Dr. Nitu Rani has over nine years of expertise in plant-microbe interaction, agricultural microbiology, and biochemistry. She earned the Best Researcher Award (2024) and has won top prizes for her research presentations. A gold medalist in both her bachelor and master degrees, she co-founded FBoost Agro Private Limited, developing natural, plant-based products and solutions.

An esteemed Assistant Professor at the University Institute of Biotechnology- UIBT, Chandigarh University, Dr. Nitu Rani has been making significant contributions to the study of Plant-Microbe Interaction, Agricultural Microbiology, and Biochemistry for nearly a decade.

With nine years of experience at Chandigarh University, she has taken on multiple academic and administrative roles, including Mentor, Event Coordinator, Administrative Coordinator in the Agriculture Department, and Academic Coordinator. As an expert in her field, she teaches Plant-Microbial Interactions, Plant Tissue Culture, and Agricultural Microbiology, handling both theoretical and practical courses.

Gold Medallist Dr. Nitu Rani is actively associated with both the Agriculture Department and Biotechnology Department at Chandigarh University. Her journey began in the Agriculture Department, where she conducted extensive research in a poly-house facility, allowing her to engage directly with farmers and crop scientists. This hands-on experience deepened her understanding of agriculture and plant-microbe interactions, motivating her to expand her research.

Recognizing the need for advanced scientific experimentation, she transitioned to the Biotechnology Department, where she had access to state-of-the-art labs, chemicals, and equipment. Chandigarh University provided her with the necessary technological resources, enabling her to conduct in-depth research and contribute to the field of Agriculture Microbiology and Biochemistry.

She also utilized modern instruments available in the University Centre for Research & Development (UCRD), including CEM- the FTIR based analyzer, and other high-tech techniques, which facilitated interdisciplinary research across multiple departments.

The university is actively working on various research projects, including the Saffron Project and multiple DST-funded initiatives. She encourages students to join Chandigarh University’s Biotechnology Department, where they can collaborate with experienced faculty, participate in groundbreaking research, and contribute to the development of new formulations and innovations.

During her PhD tenure, Researcher Nitu Rani achieved several accolades, including the Best Researcher Award (2023) at Chandigarh University. Her research work led her to present papers at prestigious institutions like the Lovely Professional University (LPU), where she won second prize for oral presentation, and CGC Landran, where she secured first prize for poster presentation.

Beyond academia, Assistant Professor Dr. Nitu Rani sought to implement her research into real-world applications. With this vision, she co-founded FBoost Agro Private Limited, a startup focused on natural, plant-based solutions. Collaborating with experts from agriculture, food technology, and chemistry, she aimed to extract valuable bioactive compounds from plant biomass to create sustainable, eco-friendly products. The company's mission is to promote health and sustainability by reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and harnessing the power of nature.

FBboost Agro Private Limited actively encourages innovative ideas related to plant biomass utilization, inviting researchers and entrepreneurs to contribute. The company specializes in plant-based product development and manufacturing, ensuring that scientific research translates into practical solutions for a healthier future.

Dr. Nitu Rani’s quest in Biotechnology began coincidentally. Like many aspiring students, her parents envisioned a career in Medicine for her. Despite being a bright student, she couldn't clear the NEET. However, her passion for Biology and Human Metabolism led her to Biochemistry, which she describes as "the Chemistry behind Biology."

She pursued Biochemistry at Andhra University, excelling with top ranks and eventually earning a Gold Medal in both her bachelor and master studies. Her academic achievements solidified her passion for Biochemistry and Biotechnology, leading her toward a specialization in Agricultural Biochemistry after relocating to Punjab.

During her PhD, she engaged extensively with farmers, which deepened her understanding of plant health and agricultural sustainability. This experience broadened her research interests, making Agricultural Biochemistry a key focus of her work.

Born in Jalandhar, Punjab, Biotechnologist Dr. Nitu Rani was raised in a disciplined yet explorative environment due to her father’s career in the Indian Navy, which led her family to relocate frequently. She studied in Kendriya Vidyalayas in Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Port Blair, and back to Mumbai, which nurtured her adaptability and curiosity. Her strong academic foundation and her father's motivation encouraged her to explore diverse career paths beyond medicine.

After completing her postgraduate studies, she stepped into the corporate world, gaining industry experience at Marico Limited, the well-known company famous for the Parachute brand. Her transition from academia to industry provided her with practical insights into applied biochemistry, further enriching her expertise.

After working for some time as a Research Assistant at Marico Limited, Biochemistry Expert Dr. Nitu Rani had to take a career break due to marriage. However, her passion for academics and research never faded. After a nearly ten years hiatus, she reignited her career at Chandigarh University, driven by her father’s dream of seeing her become a doctor. To fulfill this aspiration, she pursued a PhD from Chandigarh University, adding "Dr." to her name—a moment of immense pride for her and her family.

Agriculture Microbiology Expert Dr. Nitu attributes her success to her father's unwavering belief in her abilities, reinforcing her mantra: "Believe in yourself, and you can achieve anything." She emphasizes that age is never a barrier, as she resumed her career and academic journey after a decade-long break, proving that persistence and dedication always lead to success.

Plant- Microbe Interaction Specialist Dr. Nitu draws her inspiration from multiple sources, but her father remains her ultimate role model. His resilience, wisdom, and belief in enjoying life while planning for the future have shaped her outlook. Apart from her father, friends play a crucial role in her journey, particularly her friend Gurpreet, a like-minded intellectual companion who has continuously motivated her. She believes that surrounding oneself with intelligent, ambitious individuals fosters growth.

For Dr. Nitu Rani, family, friends, and an inspiring role model are the three pillars of a successful life. Her guiding principles are: "The best way to predict your future is to create it.", "Enjoy today, but always have a vision for the future” and "Live and let others live."

Dr. Nitu Rani believes that biotechnology offers vast opportunities for students who aspire to make significant contributions in medicine, agriculture, and scientific innovation. Chandigarh University, known for its strong research environment, has secured over 25 patents, demonstrating its commitment to biotechnological advancements.

As a mother of two teenagers, Dr. Nitu Rani has observed the growing materialism and detachment in today’s generation. With the rise of AI and technological advancements, she notices that family time is diminishing, and children are getting more than what they need, leading to a lack of appreciation.

She advises the younger generation to remain grounded, value their resources, and show gratitude to those who support them. Success, she believes, is not just about achievements but also about respecting and acknowledging the people who contribute to your journey.