Prof.

Contact Info
Bandana Samant
Bandana Samant
  • Professor
  • Department of Geology
  • School of Environment and Earth Sciences
  • Central University of Punjab
  • Bathinda

 

Qualification
  • M. Sc.:  H. N. Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
  • Ph. D.: Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun, H. N. Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar,  Garhwal., Uttarakhand

 

Experience
Teaching Experience: 
  • Lecturer: Department of Geology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (2005-2009)
  • Assistant Professor, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra (2009-2017)
  • Associate Professor, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra (2017-2020)
  • Professor, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra (2020-2024) 
  • Professor, Central University of Punjab (2024-ongoing)

Administrative Experience

  • Member of Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), RTM Nagpur University, 2020-2024.
  • Member of Subcommittee of NAAC, RTM Nagpur University,  2019-2022.
  • Member in Research Development committee of the RTM Nagpur University, 2023-2024
  • Library in-charge & research cell in-charge of  Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, 2017-2024.
Any Other Experience
  • Secretory,  Alumni Association of the Post Graduate Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University (2018-2021).
  • Treasurer of the Alumni Association of the Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, (2021-2024).
  • Member of Editorial Board of Journal of Geoscience Research, published by Gondwana Geological Society, Nagpur,  (2023-present).

 

Research Area

Paleontology, micropaleontology, paleoclimate, paleoenvironment, evolution of flora, Deccan volcanism and its impact on biota

 

Research Interests

Biotic response of Deccan volcanism across Cretaceous-Paleogene

Working on palynoflora and megaflora of Deccan volcanic associated sediments of India to understand biodiversity during Cretaceous and Paleogene and extinction and evolution of flora especially of angiosperm families. Study is also focused on understanding impact of Deccan volcanism on flora and response of flora to Deccan volcanism induced climatic and environmental changes. Research work involve multidisciplinary approach using Volcanostratigraphy, Chronostratigraphy, Magnetostratigraphy, Clay minerology and Oxygen and Carbon isotopes,

Work is going on in collaboration with Dr., D.M. Mohabey (Retd Dy. Dg GSI), Prof. Steven R Manchester, University of Florida, USA, Dr. Selena Smith and Nathan Sheldon, University of Michigan, USA, Dr., Prof Gregory. Wilson, Caroline Stromberg, University of Washington, USA, Prof Paul Renne, Berkeley University, USA and Prof Satish Sangode, SBP Pune University.

Microflora and nutrient level of lacustrine ecosystem of Deccan volcanic associated sediments

Engaged in understanding freshwater lacustrine biota such as thecamoebians (Testate Amoeba), sponge spicules, dinoflagellates, algae (Pediastrum), freshwater foraminiferal linings, and diatoms associated with the Lameta and intertrappean sediments to understand impact of Deccan volcanic effusive on the nutrient contents of lacustrine ecosystem and its impact on associated microbiota in deep time

Understanding diet of sauropods

Analysis of floral contents of the coprolites of sauropods as well as sediments to understand vegetation during Lameta time and dietary habits of the sauropods.

Paleogene plant communities of western India

Working on the palynoflora associated with the lignite deposits of western India as well as flora associated with Amber deposits of Gujarat. Work is focused on flora during PETM and its impact on vegetation.

Palynoflora of the Holocene lacustrine sediments

Working on microfossils of freshwater lacustrine sediments of the recent and Holocene sediments to understand floral changes in past and impact of anthropogenic activity on lacustrine ecosystem. Comparison of flora of extent lacustrine ecosystem with flora of paleolacustrine ecosystems

    Research Grants/Projects

    SERC Fast Track Project Scheme for Young Scientists entitled ‘Palynofloral analysis of Lameta Formation and intertrappean sequences in Nand-Dongargaon basin and adjoining areas of central India to record floral changes induced by changing climatic scenario owing to increasing Deccan volcanic activity in space and time during Late Cretaceous (Maestrichtian)’ sponsored by Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi (9,00,000/-), 2005-2008.

    CSIR, New Delhi sponsored research project entitled ‘Palynological study of  the Deccan Volcanic Associated Sediments in Saurashtra (Gujarat), western India to record floral changes towards the Cretaceous Tertiary Boundary’ (Rs. 15, 32, 000/-), 2008-2013.

    SERB-DST, sponsored research Project entitled ‘Palynological study of Deccan volcanic associated sediments of Amarkantak Group in Chhindwara District of Madhya Pradesh to assess effect of Deccan volcanism on flora close to Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary’ (Rs 32.24 lakhs), 2013-2017.

    Ministry of Earth Science Sponsored research project entitled "Palynoflora, reptilian tetrapods and clay minerals of sediments associated with Deccan continental flood basalt of the Malwa Group, Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh: a biotic response to climate changes (Rs 76.19 lakhs), 2013-2020.  

    SERB- sponsored research Project entitled Palynology of Deccan volcanic associated multiple intertrappean sedimentary beds  of southeastern part of Main Deccan Province and northeastern part of Mandla lobe for  assessing response of flora to volcanism induced climate change across Deccan volcanism Rs. 30.05 lakh, 2020-2024 (CRG/2020/001339 dated 30/12/2020).

    Professional Affiliation

    Members of Socities

    • Life member of Gondwana Geological society, Nagpur
    • Member of Geological Society of India, Bangalor
    • Life member of University Women’s Association, Nagpur.                                
    • Life member Paleontological Society of India, Lucknow
    • Life member Indian Geological Congress, Roorkee.
    • Indian Woman Scientists Association, Mumbai

     

    Professional Recognition/Awards/Scholarships

    Fellowships

    • Junior Research Fellowship from DST and Senior Research Felloship from CSIR for PhD at WIHG (1988 to 1992)
    • Postdoctoral fellowship under Young Scientist project Scheme from DST(1994 to1996)
    • Post-Doctoral Research fellowships as Research Associate (1996-2000) and Senior Research Associateship from CSIR (2001 to 2004).

    Awards

    Best researcher award by RTM Nagpur University, 2021

    Research Collaboration

            International Collaborative projects:

    National Collaborative Projects:

    • Geological Survey of India on flora of the Deccan volcanic associated sediments of central India (2004- 2010). 
    • Savitribai Phule Pune University Pune
    • Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai
    • Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences 
    Publications
    Papers

    1. Phadtare, N.R. and Thakur, Bandana. (1990). Fossil pollen of Alangium from the Eocene lignite of Gujarat, India, with comments on its stratigraphic antiquity. Review of  Paleobotany Palynology 63:281-297,doi: 10.1016/0034667(90)90105R         

     2. Phadtare, N.R. and Thakur, Bandana. (1990). Himalayan to estuarian imprints in the pollen assemblage of some recent deep sea sediments of the Bay of Bengal. News Letters VI (2):14.

    3. Samant, B. and N.R. Phadtare, N.R. (1997). Stratigraphic palynoflora of the Early Eocene Rajpardi lignite, Gujarat and the lower age limit of the Tarkeshwar Formation of South Cambay Basin. Palaeontographica Abt. (Germany) B 245: 1-108.                              

    4. Phadtare, N.R. and Thakur, Bandana. (1992). Distribution and paleoecologic efficacy of microforaminiferal organic linings from deep sea Quaternary sediments off Visakhapatnam coast. Indian Journal of Marine Sciences 21: 246-250.

    5. Samant, B. (1994). Age of the Bhavnagar lignite deposits of Gujarat. Journal of Palynology 30: 49.

    6. Phadtare, N.R. and Samant,  B. (1995). Fossil pollen evidence for possible Indian origin of Elaisguineensis Jacq. Journal of Palynology 31: 171-181.

    7. Phadtare, N.R. and Samant, B. (1996). Morphologic evolution in fossil pollen of Ctenolophon and its Indian phytogeographic implications. Proceedings of  XV Colloquium  Micropalaeontology and Stratigraphy: 671-681.

    8. Samant, B. (2000). Fungal remains from the Bhavnagar lignite, Gujarat. Geophytology 28 (1&2): 11-18.

    9. Samant, B. (2000). Palynostratigraphy and age of the Bhavnagar lignite, Gujarat. India. Palaeobotanist 49 (1): 101-118.

    10. Samant, B. and Tapaswi, P.M. (2001). Fungal remains from the Surat lignite deposits (Early Eocene) of Gujarat, India. Gondwana Geological Magazine 15(2): 25-30.

    11. Samant, B. and Tapaswi, P.M. (2001). Palynology of the Surat lignite (Early Eocene) deposits of Gujarat. Journal of Palaeontological Society of India 46: 121-132 

    12. Samant, B. and Bajpai, S. (2001). Fish otoliths from the subsurface Cambay Shale (Lower Eocene), Surat lignite field, Gujarat (India). Current Science 81(7): 758-759.                                                                                                   

    13. Mohabey, D.M. and Samant, B. (2003). Floral remains from Late Cretaceous fecal mass of sauropods from Central India:  Implication to their diet and habitat. Gondwana Geological Magazine. Spl. Volume 6: 225-238.

    14. Samant, B. and Mohabey, D.M. (2003). Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) non marine dinoflagellate (Peridiniales) and Aquilapollenites bearing palynoasseblage from a new Deccan Inter-trap near Daiwal river section Chandrapur District Maharashtra. Gondwana Geological Magazine 18(1): 19-26.

    15. Samant, B and Mohabey, D.M. (2005). Response of flora to Deccan volcanism: A case study from Nand-Dongargaon basin of Maharashtra, Implications to environment and climate. Gondwana Geological Magazine Spl Volume: 151-164.

    16. Mohabey, D.M. and Samant, B. (2005). Lacustrine facies association of a Maastrichtian lake (Lameta Formation) from Deccan volcanic terrain central India: Implications to depositional history, sediment cyclicity and climates. Gondwana Geological Magazine Spl. Volume:151-164.

    17. Samant, B., Sakurkar, C.V., Kundal, P. and Mohabey, D.M. (2005). Maastrichtian dinoflagellates and palynomorphs from subsurface Deccan inter-trap sediments, Khandala-Ashta area, Wardha District, Maharashtra. Journal Geological Society of  India 66: 267-272.                                       

    18. Samant, B. and Bajpai, S. (2005). Palynoflora from Lakshmipur intertrappean deposits of Kutch, Gujarat: Age implications. Journal Paleontological Society of India, 50(2):169-176.                                                                     

    19. Samant, B., Mohabey, D.M and Kapgate, D.K. (2008). Palynoassemblage from Singhpur intertrappean beds, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh: Implications for stratigraphic resolution within Late Cretaceous Deccan Intertrappean beds. Journal Geological Society of  India 71: 851-858.             

    20. Samant, B and Mohabey, D.M. (2009). Palynoflora from Deccan volcano-sedimentary sequence (Cretaceous-Palaeogene transition) of central India: implications for spatio-temporal correlation. Journal of Biosciences, 34:811–823. http://www.ias.ac.in/jbiosci                              

    21. Samant, B., Jana, B .N., Mohabey, D. M,. and Sarate, O.P. (2010). Palynology of the coal band  at the Lametaghat section, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh: Age and stratigraphic implications. Gondwana Geological. Magazine 25(1): 181-184. 

    22. Keller, G. Adatte, T., Pardo, A., Bajpai, S., Khosla, A., Samant, B. (2010). Cretaceous Extinctions: Evidence Overlooked. Letter in Science 328: 974-975.

    23. Keller, G., Adatte, T., Pardo, A., Bajpai, S., Khosla, A., Samant, B. (2010). comments on ‘Review’ article by Schulte and 40 co-authors: The Chicxulub Asteroid Impact and Mass Extinction at the Cretaceous-Paleogene Boundary. Geoscientist, online journal, The Geological Society, USA.

    24. Prasad, V., Stromberg, C. A. E,.Leaché,  A. D, Samant, B., Patnaik,. Tang, R. L., Mohabey, D. M.,  Ge,S.,  and. Sahni, A. (2011).  Late Cretaceous origin of the rice tribe provides evidence for early diversification in Poaceae. Nature Communication, 2, 480, doi: 10 1038/ ncomms1482.                   

    25. Samant, B., Mohabey, D. M., and. Paudayal,  K. N., (2013). Aquilapollenites and other triprojectate pollen from the Late Cretaceous-Early Paleocene Deccan Intertrappean deposits of India. Palynology 37(2): 289-315.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01916122.2013.787125       

    26. Adatte, T. Hassan, K.  Spangenberg, J. E., Samant B, and Keller, G. (2014) Response of    terrestrial environment to the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), new insights from India and NE Spain Rendiconti Online della Società Geologica Italiana:  5-6, doi: 0.3301/ROL.2014.17.                 

    27. Samant, B., and Mohabey, D.M. (2014). Deccan volcanic eruptions and their impact on flora: Palynological evidence. Geological Society of America Special Papers, 505:171-191, doi:10.1130/2014.2505(08).

    28. Samant, B., Mohabey, D. M., Srivastava, P., and Deepali Thakre (2014). Paleocene Palynoflora from the Intertrappean sediments of Saurashtra, Gujarat: Age and Paleoenvironments Journal of Earth System Science, 123 (1): 219–232.                                             

    29. Mohabey, D. M., and Samant, B. (2014). Deccan Continental Flood Basalt Eruptions Terminated Indian Dinosaurs before the Cretaceous-Paleogene Boundary. Journal Geological Society of India, Special Publication 1: 260-267  

    30. Samant, B., Deepali Thakre, and Mohabey, D. M. (2014). Aquilapollenites pollen from Deccan intertrappean sediments: age implications. Journal Geological Society of India, Special Publication, 1: 268-272.                         

    31. Singh, H., Samant, B., Adatte, T., and Hassan, K. (2014). Diverse Palynoflora From Amber And Associated Sediments Of Tarkeshwar Lignite Mine, Surat District, Gujarat, India. Current Science, 106, (7): 930-932.             

    32. Smith, S.Y., Manchester, S.R,, Samant, B., Mohabey, D. M,, Wheeler, E.A,, Baas, P., Kapgate, D., Srivastava, R., and Sheldon, N.D. (2015). Integrating paleobotanical, paleosol, and stratigraphic data to study critical transitions: a case study from the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene of India. In: Polly PD, Head JJ & Fox DL (eds.), Earth-Life Transitions: Paleobiology in the context of Earth System Evolution. The Paleontological Society of America Papers 21: 137–166. Yale Press, New Haven, CT.

    33. Sahay, V. K., Mude, S.N., and Samant, B. (2015). The Early Eocene Naredi Cliff Section,Kutch Bain, India: Evidences of a condensed stratigraphic section. International research journal of Earth Sciences. 3(6): 12-15.

    34. Samant, B., and Mohabey, D. M. (2016). Tracking temporal palynofloral changes close to Cretaceous Paleogene boundary in Deccan volcanic associates sediments of eastern part of central Deccan volcanic province. Global Geology, 19(4): 205-215. doi: 10.3969/ j. issn. 1673 -9736. 2016. 04.02.

    35. Sahaya, V., Samant, B., and Shyam Mude (2016). Paleodepth and paleodepositional environment of green shale of Gypseous Shale Member (Naredi Formation), Kutch, western India. Indian Journal of Geosciences, 70, (2): 153–160. 

    36. Sonkusare, H. Samant, B., and Mohabey, D. M. (2017). Microflora from sauropod coprolites and associated sediments of Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Lameta Formation of Nand-Dongargaon Basin, Maharashtra. Journal Geological Society of India, 89: 391-397.                                         

    37. Thakre, D., Samant, B., Mohabey, D.M., Sangode, Satish, Srivastava, Pankaj, Kapgate, D. K., Mahajan Rasika, Neha Upreti,, and Manchester, S. R. (2017). A new insight into age and environments of intertrappean beds of Mohgaon Kalan, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh using palynology, megaflora, magnetostratigraphy and clay mineralogy. Current Science, 112, (11): 2193-2197.                                                                                   

    38. Mohabey, D.M., Samant, B., Kumar, D., Dhobale, Anup, Rudra, A., and Dutta, S. (2018). Record of charcoal from early Maastrichtian intertrappean lake sediments of Bagh valley of Madhya Pradesh: paleofire proxy. Current Science 114 (7), 1540-1543. doi: 10.18520/cs/v114/i07/1540-1544                          

    39. Mohabey, D. M., Samant, B., Dhobale Anup, and Kumar, D. (2019). Reptilian vertebrates from Deccan volcanic associated sediments of Malwa Plateau in context to reptiles across Maastrichtian -Paleocene Volcanic eruptions in Main Deccan Volcanic Province, India. Global Geology, 22, (4): 250-257, doi 10.3969/J.issn.1673.2019.04.03.　

    40. Mohabey, D. M., and Samant, B. (2019). Cretaceous-Paleogene Transition of Reptilian Tetrapods across Deccan Volcanism in India. Open Journal of Geology, 9, 639-642. ISSN Online: 2161-7589. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojg.2019.910062

    41. Samant, B., Deepesh Yadav, Mohabey, D.M. Kapgate, D.K., Manchester, S. R., and Patil, S. K. (2020). Palynoflora from intertrappean localities in southeastern part of Deccan volcanic province: taxonomic composition, age and paleogeographic implications. Palaeoworld 29, :161-175,  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palwor.2019.05.010.                                                                           

    42) Ovhal, D.A., Samant, B., Dhoble, N. S,, Mohabey, D. M,, and Dhoble, S. J. (2020). Study of thermoluminescence in turtle shell fossils using radiation dosimetry. Luminescence. 35: 332–340, https://doi.org/10.1002/bio.3731.      

    43. Samant, B., Kapgate, D. K, Kumar Deepesh, Mohabey, D. M., and Dhobale Anup, (2020). Maastrichtian palynoflora from Deccan volcanic associated sediments of Mahurzari, Nagpur district, Maharashtra: age and paleoenvironment with comments on megaflora. Journal Geological Society of  India 95: 475-482, doi: 10.1007/s12594-020-1464-6.                                                                          

    44) Ovhal D.A, Samant B, Dhoble N.S, Mohabey D.M, Dhoble S.J. (2020). Thermoluminescence study in fossils of dinosaur bones and eggshells. Luminescence; 35:1304–1318, https://doi: 10.1002/bio.3892.                      

    45) Dzombak, R. M., Sheldon Nathan Dale, Mohabey, D. M., and Samant, B. (2020). Stable climate in India during Deccan volcanism suggests limited influence on K-Pg extinction. Gondwana Research. 85, 19-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2020.04.007.     

    46) Samant, B., Kumar, A., Mohabey, D. M., Humane, S., Kumar, Deepesh., Dhoble, Anup, and Priya, Pizal. (2020). Centropyxis aculeata (testate lobose amoebae) and associated diatoms from the intertrappean lacustrine sediments (Maastrichtian) of central India: Implications in understanding paleolake ecology. Palaeontologia Electronica, 23 (3), a60. https://doi.org/10.26879/1082.

    47) Samant, B., Pranzato, R., Mohabey, D. M., Kumar, Deepesh., Dhoble, Anup, Priya, Pizal. Manconi, R. (2021). Insight into the evolutionary history of freshwater sponges: a new genus and new species of Spongillida (Porifera: Demospongiae) from Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Deccan intertrappean lacustrine deposits of the Malwa Group, Central India. Cretaceous Research, 126: 104851 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2021.104851.  

    48) Singh, H., Judd, W.S., Samant, B., Agnihotri, P., Grimaldi, D.A., and Manchester, S. R. (2021). Flower of Apocynaceae in Amber from Early Eocene of India. American Journal of Botany, 108(5): 1–10. doi:10.1002/ajb2.1651  (Impact Factor-3.84)

    49) Sonkusare, H, Samant, B. and Mohabey, D.M. (2021). Palynoassemblage from intertrappean sediments of Satpura Group, Betul district, Madhya Pradesh: implications in understanding age and palaeoclimate. Journal of Paleontological Society of India, 66(1): 35-54.                                                   

    50) Wilson-Mantilla GP, Renne, P.R., Samant, B., Mohabey, D. M., Dhobale, A., Tholt A.J., Tobin, T. S., Widdowson, M., Anantharaman, S., Dassarma, D. C., Wilson-Mantilla, J. A., (2022). New mammals from the naskal intertrappean site and the age of India’s earliest eutherians. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 591: “p.110857.”  doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2022.110857                  

    51) Samant B., (2022). Tricolpites mahurensis B. Samant nom. nov. – replacement namefor Tricolpites magnus B. Samant et al. 2020 non Z.-C. Song et al. 1985 (fossil pollen), Geophytology, 50(1&2): 153–154.

    52) Samant, B., Puranik, S., Kapgate, D.K. Mohabey, D.M., and Anup Dhobale. (2022). Palynoflora from an Upper Cretaceous freshwater paleolake in central India: paleoecological implications. Cretaceous Research, 139, 105302,  https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2022.105302.                            

    53) Manchester, S. R., Kapgate, D. K., Samant, B., Mohabey, D. M., and Dhobale Anup (2023). Fruits and pollen of Malvoideae (Malvaceae) in the Maastrichtian-Danian Deccan Intertrappean beds of central India. International Journal of Plant Sciences 184, number 1,the University of Chicago. All rights reserved. Published by The University of Chicago Press. https://doi.org/10.1086/723016000             

    54) Samant. B., Pronzato Roberto, Mohabey D. M., Cubeddu Tiziana, Stocchino Giacinta Angela, Jangale Krutika, Thalal Pranay, Dhobale Anup, Manconi Renata (2023) The oldest birotule-bearing freshwater sponge (Porifera: Palaeospongillidae) from the Late Cretaceous-early Palaeocene Deccan volcanic associated sediments of India. Acta Paleontologica Polonica 68(1):167–174, https://doi.org/10.4202/app.01040.2022.                             

    55) Tholt J. Andrew, Renne R. Paul, Marzoli Andrea, Vanderkluysen Loÿc,  Mohabey D. M., Samant,  B, Dhobale Anup, Pande Kanchan, Self Steve (2023). Geochronological constraints of the evoluƟon and petrogenesis of the Malwa Plateau subprovince of the Deccan Traps, Geochemistry, Geophysics and Geosystems 24, e2023GC011137. https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GC011137             

    56) Thakre, D., Samant, B., Mohabey, D.M., Steven R. Manchester, S.R., Sangode, S Satish (2023). Palynoflora changes across Late Cretaceous - early Paleocene Deccan volcanic associated sediments of Mandla Lobe, central India: floral response to environmental changes. Palynology https://doi.org/10.1080/01916122.2023.2288669

    57) Hyde, K.D.,…Samant, B …et al., 2023.,  Global consortium for the classification of fungi and fungus-like taxa. Mycosphere.  14(1): 1960–2012. Doi 10.5943/mycosphere/14/1/23                                                                                                      

