Ch. Devi Lal College of Pharmacy Jagadhri Haryana - India
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Sonia Kamboj's academic journey began with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, marked by consistent excellence and dedication. She completed her 10th and 10+2 (Medical) from the Haryana Board of School Education with high marks, achieving 74.0% and 79.2%, respectively. These early achievements set the stage for her future academic pursuits.
Dr. Sonia's passion for pharmaceuticals led her to pursue a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharmacy) at Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamunanagar, affiliated with Kurukshetra University (KUK). Graduating in July 2011 with a notable 72.7% and a first division, she demonstrated her commitment to the field. Her academic journey continued with a Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharmacy) in Pharmaceutical Analysis from I.S.F College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, affiliated with Punjab Technical University (PTU) Jalandhar. In September 2013, she graduated with distinction, securing a remarkable 79.5% and earning the prestigious gold medal.
Dr. Sonia's academic journey culminated in a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from MM College of Pharmacy, Mullana (MMDU, Mullana). Her PhD thesis, "Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Chromane and its Analogues," reflects her deep engagement with pharmaceutical research and her drive to contribute to the scientific community.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Sonia Kamboj has made significant strides in her professional career, contributing to the field of pharmaceutical sciences both as an educator and a researcher. She began her professional journey as an Associate Professor at Ch. Devi Lal College of Pharmacy (CDLCOP), Bhagwangarh, Jagadhri, Haryana, in August 2013. Over the course of more than a decade, she has accumulated extensive experience, sharing her knowledge and expertise with students and colleagues alike.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Sonia has held several administrative positions. She is a member of the Academic Committee at CDLCOP, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence and curriculum development. Her involvement extends to professional organizations as well, where she is a member of the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI), the Indian Pharmacy Graduates Association (IPGA), and the Chinese Chemical Society. Moreover, she has served as an external examiner at Pt B.D. Sharma University, Rohtak, further showcasing her expertise in pharmaceutical sciences.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Sonia Kamboj's research contributions are substantial and varied, reflecting her broad interests within pharmaceutical sciences. Her PhD research focused on the synthesis and biological evaluation of new chromane and its analogues, a project that underscores her commitment to advancing pharmaceutical knowledge. Her M.Pharm project involved the analytical method development and validation for the simultaneous estimation of berberine and curcumin in plant extracts and polyherbal formulations, highlighting her proficiency in analytical techniques and her interest in herbal drug standardization.
Sonia has also contributed to quality analysis in pharmaceutical settings. During her time as an M.Pharm student at ISF Analytical Laboratory (ISFAL) in Moga, Punjab, she performed quality analysis of various drugs, demonstrating her practical skills and attention to detail. Her involvement in quality control and quality assurance during her B.Pharm studies, as well as her technical duties at Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, further highlight her hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
Her technical proficiency spans a wide range of analytical methods and instrumental skills, including HPLC, HPTLC, UV-Visible Spectrophotometry, and molecular docking. This technical expertise has been instrumental in her research and teaching, allowing her to guide students effectively in these areas.
Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Sonia Kamboj's achievements have been recognized through various awards and accolades. She received a gold medal from PTU Jalandhar for her outstanding performance in her M.Pharm degree. Additionally, she was awarded the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) Scholarship in 2011, supporting her postgraduate studies in pharmaceutical analysis. Her excellence in research has been acknowledged with the first prize in poster presentation at the ABT-sponsored international conference organized by M.M. College of Pharmacy in February 2024.
Impact and Influence on Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Dr. Sonia Kamboj's impact extends beyond her immediate academic and professional environment. As a resource person, she has been invited to speak on topics such as women empowerment and equity, and has addressed audiences at institutions like Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy and Govt. Middle School Rattangarh, Radaur, Haryana. Her role as a reviewer for scientific manuscripts in reputable journals, including Current Medicinal Chemistry and the Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, further underscores her influence in the scientific community.
The ultimate goal of pharmaceutical chemistry is to develop new medications that improve health outcomes and quality of life for patients. This field plays a critical role in addressing a myriad of health challenges, from infectious diseases to chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer. By exploring the molecular mechanisms of disease and devising novel therapeutic strategies, pharmaceutical chemists contribute significantly to the advancement of medicine. Their work not only leads to the creation of new drugs but also enhances our understanding of how existing drugs work, paving the way for improved formulations and delivery systems. In essence, pharmaceutical chemistry is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, driving innovations that translate scientific discoveries into tangible health benefits.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, Sonia Kamboj aims to continue her contributions to pharmaceutical sciences through ongoing research, teaching, and professional engagement. Her extensive list of publications, patents, and conference presentations reflects her dedication to advancing the field. Her work on the synthesis and evaluation of novel pharmaceutical compounds, as well as her expertise in analytical methods, positions her as a significant contributor to future developments in pharmaceutical research and education.
Sonia's legacy is marked by her commitment to excellence, her dedication to knowledge sharing, and her passion for advancing pharmaceutical sciences. As she continues to explore new frontiers in her research and professional endeavors, she remains a valuable asset to the academic and scientific communities. Her future contributions will undoubtedly continue to impact the field, fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists.
Pharmaceutical chemistry is a dynamic field at the intersection of chemistry and pharmacology, dedicated to the design, synthesis, and development of bioactive compounds into safe and effective therapeutic agents. This discipline encompasses a wide range of activities, including the identification of new chemical entities, the optimization of lead compounds, and the formulation of drugs. It integrates principles from organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology to understand and manipulate the chemical nature of drugs and their interactions with biological systems. Researchers in pharmaceutical chemistry engage in the rigorous process of drug discovery, which involves high-throughput screening, structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, and computer-aided drug design (CADD) to identify promising candidates for development.