Teaching Philosophy

My teaching emphasises clarity, curiosity, and hands-on learning. I aim to help students understand freshwater ecosystems through direct observation, microscopy, fieldwork, and data interpretation. I integrate taxonomy, ecology, environmental science, and long-term sustainability concepts to build strong foundational understanding among learners.

Teaching

University Teaching

Adjunct Faculty, Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University (2014–2017)

• Taught postgraduate courses in Algology
• Designed and delivered modules on freshwater algae, diatom taxonomy, and ecological applications
• Guided students through microscopy techniques, sample processing, and field-based learning

Specialised Workshops and Training Programmes

I have organised and taught several national-level workshops that combine field training, specimen collection, microscopy, and data interpretation.

Notable programmes include:

• Workshop series on biomonitoring of rivers using diatoms (SERB-DST Karyashala)
• Summer School on taxonomy and ecology of freshwater diatoms (ARI)
• Freshwater biodiversity courses for college teachers
• Online ecosystem and biodiversity primers with Pune Knowledge Cluster
• Courses on entrepreneurship skills in biotechnology (ARI–PKC)

These programmes have trained students, researchers, educators, and early-career scientists from across India.

Mentoring

I mentor PhD and post-doctoral researchers working on diatom taxonomy, ecology, morpho-molecular approaches, biogeography, paleoenvironment reconstruction, and river biomonitoring. I also supervise project assistants, MSc dissertation students, and interns.