue Culture, Plant Ecology and Biodiversity
Education:
MASTER OF SCIENCE (2021-2023)- Bengaluru City University, BOTANY
BACHELORS OF SCIENCE(2018-2021)- National College, Basavanagudi, CHEMISTRY BOTANY ZOOLOGY (CBZ)
PUC(2016-2018) – National PU College, Jayanagar
SSLC (2016) – Shree Chaitanya Educational Society
Period: August 2024- Current
Publications:
Ganesh, N., & Rao, G. R. (2024, October 17–20). Study on diversity and conservation of NTFP (Non-Timber Forest Products) plants with special reference to medicinal plants of Avani & Devarayasamudra hills of Kolar district. In Lake Symposium 2024 – Wetlands for Human Well-being, Indian Institute of Science, in association with ALVAS Moodubidire, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka.
Madhavi, D. B., Ganesh, N., Kini, G. G., & Rao, G. R. (2025, January 20). Exploring the prevalence of plant product adulterations in the Indian food industry. In WFCCP-2025: Second National Symposium-cum-Workshop, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, India.
2024
2025
GAGAN KINI G
Research Interests: Plant Biology, Plant Ecology, Taxonomy & Systamatics
Education:
MASTER OF SCIENCE (2021-2023)- Bengaluru City University, BOTANY|
BACHELORS OF SCIENCE(2018-2021)- Vijaya College, RV Road, CHEMISTRY BOTANY ZOOLOGY (CBZ)
PUC(2016-2018) – Deeksha Jnana Sweekar PU College
SSLC (2016) – Janak Vidyalaya
Period: August 2024- Current
Fellowships awarded : INSPIRE Fellowship to Research Student ( IF240068)- 2025
Publications:
2024
Kini, G. G., Madhavi, D. B., & Rao, G. R. (2024, October 17–20). Phyto-diversity of Avani and Devarayasamudra hills of Kolar district with special reference to herbaceous vegetation and their conservation aspects. In Lake Symposium 2024 – Wetlands for Human Well-being, Indian Institute of Science, in association with ALVAS Moodubidire, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka.
Madhavi, D. B., Ganesh, N., Kini, G. G., & Rao, G. R. (2025, January 20). Exploring the prevalence of plant product adulterations in the Indian food industry. In WFCCP-2025: Second National Symposium-cum-Workshop, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, India.
2025
D BINDU MADHAVI
Research Interests: Plant Ecology, Plant Tissue Culture, Ethnobotany, Plant Embryology and Plant Taxonomy
Education:
MASTER OF SCIENCE (2021-2023)- Bengaluru University, BOTANY
BACHELORS OF SCIENCE (2018-2021)- Loyola degree college, Manvi
PUC (2016-2018)- Loyola pu college, Manvi
SSLC (2016)- Xavier school, Manvi
Period: August 2024- Current
Publications:
Kini, G. G., Madhavi, D. B., & Rao, G. R. (2024, October 17–20). Phyto-diversity of Avani and Devarayasamudra hills of Kolar district with special reference to herbaceous vegetation and their conservation aspects. In Lake Symposium 2024 – Wetlands for Human Well-being, Indian Institute of Science, in association with ALVAS Moodubidire, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka.
Madhavi, D. B., Ganesh, N., Kini, G. G., & Rao, G. R. (2025, January 20). Exploring the prevalence of plant product adulterations in the Indian food industry. In WFCCP-2025: Second National Symposium-cum-Workshop, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, India.
2024
2025
Harsita
Research Interests:
Education:
Period: January 2025- Current
Publications:
Nithin K A
Research Interests: Evolutionary Biology, Population Genetics, Machine Learning
Education:
BS-MS Dual Degree (Biology) , IISER Thiruvananthapuram (2024)
Period: January 2025- Current
Publications: