Megha | Biomedical | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 28/06/202428/06/2024 by Academic achievements

Megha | Biomedical | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Megha KB, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, India.

👩‍🔬 Dr. Megha K B, an Indian national born on August 9, 1986, resides in Kozhikode, Kerala. She holds a diverse educational background, culminating in a doctoral fellowship specializing in biotechnology, focusing on the therapeutic potential of Thespesia populnea in cancer treatment. She is currently engaged in advanced research in material science and toxicology at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology (SCTIMST), Kerala, India.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Scopus

Education and Experience

Dr. Megha completed her Doctoral Fellowship (2012-2018) at the University of Calicut, Kerala, India, where she investigated the therapeutic potential of Thespesia populnea. Her research was supervised by Dr. K K Elyas in the Department of Biotechnology. She earned her M.Phil in Biomedical Technology from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, Kerala, India, in 2010 with a score of 81.94%. She also holds an M.Sc in Biotechnology from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India (2009, 80%), and a B.Sc in Microbiology from Kannur University, Kerala, India (2007, 80%).

Professional Experience

SERB National Post Doctoral Fellow (NPDF) at SCTIMST, Kerala (April 2022 – April 2024), focusing on bone tissue regeneration using novel scaffolds.
Research Associate at SCTIMST, Kerala (Jan 2020 – April 2022), studying the toxicity of drugs and poloxamers.
Doctoral Fellow at the University of Calicut, Kerala (Nov 2012 – Dec 2019), researching the antiproliferative activity of Thespesia populnea against cancer cell lines.
Project Assistant at SCTIMST, Kerala (Oct 2010 – April 2011), validating in vitro pyrogen testing.
M.Phil Scholar at SCTIMST, Kerala (Aug 2009 – July 2010), evaluating haematological parameters and cytokine release.
M.Sc Project at Regional Cancer Centre, Kerala (Dec 2008 – March 2009), studying STAT-3 and Cyclin D1 in breast carcinoma.

Professional Development

Dr. Megha has received numerous awards, including the Travel Award at the 7th International Conference on Translational Research (2023) and the Chief Minister’s Nava Kerala Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2022). She has been honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for excellence in research at the 3rd National Biomedical Research Competition (2021) and held various fellowships, including the SERB-NPDF and Southern Tier Cancer Centre USA travel award (2010).

Research Focus

Dr. Megha’s research primarily revolves around the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants, antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines, bone tissue regeneration, and the toxicity of various compounds. Her work includes the synthesis and characterization of novel scaffolds, in vitro biological assays, and evaluation of bone regeneration models. She is dedicated to advancing biomedical science through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Publications

3D printed arrowroot starch-gellan scaffolds for wound healing applications (2024) – International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 8.2 IF
Development of multifunctional collagen scaffold impregnated with peptide LL-37 for vascularised bone tissue regeneration (2024) – International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 5.8 IF
Significance of Melatonin in the Regulation of Circadian Rhythms and Disease Management (2023) – Molecular Neurobiology, 5.59 IF
Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Infection Induced by SARS-CoV-2 (2023) – Molecular Neurobiology, 5.59 IF
Cellular consequences triggered by ketamine on exposure to human glioblastoma epithelial (LN-229) cells (2023) – Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology, 3.6 IF
Blood-brain barrier-on-a-chip to model neurological diseases (2023) – Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 5.062 IF
Elucidating the synergistic capability of phytoconstituents in Thespesia populnea towards enhanced cytotoxicity against K562 leukemic cells (2022) – IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences, —
Cytocompatibility of pluronic F-127 on adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (2022) – Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 5.8 IF
Assessment of Inflammatory Response on Pyrogenic Induction by In vitro and In vivo Methods (2021) – Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry, 2.23 IF
Vaccines and vaccination as part of human life. In view of Covid-19 (2021) – Biotechnology Journal, 4.7 IF

Barend Maarten Gadella| Reproductive biology | Best Faculty Award

Posted on 28/06/202408/07/2024 by Academic achievements

Assoc Prof Dr. Barend Maarten Gadella| Reproductive biology | Best Faculty Award

Assoc Prof Dr, Barend Maarten Gadella,Utrecht University, Netherlands

Assoc Prof Dr. Barend Maarten Gadella is a distinguished academic affiliated with Utrecht University in the Netherlands. His research primarily focuses on [insert specific field or area of expertise, if known]. With a robust background in [mention relevant academic qualifications or achievements], Dr. Gadella contributes significantly to the academic community through his research, publications, and teaching endeavors at Utrecht University.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

PhD (‘doctorate’),Utrecht University, 17/02/1994,Supervisor: Prof. dr. B. Colenbrander/Prof. dr. L.M.G. van Golde,Title of thesis: Metabolism and localization of seminolipid in mammalian spermatozoa (cum laude)

Work Experience

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Contact Person for Scientific Integrity issues,1 Feb 2024-present,Ius promovendi (Utrecht University),20 Nov 2022-present,Guest professor, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. Herd Health and Reproduction, Ghent University, Belgium,1 Jan 2019-present,Guest Professor, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Department Reproduction, University of Sydney, Australia,1 Aug 2016 – 31 Mar 2017,Associate Professor, full time, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. Biochemistry and Cell Biology and Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University,31 Aug 2004-present,Assistant Professor, full time, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. Biochemistry and Cell Biology and Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University2001-2004

Teaching Activities

Coordinator & lecturer of various courses in Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine
Supervisor of numerous post-docs, PhD students, and MSc students

Scholarships, Grants, and Prizes

Recipient of several awards including the National Health and Medical Research Council Early Career Fellowships, KNAW Akademie Post-doc Fellowship Research grant, and others.
Principal investigator on various equipment grants for advanced biomedical imaging and analysis.

International Activities

Officer of the Association for Applied Animal Andrology (2022-2024),Panel member of FCT-Biomedical Engineering grants Portugal (2020-present),Country representative and workgroup 2 leader in COST action CA 16119 “In vitro 3-D total cell guidance and fitness” (2017-2022),Guest scientist at ARGUS, University of Sydney, Australia (Aug-Dec 2016 & Oct-Nov 2018),Member and country representative of the COST project FA0702 “Influences of oviduct secretory proteins on fertilization” (2012-2016),Pfizer Inc. member of research consortium on bovine reproduction failure (2004-2017)

Publications Noted & Contributions

[6] Gadella BM. Metabolism and localization of seminolipid in ejaculated mammalian spermatozoa. Utrecht University, PhD thesis, 1994, ISBN 90-393-0180-8 pp. 1-189 (PhD thesis)
[10] Gadella BM, van Kooij RJ, Arts EGJM. Dynamics in the lipid organization of the mammalian sperm plasma membrane and functionality in fertilization. Tijdschrift Fertiliteits Onderzoek 1996; 10:18-22 (in Dutch)
[11] Gadella BM, van Kooij RJ, Colenbrander B, Arts EGJM. Veranderingen in de organisatie van lipiden in de spermaplasmamembraan tijdens capacitatie. Annalen Vereniging Fertiliteitsstudie 1996; 23:40-43 (in Dutch)
[21] Colenbrander B, Gadella BM, Woelders H. Artificial insemination in swine. In: From the First artificial insemination to the modern reproduction biotechnologies. Eds. Russo V, Dall’Olio S, Fontanesi L. 1999, New Team, Parma Italia pp. 113-118 (book chapter)
[28] Flesch FM, Colenbrander B, van Golde LMG, Gadella BM. Capacitation induced molecular alterations in the plasma membrane of boar spermatozoa in relation to zona pellucida affinity. In: “Boar Semen”. Eds. Johnson LA, Guthrie HD. 2000, Allen Press Inc. Lawrence, KS USA pp. 21-34 (book chapter)
[29] Colenbrander B, Gadella BM, Feitsma H Woelders H. Semen quality assessment, present and future. In: “Boar Semen”. Eds. Johnson LA, Guthrie HD. 2000, Allen Press Inc. Lawrence, KS USA pp. 35-42 (book chapter)
[69] Gadella BM, Visconti P. Regulation of capacitation. In: “The sperm cell: production, maturation, fertilization, regeneration”. Eds. De Jonge C, Barratt C, ISBN 13 987-0-521-85397-2 Cambridge University Press, 2006. pp.134-169 (book chapter)
[88] Gadella BM. Sperm proteomics. In: Immune infertility; the impact of immune reactions on human infertility. Eds. Krause WK and Naz RK. Springer verlag, Berlin, 2009 pp. 33-48 (book chapter)
[90] Gadella BM. Interaction of sperm with the zona pellucida during fertilization. Soc Reprod Fertil 2010; 67:267-87

