Faculty profile

Dr. Santosh Kumar

Assistant Professor

Department of Zoology — Faculty of Biosciences

Phone
+92-62-9255737
Office
Room 13, Block B
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Dr. Santosh Kumar

Biography

Dr. Kumar earned his Ph.D. in 2017 from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, with a dissertation titled “Analysis of the Pathogenic Applications of Aspergillus Species against Acridid Grasshoppers of Agricultural Importance in Sindh.” He joined the Department of Zoology at Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CUVAS), Bahawalpur, as an Assistant Professor on November 19, 2018. His expertise spans Biodiversity, Molecular Biology, Conservation, Systematics, Ecology, Chemical & Biological Control, and the Food Preferences of insects. To date, Dr. Kumar has described numerous new species and reported several new records of Orthoptera and Coleoptera. His impactful research includes 63 papers published in national and international journals, reflecting a strong scientific presence with an impressive impact factor. His scholarly contributions are highlighted by Google Scholar, Citations (361), an h-index of 11, and an i10-index of 12, demonstrating the extensive reach and influence of his work.

Dr. Kumar has mentored a significant number of students, successfully produced 8 Ph.D. and 36 M.Phil. Scholars. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the first researcher to introduce Entomopathogenic fungi as a biological control agent for managing Orthopteran pests. Dr. Kumar has also successfully completed a project, sponsored by National Geographic, while a Second, where he serves as PI (IPFP) & co-PI (NRPU) is sponsored by HEC (Higher Education Commission, Islamabad). Besides this, Dr. Kumar has received notable recognition for his exceptional contributions, earning prestigious awards that highlight his dedication and impact. He was honored at the Scientific Achievement Award and Appreciation Certificate 2023 (Field of Academic, Research and Innovation) from Vice Chancellor CUVAS. The National Youth Award 2021 in Agriculture further emphasizes his significant contributions in that domain.

Beyond his notable research contributions, Dr. Kumar has made a significant impact on academic infrastructure by establishing the first Cholistan Entomological Museum (CEM) at Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur. This pioneering initiative serves as a testament to his commitment to advancing education and promoting hands-on learning experiences. The establishment of this museum not only underscores Dr. Kumar's dedication to the field of entomology but also enhances knowledge about insects available in Cholistan. It provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with the subject matter in a practical and visually stimulating manner, fostering a deeper understanding of insect biology, classification, and ecological significance. The entomology museum, under Dr. Kumar's guidance, has become a focal point for exploring the scientific curiosity of desert insect fauna. Furthermore, his global impact is evident through international collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey, and the Center for National History, University of Hamburg, Germany. Recently, his outstanding achievements led to his nomination as a member of Pak BOL by IBOL (International Barcode of Life), University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, highlighting the international recognition of his work. He was also awarded an IUCN research grant to document and enlist Schizodactylus from desert regions, taxon declared globally endangered. Furthermore, he has recently submitted a Pakistan–China collaborative research project to the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) Call 2025, entitled “Research and Development of New Technologies for Sustainable Desert Locust Management.”

Research interests

1. Biodiversity of Orthopteran/Coleopteran species in Pakistan 2. Bio-pesticides trails against locust and grasshoppers in Pakistan 3. Systematic Biology and Ecology of various Orthopteran/Coleopteran species 4. Introduction of Eco-friendly agents against Pest

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