    58) Mohabey, D.M,  Samant B,  Wilson Matilla, JA,Dhobale, Anup (2024). A review of small-bodied theropod dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous of India, with description of new cranial remains of a noasaurid (Theropoda: Abelisauria). Journal of vertebrate Palaeontology, e2288088,  DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2023.2288088                                                                                                               

    Articles

    Articles for popularising Earth Sciences

    1. Rise of mighty Himalayas, published in Twinkle magazine Hitavada, 29th, August 2020

    2. Deccan volcanism: Boom or Bane for the flora and Fauna in Twinkle magazine Hitavada, 18th, July, 2020

    3. Dinosaurs of India and their Extinction, published in Twinkle magazine Hitavada, 17th April 2021.

    Books

    1. Minerals and their properties: a novel approach for applications (2020).  Dhobale, S, J., Bhat, A.P., Renu Nayar and Bandana Samant (Eds), Nova Science Publisher, USA, ISBN no 978-1-53618-990-2(e book) pp. 1-332.

    2. Applications of palynology in stratigraphy and climate studies (2024) Bandana Samant and Deepali Thakre (Eds), Springer Nature, ISBN no. ISBN 978-3-031-51876-8 pp. 1-341.

     
    Book Chapters

    1. Anup Dhobale and Bandana Samant (2020). Geology and Its Relationship with Other Sciences. In: Minerals and their properties: a novel approach for applications. Dhobale, S,J., Bhat, A.P., Renu Nayar and Bandana Samant, (Eds):1-38.

    2. Meenal Mishra and Bandana Samant (2020). Feldspars: Life-Sustaining Minerals on the Earth. In: Minerals and their properties: a novel approach for applications. Dhobale, S, J., Bhat, A.P., Renu Nayar and Bandana Samant (Eds), 227-252.

    3. Samant B (2024) Precambrian microfossils: indicators of early life and environments on the Earth. In Applications of palynology in stratigraphy and climate studies, Editors Bandana Samant and Deepali Thakre (Eds), Springer Nature, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51877-5_1, pp 1-12.

    4. Samant, B., Deepali Thakre and DM. Mohabey (2024) Palynology of Upper Cretaceous-early Paleocene Deccan volcanic associated sediments: implication in understanding age, climate and depositional environments. In Applications of palynology in stratigraphy and climate studies, Editors Bandana Samant and Deepali Thakre (Eds), Springer Nature, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51877-5_5, 151-182.

    5. Samant B., Abhilash Sen and Thakre Neha (2024) Application of Palynology in Petroleum and Coal Exploration. In Applications of palynology in stratigraphy and climate studies, Editors Bandana Samant and Deepali Thakre (Eds), Springer Nature, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51877-5_12, pp. 315-41.

     

    Research Guidance

    Awarded Ph. D:

