Zoology

Dr. Priyanka Prabhakaran holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur affiliated to the University of Calicut and is qualified in the CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) in Life Sciences. She completed her M.Sc. in Zoology from St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur, and her B.Sc. in Zoology from Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur, both affiliated with the University of Calicut.

Her research specialization is Entomology, with particular focus on the taxonomy, diversity, ecology, and conservation of aquatic beetles, especially diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) of Kerala. Her doctoral research, titled “Studies on Diving Beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) of Kerala”, contributed significantly to the understanding of the state’s aquatic insect biodiversity.

Dr. Priyanka has published research papers in reputed peer-reviewed journals and has presented her work at national & state level conferences, including Emerging Trends in Entomology (2019), the Young Scientist’s Conference of the India International Science Festival (2020), and the Scientific Paper Presentation Competition at Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur (2021).

Dr. Priyanka delivered an invited lecture titled “An Introduction to the World of Diving Beetles: Research Insights and Future Directions” at the INDISUF-2026, Seminar on Insect Diversity for Sustainable Future, organized by the Research & PG Department of Zoology, St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur.