Dr. Shenoy’s current research focuses on marine microbiology, mycology, and environmental biotechnology, with a particular emphasis on how marine microbes adapt to chemical stressors in polluted ecosystems. His work spans several interdisciplinary, multi-institutional programs coordinated across CSIR laboratories, combining molecular ecology with applied environmental science.

One core area of investigation is the ecological impact of tarballs—hydrocarbon-rich residues—on coastal marine biota along the Goa shoreline. This research explores how indigenous microbial consortia, especially fungi and bacteria, participate in the degradation of complex petroleum compounds. The aim is to identify key taxa with hydrocarbon-degrading potential and to characterize shifts in microbial community structure under chronic pollution.

In parallel, Dr. Shenoy is studying the effects of trace metals, particularly zinc, on marine fungal diversity and function. This work examines how metal gradients influence fungal metabolism, gene regulation, and broader ecological processes such as nutrient cycling and detoxification in coastal waters.

He is also actively engaged in marine natural product discovery, focusing on the isolation and characterization of marine fungi with potential pharmaceutical applications. This involves collaborators for screening for novel bioactive metabolites with antimicrobial and anticancer properties, contributing to India’s efforts in ocean-based drug development.

Collectively, these research efforts address fundamental and applied questions: 

How do marine microbial communities respond to long-term exposure to pollutants?

What metabolic pathways underpin microbial resilience and remediation? 

Can marine fungi serve as a source of next-generation therapeutics?

Dr. Shenoy’s work advances our understanding of microbial dynamics in stressed marine environments while supporting innovation in bioremediation and sustainable utilization of marine microbial resources.