Dept of Botany - Faculty Details
Faculty Name Dr. MAYA C. NAIR (Head Of Department) Email
drmayadhoni@gmail.com
Designation
Assistant Professor
Experience Details
Teaching - 16 years, Research - 22 years
Qualifications
MSc., PhD., CSIR - UGC JRF and NET
Areas of Interest
Angiosperm Taxonomy and Palynology
Field of Research
Angiosperm Taxonomy and Palynology
Guideship Details
Research guide in Environmental Sciences (M G University) ; Research Guide in Botany (University of Calicut); Ph.D. awarded - 2; Scholars carrying out Research - 4
Subjects Handled
Angiosperm Taxonomy, Palynology, Bryophyta, Conservation Biology, Morphology, Gymnosperms, Bioinformatics
Academic Responsibilities Undertaken
1. Member, UG Board of Studies in Botany, University of Calicut
2. Member, UG Board of Studies in Botany, University of Kannur
3. Member, Board of Examiners BSc and MSc Botany, University of Calicut.
4. Member, Board of Examiners MSc Applied Plant Science, University of Calicut.
5. Member, Panel of question paper setters, Vth and VIth semester BSc Examination, University of Kerala.
6. Member, Panel of question paper setters, BSc Examination, Mar Ivanios College (Autonomous), Trivandrum
7. Member, Board of Examiners, St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur.
8. Chairperson, MSc I and II semester PG Examination, University of Calicut.
9. Chairperson, BSc Ist, IInd, IIIrd, IVth and Vth semester Examination, University of Calicut.
10. Member, Board of Examiners, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Devagiri, Calicut.
11. Member, Board of Studies, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Devagiri, Calicut.
12. Chairperson, MSc II Semester Practical Examination, University of Calicut.
Duties Performed
1. Head of the Department of Botany, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2013 - till date)
2. Convener, Research Committee, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2017)
3. Warden, Govt. Victoria College Hostel (2015 – 2017)
4. Secretary, College Council, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2013-15)
5. Member, IQAC core committee, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2013-16)
6. Member, Rusa, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2013-16)
7. Member, Library advisory committee, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2015-16)
8. Member , Examination squad, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2015-16)
9. Convenor, Infrastructure monitoring committee, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2015-16)
10. Resident Tutor, Ladies Hostel, Govt. Sanskrit College, Pattambi (2010 -13)
11. Resident Tutor, Ladies Hostel, Govt. Victoria College (2014 – 15)
Research Projects Undertaken
Ongoing major research Programme (2017-2020)
1. ‘Vascular plant diversity of riparian system along Thutha river, Kerala’
Funding agency: KSCSTE Back – to-Lab Scheme; Student Investigator: Jisha.K; Scientist Mentor: Dr. Maya. C. Nair
Amount sanctioned: Rs.18, 53, 400/-
Completed Minor Research Programme (2015 – 2017)
1. “Influence of Palghat Gap on the distributional range of Ferns and Lycophytes in Southern Western Ghats”
Funding agency: UGC ; Amount sanctioned : Rs.3,80,000/-
Completed Taxonomy Fellowship programme (Jan. 2014 - Feb. 2017)
1. ‘Floristic diversity and resource mapping in Kollengode forests, Palakkad, Kerala - An ecological approach’ - Funding agency: KSCSTE; Student investigator : Soumya, M.; Guide: Dr. Maya. C. Nair
Completed major project (2005-2007)
1. Collection and evaluation of medicinal rice landraces of Kerala
Funding agency: KSCSTE; Principal Investigator: Dr. Maya. C. Nair
Amount sanctioned: Rs. 8, 41,500/-
Co-ordinated research programme (2007-2010)
1. Selection of rice landraces for the stress prone areas of Kerala, India
Funding agency: KSCSTE; Co-ordinator: Dr. Maya. C. Nair
Amount availed: 13, 30,000/-; Funding agency: KSCSTE
Completed student projects
1. Biochemical characterization of indigenous medicinal rice Njavara and selected rice cultivars. Funding agency: Minor Student Project - KSCSTE)
2. Comparative studies of two traditional rice landraces ‘Vadakkan’ and ‘Kuthiru’ under saline and water stress conditions. (Minor Student Project - KSCSTE)
3. Delineation of variations in selected stress tolerant landraces of Oryza sativa L. with respect to biochemical, physiological & molecular parameters. (Minor Student Project- KSCSTE)
Research Publications
Research publications : 29
1. Soumya M., Rampradeep R., Jisha K., Arabhi P., Rekha Vasudevan A., and Maya C. Nair. 2017. Sonerila victoriae, a new species of Melastomataceae from Southern Western Ghats, India. Phytotaxa 305 (1), 41-46. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.305.1.6. ISSN 1179-3155 (print) ISSN 1179-3163(online).
2. Soumya, M., Sojan, J., Suresh, V and Maya C. Nair. 2017. Oldenlandia vasudevanii (Spermacoceae, Rubiaceae) a new species from the Southern Western Ghats, India. Phytotaxa 305 (1), 41-46. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.305.1.6. ISSN 1179-3155 (print) ISSN 1179-3163(online).
3. Soumya M and Maya C. Nair. 2016. Sonerila nairii (Melastomataceae) – a new species from the southern Western Ghats, India Phytokeys 62: 15–23 (2016). doi:10.3897 / Phytokeys .62 7623.