    • Vinay K. Sahay 2010. Sedimentology, micropaleontology and Geochemistry of Naredi Formation (Late Paleocene-Early Eocene) Kutch basin..
    •  Deepali Thakre 2011. Palynostratigraphy of the intertrappean deposits associated with Deccan Continental flood basalt of Amarkantak Group of Chhindawara district, Madhya Pradesh for assessing the effect of volcanism on contemporary flora towards the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary.
    • Hemant Sonkusare 2021: Palynological studies of Deccan volcanic associated infratrappean and intertrappean sediments of Betul District, Madhya Pradesh to assess the effect of Deccan volcanism on flora
    • Four students perusing Ph D.
    Conference/ Workshops/Seminars Attended
    • Chaired a session at XXIII Indian Colloquium on Micropaleontology and stratigraphy and International Symposium on Global Bioevents, Bangalore., 2011.
    • Worked as a Rapporteur in IGCP conference on Cretaceous ecosystem at Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleobotany, Lucknow, 2013 and presented paper.
    • Chaired a session at IGCP and presented paper at symposium on Cretaceous Ecosystem and their response to paleoenvironmental changes in Asia and Western pacific, at Tokyo, Japan, 2014.
    • Attended symposium on Cretaceous Ecosystem and their response to paleoenvironmental changes in Asia and Western pacific and Terrestiral Mesozoic Ecosystem, at Shenyang, China 2015 and presented paper.
    • Invited to attend workshop on” Biotic Change in India Across the K/Pg” at  Seattle, Washington in July 2015  to present her research  work . The visit was sponsored by National Science Foundation consortium, STEPPE, USA.
    • Chaired a session at and presented paper at IGCP symposium on Cretaceous Ecosystem and their response to paleoenvironmental changes in Asia and Western pacific, at Novosibirsk, Russia, 2016.
    • Invited by Professor Steven Manchester of University of Florida, USA for joint research work from 7th May 2016 - 20th June 2016.  This visit is sponsored by National Science Foundation, USA, and presented invited lecture.
    • Attended 33rd Northeast-Midcontinent Paleobotanical Colloquium at from 13-15th May 2016 Cornell University, USA and presented paper.
    • Attended symposium on Cretaceous Ecosystem and their response to paleoenvironmental changes in Asia and Western pacific, at Jeju Islands Korea,  2017 and presented paper.
    • Attended conference and presented paper in ‘14th European Palynological and Paleobotanical conference’ at Dublin, Ireland, 12-17 August 2018.
    • Attended two days National Seminar on Measuring outcomes, Good Documentation Innovation and Best Practices, organized by RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur 24-25 February, 2019.
    • Attended International Symposium on ‘Cretaceous Biota and the K-Pg boundary and the 2nd Jiayin Forum on Fossil Protection, in Jiyain of Heilongjiang, China, from August 17-22 2019 and presented paper on the topic ‘Late Cretaceous-Early Paleocene palynoflora of sediments associated with Deccan volcanic province: floral response to changing climate and depositional environment”
    • Presented research work on online talk organized by American Association of Stratigraphic Palynology on the topic ‘Impact of Late Cretaceous-Early Palaeocene Deccan volcanism on flora: Palynological evidence from intertrappean sediments of India’ on 20th October 2020.
    • Participated in National Online training programe on Quaternary palynology organized by Association of Quaternary research and Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleobotany, from 22-24 Feb 2021.
    • Attended Two weeks course on “Managing online classes and co creating Moocs” by Teaching and learning Centre, Ramanujam College, University of Delhi,  Ministry of Human Resource Development. 18th May-03 June. 2020
    • Attended one-week course on “Open source Tools for research by  Teaching and learning Centre, Ramanujam College, University of Delhi,  Ministry of Human Resource Development8th June -14th June 2020
    • Attended 4 days online workshop on ‘Learning Management center” organized by the IQAC and UGC-Human Resource Development center, from 1st to 4Th June 2021.
    • Presented paper in second international IGCP symposium on Linkage of Cretaceous solid earth dynamics, greenhouse climate and response of ecosystem an land and in the oceans of Asia, from 26-27 October 2021on the topic “A new insight into pattern of floral changes across Cretaceous-Paleogene in Deccan volcanic province.
    • Presented research work at Burke Museum, University of Washington on 22 June 2023.
    • Invited to give Plenary Key note lecture in International invited plenary talk delivered at International Symposium on Lithosphere Evolution and Environmental changes in Northeast Asia. Presented talk on “Impact of Late Cretaceous -Early Paleocene Deccan volcanic Eruptions on Flora: palynological evidences” at Changchun, China.
    • Presented paper on the topic Deciphering response of terrestrial flora to the Late Cretaceous-early Palaeocene Deccan volcanic eruptions: mega and microflora evidences at Deccan Next conference at SP  Pune University of, 1-5 October 2023.

     

    Conference/ Workshops/Seminars Organised

    International Level

    • Organized International Workshop cum Field Excursion from 16th to 20th January 2018 on “Recent Developments in the Study of Deccan Volcanism and Tracking Environmental and Biotic Changes across Cretaceous-Paleogene as a Convener of the workshop. & foreign participants participated in this workshop and 9 Foreign participants participated in workshop and three Indian scientists and research students participated in workshop cum field excursion.
    • Organized special session on ‘Paleobotany and palynology of the Deccan intertrappean beds, Late Cretaceous to Paleogene of Central India’ in   10th  European paleobotany and palynology conference at University College, Dublin, Ireland, 12th-17th August 2018 with co-organizers Prof. Steven Manchester, University of Florida, USA and Dr. Selena Smith, University of Michigan, USA.

    National Level

        Outreach Activities

    • Organized exhibition for students and researchers under the “Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav” (75 years of Indian Independence) celebration of the country, Principal Scientific Advisor and Ministry of Culture, Government of India in Association with Vigyan Bharti between 22-28 February 2022.
    • Organized an exhibition of fossils treasure and mineral wealth of Vidarbha region in 108 National Science Congress, at RTMNU Nagpur from 2nd -7th January 2023.

