Researcher at The New college (Autonomous),Chennai, India
Dr. M. Priyadharshini, M.Sc., Ph.D., is an emerging expert in the field of environmental radioactivity and aquatic toxicology, with a strong academic foundation and a prolific research output. Currently serving as a Ph.D. research scholar at the Unit of Research in Radiation Biology & Environmental Radioactivity (URRBER), The New College (Autonomous), University of Madras, she has demonstrated exceptional scholarly commitment. With 23 international publications and a cumulative impact factor exceeding 76, her research has garnered media attention, including features in the Times of India. Her work revolves around radiological and toxicological risk assessments in marine ecosystems and food chains, with a specific focus on human health impacts. Recognized for her academic excellence, she has received high commendation for her doctoral work and holds impressive rankings in institutional and scientific indexes. Dr. Priyadharshini’s contributions span across interdisciplinary themes such as radionuclide exposure, heavy metals in biota, and ecological health risk evaluations. Her active participation in international symposia and collaborations with leading scientists underscore her dedication to scientific advancement and global outreach. Equipped with technical proficiencies and a keen understanding of radiological instrumentation, she is poised to continue advancing research in environmental safety, public health, and radiation biology.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Priyadharshini’s academic journey reflects her deep-rooted interest in zoological sciences and environmental safety. She pursued her Bachelor of Science in Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology from Ethiraj College for Women, University of Madras, graduating in 2018 with 74.5%. Building upon her foundational knowledge, she earned her Master of Science in Zoology from the same college in 2020 with an impressive 84.5%. Her academic excellence and research acumen led her to enroll in a Ph.D. program in Zoology, specializing in Environmental Radioactivity, at The New College (Autonomous), University of Madras. Expected to complete in April 2025, her doctoral research has already earned high commendation. Throughout her academic career, she actively participated in seminars, workshops, and training programs that have significantly expanded her technical knowledge in areas such as radiation measurement, aquaculture, molecular biology, and environmental risk assessment. Her rigorous academic training, combined with a hands-on approach through internships and projects, has laid a robust foundation for her current and future scientific endeavors. Her education has not only equipped her with subject expertise but also fostered a deep appreciation for interdisciplinary research and sustainable environmental practices.
Professional Experience
Dr. M. Priyadharshini has cultivated a dynamic professional profile rooted in advanced environmental and radiological research. Since April 2021, she has been affiliated with the Unit of Research in Radiation Biology and Environmental Radioactivity (URRBER) at The New College, Chennai, under the University of Madras. Her responsibilities include conducting complex experiments on radionuclide presence in biotic and abiotic ecosystems, managing lab protocols, and training junior researchers. Her work involves multidisciplinary collaboration with international institutions and scientists, especially in radiological safety and marine pollution. She has contributed to several baseline studies assessing the ecological and human health risks of radioactivity and heavy metals in food items and aquatic organisms. Dr. Priyadharshini has presented her findings at numerous national and international conferences, such as ICMMRM and ARCEBS, highlighting her leadership in scientific communication. Beyond her primary research, she has undertaken internships and workshops in industrial microbiology, molecular markers, and radiological decommissioning. Her media presence and institutional rankings further testify to the real-world relevance and impact of her work. Through hands-on field sampling, lab analysis, and community health risk evaluation, she continues to integrate scientific rigor with public health advocacy.
Research Interest
Dr. M. Priyadharshini’s research interests lie at the confluence of environmental radioactivity, toxicology, and ecological risk assessment. Her primary focus is on understanding the effects of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs), heavy metals, and other environmental pollutants on aquatic organisms and their subsequent impact on human health through the food chain. She is particularly intrigued by the accumulation of radionuclides such as 210Po and 210Pb in marine species and sediments, and the implications of their bioaccumulation. Her studies contribute to the establishment of baseline data crucial for policymaking and environmental protection. In addition, she investigates the radiological risks associated with everyday consumables such as dried fish, tea, fruits, and milk products. This integrated approach toward public health risk assessment is complemented by her interest in microbial ecology, bioremediation, and molecular toxicology. Her collaborative work spans across national and international projects, enhancing the global relevance of her research. Dr. Priyadharshini’s vision is to bridge the gap between academic research and public health policy by offering scientifically sound, data-driven insights into environmental and food safety. Her ongoing projects reflect a sustained commitment to safeguarding ecosystems while addressing the socio-environmental aspects of radiation exposure.
Research Skills
Dr. M. Priyadharshini possesses a robust portfolio of research skills that reflect her multifaceted expertise in radiation biology, environmental toxicology, and aquatic zoology. She is proficient in radiation counting and measurement techniques using alpha and beta counters and gamma-ray spectrometers, particularly for detecting 210Po and 210Pb in various matrices. Her molecular biology toolkit includes DNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis (PAGE and SDS-PAGE), and cytogenetic assays. She has significant experience in aquaculture methods such as hypophysation and hypergonad stimulation in fish. In microbiology, she excels in sterilization techniques, microbial culture methods, and biochemical assays for microbial profiling. Her analytical competencies extend to using UV spectrophotometry and colorimetry for biochemical and environmental assays. Additionally, Dr. Priyadharshini is skilled in proposal writing, manuscript preparation, project reporting, and environmental sampling. Her ability to manage interdisciplinary studies and apply statistical tools for data interpretation enhances the quality and depth of her research. Through extensive fieldwork and laboratory investigations, she has built expertise in risk assessment models, especially related to radiation exposure and toxic elements in food and water sources. Her methodological versatility and commitment to precision are hallmarks of her scientific approach.
