Integrated Centre for Water Management (ICWM)
ICWM is an initiative to ensure a sustainable and healthy water future by integrating advanced engineering with pioneering microbiological and biotechnological research. The center focuses on delivering comprehensive solutions across the entire water cycle, from source to sea, safeguarding public health and restoring aquatic ecosystems
ABOUT US
Know about our objective
ICWM is dedicated to advancing sustainable and integrated water management solutions for a resilient future.
Our core objective is to engineer and implement innovative systems for the entire water cycle, from ensuring safe drinking water and effective sewerage treatment to managing inland waterways and coastal marine environments.
We achieve this by pioneering applied research in microbiology and biotechnology to develop cutting-edge, eco-efficient processes. Ultimately, our mission is to protect public health, restore aquatic ecosystems, and provide scientifically-grounded water stewardship for communities and industries worldwide.
3
Years of
experience
The center aims to achieve the following objectives
- Advance Public Health by ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water and effective sanitation through advanced treatment and sewer management systems.
- Restore Aquatic Ecosystems through sustainable management and rehabilitation initiatives for inland waterways and coastal marine environments.
- Pioneer Sustainable Solutions by leveraging cutting-edge research in microbiology and biotechnology to develop next-generation water treatment processes.
- Build Water-Resilient Communities by integrating climate adaptation strategies and promoting public education on integrated water resource management.
Dr. Jessen George
M. Sc (Microbiology)., PhD (Environmental Microbiology)., TWAS-CAS PG Fellow (China)., Research Director-ICWM, Former Principal Rev. Jacob Memorial Christian College, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr. Jessen George is a distinguished environmental Scientist and water management expert with over 17 years of experience in research, teaching, and administration. He currently serves as Research Director, Integrated Centre for Water Management (ICWM), Kochi, Kerala, where he coordinating and overseeing research projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders for innovative projects in water and sanitation using geospatial technologies.
A Ph.D. in Life Sciences (Environmental Microbiology) from J.S.S. Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore, Dr. George specializes in Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA), water-borne pathogens, and urban water safety. His pioneering doctoral work assessed microbial risks in Mysore’s water systems, earning him the Young Environmentalist Award (2014) and international fellowships from ICMR, TWAS, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
He has published more than 60 papers in high-impact journals like Exposure and Health (Springer), Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development (IWA), Groundwater for Sustainable Development and Environmental and Sustainability Indicators (Elsevier) he is a recognized authority in microbial water quality and public health. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and reviews for over 40 reputed journals.
A multilingual professional (English, Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada), Dr. George combines scientific rigor with leadership to drive sustainable water solutions in developing regions.
Dr. Deepthi
ME (VLSI Design)., PhD (Image Processing)., Research Co-ordinator-ICWM & AI Developer
She is an AI Developer with a PhD in Image Processing and over 5 years of hands-on experience building production-grade computer vision and multimodal AI solutions. Specializing in plant disease detection, biometric verification, hyperspectral analysis, and geospatial AI, she has delivered impactful models using YOLOv12, Vision Transformers, Vision-Language Models (VLMs), DINOv3, Deep Face, and AWS SageMaker.
A prolific researcher, Deepthi has authored 5 peer-reviewed publications, including a Wiley Top Downloaded Article (2022) in Journal of Chemometrics. Passionate about applied AI in agriculture, remote sensing, and environmental monitoring, she combines deep technical expertise with practical deployment skills using Python, Hugging Face, Fast API, and cloud platforms.
Dr. Aran Castro AJ
M.Sc., PhD (PhD in Applied Geology)., Research Co-ordinator-ICWM & Geologist
Dr. Aran Castro A J is a GIS Manager, researcher, and prolific author based in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India. Holding a PhD in Applied Geology from Annamalai University (2022), he specializes in GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis with a focus on coastal geomorphology, environmental modelling, and urban sustainability.
Dr. Castro has authored 8 books (2023–2024) on topics like coastal geomorphology, urban GIS, landslide risk, and global health mapping, published via Amazon KDP and Google Play. His research appears in journals such as Solid-State Technology and International Journal of Aquatic Science, covering structural geology, wetland mapping, and LULC change detection.
Dr. Fatemeh Mohammadzadeh
M. Sc (Watershed Management)., PhD (Water Management Sciences and Engineering)., Research Co-ordinator-ICWM GCC Region
Fatemeh Mohammadzadeh, is an Iranian water scientist and groundwater expert specializing in hydrological modelling, land subsidence, and sustainable water management in arid regions. With a Ph.D. in Water Sciences and Engineering from Yazd University (2022), she has earned top academic honours, including first-rank recognition for both her M.Sc. and Ph.D. by Iran’s centre for Exceptional Talent.
Currently serving as Groundwater Operations Lead at Razavi Khorasan Water and Wastewater Company and a remote research collaborator with leading institutions-including Technical University of Darmstadt (Germany), University of Lausanne (Switzerland), and Wits University (South Africa)-she integrates advanced tools like MODFLOW, InSAR, Water GEMS, and machine learning to address groundwater depletion, subsidence risks, and virtual water trade. She has published more than 20 research papers in national and international repute.
Mrs. Aswathi K
M. Sc (Microbiology)., Research Associate-ICWM
Aswathi K is a qualified microbiologist with a strong academic background, including a Post Master’s Diploma in Nutraceuticals and Food Processing and an MSc in Microbiology.
She has also contributed to national research projects and published scientific articles related to food safety and microbiological pathogens. Aswathi is passionate about quality control and food technology roles and brings strong analytical, communication, and research skills to the table.
Mrs. Anitha M
M. Sc (Microbiology)., Research Associate-ICWM
Anitha is a dedicated microbiologist with over 5 years of hands-on experience in microbial research, molecular biology, and academic instruction. she specializes in microbial isolation, metagenomics, NGS, PCR, and entomological microbiology.
Currently serving as Research Associate-ICWM, she previously worked as Assistant Professor at Rev. Jacob Memorial Christian College (2021–2023) and Microbiologist in diagnostic labs. With strong expertise in sterile techniques, HPLC, and lab documentation, she is a proactive contributor to scientific and educational advancements in microbiology.
Mr. Mohammed Haja M.I
M. Sc (Microbiology)., Research Associate-ICWM
Mohammed Haja is a dedicated microbiologist with over 6 years of expertise in food safety, pharmaceutical, and environmental testing. He holds an M.Sc. Microbiology and B.Sc. Biochemistry & Industrial Microbiology from the University of Kerala.
His research includes nanoparticle-producing microbes and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (IAA & phosphate solubilizers). Fluent in English, Malayalam, and Hindi, Haja is a quick learner, decisive leader, and process-driven professional committed to quality and innovation in life sciences.
Mr. Nidhin K
M.Sc (Chemistry)., Research Associate-ICWM
Nidhin K is a seasoned Analytical Chemist and Quality Manager with over 8 years of experience in ISO 17025-accredited laboratories in the UAE and India. Holding an MSc in Chemistry from Calicut University, he specializes in advanced instrumental analysis using GCMS, GC-FID, ICP-OES, Ion Chromatography, FTIR, and XRF for testing water, wastewater, soil, paint, food, air, and bitumen as per international standards (APHA, USEPA, ASTM, ISO, GSO, SASO).
Skilled in VOCs, TPH, metals, anions, and biodegradability testing, Nidhin is proficient in English, Hindi, and Malayalam. A detail-oriented professional, he is committed to quality excellence and continuous improvement in laboratory operations.
Ms. Amla Razack MK
M.Sc (Integrated Geology)., Research Assistant-ICWM
Amla Razack MK is a dedicated Geologist with an Integrated M.Sc. in Geology from Farook College, Kerala. Specializing in geochemistry, GIS, and environmental analysis, she has hands-on experience in organic geochemistry, water quality assessment, and field mapping.
Proficient in QGIS, ArcGIS, Python, AI/ML for geodata, and advanced analytical instruments (IRMS, XRF, TOC, IC), Amla combines strong technical skills with fieldwork and research rigor. Certified in groundwater management and Python for geology, she is passionate about sustainable earth science solutions.
Ms.Fathima A M
M.Sc (Geology)., Research Assistant-ICWM
Fathima A M is a dedicated M.Sc. Geology postgraduate from Bishop Kurialacherry College for Women, Kottayam with a B.Sc. from Kristu Jyoti College, Changanassery. Passionate about geospatial analysis and fieldwork, she excels in ArcGIS, QGIS, and geological mapping.
A proactive learner with strong analytical skills, Fathima is eager to apply her expertise in GIS and field geology to real-world environmental and resource challenges.
