Malika Suthar

Dedicated and meticulous researcher in mycology and biotechnology with over five years of experience in academic research and scientific writing. Expertise includes fungal taxonomy, molecular biology, microbial diversity, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics, with a specialized focus on fungal pigments and their bioactive potential. Passionate about advancing scientific discovery, committed to enhancing high-quality scientific communication, driving innovation in life sciences, and fostering impactful collaborations across academia, publishing, and industry.

• Isolation, identification, long-term preservation, and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of fungi and bacteria.
• Expertise in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, whole genome sequencing (WGS).
• Skilled in NGS workflows, BLAST, MEGA, IQ-TREE, and NCBI databases.
• Extraction and purification of fungal pigments (melanin, carotenoids, etc.) and secondary metabolites.
• Analytical expertise in HPTLC, HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, MALDI-TOF.
• Fermentation optimization (PBD, CCD, RSM) for maximizing metabolite yield.
• Bio-active potential evaluation through antimicrobial and antioxidant assays.
• Application of experimental design (Plackett–Burman Design, Response Surface Methodology).
• Skilled in Minitab for statistical and biostatistical data analysis.
• Published peer-reviewed research articles, review papers, and book chapters.
• Experienced in manuscript editing, proofreading, journal submission workflows, and peer review processes.
• Trained in science communication, grant writing, and proposal preparation.
• Mentored postgraduate students in molecular biology, metabolite extraction, and bioinformatics.
• Effective communication skills with scientific publications, national & international conference presentations, and collaborative research.

• Workshop on Fundamentals of LC-MS/MS, ARI Pune, 02/01/24
• Science Communication Workshop, DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance, Pune, 04/01/23
• Certificate Course: Biodiversity, Biology & Genomics of Fungi and Lichens, NFCCI, Pune, 01/01/19
• Training: Writing and Publishing Skills for Researchers, ARI Pune, 08/01/24
• Symposium: Role of Authenticated Fungi in Industry & Agriculture, SPPU Pune, 10/01/24

• First Place, Poster presentation, International Conference on Biology, Biodiversity, and Biotechnology of Fungi, 12/01/23
• M.S. Patil Award, International Conference on Role of Fungi in Sustainable Development, 10/01/24
• AIR, CSIR-NET, 12/01/17

• Suthar, M. & Singh, S. K., 2025, Extraction and Partial Characterization of Melanin Pigment from Alternaria burnsii and Cladosporium tenuissimum., Mycological Spectrum
• Suthar, M., Dufossé, L., & Singh, S. K., 2023, The enigmatic world of fungal melanin: a comprehensive review., Journal of Fungi, 9, 9, 891
• Suthar, M., Lagashetti, A. C., Räisänen, R., Singh, P. N., Dufossé, L., Robinson, S. C., & Singh, S. K., 2021, Industrial applications of pigments from macrofungi., Advances in Macrofungi, 223-251, CRC Press
• Scolecobasidium laurentii – a new species based on morphology and phylogeny from Western Ghats, India., Phytotaxa
• Extraction, Partial Characterization and Evaluation of the Biopotential of Melanin Pigment from an Indigenous Non-conventional Fungus., Current Microbiology, communicated