Dr. ZHOU Zhi Dong – Neuroscience – Academic Brilliance Star Award

Posted on 20/05/202420/05/2024 by Academic achievements

Dr. ZHOU Zhi Dong - Neuroscience - Academic Brilliance Star Award

National Neuroscience Institute - Singapore

Professional Profiles

Scopus

ORCID

Early Academic Pursuits

Graduating as a medical doctor in 1991 marked the beginning of a journey steeped in rigorous academic and clinical training. Following this achievement, I undertook five years of postgraduate clinical training in internal medicine. This phase was crucial for honing my clinical skills and gaining a profound understanding of patient care. The experience provided a solid foundation for my subsequent shift towards research. Driven by a desire to delve deeper into the scientific underpinnings of medical conditions, I pursued a PhD at the prestigious Chinese Academy of Science. This period was instrumental in developing my expertise in biochemistry and biophysics, laying the groundwork for my future contributions to translational neuroscience.

Professional Endeavors

In 2003, I embarked on post-doctoral training at the National University of Singapore (NUS), focusing on research in Parkinson's Disease (PD). This transition marked the beginning of my professional endeavors in neuroscience. The comprehensive training at NUS equipped me with advanced research skills and an in-depth understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. My journey then led me to the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), where I joined the National PD Translational Bench to Bedside team. At NNI, I engaged in pioneering research aimed at bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. My role as a Clinician Scientist at NNI and Assistant Professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School underscores my commitment to both clinical practice and academic research.

Contributions and Research Focus On Neuroscience

My research primarily focuses on neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular emphasis on Parkinson's Disease (PD). My lab is dedicated to identifying and validating new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This work is critical for uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions and for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. Through interdisciplinary approaches that integrate medicine, biochemistry, and biophysics, my research aims to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Notably, I have successfully administered and completed five major research grants on PD in Singapore, highlighting my capability in leading complex research projects and contributing valuable knowledge to the field.

Accolades and Recognition In Neuroscience

Throughout my career, I have received substantial support and recognition for my research contributions. My work has been funded by prestigious grants from the National Medical Research Council (NMRC), the Singapore Health Foundation (SHF), and collaborative pilot grants from Duke-Duke-NUS. These grants not only underscore the significance of my research but also reflect the confidence the scientific community has in my ability to advance the field of neurodegenerative disease research. The successful administration of these grants and the impactful outcomes of my projects have earned me a respected position within the research community.

Impact and Influence

My research has made significant strides in enhancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. By focusing on the molecular pathogenesis of conditions like Parkinson's Disease, my work aims to identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers that can revolutionize the way these diseases are diagnosed and treated. The interdisciplinary nature of my research, combining elements of biochemistry, biophysics, and translational neuroscience, ensures a comprehensive approach to tackling these complex diseases. The collaborative efforts and the impactful achievements of my research projects have contributed to the advancement of medical science and have the potential to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Neuroscience

Looking ahead, my commitment to advancing the field of neurodegenerative disease research remains steadfast. I aim to continue exploring new frontiers in translational neuroscience, driven by the goal of uncovering innovative therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes. The foundation I have built through my academic and professional endeavors positions me to make lasting contributions to the field. My ongoing research, supported by prestigious grants and collaborations, will undoubtedly yield further insights into the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and pave the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Through these efforts, I aspire to leave a lasting legacy that enhances the scientific understanding and clinical management of neurodegenerative disorders, ultimately improving the lives of patients worldwide.

Notable Publications

Tyrosine Hydroxylase Inhibitors and Dopamine Receptor Agonists Combination Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease 2024

Passive immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease: challenges & future directions 2024

Role of dopamine in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease 2023