Mr.Shafeer Mohammed
Director of Business Operations
Mohammed Shafeer is a senior procurement and contracts expert with 20 years of experience driving operational excellence across the Middle East, Far East, and Asian markets. With an MBA in Marketing, he uniquely blends strategic sourcing with strong commercial acumen to secure optimal value and mitigate project risks. His expertise encompasses the end-to-end management of complex, high-value contracts and supply chain logistics within demanding industries. He is adept at fostering strategic regional partnerships and ensuring that all procurement activities align with overarching business objectives.
Mr.Ajith Chandran
Strategic Program Director
Ajith Chandran is the Strategic Program Director who excels at leading complex, multi-faceted projects in water resources and environmental management. He demonstrates a strong capacity for building collaborative ecosystems, uniting technical experts, community stakeholders, and advanced geospatial technology to achieve large-scale goals. His work focuses on the end-to-end delivery of strategic programs, from vision and planning through to practical, on-the-ground implementation and community-led restoration. He orchestrates integrated solutions that ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of vital water systems.
Mr.Muhammad Ziyad C M
Director of Finance
Muhammad Ziyad C M is a seasoned Business and Financial Management leader with over 20 years of demonstrated success in driving profitability and strategic growth across diverse international markets, including India, China, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East.
Mr. Vinayak VP
HR-Administration
Vinayak Viswanathapillai is a seasoned Lead Product Analyst and Product Owner with 16+ years in IT and 8+ years specializing in Business Analysis, Product Strategy, and PMO governance.
Vinayak has successfully owned product roadmaps, prioritized backlogs, authored API documentation (Swagger/Postman), and driven Agile delivery as both Product Owner and Scrum Master. His data-driven approach reduced customer churn by 15% through KPI tracking and A/B testing. Adept in Jira, Confluence, Figma, SQL, and Azure DevOps, he ensures seamless stakeholder alignment, risk management, and governance reporting.
With an MBA in Marketing and certifications in Google Project Management and Agile, Vinayak is a strategic leader ready to deliver high-impact product outcomes from day one.
Prof. Dr. S. Suriyanarayanan
M.Sc., M. Phil., PhD., PDF (Italy) Associate Dean of Research at JSS Science and Technology University, Mysore, Former Deputy Director of Research-Vinayaka Missions University, Former Science Officer-SCOPE Beijing Office, RCEES, Beijing, China.
Dr. S. Suriyanarayanan, MSc, MPhil, Ph.D., currently holds the position of Associate Dean of Research at JSS Science and Technology University, Mysore. Previously, he served as the Deputy Director of Research at Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation Deemed University, India. He earned his master’s and master of philosophy degrees in zoology from Jamal Mohamed College, Tiruchirappalli, and completed his Ph.D. in environmental sciences at Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu, India.
He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Environment and Sustainable Development. Before joining JSS Science and Technology University, he held positions such as postdoctoral fellow at the University of Turin, Italy, and project coordinator and faculty member at the Department of Water and Health, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), Deemed University, Mysore, India. He also served as a science officer for the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES), Beijing, from April 2015 to March 2017. Currently, he serves as the nodal officer for SCOPE India activities under JSS Mysore and is a visiting professor at Khon Kaen University, Thailand.
Dr. Suriyanarayanan’s research expertise spans environmental monitoring, radiation ecology, and environmental microbiology. He has been honoured with the Young Scientist research grant award from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and a Visiting Scientist fellowship from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2016–2017.
Dr. Patrick Ssebugere
MSc., DSc.,
Patrick Ssebugere is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Makerere University in Uganda (East Africa). He received his DSc in Green Chemical Technology from Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland, in 2015. In 2019, he undertook postdoctoral studies at Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health in Germany. In 2022, he was awarded a Georg Forster Research Fellowship, and he spent 12 months at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ in Leipzig, Germany. Since 2022, he has been Chairperson of the Technical Committee at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards on the standardization of Paints, Varnishes, and related products for East Africa. Currently, he is Associate Editor of Frontiers in Environmental Chemistry and Editorial Board Member for Global Science Publishing.
At Makerere University, he is the group leader of the Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology. His research covers environmental chemistry and toxicology, development and validation of analytical techniques, food safety and risk assessment, wastewater treatment technologies and water resources management.
