Anjitha K. S.
Malappuram, Kerala| Grant Category: | Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships |
| Project Title: | Cell wall remodeling under arsenic stress and associated functional biology in Oryza sativa L. |
| Field of Study: | Agricultural Sciences (Plant-related) |
| Home Institution: | University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala |
| Host Institution: | University of Massachusetts , Amherst, MA |
| Grant Start Month: | September 2025 |
| Duration of Grant: | Nine months |
Brief Bio:
Ms. Anjitha K. S. is a PhD candidate in the Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Division at the Department of Botany, University of Calicut, Kerala under the guidance of Prof. Jos T. Puthur. Her doctoral research focuses on cell wall remodeling under arsenic stress and associated functional biology in rice. By employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates plant physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, her work will delve into the cellular and molecular responses of rice plants to arsenic stress, with an emphasis on cell wall remodeling. The cell wall serves as a critical barrier against arsenic uptake, and understanding its dynamic alterations under stress conditions is crucial for developing strategies to enhance arsenic tolerance.
Anjitha holds a bachelor’s degree in botany from St. Joseph’s College, Devagiri, Kerala and a master’s degree in applied plant science from the University of Calicut, Kerala. She has qualified in various competitive exams and has published several research articles in reputed international journals, reflecting her interest in plant stress biology.
As a Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research fellow at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Anjitha is exploring the key mechanisms and pathways that govern arsenic stress-induced plant responses in collaboration with Prof. Om Parkash Dhankher’s lab. The ultimate goal of this study is to apply this knowledge to develop arsenic-stress resistant rice cultivars, which will help secure food production and safety in arsenic-affected regions. Anjitha is also passionate about teaching and mentoring. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening and travelling.