DR. RAM CHANDRA JENA: PIONEERING BOTANIST AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGIST 🌿

INTRODUCTION

Dr. Ram Chandra Jena is an esteemed Assistant Professor of Botany at R.S. More College, BBMK University, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India. With a strong academic background in Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Biodiversity and Conservation, and DNA Fingerprinting, he has made significant contributions to the field of plant sciences. His research focuses on genetic diversity, DNA marker-trait association, and phytoremediation, establishing him as a key figure in modern botanical research.

 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Jena’s journey in academia began with a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Botany (Hons.), and Zoology from Fakir Mohan University (2003). He then pursued an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from North Orissa University (2006), where his dissertation on Hexavalent Chromium Immobilization by Aerobic Microbial Granules showcased his early inclination toward environmental and microbial biotechnology. He later earned his Ph.D. from Utkal University (2019), where he conducted groundbreaking research on DNA Fingerprinting of Some Promising Indian Genotypes and Hybrids of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) under the supervision of Prof. P.K. Chand.

 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Currently heading the Department of Botany at R.S. More College, BBMK University, Dr. Jena has over 13 years of teaching experience in diverse disciplines, including Botany, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. He has also taught at Utkal University, Ravenshaw University, and BJB Autonomous College. Beyond teaching, he has played a pivotal role in academic coordination, research journal management, and library development.

 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Plant Biotechnology

Dr. Jena’s research expertise spans multiple cutting-edge areas, including:

• DNA Fingerprinting and Genetic Diversity Analysis
• Advance DNA Marker Development and Trait Association Studies
• Plant Tissue Culture and Clonal Fidelity Analysis
• Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated Hairy Root Induction
• Phytoremediation and Bioremediation Technologies
• Environmental Biotechnology and Synthetic Seed Production
• Molecular and Elemental Profiling of Wild Leafy Greens

His work on genetic stability, molecular characterization of plants, and conservation of plant biodiversity has had a lasting impact on both academia and applied research.

 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Jena’s research is widely recognized in national and international scientific communities. His studies have provided valuable insights into genetic diversity, molecular plant identification, and conservation strategies. His collaborations with ICAR Ranchi, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research-Dhanbad, and private agricultural research sectors have significantly contributed to sustainable agriculture and the promotion of high-tech farming practices.

 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

1. Validation of PCR amplicon-based DAMD markers for genetic diversity, population structure, and fruit trait association assessment of Indian elite mangoes – Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution (Springer), 2024.
2. DNA Marker-based Auditing of Genetic Diversity and Population Structuring of Indian Mango Elites – Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution (Springer), 2022.

 HONORS & AWARDS

• Professor B.K. Nanda Memorial Award for Best Poster Presentation (39th Orissa Botanical Society, 2015).
• Young Researcher Award from R.S. More College, BBMK University (2025).
• Keynote Speaker at the National Conference ‘Kisan Banega Udhogpati’, KICCI, New Delhi (2024).
• NCBI Gene Bank Contribution with accession numbers MT081417 and MN971581.

Dr. Jena has worked on major research projects funded by UGC, DST, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, including:

• • Molecular Screening of Mungbean Germplasm for Biotic and Abiotic Stress Tolerance.
  • DNA Fingerprinting of Mango and Other Major Fruit Crops of Odisha.
  • Morphological, Biochemical & Molecular Characterization of Mango Germplasm.

 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As a dedicated scientist, educator, and conservationist, Dr. Jena’s work has laid a strong foundation for future research in plant biotechnology, genetic conservation, and molecular marker technology. His ongoing collaborations with international institutions and focus on high-tech agricultural advancements promise a future rich in scientific innovation and environmental sustainability.

 FINAL NOTE

Dr. Jena’s commitment to scientific research, conservation, and sustainable agriculture has made him a highly respected figure in plant sciences. His contributions to DNA marker development, genetic diversity studies, and phytoremediation research continue to inspire budding researchers and scientists worldwide.

 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

An overview of remote monitoring methods in biodiversity conservation

Authors: RG Kerry, FJP Montalbo, R Das, S Patra, GP Mahapatra, GK Maurya, …
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Year: 2022

Endogenous microbial contamination during in vitro culture of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam]: Identification and prevention

Authors: RC Jena, KC Samal
Journal: J Agric Technol
Year: 2011

Fruit and leaf diversity of selected Indian mangoes (Mangifera indica L.)

Authors: RC Jena, K Agarwal, PK Chand
Journal: Scientia Horticulturae
Year: 2021

Multiple DNA marker-assisted diversity analysis of Indian mango (Mangifera indica L.) populations

Authors: RC Jena, PK Chand
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2021

Assessment of air pollution tolerance index of some selected roadside plants of Bhubaneswar city of Odisha State in India

Authors: S Acharya, RC Jena, SJ Das, C Pradhan, PK Chand
Year: 2017