Prof. A. Mohandas
Emeritus Professor
Born in Chittur-Palakkad, Kerala, India on 15th December 1943. Graduation from Kerala University, Kerala (1964); Post graduation (1966) and Ph.D.Degree (1973) from Kerala University, Kerala
Teaching & Research:
Research Experience : 41 years (after Ph.D.program)
Teaching Experience : 35 years
Teaching Areas : Envi. Toxicology, Env .Sci, Invertebrate Immunology,
Env. Biology/Aquatic Biology, Env. Pollution, Biodiversity etc.
Research Areas : Env.Toxicology, Molluscan Hematology with Special reference
to pollution Toxicity, Biology of Larval and Fish Trematodes,
Molluscan Histopathology etc.
As Research guide:
No. Candidates taken Ph.D. Degree : 15
No. of candidates registered for Ph.D.Degree : 03
M. Sc. Theses evaluated : Several
M. Phil Thesis evaluated : Several
Ph. D. Thesis evaluated : Several
D. Sc Thesis evaluated : Three
Publications: (Total: 110) (solo and co-author) plus
In Peer reviewed Journals (incomplete) 85
Total Impact Factor 56.82
Average Impact Factor: 1.26
Member/Convener in Expert Committees (past and ongoing):
- Principal Investigator of Five funded Projects
- Participating Institution Co-ordinator of the Project on Carrying capacity for Greater Kochi Region- Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India. (1997-2000).
- Co-ordinator and Project Manager of the MHO Project on Environmental Management and Engineering, NUFFIC, The Netherlands (1999-2002).
- Chairman/Examiner for Thesis evaluation- Ph.D., M.Phil, M.Sc. degree Examinations of several Universities.
- Member Syndicate, CUSAT- 2 terms of 2 years each as Dean of the Faculty of Envt. Studies.
- Member, Governing Body of Rajeev Gandhi Chair in Ecology and sustainable development.
- Member- Expert in the Selection Committee on Environmental Studies,and Physical Sciences, Ministry of Human Resources Development, Govt. India, and University Grant Commission, Govt. India, New Delhi for the award of Masters, Doctoral and Postdoctoral fellowships by various foreign countries.
- Member- Committee to examine the adverse effects of the thermal plant at Dholpur, Rajastan-Ministry of Human Resources Development, Govt. of India, New Delhi (over).
- Member- UGC Finance Committee
- Member- UGC Expert Committee-For Recognition as Deemed Universities.
- Member- National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Bangalore-2000-01.
- Nominated Member by the DG, CSIR to the Research Council of the Regional Research Laboratory, Trivandrum-2001-2004 and 2004-2007 (2 terms).
- Visitor’s nominee (President of India)- Assam University-1997-2000.
- Visitor’s nominee- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), 2003-2006 (3 (plus 1) years) as subject expert.
- Visitor’s nominee-Delhi University as Expert- 2011-2014, 2014-2017.
- Visitor’s nominee -Central University, Punjab as subject Expert.
- Visitor’s nominee-Central University, Orissa as subject Expert.
- Nominated member of the Project Advisory Committee-Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment-2007-.
- Visitor’s nominee to Central University, Pondicherry as subject expert.
- Visitor’s nominee to the Courts of JNU and North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Meghalaya-2010-13.
- Visitor’s nominee to the Ex. Council of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU)- Central University, 2010-13.
- Visitor’s nominee to BBAU- Central University, Lucknow-2011-14.
- Member Expert in the UGC Team to accord sanction for autonomy in Colleges-2009.
- Expert Member in the selection of Faculty in Envt. Biology, Envt. Sci. Zoology, Life Sci. etc. at the University of Madras, MS Univ. Tirunelveli, Bharathidasan Univ. Tiruchirappally, Calicut University, University of Mumbai, Central Univ. Pondicherry, Central University of Orissa, University of Delhi, JNU, New Delhi, Central University of Punjab etc.
- Nominated Member to the Governing Body of Malabar Botanical Garden, Govt. of Kerala. 2013-.
