Dr. Shahla Nigar is currently working as an Assistant Professor (AC) in the Department of Zoology, School of Sciences, at Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani. She earned her doctoral degree with a Ph.D. in Animal Science / Zoology, titled “Toxicological effects of lead and cadmium on the blood parameters of Channa punctatus and Heteropneustes fossilis and their role on neoplastic development in fish”. Her rigorous doctoral research was conducted as a DST Inspire Fellow at the Centre of Excellence Laboratory in the Department of Animal Science at M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, under the esteemed guidance of her supervisor, Prof. Neelima Gupta. Prof. Neelima Gupta has served with immense distinction as the Vice Chancellor of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University in Kanpur, Bhagalpur University in Bihar, and Doctor Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya in Sagar. Her foundational academic credentials include earning a Master of Science in Zoology (Fish & Fisheries) with distinction from Govt. Raza P.G. College, Rampur (U.P), alongside graduating with distinction in Bachelor of Science in Biology from the same institution.
Her professional career encompasses worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology at Mayfair College, Moradabad, (U.P) and dedicating several productive years as a DST Inspire Fellow and Research Scholar at M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, Bareilly (U.P). Her primary research interests and areas of specialization encompass Toxicology focusing extensively on heavy metal toxicity in freshwater environments, Haematology analyzing detailed blood profiles and physiological status of freshwater fishes, Histopathology involving microscopic tissue observations, and Aquaculture and Fisheries Management including pond culture and allied practices.
She has contributed significantly to academic literature through various peer-reviewed publications and scholarly works. Additionally, she has authored full-length chapters and proceedings with prominent international and national publishers such as Nova Science Publishers, Springer Protocols Handbooks, and IGI Global, addressing topics ranging from heavy metal hazards and nanoparticle toxicity to traditional medicinal systems and experimental protocols in biotechnology.
Her honors, awards, and achievements feature receiving the prestigious INSPIRE Fellowship from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and the esteemed Young Scientist Award conferred at the National Conference on Frontiers in Environment, Health and Biosciences organized by the Institute of Biosciences & Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur. Alongside these, she secured the First Rank and University Gold Medal in M.Sc. Zoology. She has also earned multiple Best Oral Presentation and Best Poster Presentation awards across various national conferences and international seminars. She secured first rank in all-India article writing competition for the Young Intact Heritage Award, New Delhi. Furthermore, she possesses advanced technical proficiency in specialized laboratory techniques such as microtomy, light and phase contrast microscopy, atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), and comprehensive haematological assays. Additionally, she has delivered six talks as part of the Yug Vani programme on Akashvani (All India Radio), Rampur (U.P) and has published more than ten articles in newspapers such as Elan, Roznama Rashtriya Sahara, Awam e hind, Ruhela Tigers Times and others.