4. Anil Kumar V.S., Maya Nair C. and Murugan K. 2015. Pollen morphology of selected taxa of the genus Solanum from Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Rheedea 25(2). 128-145. ISSN: 0971 - 2313
5. V.S. Anil Kumar, Maya C. Nair, Soumya. M. & K. Murugan. 2015. Taxonomic delineation of Solanum exarmatum, a new species from Solanum capsicoides All. in Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Phytotaxa 221 (3): 295–300. doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.221.3.7. ISSN 1179-3155 (print) ISSN 1179-3163(online).
6. Deepa, K.M.; Manju, C.N.; Maya C. Nair and Rajesh, K.P. 2015. Exormotheca ceylonensis Meijer (Marchantiophyta) - an endangered liverwort of India, now recorded from a highly threatened habitat of Kerala. Frahmia 11:1-4. ISSN 2199- 4897.
7. M. Soumya, K.G. Divya, Sandhya V. Kumar and Maya C. Nair. 2015. Heliotropium rottleri Lehm : A lesser known endemic taxa in vulnerable hydrogeomorphic gap areas of Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India Int. J. of Adv. Res. 3 (3). 1213-1222. ISSN 2320-5407
8. Sojan Jose, Maya C. Nair, K. M. Prabhukumar, V. V. Asha, R. Prakash Kumar, P. V. Madhusoodanan and V. Suresh. 2015. Oldenlandia dineshii (Rubiaceae: Spermacoceae), a new species from the Palakkad Gap region of Western Ghats, India. Kew Bulletin 70(13);1-5. DOI 10.1007/S12225-015-9564-Y. ISSN: 0075-5974 (print) ISSN: 1874-933X (electronic)
9. K.G. Divya, Maya C. Nair, P.K. Shaji and P.K.K. Nair. 2015. Pollen Morphology of Pepper Cultivars and their wild allies from Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Int. J. of Adv. Res.. 3(3), 344-353. ISSN 2320-5407
10. Shinymary Varghese., Maya C. Nair., G C Jadeja. 2012. Delineation of Navara Punja - a unique germplasm in Oryza sativa cv. Navara complex in Kerala, India using morphological and SSR markers. Ind. J. Plant Genet. Resour. 25 (3):pp.229 – 237. ISSN 0971-8184
11. Shinymary Varghese and Maya, C. Nair. 2011. The rice landrace Oryza sativa Linn. cv. Navara in Kerala - A review. Samagra. Vol.7: pp.8-15. ISSN 0973-3906
12. Shinymary Varghese and Maya C. Nair. 2011. Pollen Morphology of Oryza sativa cv. Navara in Kerala, India. J. of Palynology 47: pp.53-67. ISSN 0022-3379
13. Velayudhan, K. C.; Unnikrishnan, M.; Asha, K. I.; Maya C. Nair 2009. A note on the finger bearing species of the genus Curcuma L. of Western Ghats and the report of a new taxon Curcuma amada Roxb. var. glabra from Kerala, India. Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany 2009 Vol. 33 No. 1 pp. 162-171 . ISSN 0250-9768
14. Maya C. Nair. 2007-08 (Publ.2011). Ethnic knowledge system on bees and apiculture by the Kanikkars of Southern Western Ghats- Kerala. SAMAGRA. Vol. 3 & 4. pp: 12-19. ISSN 0973-3906
15. Maya C Nair. 2007. (Publ.2009). Pollen spectra of honeys as an index for ecospecificity in bee foraging – A case study. J. of Palynology. 43; pp.89-110. ISSN 0022-3379
16. K.I. Asha, M. Latha, Z. Abraham, P.K. Jayan, Maya C. Nair and S.K. Mishra.2006. Genetic resources In; Horsegram in India (Ed.) D. Kumar. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur, 2006, x, 144 p., $25. ISBN 81-7233-451-6.
17. Asha, K. I., G. M. Nair.,., M. Padmesh., Maya C. Nair & J V Reji. 2006. Interrelationships among species of Dioscorea revealed by morphological traits and RAPD markers. Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources: 19(1): pp. 40 – 47. ISSN 0971-8184
18. Maya C. Nair. 2005. Palynological identification of resources for development of Apiculture in Kerala – A case study. J. of Palynology. 41(1-2) pp.115-138. ISSN 0022-3379
19. Maya C. Nair. 2005. Melittopalynological investigations in India - A review. J. of Palynology: 41(1-2) pp. 163-184. ISSN 0022-3379
20. Asha. K. I. and Maya C. Nair.2004. Inter relationships in morphotypes of Greater Yam (Dioscorea alata). Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources: 17(2): pp. 148 – 153. ISSN 0971-8184
21. Maya. C. Nair. 2004. Honeybee management and commercial honey production in Kerala – Problems and prospects. Indian Bee J. 66(1-2): pp.11-18.