- Chairman- Research Scholarship Extension Committee of Kerala State Committee on Science Technology and Environment, Govt. of Kerala-2012-
- Member of JRF award committee of Kerala State Council of Science and Technology-2009-
Position held:
- Professor Emeritus– Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Cochin- 22, (2004-Present).
- Professor– School of Environmental Studies, CUSAT, (1990-2004)
- Dean– Faculty of Environmental Studies, CUSAT (1995-2004)
- Dean– Faculty of Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala (2000-2002)
- Director / Head- School of Environmental Studies, CUSAT (1990-2000)
- Reader- School of Environmental Studies, CUSAT (1984-1990)
- Lecturer- Dept. of Marine Biology and Oceanography, CUSAT (1976-84)
Membership/Fellowship/Overseas expertise:
- As Fulbright and NSF Fellow: Visiting Research Scientist- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA, 1984-1985, Also visited University of South Florida-Tampa, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Mississippi etc. (Under Fulbright and NSF Fellowship program).
- Post- Doctoral Fellow (Senior) of the Commission of the European Economic Community (EEC) at Vrije Universiteit (Free University), Amsterdam, The Netherlands- May 1991 to December 1991.
- Spent two months at Scripps Institute of Oceanography in 2001, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS), and the University of Maryland, Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Lab, Solomons, MD, USA in 2002.
- Fellow of Bioved Research Society (FBRS)
- Fellow of Helminthological Society of India (FHS)
- Fellow of Academy of Environmental Biology (FAEB)
Dr. Prem Kumar, a Senior Scientist in the Finfish Culture Division at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), is recognized for his contributions to finfish aquaculture and sustainable fish farming practices. His research focuses on advancing breeding, seed production, and grow-out techniques for economically important finfish species, essential for enhancing fish farming efficiency and profitability. Dr. Kumar has been instrumental in developing improved methods for breeding and rearing native fish species, supporting biodiversity conservation while boosting aquaculture productivity in India.
Dr. David Verner-Jeffreys is a Senior Scientist at WorldFish and an esteemed expert in aquatic animal health and aquaculture biosecurity. With a background in fish pathology and disease management, Dr. Verner-Jeffreys has dedicated his career to developing solutions that enhance disease prevention and sustainable health practices in aquaculture systems globally. His research focuses on combating infectious diseases that impact fish farming, particularly in developing countries, where aquaculture plays a crucial role in food security and livelihoods.
Dr. M. Shashi Shekhar, is a distinguished expert in aquatic animal health and environmental management in brackishwater aquaculture. With extensive experience in fish and shrimp health management, his work addresses critical challenges in disease prevention, environmental sustainability, and biosecurity, contributing to the growth and resilience of India’s brackishwater aquaculture sector. By emphasizing biosecurity, environmental monitoring, and eco-friendly health management practices, Dr. Shekhar has contributed to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of shrimp and fish farming.
Dr. K.V. Rajendran is a prominent aquaculture scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) in India, recognized for his expertise in fish health management and aquatic animal disease control. With a focus on advancing disease diagnostics, biosecurity, and sustainable health practices in aquaculture, Dr. Rajendran’s work has greatly contributed to improving the resilience and productivity of India’s aquaculture sector. His research addresses major challenges related to fish and shellfish health, particularly in diagnosing and managing viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases that impact farmed species.
Dr. T. Raja Swaminathan is a renowned scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) in Kochi, India, with expertise in fish health management, aquaculture biosecurity, and disease diagnostics. His work focuses on addressing challenges related to aquatic animal health, particularly in ensuring sustainable and safe practices in India’s aquaculture industry. Dr. Swaminathan is recognized for his contributions to the detection and control of fish and shellfish diseases, which are critical for enhancing productivity and reducing economic losses in aquaculture.
Dr. Neeraj Sood, a distinguished scientist at the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) in India, is recognized for his work in fish genetics, conservation, and sustainable aquaculture practices. His research focuses on the genetic characterization and conservation of fish biodiversity, which is critical for protecting valuable genetic resources and promoting sustainable aquaculture. By identifying and cataloging fish species and their genetic diversity, Dr. Sood has contributed to the preservation of native fish species, ensuring that these resources can support resilient and productive aquaculture systems in India.