Dr. May Mathew
B. Sc Engg (Civil)., Master of Planning in Urban and Regional Planning., PhD., PG Dip (Geoinformatics & RS) Postgraduate Dip (Rotterdam)., Founder Trustee and Chief Planner, Centre for Environmental Efficiency (CEE), Kochi, Kerala, India.
Dr. May Mathew is a trained civil engineer with over 36 years of experience and a Town and Country Planner and Social Scientist with a specialization in Sustainable Cities. She has more than 10 research papers in national and international repute. She has delivered keynote addresses to many invited talks and published a book entitled “Environmental Efficiency and Carrying Capacity Indicators for Development Management Towards Sustainability”.
Dr. Sarva Mangala Praveena
M.Sc., PhD., Associate Professor & Research Coordinator-Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Putra Malaysia.
Dr. Sarva Mangala Praveena is currently working as an Associate Professor and Research Coordinator- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Putra Malaysia. She obtained her PhD in Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Science) University of Malaysia Sabah (2011). Her major research interest is the relationship between geochemistry and health in relation to environmental samples (water, soil/sediment, dust, air) as well as human biological samples. Also have been involved with nanoparticle application in drinking water purification. She has published more than 120 articles in national and international repute.
She is the recipient of the 2018 Gro Brundtland Award (Gro Brundtland Week of Women in Sustainable Development), Taiwan, and the Young Scientist Award 2015 (Vice Chancellor Fellowship Award), from the University of Putra Malaysia.
Dr. Sajith K.S.
M.Sc (Environmental Science) PhD (Remote Sensing) Principal, Ayyappa Institute of Management Studies (AIMS), Peerumade, Kerala, India.
Dr. Sajith K S is an accomplished environmental scientist, academic leader, and researcher with over 15 years of experience in environmental studies, remote sensing, GIS, and sustainable development.
A Ph.D. from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in 2022, his research focused on Coastal Land Use/Land Cover Changes in Kerala using Remote Sensing and GIS. He holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Science & Management and a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Environment & Water Management from Mahatma Gandhi University.
An active contributor to academia and policy, he is a member of the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management, NAAC & IQAC Coordinator, and Nodal Officer for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IEDC). He has delivered invited talks on wetland conservation, marine pollution (MARPOL), and renewable energy.
With expertise in environmental monitoring, water and wastewater management, air quality assessment, and EIA studies, Dr. Sajith is a passionate educator, mentor, and advocate for sustainable environmental solutions.
Dr. Sangavai
M. Sc., PhD., Associate Professor, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan College of Arts and Science for Women (Autonomous), Perambalur, Tamil Nadu- India.
Dr. C. Sangavai is an accomplished biotechnologist, educator, and academic administrator with over 21 years of experience in teaching, research, and institutional leadership. Holding a Ph.D. in Biotechnology (2019, Bharathidasan University) with a focus on metabolic engineering of Clostridium sticklandii for biofuel production, she has built a strong research profile with 32 publications in reputed journals.
A dedicated mentor, she guides Ph.D. and M.Phil. scholars and has supervised over 50 postgraduate projects. Her administrative roles include Vice-Principal, Head of Department, and key positions in NAAC, IQAC, UGC compliance, and women’s empowerment initiatives. Recognized with the Best Young Faculty Award (2019) and Women Researcher Award (2021), She is also an active resource person, editor, and organizer of national/international seminars and workshops.
With dual expertise in biotechnology and hospital management (M.B.A.), she bridges science, education, and societal impact through initiatives in mushroom cultivation, herbal product development, and environmental biotechnology. A passionate advocate for women in STEM and rural education, she continues to contribute significantly to academic excellence and sustainable bio-innovations.
Mr. Sakhariya VU
M. Sc., HSEQ & Systems Manager, FASSCO International, Abhu Dhabi, UAE
Sakhariya Vu is a seasoned HSEQ & Systems Manager with 17+ years of expertise in Oil & Gas and Healthcare sectors. Currently leading Integrated Management Systems (IMS) and HSEQ compliance for FASSCO International across premier facilities like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and M42, he ensures adherence to JCI, DOH, ADAFSA, and ADOSH-SF standards.
A Grade A OSHAD-approved practitioner, NEBOSH IGC holder, and IMS Lead Auditor (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 22000, 22301), he has spearheaded ISO 22000 implementation, supplier audits, risk management, and emergency response programs.