Prof. K. S. Kumar

Ph.D. in Chemistry — The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, India.

Ph.D. thesis: “Pre-concentration and quantitative determination of pharma compounds present in water.” The research involved pre-concentration methods, UV–Visible and HPLC analysis, method validation, LC–MS analysis of environmental samples, and treatment of pharmaceutical contaminants using activated-carbon/metal-complex systems.

Email: santhosh.kumar@gsfcuniversity.ac.in

Prof. K. S. Kumar is Professor of Chemistry and Dean, School of Chemical and Industrial Sciences at GSFC University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. He also serves as Member of the Board of Management and Associate Dean / Administrative Head of the School of Science (since 2019). Previously, he was Head of Chemical Science Department and Data Science Department. He has held the position of Dean, DOST-AI (Student Activities & Alumni Interaction) for 2024–26 and has served as Provost-in-Charge on several occasions during AY 2024–25. With 24 years of experience in higher education, he has contributed significantly to academic administration, research, industry–academia collaboration, laboratory development, quality accreditation, student engagement and institutional growth.

Prior to joining GSFC University in December 2018, he served as Assistant Professor at Navrachana University, Vadodara (2009–2018) and as Faculty of Science at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (2002–2009). He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry (2011) from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, an M.Sc. in Chemistry with specialization in Environmental Chemistry from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, and a B.Sc. from Utkal University. His school education was completed at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd., Talcher, Odisha.

Under his academic leadership, the School of Science at GSFC University expanded from 2 programmes to 14 UG, PG, Doctoral and PG Diploma programmes. He spearheaded the development of 12 state-of-the-art science laboratories with CSR support from GSFC Ltd., GACL, GETCO, GGRC and Concord Biotech Pvt. Ltd., and played a key role in securing NABL accreditation for the Chemistry Instrumentation Laboratory. He contributed to faculty expansion from 12 to more than 40 members and introduced industry-oriented models such as Academic Associates, Practerience and Professor of Practice. He facilitated the introduction of a Minor Degree in Industrial and Sustainable Chemistry in collaboration with Heubach Colour Pvt. Ltd. and has strengthened institutional engagement with industry for curriculum enrichment, faculty development and applied learning. He has also developed Standard Operating Procedures for major university activities including Convocation and Foundation Course.

His research focuses on analytical and environmental chemistry, analytical method development and validation, water analysis and water-treatment methods. He is currently mentoring five Ph.D. scholars. He has facilitated DST-funded research projects and consultancy initiatives. Notable completed projects include e-content generation under NME-ICT (MHRD, ₹7,00,000), multiple competency-based professional development and teacher recruitment projects for the Gujarat State Tribal Development Department, setting up of a Chemistry Laboratory at IITRAM, Ahmedabad, and a novel zeolite-based biofiltration method for effluent treatment at GSFC Ltd. His Ph.D. thesis was titled “Pre-concentration and quantitative determination of pharma compounds present in water.”

Prof. Kumar has published extensively in reputed journals. Selected recent publications include work on selective extraction of battery-grade VOSO₄ from industrial waste (Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India): Series A, 2026), micronutrient-fortified hydrogels (Asian Journal of Chemistry, 2026), analytical methods for toxic metals (Spectroscopy Letters, 2026), and earlier papers in Organic Process Research & Development, Chromatographia, Analytical Letters and other journals. He has also contributed book chapters published by Springer on immuno-metabolic interplay and the impact of rising atmospheric CO₂ on soil health. He has presented research at international and national forums, including the Eastern Analytical Symposium & Exposition (New Jersey, USA, 2013) and several Gujarat Science Congress and national conferences.

He is a recipient of the maiden “Distinguished Service to GSFCU (Academics)” Award and the “Top Performer Among Schools” Award (as Administrative Head of the School of Science) on the 10th Foundation Day of GSFC University. He was awarded Best Faculty (Student’s Choice) twice at Navrachana University (2015–16), was nominated for the Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Award (2010) by the Gujarat Council on Science & Technology, and received a UGC Research Fellowship for Meritorious Students. He is a member of the Governing Council of the Gujarat Industrial Research and Development Agency (GIRDA), Government of Gujarat, and of the GSFC Science Foundation, and serves on the Board of Studies for Chemistry & Data Science at GSFC University.