22. Asha. K. I. and Maya C. Nair. 2003. Characterization and evaluation of an indigenous collection of Greater Yam (Dioscorea alata). Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources: 16 (1); pp. 13-17. ISSN 0971-8184
23. Maya. C. Nair and P.K. K. Nair. 2002. Sustainable Utilization and Management of honey as a Non-Wood Forest Product - A case study in Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products. Vol.9 (1/2): pp. 58-63. ISSN 0971-9415
24. Asha.K.I., Maya. C. Nair and Liji .R.S. 2002. Determination of leaf area in Dioscorea alata L. - A critical analysis. Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources: 15 (3): pp. 143 – 145. ISSN 0971-8184
25. Asha. K. I. and Maya C. Nair. 2002. Ethnic knowledge system on wild Dioscoreas (yams) by the Kanikkars of Southern Western Ghats, Kerala. Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources: 15 (3): pp. 146 – 149. ISSN 0971-8184
26. Jayan,P.K and C. Maya Nair.2001.Studies on a Germplasm Collection of Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.)Verdc.). Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources, 14(1) pp. 43-47. ISSN 0971-8184
27. Maya C. Nair and P.K.K. Nair. 2001. Bee keeping by Kanikkars in southern Western Ghats of Kerala. Indian Bee J. 63 (1 & 2): pp. 11-16. (Published in 2003)
28. Asha, K.I and Maya C Nair. 2001. Incidence of Anthracnose in Indigenous Germplasm of Dioscorea alata L. Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources, 14(1) pp. 78-80. ISSN 0971-8184
29. Maya C. Nair and P. K. K. Nair. 1998. Dietary preference of Apis cerana indica F. in a tropical ecosystem in Kerala, India. J. of Palynology 34: pp.31 – 40. (Published in 2002). ISSN 0022-3379
Books Published
Nil
Paper Presentations
Presentations - 11
1. Sandhya, V. Kumar., Soumya, M., Rajesh, K.P and Maya C. Nair. 2017. Influence of Palghat Gap features on Diversity of Lycophytes and Ferns at Kollengode Forests in Southern Western Ghats. 4th Indian Biodiversity Congress. 10-12 March, 2017; Pondicherry University, Puducherry.
2. Jisha, K and Maya C. Nair. 2017. Diversity and bio-monitoring of Angiosperm vegetation in riparian system along Thuppanadu river, Kerala, India. 4th Indian Biodiversity Congress. 10-12 March, 2017; Pondicherry University, Puducherry.
3. Rekha Vasudevan and Maya C. Nair. 2017. Regional bio-monitoring of angiosperms in a semi-evergreen forest tract of Dhoni Hills in Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. 4th Indian Biodiversity Congress. 10-12 March, 2017; Pondicherry University, Puducherry.
4. Soumya, M and Maya C. Nair. 2015. Floristic diversity analysis of a vulnerable low altitude hillock ecosystem in the gap region of the Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Paper presented at National seminar on ‘Flowering plant Reproduction and Diversity’ organized by Department of Botany, FMN College, Kollam on 9th and 10th January 2015.
5. Divya, K G., P K K Nair & Maya C. Nair. 2014. Palynology of Zingiberaceae as inferred from Scanning Electron Microscopy. National Seminar on ‘Techniques in Biosciences’ organized by KKTM College, Pullut on 18th & 19th February 2014.
6. Divya K G ., Maya C. Nair and P K K Nair. 2015. Palynology of Murraya koeinigii (L.) Sprengel (Curry bush) and Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack (Honey bush). Best paper award for Divya K G at National seminar on ‘Flowering plant Reproduction and Diversity’ organized by Department of Botany, FMN College, Kollam on 9th and 10th January 2015.
7. Prajith, T M., Maya C. Nair & Divya K G. 2010. Delineation of salinity tolerance in underutilized rice landraces of Kerala - A case study. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Health, Food and Agro-biodiversity – Changing Paradigms. 12th to 14th February 2010, Kozhikkode.
8. Shinymary Varghese., Maya C. Nair & Lavanya D. 2010. Effect of organic farming in the neutraceutical value of medicinal rices of Kerala. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Health, Food and Agro-biodiversity – Changing Paradigms. 12th to 14th February 2010, Kozhikkode.
9. Divya, K G., Maya C. Nair & Prajith T M. 2010. Exploring drought tolerance in traditional rice landraces in the agro-ecosystems of Kerala, India. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Health, Food and Agro-biodiversity – Changing Paradigms. 12th to 14th February 2010, Kozhikkode.
10. Maya. C. Nair. 1998. Forest Honey Management by the Kanikkars of Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. International Conference on Natural Resources Management and Conservation; Thiruvananthapuram; 1998
11. Maya. C. Nair and T.S. Nayar. 1997. Sustainable management strategies for the production of honey and other bee products in a tropical forest – A case study.. International Workshop on Sustainable Management of NWFPs. University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia; Oct.10 – 14, 1997.
Seminars / Workshops Organized
1. Organized a two –day National workshop on ‘Recent Trends in Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change’ by National Science Academies Lecture workshop on 16th and 17th November 2016 at Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad.
2. Organized a three day workshop on ‘Western Ghats Biogeography: Challenges in Conservation’ for teachers and Research Scholars from 3rd – 5th Dec. 2015
3. Organized a two – day National Seminar on ‘Technical Writing in Science’ from 13th – 14th Nov. 2014.
4. Organized a three – day workshop on ‘Illustration and Photography - A botanical Perspective. from 18th Nov. 2013 to 20th Nov. 2013.
5. Organized a three – day workshop on Tools and Techniques in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics from 11th to 13th February 2013 at Department of Botany, Govt. Sanskrit College, Pattambi.
6. Organized a five day workshop on Science writing in Malayalam jointly by Swadeshi Science Movement and Victoria College. (2008)
7. Organized a two day workshop for the students of Nature clubs of various colleges of the district in association with World Wide Fund for Nature on Environmental protection and Preservation of Nature in connection with World Environment Day celebration. (2004)
Seminars Attended
1. Participated in 4th Indian Biodiversity Congress on 10-12 March, 2017 at Pondicherry University, Puducherry.
2. Participated in the ‘Silver Jubilee Conference of IAAT and Council meeting of IAPT & International Seminar on Advancements in Angiosperm Systematics and Conservation’ from 19th to 21st November 2015 at University of Calicut.
