Dr. Belle Damodar Shenoy: A Journey from Humble Beginning to Prominent Indian Microbiologist

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/Belle, 24 November 2024: It is a matter of great pride to the village in general and to the family in particular when one of their own achieves excellence in the field of their choice and rise to prominence at the national and international level. The Belle village, with its historical and cultural background has been the cradle of many great personalities from historical past such as Shri Madhwacharya, proponent of Dwaita Philosophy and founder of Ashta Mattas (Eight Matts) and quite  a number of others who contributed in their own way in the service of the nation, promoting art and painting-K.K. Hebbar, in the field of medicine-Belle Monappa Hegde and still many others who silently worked and excelled in their pursuit. In this list of illustrious sons of the soil, the name of Dr. Belle Damodar Shenoy can be added as he has been considered as one of the prominent Indian mycologist and microbiologist, celebrated for his ground-breaking research in fungal taxonomy, microbial diversity, and environmental biotechnology. A Principal Scientist at the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Visakhapatnam, India, Dr. Shenoy has made significant contributions to marine and terrestrial mycology, addressing critical environmental challenges and advancing scientific knowledge globally.

 

Early Life and Family: 

Dr. Damodr Shenoy was born in Belle, Udupi, a picturesque coastal town in Karnataka, known for its cultural richness and academic traditions. He is the third child of Shri Belle Sadananda Shenoy and Smt. Belle Vasanthi Shenoy of the well-known "Belle Shenoy" family of Padubelle. Growing up in this serene environment, surrounded by the natural beauty of agricultural fields, coconut trees, and Papanashini River, he developed an early fascination with the intricate workings of nature—a curiosity that would later define his career in science.

 

The parents of Dr. Damodar Sheoy hav been deeply committed to education and values-driven living. This provided the foundation for his academic and personal success. Their unwavering support and encouragement instilled in him a sense of discipline, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. Dr. Shenoy often acknowledges their role in shaping his passion for science and his commitment to lifelong learning.

 

Dr. Damodar Shenoy is married to a compassionate and supportive wife, Kamakshi Kamath Shenoy, who has been a constant source of encouragement throughout his personal and professional journey. Together, they have a daughter, Divya. Her journey has brought the family closer, reinforcing their values of strength, gratitude, and mutual support.

 

 

Academic Journey: 

Dr. Damodar Shenoy’s academic journey began from Government Primary School, Padubelle where he studied up to 7th standard,  SVS Pre University College, Katapadi where he complete 10th stndard, and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College,Udupi in which he  studied up to 12th standard. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry from Poorna Prajna College, Udupi, in 1999. He then pursued a Master of Science in Biosciences at the Mangalore University, graduating in 2002. His academic excellence and deep interest in scientific research led him to The University of Hong Kong, where he earned his Ph.D. in 2007. His doctoral research on the multigene phylogeny of selected anamorphic ascomycetes provided new insights into their evolutionary relationships and set the stage for his future contributions to mycology.

 

Professional Career: 

After completing his Ph.D., Dr. Damodar Shenoy expanded his expertise through a postdoctoral fellowship at Agriculture and Agri-Food, Canada in Ottawa, where he specialized in DNA barcoding of Fusarium species. In 2008, he returned to India to join the CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) in Chandigarh as a Scientist. During his tenure, he mentored Ph.D. students and published high-impact research on fungal taxonomy, phylogeny, DNA barcoding, and comparative genomics.

 

In 2013, Dr. Damodar Shenoy moved to the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography in Goa, where he pioneered research on microbial communities associated with tarballs—pollutants derived from crude oil. His innovative work in this area has been pivotal in understanding the role of microbes in mitigating marine pollution. Currently, as a Principal Scientist at NIO’s Regional Centre in Visakhapatnam, he leads research on bacterial and fungal diversity in unique marine ecosystems, advancing the field of marine microbiology.

