Mangaluru: Dr Vishalakshi B, Professor and Chairperson, Department of Chemistry, Mangalore University has been awarded Dr Kalpana Chawla State Award for Young Women Scientists – 2013. Chief Minister, Govt. of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah presented the award on December, 30, 2015 at J.N Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
Dr Kalpana Chawla award was instituted in 2003. This award is given to woman scientist/ engineer who has made outstanding contributions in the field for development of science or technology in the state.
Dr Vishalakshi has put in 20 years of service in Mangalore University she has been deeply involved in the studies of polymers and its applications and carried out extensive work in the modification of polysaccharides for pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
She has presented 38 research papers in national and international conferences and published 42 papers in journals of international repute. Four students have been awarded Ph.D Degree under her guidance and seven students are working for the same. She has delivered lectures in various PG Centres and UG Colleges on different aspects of polymer chemistry and tried to create awareness on the environment problems due to indiscriminate use of plastics and the need for judicious handling of the polymer materials.