3. Participated in the one day National Seminar on ‘The Biodiversity of Cryptogams in South India’ organized by Department of Botany, Mercy College, Palakkad on 10th December 2014.
4. Participated in the three-day UGC-Sponsored National Seminar on Western Ghats – Biogeography, Biodiversity and Conservation organized by Department of Botany, NSS College, Manjeri from 14th to 16th February 2013.
5. Participated in the National seminar on ‘Biotechnology and Information Technology’ organized by Department of Zoology, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad from 22nd to 23rd January 2013.
6. Participated in the National seminar of the Second Indian Biodiversity Congress held at Bengaluru, Karnataka from 9th to 11th December 2012.
7. Attended two day National seminar on ‘Impact of transgenics on Biodiversity’ organized by Dept. of Botany, Govt. Sanskrit College, Pattambi.2011.
8. Attended one day awareness programme on Medicinal Plant Conservation on 29th March 2011, at Govt. Sanskrit college, Pattambi
9. Attended the one day seminar on “Solid Waste Disposal : Biotechnological Remedies” organized by Department of Chemistry, SNGS College, Pattambi on 28th January 2011.
10. Attended three day seminar at First Indian Biodiversity Congress on 28th – 30th Dec.2010.
11. Attended the National Seminar on Health, Food and Agro-biodiversity – Changing Paradigms organized by Centre for Innovation in Science & Social Action along with KSCSTE, Ayush and Department of Agriculture at Kozhikkode from 12th to 14th February 2010.
12. Attended one day awareness programme on World wetland Day organized by Kerala Forest Department on 02.02.2010.
13. Attended the International symposium on Computational Biology, Structural Bioinformatics and Systems Biology organized by Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Kerala on 11th to 13th January 2010.
14. Attended a one day National seminar on Recent Trends in Biodiversity Informatics on 7th October 2009 organized by Department of Botany, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad.
15. Participated in the training programme on Orchid and Anthurium cultivation organized by Palakkad district Cut flower growers association.
16. Attended Kerala Environment Congress 2006 at Calicut from 15th to 18th December 2006.
17. Attended the two-day National seminar on ‘Science, Technology and Environment’ organized by the Post graduate department of Zoology at Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad.
18. Attended the L.V. Vaidyanathan memorial talk on ‘Biodiversity of Silent Valley’ at Silent Valley National Park.
19. Attended a one day seminar on the ‘Status of Silent Valley National Park’ in connection with the 20th year of declaration as National Park
20. Attended a two-day National Seminar on ‘Biodiversity and conservation – Bioconserve 2006’ at Govt. Victoria College
21. Participated in the seminar on “DNA- A Tool for diagnosis of Human and Plant diseases ” from Feb. 27 th to Feb. 28th 2002.
Workshops Attended
1. Participated in the three – day workshop on ‘E- learning in Biological Sciences’ on 6-8 December 2016 organized by Department of Zoology, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad.
2. Participated in the two –day National workshop on ‘Recent Trends in Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change’ by National Science Academies Lecture workshop on 16th and 17th November 2016 at Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad.
3. Participated in the three day workshop on ‘Western Ghats Biogeography: Challenges in Conservation’ from 3rd – 5th December 2015 at Department of Botany, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad.
4. Participated in the three day workshop on ‘Methodology of Biological Research’ from 24 – 26 November 2015 at Department of Zoology, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad.
5. Attended one day workshop on Biodiversity Education organized in connection with First Indian Biodiversity Congress on 27th Dec.2010.
6. Participated in the workshop on Science writing in Malayalam jointly organized by Swadeshi Science Movement and Victoria College.
7. Participated in workshop on Restructuring of Under graduate Education organized by Higher Education Council. 16th to 20th February 2009.
8. Attended the National Workshop on Modern Biotechnology in Indian Agriculture organized by All India Crop Biotechnology Association, New Delhi, Foundation for Biotechnology Awareness and Education, Bangalore and Environmental Resources Research Centre, Trivandrum on 14th and 15th December 2009.
9. Attended the Workshop of Taxonomists organized by Kerala State Biodiversity Board on 23-24 March 2007.
10. Participated in the workshop on “Tools and Techniques in Applied Biology” from Jan.3 rd to Jan.9 th 2002.
Refresher Courses Attended
1. Attended the Short-term Course for Research Guides in Sciences conducted by the UGC-Academic Staff College, University of Kerala from 5-11-2012 to 9-11-2012.
2. Attended Refresher Course in life sciences at Academic staff College, University of Kerala, from 08-12-09 to 29-12-2009.
3. Attended the refresher course in Life Sciences at Academic staff college, Kerala University from 15-12-08 to 05-01-2009.
