Academic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology – Marine Biology
• Studies on Bacteriocin-Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria, Optimization of Culture Conditions and Efficacy of Biopreservation
• 2012, ICAR-CMFRI /ManonmaniamSundaranar University
• Post- graduation: M.Sc. Microbiology, 2003, ManonmaniamSundaranar University
• Graduation: B.Sc. Microbiology, 2001, Periyar University

Professional Experience/ Academic Positions:

• Principal Scientist (Scientist E2), Kerala Biotechnology Commission, 2023 – Present
• Senior Scientist (E1), Kerala Biotechnology Commission, 2019 – 2023
• Scientist C, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & Environment, 2016 – 2019
• Scientist B, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & Environment, 2013 – 2016
• Lecturer in Biotechnology, University of Kerala, 2012-13
• Lecturer in Microbiology, Govt. College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, 2006-07
• Research Associate, Kerala Agricultural University, 2005

Broad Areas of Work

• Research: Microbiome & Marine Biotechnology – Studies on microbial diversity, fish gut microbiome, and discovery of bioactive compounds for applications in aquaculture and health.
• Programme Leadership: Biotechnology Translation & Capacity Building – Designing and implementing programmes to promote research–industry collaboration, entrepreneurship, and skill development in biotechnology.
• Institutional Development: Establishment & Strengthening of Science Infrastructure – Coordinating major initiatives such as the Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV) and Centres of Excellence in emerging areas.

Details of Ongoing and Completed project:

• DBT Skill Vigyan State Partnership Programme in Biotechnology and Life Sciences (Funded by DBT – ongoing)

1. Sarika, A. R., Lipton, A. P., &Aishwarya, M. S. (2019). Biopreservative Efficacy of Bacteriocin GP1 of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GP1 on Stored Fish Fillets. Frontiers in Nutrition, 6:29.  https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2019.00029
2. Rajendran, P., Ramkumar, B., Sarika, A. R., Lipton, A. P., &Anbarasu, M. (2022). Abundance and diversity of sponge-associated bacteria in selected sponge species. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India. 64(2): 74-79
3. Rachanamol, R. S., Lipton, A. P., Thankamani, V., Sarika, A. R., &Selvin, J. (2014). Protease production by Bacillus subtilis VCDA isolated from tropical marine sponge Callyspongiadiffusa.Helgoland Marine Research, 68: 263–269.
4. Aishwarya, M. S., Lipton, A. P., &Sarika, A. R. (2018). Consortia of Specific Bacteria in
5. Sinimol, S., Sarika, A. R., &Jayakumaran Nair, A. (2016). Diversity and Antagonistic Potential of Marine Microbes Collected from South-West Coast of India.  3 Biotech, 6:7.
6. Sarika, A. R., A. P. Lipton, M. S. Aishwarya and R. S. Dhivya. 2012. Isolation of a Bacteriocin-Producing Lactococcuslactis and Application of Its Bacteriocin to manage Spoilage Bacteria in High-Value Marine Fish Under Different Storage Temperatures. Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol.167(5): 1280-1289.

• Googlescholar: https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?hl=en&user=tsbmtXcAAAAJ
• Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sarika-A-R
• ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5864-8251
• Loop:  https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/564037/

• Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Doctoral Fellowship for pursuing Ph.D. (2009)
• Best poster award in Life Sciences, XVIII Kerala Science Congress held during 29-31 January, at CESS, Thiruvananthapuram (2006)

Membership in Professional Bodies

• General Secretary, Kerala Academy of Sciences
• Life Member, National Academy of Biological Sciences

Dr. Sarika A. R.
SasthraBhavan, Pattom P O.,
Thiruvananthapuram – 695004
Email ID: sarikaar.kscste@kerala.gov.in
Phone (Office/Mob):   0471-2548254    / 9446589320