In April–May 2026, he was part of a four-member GSFC University delegation led by the Hon’ble President that visited leading institutions in Canada and the USA (including the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University and others) for discussions on academic collaborations, research partnerships, student and faculty exchange, pathway programmes and industry–academia integration.

Prof. K. S. Kumar’s core expertise spans academic administration and institutional leadership, analytical and environmental chemistry, programme and laboratory development, quality accreditation, industry interface, student and alumni engagement, and research supervision.

2011 — Ph.D. in Chemistry, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara.
2001 — M.Sc. in Chemistry (First Class), National Institute of Technology, Rourkela; specialization in Environmental Chemistry.
1999 — B.Sc. (First Class Honours with Distinction), Utkal University, Govt. College, Angul; subjects included Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Electronics, Hindi and English.
May 1996 — Senior Secondary (Class XII), Science, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd., Talcher, Odisha.
May 1994 — High School (Class X), Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd., Talcher, Odisha.

Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry.
Analytical method development, validation and quantitative determination of pharmaceutical compounds.
Pre-concentration and analysis of pharmaceutical contaminants in water and treated sewage water.
Water quality analysis, water treatment and environmental monitoring.
Chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques, including HPLC, UV–Visible spectroscopy and LC–MS.
Toxic metal analysis, impurity profiling and sustainable materials for environmental applications.
Zeolite-based biofiltration, catalysis and applied research supporting industry and environmental sustainability.

Selected Journal Articles

Bharat Padh, K. Santhosh Kumar and Mriganka Das (2026). “Selective Extraction of Battery Grade VOSO4 from Industrial Hazardous Waste Vanadium-Bearing Gasifier Slag (VBGS): A Systematic Sustainable Approach.” Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India): Series A. DOI: 10.1007/s40030-026-00964-7.
Jinali B. Shah, K. Santhosh Kumar and Pujan B. Vaishnav (2026). “Micronutrient-Fortified Guar Gum-Borax Hydrogels for Controlled Release and Improved Growth of Green Gram (Vigna radiata).” Asian Journal of Chemistry, 38(7), 1930–1946.
Jateen Sheth, Ratnadeep Chauhan and K. Santhosh Kumar (2026). “Development and validation of a cost-effective and safer analytical method for the estimation of toxic metals in Limcee tablets.” Spectroscopy Letters.
Sheth Jateen, Kumar K. Poonam, Suthar Vaishali, Lee Jae-won, Baek Il-Hyun, K. S. Kumar, Indra Neel Pulidindi and Pankaj Sharma (2023). “Determination of Toxic Heavy Metals in Theobromine Using Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS).” Developments in Clinical & Medical Pathology, 2(3).
Zinal Soni, Santosh Patil, K. S. Kumar and K. Poonam (2021). “Ultrasound-assisted efficient synthesis of 3-[4-(2-methoxyethyl) phenoxy] propane-1,2-diol (Metoprolol EP impurity D).” Organic Communications, 14(1), 92–96.
Santosh Patil, Ketan Patel, Rajeev Chadar, Subbiah Ramar, Ashok Prasad, K. Poonam and K. S. Kumar (2021). “Evaluation, Method Development, and Validation for Content Determination of Potential Genotoxic Impurities (PGIs) at the TTC Level in Telmisartan API.” Organic Process Research & Development, 25(6), 1391–1401.
Santosh Patil, Gajanan Kantikar, K. S. Kumar and K. Poonam (2021). “Identification and Characterization of a New Process Related Impurity in Terbutaline Sulfate by Accurate-Mass Q-TOF LC/MS/MS and NMR.” Chromatographia, 84, 381–391.
Dipak Mahajan, Santosh Patil, S. Ramar, K. Poonam, Ashok Prasad and K. S. Kumar (2021). “Spectral data analyses, mechanism of formation and control of KSM related impurity of Telmisartan API.” IJGHC, 10(1), 060–069.
K. S. Kumar and P. B. Samnani (2018). “Pre-concentration and quantitative determination of Fenofibrate present in water.” Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment, 22(2), 43–48.
K. S. Kumar and P. B. Samnani (2017). “Pre-concentration and Quantitative Determination of Venlafaxine HCl Present in Treated Sewage Water.” International Journal of Science Research and Innovation, IV(VIIS), 19–22.
K. S. Kumar and P. B. Samnani (2014). “Development and Validation of a New HPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Esomeprazole, Venlafaxine HCl and Fenofibrate.” 6(1), 838–844.
K. S. Kumar and P. B. Samnani (2010). “Pre-concentration and Quantitative Determination of Esomeprazole Magnesium Present in Water.” Analytical Letters, 43, 1427–1433.
Ruchika Pal, K. S. Kumar and P. B. Samnani (2007). “A New Method for Spectrophotometric Determination of Paracetamol.” Analytical Chemistry International Journal, 6(2).
K. S. Kumar, P. B. Samnani, S. P. Sahoo and N. R. Patel (2007). “A Simple Method for Simultaneous Determination of Aspirin and Paracetamol in Treated Municipal Sewage Water in Vadodara.” Environmental Science International Journal, 2(3).