4. Attended the refresher course in Environmental Sciences at Academic staff college, Kerala University from 4.08.04 to 24.08.04
Orientation Programmes Attended
Awards / Honours / Patents Conferred
Junior Research fellowship CSIR/UGC - 1995-96
Senior Research Fellowship CSIR/UGC - 1997
Research Associate ship ICAR - 1999-2001
Membership (s) in
1. Life Member, Indian Association of Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT)
2. Life membership in Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources (ISPGR)
3. Life Member Malabar Natural History Society (MNHS)
4. Li
Assigned Office Charges
Hostel Committee
Countries Visited
Malaysia, Singapore
| Faculty Name | Dr. MAYA C. NAIR (Head Of Department) |
| drmayadhoni@gmail.com | |
| Designation | Assistant Professor |
| Experience Details | Teaching - 16 years, Research - 22 years |
| Qualifications | MSc., PhD., CSIR - UGC JRF and NET |
| Areas of Interest | Angiosperm Taxonomy and Palynology |
| Field of Research | Angiosperm Taxonomy and Palynology |
| Guideship Details | Research guide in Environmental Sciences (M G University) ; Research Guide in Botany (University of Calicut); Ph.D. awarded - 2; Scholars carrying out Research - 4 |
| Subjects Handled | Angiosperm Taxonomy, Palynology, Bryophyta, Conservation Biology, Morphology, Gymnosperms, Bioinformatics |
| Academic Responsibilities Undertaken | 1. Member, UG Board of Studies in Botany, University of Calicut 2. Member, UG Board of Studies in Botany, University of Kannur 3. Member, Board of Examiners BSc and MSc Botany, University of Calicut. 4. Member, Board of Examiners MSc Applied Plant Science, University of Calicut. 5. Member, Panel of question paper setters, Vth and VIth semester BSc Examination, University of Kerala. 6. Member, Panel of question paper setters, BSc Examination, Mar Ivanios College (Autonomous), Trivandrum 7. Member, Board of Examiners, St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur. 8. Chairperson, MSc I and II semester PG Examination, University of Calicut. 9. Chairperson, BSc Ist, IInd, IIIrd, IVth and Vth semester Examination, University of Calicut. 10. Member, Board of Examiners, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Devagiri, Calicut. 11. Member, Board of Studies, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Devagiri, Calicut. 12. Chairperson, MSc II Semester Practical Examination, University of Calicut. |
| Duties Performed | 1. Head of the Department of Botany, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2013 - till date) 2. Convener, Research Committee, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2017) 3. Warden, Govt. Victoria College Hostel (2015 – 2017) 4. Secretary, College Council, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2013-15) 5. Member, IQAC core committee, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2013-16) 6. Member, Rusa, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2013-16) 7. Member, Library advisory committee, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2015-16) 8. Member , Examination squad, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2015-16) 9. Convenor, Infrastructure monitoring committee, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad (2015-16) 10. Resident Tutor, Ladies Hostel, Govt. Sanskrit College, Pattambi (2010 -13) 11. Resident Tutor, Ladies Hostel, Govt. Victoria College (2014 – 15) |
| Research Projects Undertaken | Ongoing major research Programme (2017-2020) 1. ‘Vascular plant diversity of riparian system along Thutha river, Kerala’ Funding agency: KSCSTE Back – to-Lab Scheme; Student Investigator: Jisha.K; Scientist Mentor: Dr. Maya. C. Nair Amount sanctioned: Rs.18, 53, 400/- Completed Minor Research Programme (2015 – 2017) 1. “Influence of Palghat Gap on the distributional range of Ferns and Lycophytes in Southern Western Ghats” Funding agency: UGC ; Amount sanctioned : Rs.3,80,000/- Completed Taxonomy Fellowship programme (Jan. 2014 - Feb. 2017) 1. ‘Floristic diversity and resource mapping in Kollengode forests, Palakkad, Kerala - An ecological approach’ - Funding agency: KSCSTE; Student investigator : Soumya, M.; Guide: Dr. Maya. C. Nair Completed major project (2005-2007) 1. Collection and evaluation of medicinal rice landraces of Kerala Funding agency: KSCSTE; Principal Investigator: Dr. Maya. C. Nair Amount sanctioned: Rs. 8, 41,500/- Co-ordinated research programme (2007-2010) 1. Selection of rice landraces for the stress prone areas of Kerala, India Funding agency: KSCSTE; Co-ordinator: Dr. Maya. C. Nair Amount availed: 13, 30,000/-; Funding agency: KSCSTE Completed student projects 1. Biochemical characterization of indigenous medicinal rice Njavara and selected rice cultivars. Funding agency: Minor Student Project - KSCSTE) 2. Comparative studies of two traditional rice landraces ‘Vadakkan’ and ‘Kuthiru’ under saline and water stress conditions. (Minor Student Project - KSCSTE) 3. Delineation of variations in selected stress tolerant landraces of Oryza sativa L. with respect to biochemical, physiological & molecular parameters. (Minor Student Project- KSCSTE) |