 

Research Contributions: 

Dr. Damodar Shenoy’s research spans fungal biodiversity, genomics, and environmental biotechnology. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications, with a Google Scholar h-index of 23 and over 3,800 citations, underscoring his significant impact on the scientific community.

 

The notable research achievements of Dr. Dmodar Shenoy include uncovering phylogenetic relationships among fungal anamorphs and developing bacterial consortia capable of degrading tar balls, contributing to innovative solutions for environmental pollution.

 

Editorial Roles and Professional Affiliations: 

Dr. Damodar Shenoy’s contributions extend beyond research into the domain of academic publishing. He is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of MycoAsia, a leading journal in fungal biology. Additionally, he serves on the editorial boards of prominent journals such as MycoIndia, Mycological Spectrum, and Frontiers in Fungal Biology and Marine Sciences, where he advocates for the dissemination of high-quality, impactful research.

 

Among other important positions held by Dr. Damodr Shenoy include life membership and Managing Committee membership of the Association of Fungal Biologists (AFB) and a life membership of the Indian Lichenological Society, the Mycological Society of India, and the Association of Microbiologists of India (AMI). Furthermore, Dr. Shenoy serves on the Scientific Board of Oceanography & Atmospheric Sciences at Amity University, Noida, and contributes to the International Sub commission on Colletotrichum Taxonomy.

 

Dr. Damodar Shenoy is an Associate of the Karnataka Science and Technology Academy (KSTA), a prestigious recognition bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to science and technology in Karnataka. This affiliation highlights his impactful work in fungal taxonomy, microbial diversity, and environmental biotechnology, as well as his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. Through his association with KSTA, Dr. Shenoy actively engages with initiatives that promote scientific research and education in the state, inspiring budding scientists and contributing to the growth of Karnataka’s scientific community.

 

 

Invitations as Speaker and Outreach: 

Dr. Damodar Shenoy is regularly invited to speak at national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops on mycology and microbiology. His engaging lectures and workshops on fungal diversity, taxonomy, and environmental microbiology have inspired and educated audiences worldwide. His ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible knowledge has made him a sought-after speaker in both academic and professional circles.

 

Mentorship and Teaching:

To the budding scientists Dr. Damodar Shenoy is an inspiring mentor. He has guided several Ph.D. candidates registered with institutions such as Goa University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Many of whom have gone on to establish successful careers. Dr. Gunjan Sharma, his first Ph.D. student, received the Best Ph.D. Thesis Award at CSIR-IMTECH and is now an Assistant Professor at Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gandhinagar. Dr. Yamini Agrawal conducted pioneering comparative genomics research on insect-associated fungi and is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Botany, University of Delhi. Dr. Genevieve Fernandes is a postdoctoral fellow in Israel, continuing high-impact research. Dr. Varsha Shinde focused on microbes associated with tar balls for her Ph.D. and is currently prioritizing her family as a dedicated homemaker. Dr. Shenoy’s holistic mentorship style emphasizes scientific rigor, professional growth, and personal development, inspiring students to excel in diverse scientific domains.

 

Personal Interests: 

Outside the laboratory, Dr. Damodar Shenoy is an avid traveller and a poet, reflecting his love for cultural and natural diversity. He enjoys exploring India’s rich landscapes and capturing his reflections through evocative poetry, blending his scientific curiosity with creative expression.

 

Legacy and Impact:

Dr. Belle Damodara Shenoy’s career epitomizes the integration of scientific excellence, editorial leadership, and heartfelt mentorship. His contributions to fungal taxonomy, microbial diversity, and environmental conservation have had a lasting impact on science and society. His regular engagements as a speaker and his dedication to training the next generation of researchers underline his role as a thought leader in microbiology and mycology.

 

As a dedicated scientist, mentor, and family man, Dr. Belle Damodar Shenoy’s life and work continue to inspire, leaving an enduring legacy in fungal biology and environmental science.