Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Biography

I work in the area of Environmental Biotechnology and graduated and post graduated from Panjab University, Chandigarh. I did my Ph.D. in Biotechnology as CSIR Fellow from Thapar University, Patiala. I had my post doctoral from South Dakota School of Mines, USA. Presently I am working as Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan. My research work is in the area of bioleaching of precious metals like gold, silver from e-waste and assessing the impact assessment of e-waste on human health and environment. We are also actively involved in screening and application of thermostable enzymes from natural habitats. I am involved in training, education and promote technology extension in the area of solid waste management among students and society.

Research Interest

Our research work on electronic waste (E-waste) management involves impact assessment of E-waste in India and its safe handling and recovery of precious metals for industrial applications. We use acidophilic and cyanogenic microbial-leaching of metals from E-waste (Printed circuit boards – PCBs in our case). We also focus on elucidation of physiological role of microbial strains and the kinetics involved in the process of E-waste bioleaching. My research group also look for viable, decentralized solutions for utilization of lignocellulosic waste to biofuels like biogas and biohydrogen. Previously we also worked on bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated sites focusing on treatment methods like biostimulation and bioaugmentaion. Ultimate goal is to generate cost-effective sustainable environmental solutions.