Monika Evangelin

Dedicated and highly motivated Ph.D. Scholar in Genetics and Plant Breeding at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, with research work completed and thesis in the final stage. Possesses strong academic and research experience in conventional and molecular plant breeding, with specialization in improving water stress tolerance in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.

Czern & Coss.) through Line × Tester analysis, combining ability studies, heterosis breeding and SSR marker-based molecular screening. Hands-on research experience at ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, involving genomic DNA extraction using the CTAB method, PCR amplification, SSR marker analysis, agarose gel electrophoresis and molecular screening of Indian mustard genotypes. Additional research exposure at ICAR–Directorate of Rapeseed and Mustard Research (DRMR), Bharatpur, focusing on qualitative trait evaluation in Indian mustard.

Experienced in planning and conducting field experiments under irrigated and water stress conditions, hybridization through emasculation and pollination, crop phenotyping, germplasm evaluation, data recording and scientific documentation. Teaching exposure includes assisting undergraduate practical classes, laboratory demonstrations and field-based instruction in Genetics and Plant Breeding. A sincere, enthusiastic and detail-oriented researcher seeking opportunities to contribute to teaching, research and crop improvement programmes in agricultural universities, ICAR institutes and research organizations.

Ph.D. Research Scholar at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) (2023 – Present)

Conducted comprehensive research on improving water stress tolerance in Indian mustard through conventional and molecular plant breeding approaches.

• Developed 36 F₁ hybrids using the Line × Tester mating design and evaluated parental lines and hybrids under irrigated and water stress environments.
• Evaluated important morphological, physiological and biochemical traits associated with water stress tolerance and seed yield.
• Performed studies on general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), heterosis and drought susceptibility index (DSI) for identifying superior parental lines and hybrid combinations.
• Managed field experiments including land preparation, sowing, crop management, hybridization blocks, irrigation scheduling, and recording of experimental observations.
• Carried out controlled hybridization through emasculation and hand pollination to develop genetically reliable hybrids.
• Recorded and analysed observations related to flowering, maturity, plant architecture, yield components and stress-responsive traits.
• Assisted in interpretation of research findings, scientific writing and preparation of research publications.

Molecular Research Scholar at ICAR – National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)

Worked on molecular characterization of Indian mustard genotypes and hybrids using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers.

• Genomic DNA extraction using the CTAB method.
• Assessment of DNA quality and quantity before PCR amplification.
• PCR amplification using SSR primers.
• Agarose gel electrophoresis for separation and visualization of amplified DNA fragments.
• SSR marker analysis for molecular screening of Indian mustard genotypes and hybrids.
• Scoring and documentation of amplification profiles for polymorphism studies.
• Maintenance of laboratory records and experimental documentation.
• Gained practical exposure to molecular breeding techniques for crop improvement research.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Research Scholar at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) (2020 – 2022)

Evaluated diverse Indian mustard genotypes for quantitative and qualitative traits and conducted field experiments for assessment of seed yield and yield-attributing traits.

• Studied genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis for important agronomic characters.
• Recorded field observations, compiled research data and contributed to interpretation of results.
• Published research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Performed studies on general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), heterosis and drought susceptibility index (DSI) for identifying superior parental lines and hybrid combinations.
• Managed field experiments including land preparation, sowing, crop management, hybridization blocks, irrigation scheduling, and recording of experimental observations.
• Carried out controlled hybridization through emasculation and hand pollination to develop genetically reliable hybrids.
• Recorded and analysed observations related to flowering, maturity, plant architecture, yield components and stress-responsive traits.
• Assisted in interpretation of research findings, scientific writing and preparation of research publications.

Research Scholar at ICAR – Directorate of Rapeseed and Mustard Research (DRMR)

Participated in laboratory evaluation of qualitative traits in Indian mustard and gained practical exposure to research methodologies.

• Participated in laboratory evaluation of qualitative traits in Indian mustard.
• Gained practical exposure to laboratory techniques and quality assessment in oilseed crop research.
• Familiarized with research methodologies employed in Brassica improvement programmes.

Teaching Assistant at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) (2023 – Present)

During Ph.D. programme, actively assisted faculty members in undergraduate (B.Sc. Agriculture) teaching activities and practical classes.

• Assisted in conducting undergraduate practical classes in Genetics and Plant Breeding.
• Demonstrated plant breeding techniques including hybridization, emasculation and controlled pollination.
• Guided students during laboratory practicals and field experiments.
• Assisted in conducting crop observation, data recording and field phenotyping exercises.
• Supported faculty members in organizing practical sessions, demonstrations and academic activities.
• Mentored undergraduate students during practical classes and research-related activities.

Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) Student at Singhania University (2016 – 2020)

Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) during undergraduate programme.

• Studied village farming systems and agricultural production practices.
• Observed cultivation techniques of major field crops.
• Identified important insect pests and diseases affecting crops.
• Interacted with farmers to understand practical crop management practices and agricultural challenges.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Agriculture in Genetics and Plant Breeding – Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) (2023)

Master of Science (Agriculture) in Genetics and Plant Breeding – Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) (2020 – 2022)

Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) in Agriculture – Singhania University (2016 – 2020)