| Research Publications | Research publications : 29 1. Soumya M., Rampradeep R., Jisha K., Arabhi P., Rekha Vasudevan A., and Maya C. Nair. 2017. Sonerila victoriae, a new species of Melastomataceae from Southern Western Ghats, India. Phytotaxa 305 (1), 41-46. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.305.1.6. ISSN 1179-3155 (print) ISSN 1179-3163(online). 2. Soumya, M., Sojan, J., Suresh, V and Maya C. Nair. 2017. Oldenlandia vasudevanii (Spermacoceae, Rubiaceae) a new species from the Southern Western Ghats, India. Phytotaxa 305 (1), 41-46. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.305.1.6. ISSN 1179-3155 (print) ISSN 1179-3163(online). 3. Soumya M and Maya C. Nair. 2016. Sonerila nairii (Melastomataceae) – a new species from the southern Western Ghats, India Phytokeys 62: 15–23 (2016). doi:10.3897 / Phytokeys .62 7623. 4. Anil Kumar V.S., Maya Nair C. and Murugan K. 2015. Pollen morphology of selected taxa of the genus Solanum from Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Rheedea 25(2). 128-145. ISSN: 0971 - 2313 5. V.S. Anil Kumar, Maya C. Nair, Soumya. M. & K. Murugan. 2015. Taxonomic delineation of Solanum exarmatum, a new species from Solanum capsicoides All. in Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Phytotaxa 221 (3): 295–300. doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.221.3.7. ISSN 1179-3155 (print) ISSN 1179-3163(online). 6. Deepa, K.M.; Manju, C.N.; Maya C. Nair and Rajesh, K.P. 2015. Exormotheca ceylonensis Meijer (Marchantiophyta) - an endangered liverwort of India, now recorded from a highly threatened habitat of Kerala. Frahmia 11:1-4. ISSN 2199- 4897. 7. M. Soumya, K.G. Divya, Sandhya V. Kumar and Maya C. Nair. 2015. Heliotropium rottleri Lehm : A lesser known endemic taxa in vulnerable hydrogeomorphic gap areas of Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India Int. J. of Adv. Res. 3 (3). 1213-1222. ISSN 2320-5407 8. Sojan Jose, Maya C. Nair, K. M. Prabhukumar, V. V. Asha, R. Prakash Kumar, P. V. Madhusoodanan and V. Suresh. 2015. Oldenlandia dineshii (Rubiaceae: Spermacoceae), a new species from the Palakkad Gap region of Western Ghats, India. Kew Bulletin 70(13);1-5. DOI 10.1007/S12225-015-9564-Y. ISSN: 0075-5974 (print) ISSN: 1874-933X (electronic) 9. K.G. Divya, Maya C. Nair, P.K. Shaji and P.K.K. Nair. 2015. Pollen Morphology of Pepper Cultivars and their wild allies from Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Int. J. of Adv. Res.. 3(3), 344-353. ISSN 2320-5407 10. Shinymary Varghese., Maya C. Nair., G C Jadeja. 2012. Delineation of Navara Punja - a unique germplasm in Oryza sativa cv. Navara complex in Kerala, India using morphological and SSR markers. Ind. J. Plant Genet. Resour. 25 (3):pp.229 – 237. ISSN 0971-8184 11. Shinymary Varghese and Maya, C. Nair. 2011. The rice landrace Oryza sativa Linn. cv. Navara in Kerala - A review. Samagra. Vol.7: pp.8-15. ISSN 0973-3906 12. Shinymary Varghese and Maya C. Nair. 2011. Pollen Morphology of Oryza sativa cv. Navara in Kerala, India. J. of Palynology 47: pp.53-67. ISSN 0022-3379 13. Velayudhan, K. C.; Unnikrishnan, M.; Asha, K. I.; Maya C. Nair 2009. A note on the finger bearing species of the genus Curcuma L. of Western Ghats and the report of a new taxon Curcuma amada Roxb. var. glabra from Kerala, India. Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany 2009 Vol. 33 No. 1 pp. 162-171 . ISSN 0250-9768 14. Maya C. Nair. 2007-08 (Publ.2011). Ethnic knowledge system on bees and apiculture by the Kanikkars of Southern Western Ghats- Kerala. SAMAGRA. Vol. 3 & 4. pp: 12-19. ISSN 0973-3906 15. Maya C Nair. 2007. (Publ.2009). Pollen spectra of honeys as an index for ecospecificity in bee foraging – A case study. J. of Palynology. 43; pp.89-110. ISSN 0022-3379 16. K.I. Asha, M. Latha, Z. Abraham, P.K. Jayan, Maya C. Nair and S.K. Mishra.2006. Genetic resources In; Horsegram in India (Ed.) D. Kumar. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur, 2006, x, 144 p., $25. ISBN 81-7233-451-6. 17. Asha, K. I., G. M. Nair.,., M. Padmesh., Maya C. Nair & J V Reji. 2006. Interrelationships among species of Dioscorea revealed by morphological traits and RAPD markers. Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources: 19(1): pp. 40 – 47. ISSN 0971-8184 18. Maya C. Nair. 2005. Palynological identification of resources for development of Apiculture in Kerala – A case study. J. of Palynology. 41(1-2) pp.115-138. ISSN 0022-3379 19. Maya C. Nair. 2005. Melittopalynological investigations in India - A review. J. of Palynology: 41(1-2) pp. 163-184. ISSN 0022-3379 20. Asha. K. I. and Maya C. Nair.2004. Inter relationships in morphotypes of Greater Yam (Dioscorea alata). Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources: 17(2): pp. 148 – 153. ISSN 0971-8184 21. Maya. C. Nair. 2004. Honeybee management and commercial honey production in Kerala – Problems and prospects. Indian Bee J. 66(1-2): pp.11-18. 22. Asha. K. I. and Maya C. Nair. 2003. Characterization and evaluation of an indigenous collection of Greater Yam (Dioscorea alata). Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources: 16 (1); pp. 13-17. ISSN 0971-8184 23. Maya. C. Nair and P.K. K. Nair. 2002. Sustainable Utilization and Management of honey as a Non-Wood Forest Product - A case study in Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products. Vol.9 (1/2): pp. 58-63. ISSN 0971-9415 24. Asha.K.I., Maya. C. Nair and Liji .R.S. 2002. Determination of leaf area in Dioscorea alata L. - A critical analysis. Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources: 15 (3): pp. 143 – 145. ISSN 0971-8184 25. Asha. K. I. and Maya C. Nair. 2002. Ethnic knowledge system on wild Dioscoreas (yams) by the Kanikkars of Southern Western Ghats, Kerala. Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources: 15 (3): pp. 146 – 149. ISSN 0971-8184 26. Jayan,P.K and C. Maya Nair.2001.Studies on a Germplasm Collection of Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.)Verdc.). Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources, 14(1) pp. 43-47. ISSN 0971-8184 27. Maya C. Nair and P.K.K. Nair. 2001. Bee keeping by Kanikkars in southern Western Ghats of Kerala. Indian Bee J. 63 (1 & 2): pp. 11-16. (Published in 2003) 28. Asha, K.I and Maya C Nair. 2001. Incidence of Anthracnose in Indigenous Germplasm of Dioscorea alata L. Ind. J. Plant Genetic Resources, 14(1) pp. 78-80. ISSN 0971-8184 29. Maya C. Nair and P. K. K. Nair. 1998. Dietary preference of Apis cerana indica F. in a tropical ecosystem in Kerala, India. J. of Palynology 34: pp.31 – 40. (Published in 2002). ISSN 0022-3379 |
