Welcome to Mid Sweden University, Shikha!
Shikha Singh is one of our new colleagues at NDH, and we are very happy to welcome her to the team.
Shikha comes from Dewas, a small town in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. She recently completed her PhD at Bennett University in Uttar Pradesh.
“In my doctoral thesis I focused on the biotransformation of castor oil for the production of industrially relevant fatty acids. In addition, I have conducted research on the production of bioethanol from rice waste,” she explains.
What will you be working on here with us?
”I will be working on the production of biofuels using non-model microorganisms, with a particular focus on bacterial strains isolated from fiberbanks. These environments (fiberbanks) are rich in lignocellulosic residues and other organic materials, which may harbor unique microbial communities capable of degrading complex substrates and converting them into valuable bioenergy products.”
”The aim of this research is to identify, characterize, and optimize native bacterial isolates that possess efficient metabolic pathways for biofuel production—such as bioethanol, biobutanol, or biogas precursors. Unlike well-studied model organisms (e.g., E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae), non-model bacteria may exhibit novel enzymatic activities, metabolic diversity, and tolerance to harsh conditions, making them promising candidates for industrial-scale bioprocesses.”
What are your impressions of Mid Sweden University so far?
”The university has a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, and I appreciate the emphasis on practical learning and research. The faculty and staff have been approachable and helpful, and the facilities are well equipped for both study and experimentation. I also value the international environment and the opportunity to interact with researchers from diverse backgrounds. Overall, it seems like an excellent place to grow academically and professionally.”
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
”When I’m not working, I enjoy listening to music, reading, and watching television.”
We warmly welcome Shikha Singh to Mid Sweden University!
We look forward to following her research in bioenergy and the important contributions she will make to a more sustainable future.