Dr. Tanushree Gupta | Microbiology | Women Researcher Award

Senior Scientist at AgResearch, New Zealand

Dr. Tanushree Barua Gupta is a Senior Scientist at AgResearch Ltd, New Zealand, with over 15 years of experience in the field of microbiology and food safety. She holds a Doctorate in Medical Microbiology and specializes in the identification of novel antimicrobials, the commercialization of lab-based innovations, and the development of advanced diagnostics for the food and agriculture sectors. Her research focuses on areas such as biocontrol, food spoilage, and the application of plant-based antimicrobials. Dr. Gupta has made significant contributions to improving the safety and shelf life of food products, with numerous publications and patents in the area of microbiology and food safety.

professional profiles

ORCID

Education

Dr. Gupta holds a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Microbiology from the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, India, completed in 2010. Her doctoral thesis, “Studies on detection and characterization of AmpC beta-lactamases in clinical isolates of Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli,” contributed significantly to the field of microbiology. She completed her Master of Science in Microbial and Food Technology from Punjabi University, Patiala, India, in 2004, where she further honed her expertise in the microbiological aspects of food and dairy. Dr. Gupta’s strong academic foundation supports her innovative research in antimicrobial agents, food safety, and biotechnology.

work Experience

Dr. Gupta’s research career spans over 15 years, beginning with her position as a Junior Research Fellow at the National Dairy Research Institute in India (2005). She has since served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at AgResearch (2010-2011) and then as a Senior Research Scientist at AgResearch Ltd, New Zealand, from 2011 onwards. Her research has primarily focused on microbial contamination, food spoilage bacteria, and the development of novel antimicrobial agents, particularly those isolated from farm environments. Dr. Gupta has collaborated internationally on projects aimed at improving food safety, with a particular emphasis on dairy and meat products. She works closely with dairy companies to enhance the shelf life of products and contributes to advancing biotechnology through the commercialization of her research. Her expertise also extends to the application of CRISPR technology in pathogen detection and the use of plant-based antimicrobials for food preservation.

Awards and honors

Dr. Tanushree Gupta has received multiple prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to the field of microbiology and food safety. In 2024, she was selected as a finalist for the AgriFutures Grow Catalyst Program for women in agriculture, a distinction she holds as the only New Zealand-based researcher. She was also honored with the Basil Jarvis Prize in Food Safety by Applied Microbiology International (2022). Dr. Gupta has received the KiwiNet Emerging Innovation Award (2022), the Humphrey M. Russel Award (2022), and the Young Scientist Award by FEMS (2016). Additionally, she was recognized as the Global Ambassador for Oceania Pacific of Applied Microbiology International in 2023. Her other accolades include being awarded the Senior Research Fellowship from the Indian Council of Medical Research and several travel grants to attend leading international conferences, showcasing her continuous global impact in the field of microbial research and food safety.

Research Focus

Skills

Dr. Gupta possesses an extensive skill set in microbiological research, specializing in the detection and characterization of pathogens in food systems. She is adept at applying advanced molecular techniques, such as PCR, real-time PCR, and CRISPR, for bacterial identification and diagnostics. Her expertise includes isolating and identifying novel antimicrobial agents from environmental sources, including farm environments. Dr. Gupta is proficient in the use of bioinformatics tools and multi-omics approaches for studying microbial communities and their interactions in food and farm environments. She has advanced knowledge in biocontrol methods, using bioactive compounds from bacteria to combat pathogens. Additionally, Dr. Gupta’s skill set extends to applying plant-based antimicrobials to enhance food preservation. With a strong background in commercializing scientific innovations, she plays an active role in translating laboratory research into practical applications, especially in the dairy and meat industries, to enhance food safety and shelf life.

Conclusion

Dr. Tanushree Barua Gupta is an outstanding candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her innovative research, commitment to the commercialization of scientific discoveries, and recognition in the global scientific community make her a leader in the fields of microbiology, food safety, and applied research. She has not only made significant strides in improving food safety but also contributed to enhancing the sustainability and safety of agricultural practices. Dr. Gupta exemplifies the qualities of a trailblazer and role model for women in research and science.

Publications to Noted

Impact of Ultra-High-Pressure Homogenisation on the Inactivation of Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus subtilis Spores in Sheep and Cow Milk

Authors: Antony Anila, Aswathi Soni, Linda M. Samuelsson, Mike Weeks, Meng Wai Woo, Siew-Young Quek, Mohammed Farid, and Tanushree Gupta

Citations: 0 (since it’s from October 2024)

Year: 2024

DOI: 10.3390/foods13213452