- Awards and Distinctions
Shraddha Shivaji Chavan and Bhoomika Yadav stand out on the international scene with their presentations on bioplastics.
Shraddha Shivaji Chavan and Bhoomika Yadav, Ph.D. students, distinguished themselves with their oral presentations and tied for the best oral presentation award at the 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Solid Waste Treatment and Management (SWTM-2021), held in Yangling, China, from July 15 to 18, 2021. In addition to sharing the award for best oral presentation, these two young Indian researchers aspire to a greener future and dedicate their careers to it.
Cost-effective and sustainable bioplastics
“As a biotechnologist, I have always been concerned about the surrounding environment and pollution levels. Indiscriminate use of synthetic plastics is the primary reason for increasing pollution and environmental decay. Hence I chose to work in the bioplastic industry as my future career to contribute towards a greener and more sustainable life,” says Shraddha Chavan, who joined INRS in May 2020 and integrated Professor Patrick Drogui’s laboratory at the Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre.
Currently, Shraddha is working on bioplastic production in thermophilic conditions, at very high temperatures, by using waste as feedstocks to make the whole process sustainable and economic. This process will further help to reduce costs during biodegradable plastic production.
Bhoomika Yadav is doing her Ph.D. with Professor Drogui’s team since January 2019. Her work focuses on recovering co-products during bioplastics production and recycling waste streams generated in the process. The aim is to make bioplastics production cost-effective and sustainable for their commercialization.
“The world is facing tremendous problems with petro-plastics. Bioplastics have a bright future ahead because of their properties similar to plastics, biodegradability and non-toxicity.”
Bhoomika Yadav
Bhoomika hopes that her research will eventually help replacing the conventional petro-plastics monopolizing the market.
Shraddha Shivaji Chavan 
Bhoomika Yadav
A formative and enriching experience
Participating in this conference was a major opportunity and such a great experience for both students. The event gathered scientists, engineers and other experts from all over the world who innovated through biotechnologies in the fields of solid waste treatment and resources utilization.
“I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank my research professors for giving me the opportunity to present my work at this conference. I am truly honoured to receive this award and I am also grateful to my colleagues and lab-mates for their continuous support,” says Shraddha Shivaji Chavan.
“This conference provided me with a wonderful opportunity to practice and enhance constructive dialogue and network with other practitioners working in the same field. It enriched my experience with more knowledge and confidence,” adds Bhoomika Yadav.
An encouraging message for women in STEM
When asked what advice they would have for the next generation of women who aspire to start a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, this is what they said: “Be curious, work hard and network!” says Bhoomika Yadav.
“Surround yourself with excellence. Don’t underestimate yourself, aim high and be around people and colleagues who intellectually challenge you.”
Shraddha Shivaji Chavan.
Congratulations to these two students who share a very bright future as scientists!
