Alisha Ray

M.Sc. (Ag.) Entomology researcher specializing in eco-friendly stored-grain pest management, with thesis work on bottlebrush essential oil (BEO) and paddy husk biochar (PHB) combinations for control of the pulse beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus) in green gram. Experienced in instrumental characterization (GC-MS, FTIR-ATR, SEM-EDS, CHNS elemental analysis), biochemical assays, bioassay design, and statistical analysis (CRD, ANOVA, DMRT, correlation) using R and MS Excel.

Master's Dissertation Research Scholar - AICRP on Pest Management, OUAT - Bhubaneswar

(2024-11 - 2026-05)

Bottle brush essential oil and Paddy husk biochar combinations for management of Pulse beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus Fab.) in green gram.

• Developed and tested combinations of bottlebrush essential oil (1,8-cineole chemotype of Callistemon citrinus) and paddy husk biochar as a botanical-biochar synergy for eco-friendly stored-grain protection against Callosobruchus maculatus.
• Performed chemical and physical characterization of the BEO-PHB system using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for essential oil profiling, FTIR-ATR spectroscopy for functional group analysis, SEM-EDS for surface morphology and elemental composition, and CHNS analysis for elemental characterization of biochar.
• Conducted insect rearing and bioassays to evaluate insecticidal/repellent efficacy against pulse beetle, including mortality assessment.
• Assessed seed germination and vigour indices (SVI I, SVI II) and biochemical parameters including total protein content, alpha-amylase activity, and dehydrogenase activity (TTC assay).
• Designed experiments under Completely Randomized Design (CRD); analyzed data using ANOVA, Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT), Pearson correlation, and arcsine/(x+0.5) transformations, using R software and MS Excel.
• Compiled findings into thesis chapters with literature review, results, and discussion sections; presented research at scientific symposia and prepared the work for academic publication

Participant - ELP Experiential Learning Programme in Mushroom Cultivation - CHES (Central Horticultural Experimental Station) - Bhubaneswar

(2024-01 - 2024-05)

• Actual hands on familiarity with Oyster and Paddy straw mushroom cultivation
• Management of Fungal and bacteria cultures in Lab
• Production of Vermicompost using native earth worms

Internship Trainee - AIA (Agro Industrial Attachment) - Center of Excellence on Horticulture Deras - Bhubaneswar

(2023-11 - 2023-12)

• Enhanced skills in Organic fruit and vegetable cultivation
• Potting mixture preparation
• Plant propagation
• Plantation crop farming
• Terrace gardening
• Participated in sales and promotion of Ornamental and Indoor plants

Participant - RAWE (Rural Agriculture Work Experience) - Rural Agriculture Work Experience - Khorda district, Odisha

(2023-07 - 2023-11)

Acquired Practical Knowledge on a package of practices from field preparation to marketing. Worked directly with experienced farmers under rural Agriculture work experience.

• Agrochemicals and nutrient application
• Village survey
• Irrigation recommendation
• Soil quality assessment through Lab work
• Field demonstration and Extension services

Masters of Science - Entomology - Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (2024 - 2026)

Bachelors of Science - Agriculture - C.V. Raman Global University (2020 - 2024)

Diploma - Agriculture and Applied Sciences - Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (2018 - 2020)