Suggestions which may be considered for implementation

I am Kanika Mahajan applying for the post of Assistant professor in Livestock Products Technology. I have conducted various experiments during my research varying from formulation of functional spent hen meat nuggets to incorporation of isolated coliphages in biodegradable Zein film. The biodegradable films formulated were a type of active packaging to enhance the shelf life of meat products. Coliphages were isolated from sewage sample by agar overlay technique. I also performed various microbiological and physico-chemical tests to detect spoilage on prolonged storage of food. In academics, I had topped the list in my M. V. Sc entrance in GADVASU and PhD entrance in SKUAST–J. I had also qualified the ICAR examination for PhD and was allotted GADVASU.

The issues which I have encountered in the education system is that more emphasis needs to be laid on practical knowledge than theoretical one. Emphasis should be laid on common use of illustrations such as posters, videos, presentations to create vivid image of the subject among the students. Routinely visits should be organized for the students to farms, abattoirs, dairy plants(outside the state also) to have better understanding of the subject and this would lead to emergence of creative ideas in the minds of students.

The issues pertaining to research area involves the bringing up of new and latest technology (instruments) so that new areas of work can be explored. The workshops/trainings should be organized for the students so that they get well versed with these latest techniques. Trainings must be made compulsory part of course curriculum. Professors from different universities should be called upon to give lectures pertaining to recent researches being conducted.

The very essential part of research and education is that its benefit must reach farmers. This can be achieved by conducting farmers training in colleges, camps must be organized in the villages and the beneficial effect of technology developed by the research must be demonstrated to them. Representatives of farmers must be convinced about the benefits of the technology developed as they play a vital role in convincing the farmers about the same.

My goals include working immensely upon the new areas that have not been explored yet such as enhancing the shelf life of foods by incorporating natural antimicrobials (Bioactive Peptides) in the packaging material, formulation of pet foods etc. I would try to incorporate more illustrations to make my teaching interesting and effective and formulate various products like functional foods, pet foods that would have beneficial effect for both humans and animals.