| Books Published | Nil |
| Paper Presentations | Presentations - 11 1. Sandhya, V. Kumar., Soumya, M., Rajesh, K.P and Maya C. Nair. 2017. Influence of Palghat Gap features on Diversity of Lycophytes and Ferns at Kollengode Forests in Southern Western Ghats. 4th Indian Biodiversity Congress. 10-12 March, 2017; Pondicherry University, Puducherry. 2. Jisha, K and Maya C. Nair. 2017. Diversity and bio-monitoring of Angiosperm vegetation in riparian system along Thuppanadu river, Kerala, India. 4th Indian Biodiversity Congress. 10-12 March, 2017; Pondicherry University, Puducherry. 3. Rekha Vasudevan and Maya C. Nair. 2017. Regional bio-monitoring of angiosperms in a semi-evergreen forest tract of Dhoni Hills in Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. 4th Indian Biodiversity Congress. 10-12 March, 2017; Pondicherry University, Puducherry. 4. Soumya, M and Maya C. Nair. 2015. Floristic diversity analysis of a vulnerable low altitude hillock ecosystem in the gap region of the Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Paper presented at National seminar on ‘Flowering plant Reproduction and Diversity’ organized by Department of Botany, FMN College, Kollam on 9th and 10th January 2015. 5. Divya, K G., P K K Nair & Maya C. Nair. 2014. Palynology of Zingiberaceae as inferred from Scanning Electron Microscopy. National Seminar on ‘Techniques in Biosciences’ organized by KKTM College, Pullut on 18th & 19th February 2014. 6. Divya K G ., Maya C. Nair and P K K Nair. 2015. Palynology of Murraya koeinigii (L.) Sprengel (Curry bush) and Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack (Honey bush). Best paper award for Divya K G at National seminar on ‘Flowering plant Reproduction and Diversity’ organized by Department of Botany, FMN College, Kollam on 9th and 10th January 2015. 7. Prajith, T M., Maya C. Nair & Divya K G. 2010. Delineation of salinity tolerance in underutilized rice landraces of Kerala - A case study. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Health, Food and Agro-biodiversity – Changing Paradigms. 12th to 14th February 2010, Kozhikkode. 8. Shinymary Varghese., Maya C. Nair & Lavanya D. 2010. Effect of organic farming in the neutraceutical value of medicinal rices of Kerala. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Health, Food and Agro-biodiversity – Changing Paradigms. 12th to 14th February 2010, Kozhikkode. 9. Divya, K G., Maya C. Nair & Prajith T M. 2010. Exploring drought tolerance in traditional rice landraces in the agro-ecosystems of Kerala, India. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Health, Food and Agro-biodiversity – Changing Paradigms. 12th to 14th February 2010, Kozhikkode. 10. Maya. C. Nair. 1998. Forest Honey Management by the Kanikkars of Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. International Conference on Natural Resources Management and Conservation; Thiruvananthapuram; 1998 11. Maya. C. Nair and T.S. Nayar. 1997. Sustainable management strategies for the production of honey and other bee products in a tropical forest – A case study.. International Workshop on Sustainable Management of NWFPs. University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia; Oct.10 – 14, 1997. |
| Seminars / Workshops Organized | 1. Organized a two –day National workshop on ‘Recent Trends in Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change’ by National Science Academies Lecture workshop on 16th and 17th November 2016 at Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad. 2. Organized a three day workshop on ‘Western Ghats Biogeography: Challenges in Conservation’ for teachers and Research Scholars from 3rd – 5th Dec. 2015 3. Organized a two – day National Seminar on ‘Technical Writing in Science’ from 13th – 14th Nov. 2014. 4. Organized a three – day workshop on ‘Illustration and Photography - A botanical Perspective. from 18th Nov. 2013 to 20th Nov. 2013. 5. Organized a three – day workshop on Tools and Techniques in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics from 11th to 13th February 2013 at Department of Botany, Govt. Sanskrit College, Pattambi. 6. Organized a five day workshop on Science writing in Malayalam jointly by Swadeshi Science Movement and Victoria College. (2008) 7. Organized a two day workshop for the students of Nature clubs of various colleges of the district in association with World Wide Fund for Nature on Environmental protection and Preservation of Nature in connection with World Environment Day celebration. (2004) |