Awards and Honors
Dr. M. Priyadharshini has received several accolades that underscore her academic excellence and research impact. Notably, her groundbreaking research on human health risks from dried fish consumption was featured in the Times of India (October 2023), spotlighting the societal relevance of her scientific endeavors. She earned the prestigious “Highly Commended” status for her doctoral research in Environmental Radioactivity from the University of Madras. In 2025, she was ranked 26th institutionally by the AD Scientific Index, a recognition of her growing influence in the global research community. With 23 international publications in high-impact journals totaling over 76 in cumulative impact factor, she has built a distinguished scholarly profile. She has actively participated and presented in international conferences including ICMMRM and ARCEBS, where her work received commendations. Her engagement in numerous workshops, training programs, and symposia showcases her commitment to continuous learning and scientific outreach. The breadth of her accolades extends from institutional honors to international platforms, positioning her as a leading young scholar in environmental sciences. These recognitions are a testament to her scientific rigor, research relevance, and dedication to advancing knowledge in public health, radiation safety, and ecological sustainability.
Conclusion
Dr. M. Priyadharshini emerges as a dynamic and accomplished researcher whose academic and professional journey exemplifies dedication, interdisciplinary thinking, and societal impact. With a solid educational background and cutting-edge research on environmental radioactivity and public health risks, she has significantly contributed to the understanding of radionuclide contamination in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Her methodological versatility, scientific publications, and international presentations underscore a researcher committed to excellence and innovation. The practical relevance of her work, highlighted by media coverage and institutional rankings, reflects her capability to bridge science and society. As she nears the completion of her Ph.D., Dr. Priyadharshini is well-positioned to influence environmental policy, contribute to radiation safety standards, and collaborate globally on emerging ecological challenges. Her aspirations align with a vision for sustainable environmental stewardship, public health advocacy, and scientific integrity. Whether through research, teaching, or policy engagement, Dr. Priyadharshini exemplifies the qualities of a modern scientist — knowledgeable, adaptive, and purpose-driven. She stands not only as a subject expert in radiation biology and environmental sciences but also as a promising leader shaping the future of ecological risk assessment and human health protection.
Publications Top Notes
1. Title: Impact of Hygrophila auriculata supplementary diets on the growth, survival, biochemical and haematological parameters in fingerlings of freshwater fish Cirrhinus mrigala
Authors: J. Kumar, M. Priyadharshini, M. Madhavi, S.S. Begum, A.J. Ali, M.S. Musthafa, et al.
Year: 2022
Citations: 38
2. Title: Biological effects of ionizing radiation on Aquatic biota – A critical review
Authors: C.F. Kumara Perumal Pradhoshini, Marckasagayam Priyadharshini, Bharathi Santhanabharathi, et al.
Year: 2023
Citations: 21
3. Title: Source, fate and transfer of primordial radionuclides as potential contaminants in environmental matrices of high and low background radiation areas – a critical review
Authors: B. Santhanabharathi, K.P. Pradhoshini, M. Suhail Ahmed, M. Priyadharshini, et al.
Year: 2025
Citations: 20
4. Title: Heavy metals toxicity in edible bivalves and risk exposure to humans through its consumption from Adyar Estuary, Tamil Nadu, India – A baseline study
Authors: T.S. Chandrasekaran, J. Milton, B. Santhanabharathi, K.P. Pradhoshini, M. Priyadharshini, et al.
Year: 2024
Citations: 11
5. Title: Human health risk assessment due to consumption of dried fish in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India: a baseline report
Authors: M. Priyadharshini, M.S. Ahmed, K.P. Pradhoshini, B. Santhanabharathi, et al.
Year: 2024
Citations: 11
6. Title: Cytopathological and ultrastructural changes in the male reproductive organs of freshwater crab Paratelphusa jacquemontii (Rathbun) exposed to nurocombi
Authors: S. Archunan, M. Athisuyambulingam, K.P. Pradhoshini, N. Yelappu, M. Priyadharshini, et al.
Year: 2022
Citations: 11
7. Title: Investigating radiation profiles and conducting risk assessment for ecological and environmental components on Vaan and Koswari islands in the Tuticorin group of islands, India
Authors: S.J.A. Krishnan, P. Nishanth, A. Venkatraman, S. Krishnakumar, M. Priyadharshini, et al.
Year: 2024
Citations: 10
8. Title: Impact of sublethal phenol in freshwater fish Labeo rohita on biochemical and haematological parameters
Authors: K. Muthukumaravel, M. Priyadharshini, V. Kanagavalli, N. Vasanthi, et al.
Year: 2023
Citations: 6
9. Title: Microbial consortium and impact of industrial mining on the Natural High Background Radiation Area (NHBRA), India – Characteristic role of primordial radionuclides
Authors: K.P. Pradhoshini, B. Santhanabharathi, M. Priyadharshini, M.S. Ahmed, et al.
Year: 2024
Citations: 5
10. Title: Radiation doses received by humans in their dwellings – A baseline report on radionuclides exposure from construction materials used in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: K.P. Pradhoshini, B. Santhanabharathi, A. Chandrasekaran, M.S. Ahmed, M. Priyadharshini, et al.
Year: 2025
Citations: 4