Dr. Ritesh Pattnaik
Assistant Professor
Dr. Ritesh Pattnaik is an accomplished researcher and academician with over a decade of experience in teaching and research in microbiology and environmental biotechnology. He completed his Ph.D. in Microbiology from National Rice Research Institute (ICAR), with research focused on microbial nutrient cycling and associated microbiome in rice soil ecosystems. His research areas include soil microbial ecology, waste biomass biotransformation, biomethanation, and sustainable agriculture. Dr. Pattnaik has published several research papers, review articles, and book chapters in reputed peer reviewed journals and has contributed to research on bioenergy, waste management, and circular bioeconomy.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
Ph.D in Microbiology from ICAR-NRRI
COURSE EXPERTISE
Microbiology, Environmental Biotechnology, Agricultural Microbiology, Environmental Science
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Soil Microbiome and Biogeochemistry, Wastewater treatment & Bioremediation, Biomass Valorization and Bioenergy production
Administrative Responsibilities
Batch Coordinator, FIC – Open Elective Courses, FIC – Student Internship & Dissertation, FIC- Photographia Society
Awards and Achievements
- Best Poster Presentation award in Soil Microbiology at AMI conference (2008), New Delhi.
- Young Scientist Award in National Conference on Industrial Pollution and Environment (2024), Sambalpur University.
- ITS, SERB (2018)
Outreach Activity
AoG (BBSR, 2024), Education for All (Brahmapur, 2025)
Professional Membership
- Association of Microbiologists of India (AMI)
- Indian Network for Soil Contamination Research (INSCR)
- Indian Science Congress (ISC)
Projects & Consultancies
Hackathon 5.0, Ideation Project funded by MSME, Govt. of India (2026)