Book Chapters

Agrahari, R., Mohapatra, S., Kumar, K. S., Mohanty, D., Kumar, R. and Merugu, R. (2024). “Immuno-Metabolic Interplay in Health and Disease.” Springer, Singapore.
R. Patel, D. Samantaray, A. Hansda, K. S. Kumar and Swati Mohapatra. “Impact of Rising Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide on Soil Health and Plant Nutrition.” In Soil Health and Nutrition Management, pp. 129–139.

December 2018–Present — Professor of Chemical Science and Dean, School of Chemical and Industrial Sciences, GSFC University, Vadodara.
June 2009–December 2018 — Assistant Professor, Navrachana University, Vadodara.
June 2002–June 2009 — Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara.

Academic and Administrative Leadership

Member, Board of Management, GSFC University, contributing to institutional governance, strategic decision-making and policy formulation.
Associate Dean, School of Science (since 2019); currently serving as Administrative Head.
Dean, DOST-AI (Student Activities & Alumni Interaction), 2024–2026.
Served as Provost-in-Charge on several occasions during AY 2024–25, supporting continuity of academic and administrative operations.
Contributed to expansion of the School of Science from 2 to 14 programmes and development of 12 science laboratories with CSR support from GSFC Ltd., GACL, GETCO, GGRC and Concord Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
Contributed to faculty expansion from 12 to more than 40 members and to NABL accreditation of the Chemistry Instrumentation Laboratory.
Developed Standard Operating Procedures for major institutional activities, including Convocation and Foundation Course; contributed to Convocation, Foundation Day and sports programmes.
Promoted industry-oriented teaching-learning models, including Academic Associates, Practerience and Professor of Practice.

Research supervision: Mentoring five Ph.D. scholars; three have submitted their theses and two have completed their experimental work. Research and consultancy activities have included analytical methods for pharmaceutical compounds, environmental analysis, water treatment and sustainable materials.

Selected Projects and Consultancy

“e-content generation for students of science in graduate programmes” — NME-ICT, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India; ₹7,00,000; successfully completed.
“Need assessment and teacher recruitment for specific requirements” — Gujarat State Tribal Development, Education Department, Government of Gujarat; ₹81,884; successfully completed.
“Need assessment and teacher recruitment for specific requirements” — Gujarat State Tribal Development, Education Department, Government of Gujarat; ₹2,43,051; successfully completed.
“Competency based continuing professional development” — Gujarat State Tribal Development, Education Department, Government of Gujarat; ₹4,00,408; successfully completed.
“Competency based continuing professional development” — Gujarat State Tribal Development, Education Department, Government of Gujarat; ₹1,47,019; successfully completed.
“Setting up of Chemistry Laboratory at IITRAM, Ahmedabad” — IITRAM, Gujarat; ₹2,00,000; successfully completed.
“A novel zeolite-based biofiltration method for effluent treatment of crude Caprolactam at GSFC Ltd. – Stage I” — GSFC Ltd., Gujarat; ₹1,20,000; successfully completed.

