Savinaya M S

AT A GLANCE

Area of Practice: Plant taxonomy & ecology, Ethnobotany, Phenology, Grassland & swamp forest ecology

OVERVIEW

With a Ph.D. earned in 2022, my research focused on plant taxonomy, ethnobotany, and phenological studies within the sacred groves of the Sharavathi river basin in the central Western Ghats. Currently, I hold the position of Botanist/Faculty at the Srishti Manipal Institute of Arts, Design & Technology, MAHE, Bengaluru.

Prior to my current role, I served as a Research Scientist for three pivotal research projects related to plant ecology at the Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute, Government of Karnataka.

My scholarly contributions are exemplified by the discovery of a new species Memecylon clarkeanum within Karnataka’s rich flora during my doctoral tenure. My passion for community engagement is evident through my involvement with PRANA (Panchavati Research Academy for Nature), a non-profit organization. Through PRANA, I have initiated impactful programs such as organizing summer camps for school children and leading forest walks. I have also developed the “Kyasadavi” afforestation method, akin to the renowned “Miyawaki” technique, tailored for compact spaces yet highly effective in fostering native forest growth.

EDUCATION

Ph.D in Environmental Science. Thesis titled – Exploration of Angiosperms in Sacred Kaan forests of Sharavathi River Basin, central Western Ghats
MSc in Environmental Science
BSc with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as majors.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Currently as a Faculty/Botanist in Srishti Manipal Institute of Arts, Design & Technology, MAHE, Bengaluru.
Project Scientist – Assessment of regeneration status of wild woody species in moist deciduous forests of Western Ghats, Karnataka at Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute, Bengaluru.
Research Scientist – The status of Sandalwood plantations of Karnataka at Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute, Bengaluru.
Wildlife subject expert – Evaluation of the Impact of increased timings of the operation of Main Pipe Conveyor from Nandihalli yard to JSW plant on wildlife at Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute, Bengaluru.
Guest Faculty – Acharya Thulsi National College of Commerce, National Education Society, Shivamogga, Karnataka.
Guest Faculty – Smt. Indira Gandhi Government First Grade Women’s college, Sagar, Karnataka.

INTEREST AREAS

Plant taxonomy & ecology, Ethnobotany, Phenology, Grassland & swamp forest ecology

CURRENT PRACTICE AT SRISHTI

Heading Plant Studio/Lab, Transdisciplinary research Project- PG, Capstone project-PG, Information Arts & Information Design Practices (Workshop)- UG, General studies- UG, Environmental exposure (Study of Social Ecology)- Foundation

TEACHING PORTFOLIO

CREATIVE PRACTICE & OUTREACH

Developed “Kyasadavi”, afforestation method similar to Miyazaki with few modifications as required for specific location of planting area.

Citizen Science initiatives- Forest walk for school students at sacred groves of Sharavathi river basin, central Western Ghats.

Expert Consultant, Herbal Garden (Moolika Vana) Project, Sharavathi valayabhivrudhi samithi.

Projects showcase:

The final output (Installation) of Capstone project entitled "In Full Bloom" by Ragini Mundra who in her research looked into flowers of Bengaluru and seasonality.

Front cover of an artefact (Children's sketch book), of PG Capstone project entitled "Connection through creation" by Urja Mehta, MA, Visual Communication.

Watering thoughts to think towards plants", in the Transdisciplinary research project for M.DES students through a unit entitled "Rewilding through Plant studies"

Engaging students at Kashaya & Thambulivana, highlighting the importance of native plants and also make them familiar with all those native medicinal plant species planted in our campus.