        Workshops

    • Organized workshop for UPSE Passed students-2010-2011
    • Organized workshop for UPSE Passed students-2011-2012
    • Worked as a treasurer in Workshop on Recent advancements in the application of diatoms and lake sediments in determining environmental changes in water quality and paleoclimatic conditions, at Pg department of Nagpur University, Nagpur.  2014.
    • Organized International Workshop cum Field Excursion from 16th to 20th January 2018 on “Recent Developments in the Study of Deccan Volcanism and Tracking Environmental and Biotic Changes across Cretaceous-Paleogene as a Convener of the workshop. & foreign participants participated in this workshop and 9 Foreign participants participated in workshop and three Indian scientists and research students participated in workshop cum field excursion.
    • Part of organizing committee of National Science Day, 28th February 2019 organized by Board of Innovation, Incubation and Linkages, RTM Nagpur University.
    • On the occasion of International Fossil day, organized webinar for students and researchers on 17th October 2020. Prof R.A. Spicer of Open University UK, delivered the talk on the topic Paleoclimate and Plant Fossils: What they can tell us about how Earth works, and how we might look after it?
    • Organized workshop on “Recent advancements is application of fossils” 11th -16th October, 2020
    • Organized workshop on Fossil: Preserving the past of our future” 19th October, 2021.
    • Organized conference on “Functional Material and sustainable Developments” organized by National Academy of Sciences, India and RTM Nagpur university, Nagpur Chapter from 10-12 October 2022, at RTM Nagpur University.
    • Organized webinar “Fossils: Preserving the past for our future” on the occasion of International Fossil day on 20th October 2022.

     

    Invited Talks/ Resource Person
    To develop scientific temper amongst students and to make them aware of the fossils wealth organized lecture for students,
    1. Delivered Prof Kilpadi special lecture for M. Sc students. 2011
    2. Delivered Key note address at XXIII Indian Colloquium on Micropaleontology and stratigraphy and International Symposium on Global Bioevents, Bangalore2011
    3. Delivered key note address and chaired a technical session at Indian colloquium on Micropaleontology and stratigraphy, (ICMS) at Aurangabad, 2015.
    4. Delivered lecture on ‘Deccan interptrappean flora’ at the Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, USA. (2016).
    5. Delivered Invited lecture at Natural History museum, University of Florida, USA on “Response of flora to Deccan volcanism” in 2018.
    6. On International fossil day delivered talk on “Fossils Archives of Past life” at the Department of Geology, RTMNU Nagpur (2018).
    7. In 4th Prof Kilpadi lecture series delivered lecture on “Palynology a tool to assess paleoclimate and paleoenvironment” at the Department of Geology, RTMNU Nagpur (2018).
    8. Addressed students of MSc Botany, science talk series of the Botany Department, Hislop college Nagpur on the topic, ‘Climate and plants of the prehistoric time’ on 7th November 2020.
    9. Invited lecture to graduate students of Shivaji Science college was given on 11th April 2022 on the Topic” fossils Archives of past life”.
    10. Key note address and chaired a scientific session in XXVIII Indian colloquium on micropaleontology and stratigraphy held at Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune from 4th May-6th May 2022.
    11. Delivered Invited lecture in UGC STRIDE programme (online and offline mode), entitled, ‘Applications of Microfossils in Sciences’, from 2nd August to 8th August 2022 at Ferguson College, Pune.
    12. Delivered lecture on the topic Fossils: thermometer of our planet in International Webinar on the occasion of International fossil day.
    13. Delivered lecture at Shivaji Science College, Nagpur to graduate students under the ages of Indian Woman Scientists Association, Nagpur Chapter, under their popular lecture series on the topic “Earth as an evolutionary archive: tracking life through time”

    Citations

    Google Scholar: Citations: 1133, h-index 18, i10 index 33

    Research Gate: Citations: 1273, h-index 21

    Other Significant Achievements

    ​​​​​

    • Member of International Geosciences Programme project- 608 sponsored by UNESCO and visited Japan, China Korea, Russia and presented research work in the symposium.
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    • Member of National working group of International Geosciences Programme project IGCP- 609.
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    • Visited University of Florida, Gainesville, USA as a visiting scientist for work under joint collaborative programme and learned unique technique of single grain mounting of palynomorphs for study under Scanning Electron Microscope. 
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    • Visited University of Washington, USA (13th June 2023-7th July 2023) under National Science Foundation collaborative Research project with Prof. G.P. Wilson, Visit was sponsored by National Science Foundation.   
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    • Invited by Prof Sun Ge, Director of Research Centre of Paleontology & Stratigraphy, Jilin University, China to deliver lecture and field work. Visit was sponsored by Prof Sun Ge (18-24 August 2023)
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    • Name figured in the recently published book on “Leading Ladies in the Earth Sciences” It is about 32 leading earth scientists of India.   
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    • Reviewed papers for: Himalayan Geology, Journal of Geological Society of India, Journal of Geoscience Research (formerly Gondwana Geological Magazine), Earth System Sciences, Journal of Paleontological Society of India Historical Geology etc.
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    • Reviewer of research projects for Science and Engineering Research board, New Delhi and Ministry of Earth Sciences, New Delhi.