Shikha Ojha

Shikha Ojha is a Lecturer in the Department of Land Sciences at South East Technological University (SETU). She holds a PhD in Food Science and Technology from University College Cork (UCC), awarded on 23 February 2018. Her research focuses on novel non-thermal technologies for food processing, sustainable exploitation of alternative bioresources like insects, and process intensification. She is a recipient of the prestigious EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship, enabling her work on insect processing at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy in Germany.

Research Interests:

• Novel non-thermal technologies (ultrasound, cold plasma, high pressure processing)
• Process intensification and bio-transformation
• Alternative bioresources (insects, seafood)

Publications: Over 40 peer-reviewed articles, including 29 in high-impact journals, and one co-edited book. Recent work emphasizes sustainable agrifood systems, microbial safety of insect-based products, and valorization of aquaculture waste through insect bioconversion. Her research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing food security and climate action.

Awards:

• EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (2020)

Collaborations: Active in international networks, including projects at Leibniz Institute and collaborations across Europe. Her work is cited in influential journals like Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies and Sustainable Development.