Dr. B. Santhosh, a leading scientist at the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), is known for his impactful contributions to marine aquaculture and coastal fisheries development in India. His work focuses on advancing sustainable practices in mariculture, particularly in seed production, hatchery technology, and the cultivation of high-value marine species like finfish, shellfish, and sea cucumbers. Dr. Santhosh’s research has played a critical role in supporting livelihood opportunities for coastal communities by promoting aquaculture as a viable and environmentally sustainable industry.
Dr. Victoria Alday-Sanz is a renowned aquaculture expert at National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA) in Saudi Arabia, recognized globally for her work in shrimp health management, biosecurity, and sustainable aquaculture practices. With a background in veterinary science and extensive experience in aquatic animal health, Dr. Alday-Sanz has played a critical role in advancing shrimp farming practices to enhance productivity while maintaining rigorous biosecurity standards. Her work is instrumental in addressing major health challenges in shrimp aquaculture, particularly in the prevention and management of viral and bacterial diseases that can impact large-scale operations.
J.M.P.K. Jayasinghe is a distinguished figure in aquaculture, known for his contributions to sustainable fish farming practices, particularly in Asia. With a focus on innovative aquaculture technologies and resource management, he has dedicated his career to improving the productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of aquaculture systems. Jayasinghe has been involved in developing best practices that help small-scale and commercial farmers enhance yields while minimizing the environmental impact, which is crucial for both economic growth and ecological health.
Dr. Vasant Kripa is the former Secretary of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) in Chennai, India, and a highly respected scientist in marine biology, coastal aquaculture, and environmental management. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kripa has been instrumental in developing policies and practices that promote sustainable and responsible coastal aquaculture in India. Her work has focused on balancing the growth of aquaculture with environmental conservation, ensuring that coastal ecosystems remain resilient and productive.
Dr. K.M. Shankar is the Vice Chairman of the Asian Fisheries Society, Indian Branch, and former Dean of the College of Fisheries in Mangalore, India. A highly respected figure in fish health management and aquaculture, Dr. Shankar has contributed significantly to advancing aquaculture science, particularly in aquatic animal health, biotechnology, and sustainable fisheries. His research focuses on pathogen detection, disease management, and biosecurity in aquaculture, addressing key challenges to improve productivity and sustainability in the industry.
Prof. Arun K. Dhar is a Professor and Director of the Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory at the School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, USA. An expert in aquaculture pathology and virology, Prof. Dhar is highly regarded for his research on diseases affecting shrimp and other aquatic species. His work focuses on identifying, understanding, and managing viral pathogens that pose significant threats to aquaculture industries globally.
Dr. Iddya Karunasagar is a distinguished Indian microbiologist and food safety expert, known for his pioneering work in aquatic microbiology, aquaculture health, and public health. His research focuses on seafood safety and disease management in aquaculture, with significant contributions to understanding and controlling microbial pathogens, such as Vibrio species, which affect marine organisms. His work has helped develop diagnostic tools and strategies that promote sustainability in aquaculture and ensure safer seafood.
Dr. Pramoda Kumar Sahoo is the Director-cum-ICAR National Professor at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA). A leading expert in fish health management and aquatic animal diseases, Dr. Sahoo’s work focuses on advancing disease control, immunology, and molecular biology in freshwater aquaculture. His research is pivotal in improving the health, resilience, and sustainability of India’s aquaculture industry, which plays a vital role in food security and rural livelihoods.
Dr. Rohana Subasinghe is the Managing Director of FutureFish, a consultancy specializing in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries development. With over 30 years of experience in aquaculture, aquatic animal health, and international fisheries, Dr. Subasinghe is a globally recognized expert dedicated to promoting sustainable practices that support food security, environmental protection, and socioeconomic growth.
Dr. Eduardo Leano is the Director General of the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), an intergovernmental organization focused on sustainable aquaculture development in the Asia-Pacific region. With a strong background in aquatic animal health and pathology, Dr. Leano has dedicated his career to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices, improving disease management, and promoting biosecurity within the industry.