Industry–Academia Collaboration

Facilitated introduction of a Minor Degree in Industrial and Sustainable Chemistry in collaboration with Heubach Colour Pvt. Ltd.
Strengthened industry engagement for laboratory development, curriculum enrichment, faculty development and applied learning.
Contributed to laboratory development and academic/industry interfaces, aligning programmes with emerging industry requirements and skill development.

Maiden “Distinguished Service to GSFCU (Academics)” Award, presented on the occasion of the 10th Foundation Day of GSFC University.
Maiden “Top Performer Among Schools” Award as Administrative Head of the School of Science, on the occasion of the 10th Foundation Day of GSFC University.
“Best Faculty (Student’s Choice)” Award, received twice during academic year 2015–16 at Navrachana University, Vadodara.
Nominated for the Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Award (2010) for Eminent Scientists in the field of Environment by Gujarat Council on Science & Technology, Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat.
UGC Research Fellowship under the Research Fellowship in Science for Meritorious Students scheme, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.

Academic and Professional Memberships

Governing Council, Gujarat Industrial Research and Development Agency (GIRDA), Government of Gujarat.
Governing Council, GSFC Science Foundation.
Board of Management, GSFC University, Vadodara.
Board of Studies for Chemistry & Data Science, GSFC University, Vadodara.

International Exposure

Member of the four-member GSFC University delegation led by the Hon’ble President during an international visit to Canada and the USA, 27 April–6 May 2026. Participated in institutional interactions across Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco, exploring academic collaboration, research partnerships, student and faculty exchange, pathway programmes, skill development, innovation, teaching-learning practices and industry–academia integration. Institutions engaged with included the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, Seneca Polytechnic, Niagara College, Humber Polytechnic, the University of Ottawa, the University of Calgary, the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, among others.

Selected Conference and Seminar Presentations

Eastern Analytical Symposium & Exposition, New Jersey, USA (2013): oral presentation on pre-concentration and quantitative determination of Venlafaxine HCl in water.
Gujarat Science Congress, Science City, Ahmedabad (2011): poster presentation on pre-concentration and quantitative determination of Venlafaxine HCl in water.
RSC-West India Section Students Symposium (2006): poster presentation on pre-concentration and quantitative determination of Aspirin and Paracetamol in water.
All Gujarat Research Scholars Meet (2006): poster presentation on pre-concentration and quantitative determination of pharmaceutical compounds in water.
National Conference on Pollution Management, MS University of Baroda (2018): presentations on catalytic converters, groundwater quality, environmental pollution and related topics.
Second National Conference on Innovating for Development and Sustainability, Navrachana University (2017): oral and poster presentations on zeolites, catalysis, impurity analysis and environmental studies.

Professional Development and Workshops

Workshop on Advanced Analytical Techniques for Elemental Analysis, Department of Chemistry, MS University of Baroda (2019).
Workshop on Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence, SICART, V. V. Nagar (2013).
National Symposium on Emerging Horizons in Catalysis, UGC-CAS Programme, MS University of Baroda (2009).
National Seminar on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Advances and Applications, UGC-CAS Programme, MS University of Baroda (2009).
Seminar on High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Indian Society of Analytical Scientists, Baroda Chapter, with Waters (India) Pvt. Ltd. (2007).
Workshop on Green Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, MS University of Baroda, sponsored by Department of Science & Technology, Government of India (2006).
National Seminar on Chemistry Research at the 20th and 21st Century Interface, UGC DSA Phase III Programme, MS University of Baroda (2006).
National Workshop on Spectroscopy and Theoretical Chemistry, MS University of Baroda with the Indian Society of Analytical Scientists, Baroda Chapter (2005).

Core Areas of Expertise

Academic administration: institutional leadership, strategic planning, academic governance and SOP development.
Chemistry and research: analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, water analysis, method development and validation.
Institution building: programme and laboratory development, quality accreditation and faculty development.
Industry interface: industry-aligned curriculum, CSR partnerships, faculty development programmes and applied learning.
Student and alumni engagement: student activities, alumni interaction, digital initiatives and student-led innovation.
Research supervision: Ph.D. mentoring, faculty–student research, publications and consultancy projects.