| Seminars Attended | 1. Participated in 4th Indian Biodiversity Congress on 10-12 March, 2017 at Pondicherry University, Puducherry. 2. Participated in the ‘Silver Jubilee Conference of IAAT and Council meeting of IAPT & International Seminar on Advancements in Angiosperm Systematics and Conservation’ from 19th to 21st November 2015 at University of Calicut. 3. Participated in the one day National Seminar on ‘The Biodiversity of Cryptogams in South India’ organized by Department of Botany, Mercy College, Palakkad on 10th December 2014. 4. Participated in the three-day UGC-Sponsored National Seminar on Western Ghats – Biogeography, Biodiversity and Conservation organized by Department of Botany, NSS College, Manjeri from 14th to 16th February 2013. 5. Participated in the National seminar on ‘Biotechnology and Information Technology’ organized by Department of Zoology, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad from 22nd to 23rd January 2013. 6. Participated in the National seminar of the Second Indian Biodiversity Congress held at Bengaluru, Karnataka from 9th to 11th December 2012. 7. Attended two day National seminar on ‘Impact of transgenics on Biodiversity’ organized by Dept. of Botany, Govt. Sanskrit College, Pattambi.2011. 8. Attended one day awareness programme on Medicinal Plant Conservation on 29th March 2011, at Govt. Sanskrit college, Pattambi 9. Attended the one day seminar on “Solid Waste Disposal : Biotechnological Remedies” organized by Department of Chemistry, SNGS College, Pattambi on 28th January 2011. 10. Attended three day seminar at First Indian Biodiversity Congress on 28th – 30th Dec.2010. 11. Attended the National Seminar on Health, Food and Agro-biodiversity – Changing Paradigms organized by Centre for Innovation in Science & Social Action along with KSCSTE, Ayush and Department of Agriculture at Kozhikkode from 12th to 14th February 2010. 12. Attended one day awareness programme on World wetland Day organized by Kerala Forest Department on 02.02.2010. 13. Attended the International symposium on Computational Biology, Structural Bioinformatics and Systems Biology organized by Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Kerala on 11th to 13th January 2010. 14. Attended a one day National seminar on Recent Trends in Biodiversity Informatics on 7th October 2009 organized by Department of Botany, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad. 15. Participated in the training programme on Orchid and Anthurium cultivation organized by Palakkad district Cut flower growers association. 16. Attended Kerala Environment Congress 2006 at Calicut from 15th to 18th December 2006. 17. Attended the two-day National seminar on ‘Science, Technology and Environment’ organized by the Post graduate department of Zoology at Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad. 18. Attended the L.V. Vaidyanathan memorial talk on ‘Biodiversity of Silent Valley’ at Silent Valley National Park. 19. Attended a one day seminar on the ‘Status of Silent Valley National Park’ in connection with the 20th year of declaration as National Park 20. Attended a two-day National Seminar on ‘Biodiversity and conservation – Bioconserve 2006’ at Govt. Victoria College 21. Participated in the seminar on “DNA- A Tool for diagnosis of Human and Plant diseases ” from Feb. 27 th to Feb. 28th 2002. |
| Workshops Attended | 1. Participated in the three – day workshop on ‘E- learning in Biological Sciences’ on 6-8 December 2016 organized by Department of Zoology, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad. 2. Participated in the two –day National workshop on ‘Recent Trends in Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change’ by National Science Academies Lecture workshop on 16th and 17th November 2016 at Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad. 3. Participated in the three day workshop on ‘Western Ghats Biogeography: Challenges in Conservation’ from 3rd – 5th December 2015 at Department of Botany, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad. 4. Participated in the three day workshop on ‘Methodology of Biological Research’ from 24 – 26 November 2015 at Department of Zoology, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad. 5. Attended one day workshop on Biodiversity Education organized in connection with First Indian Biodiversity Congress on 27th Dec.2010. 6. Participated in the workshop on Science writing in Malayalam jointly organized by Swadeshi Science Movement and Victoria College. 7. Participated in workshop on Restructuring of Under graduate Education organized by Higher Education Council. 16th to 20th February 2009. 8. Attended the National Workshop on Modern Biotechnology in Indian Agriculture organized by All India Crop Biotechnology Association, New Delhi, Foundation for Biotechnology Awareness and Education, Bangalore and Environmental Resources Research Centre, Trivandrum on 14th and 15th December 2009. 9. Attended the Workshop of Taxonomists organized by Kerala State Biodiversity Board on 23-24 March 2007. 10. Participated in the workshop on “Tools and Techniques in Applied Biology” from Jan.3 rd to Jan.9 th 2002. |
| Refresher Courses Attended | 1. Attended the Short-term Course for Research Guides in Sciences conducted by the UGC-Academic Staff College, University of Kerala from 5-11-2012 to 9-11-2012. 2. Attended Refresher Course in life sciences at Academic staff College, University of Kerala, from 08-12-09 to 29-12-2009. 3. Attended the refresher course in Life Sciences at Academic staff college, Kerala University from 15-12-08 to 05-01-2009. 4. Attended the refresher course in Environmental Sciences at Academic staff college, Kerala University from 4.08.04 to 24.08.04 |
| Orientation Programmes Attended | |
| Awards / Honours / Patents Conferred | Junior Research fellowship CSIR/UGC - 1995-96 Senior Research Fellowship CSIR/UGC - 1997 Research Associate ship ICAR - 1999-2001 |
| Membership (s) in | 1. Life Member, Indian Association of Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT) 2. Life membership in Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources (ISPGR) 3. Life Member Malabar Natural History Society (MNHS) 4. Li |
| Assigned Office Charges | Hostel Committee |
| Countries Visited | Malaysia, Singapore |