Welcome to the unofficial website of Dr. Belle Damodara Shenoy — Mycologist, Editor, and Educator! 

Dr. Belle Damodara Shenoy, born on November 26, 1978, is a fungal taxonomist and Principal Scientist at CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Regional Centre in Visakhapatnam, India. With a professional journey rooted in mycology, Dr. Shenoy has dedicated his career to exploring the diversity, ecological roles, and biotechnological potential of fungi and bacteria in India’s coastal and oceanic ecosystems.

He began his academic career with a Bachelor of Science in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry (B.Sc. BZC) from Mangalore University in 1999, followed by a Master’s in Biosciences from the same institution in 2002, securing first class with distinction in both degrees. His passion for mycology led him to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Hong Kong, which he completed in 2007, specializing in fungal taxonomy. Following his doctoral research, he undertook a postdoctoral fellowship at the Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Ottawa.

In 2008, Dr. Shenoy began his tenure as a scientist with CSIR, India, initially at CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh, and later at CSIR-NIO in Goa and Visakhapatnam. He rose through the ranks to become Principal Scientist in July 2018. To complement his scientific expertise with managerial insights, he completed a one-year Senior Management Programme from Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode in 2021 and earned an MBA in Marketing from Mizoram University in 2023.

Over the past decade, Dr. Shenoy has led and contributed to several major national and institutional research projects. As the work package leader for the CSIR multi-institutional program BIOPROSmar, he pioneered research into microbial degradation of tarballs and crude oil, offering eco-friendly strategies for marine pollution mitigation. He was Co-Principal Investigator of a CSIR-NIO project, which examined the environmental impact of tarballs on marine biota along the Goan coast, and contributed to sea water quality monitoring programs across the Bay of Bengal. His work in the in-house project focused on the influence of Zn on fungal diversity and functions in marine ecosystems.

Dr. Shenoy has published more than 50 articles. His research spans diverse environments from mangrove sediments to oxygen minimum zones and deep-sea basins, with a strong emphasis on microbial diversity and environmental health.

A recognized thought leader in his field, Dr. Shenoy serves as Editor-in-Chief of MycoAsia, Managing Editor of MycoIndia, and Associate Editor for Frontiers in Marine Science, FFungal Biology, Mycological Spectrum, and Marine and Freshwater Fungi. His editorial roles reflect his commitment to fostering academic scholarship in mycology and marine microbiology. Internationally, he was a member of the Subcommission on Colletotrichum Taxonomy and is actively involved in research collaboration networks such as MycoAsia and the Association of Fungal Biologists.

Dr. Shenoy has guided multiple postgraduate and doctoral students, including four completed Ph.D. theses and several M.Sc. dissertations, mentoring students from institutions such as Goa University, Bharathidasan University, KIIT Bhubaneswar, and Dr. V. S. Krishna Government College, Visakhapatnam. His teaching contributions to the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) include co-developing and coordinating modules in scientific writing and communication for early-career researchers.

In addition to his scientific work, Dr. Shenoy is a passionate science communicator. He has delivered public lectures and written science articles in Kannada and Hindi to engage non-specialist audiences, promote scientific literacy, and inspire students. His Hindi talk titled “Tarball Associated Fungi” won second prize at a national scientific webinar organized by CMFRI, Visakhapatnam. He also played an instrumental role in science education initiatives under CSIR's Jigyasa program, mentoring schools in Visakhapatnam and organizing teacher connect programs.

He has contributed to national-level events such as INSA General Meeting held at Visakhapatnam, the National Workshop on Oceanic Processes and Geohazards, and industry innovation meets in collaboration with DSIR and NRDC. These engagements have helped bridge the gap between science, policy, and industry, reinforcing the institute’s role in India’s Blue Economy mission.

Dr. Shenoy is a life member of multiple professional societies, including the Indian Lichenological Society (ILS), Association of Microbiologists of India (AMI), and Association of Fungal Biologists (AFB). In 2024, he was inducted into the Executive Council of Association of Fungal Biologists (AFB), recognizing his sustained contributions to the field.

From cutting-edge marine biotechnology research to community engagement and institutional leadership, Dr. Shenoy exemplifies a multidimensional scientist whose work advances both knowledge and societal good. He continues to inspire students, collaborate with scientists across disciplines and borders, and work toward a sustainable and scientifically engaged future.