Bikash Pattnaik | Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Prof. Bikash Pattnaik | Physiology | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Bikash Pattnaik | Physiology | Professor at University of Wisconsin–Madison | United States

Prof. Bikash Pattnaik is an accomplished academic and biomedical researcher whose pioneering contributions have significantly advanced the fields of retinal physiology, biophysics, and regenerative medicine. Currently serving as a Professor and Clinical Director of Visual Electrophysiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Prof. Bikash Pattnaik earned his Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of Delhi, where he developed a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biophysics. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has merged interdisciplinary research spanning neuroscience, ion channel biology, stem cell therapeutics, and gene editing technologies. His expertise in cellular electrophysiology and stem-cell-derived retinal modeling has been pivotal in developing innovative therapies for inherited retinal diseases and visual impairments.Professionally, Prof. Bikash Pattnaik has led numerous NIH- and industry-funded research projects focused on identifying molecular mechanisms underlying retinal channelopathies and devising CRISPR-based and nonviral gene therapy interventions. His research interests encompass ocular physiology, ion-channel regulation, neurodegeneration, and translational therapeutics. With exceptional skills in electrophysiology, patch-clamp recording, in vivo gene delivery, and stem cell differentiation, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of biomedical innovation. Prof. Pattnaik’s leadership extends beyond the laboratory—he mentors graduate students and postdoctoral scholars while contributing to global scientific societies such as ARVO and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. His contributions have earned him multiple prestigious recognitions, including the UW-Pediatrics Gerald B. Odell Research Award and numerous international honors for excellence in vision science. Prof. Bikash Pattnaik’s scholarly output includes high-impact publications in leading journals such as Nature Nanotechnology, Human Molecular Genetics, and The Journal of Physiology. His remarkable scientific journey reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing ocular medicine and improving the quality of life for patients with inherited visual disorders through innovation, mentorship, and global collaboration.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

  1. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2023). Optic vesicle-like structures derived from human pluripotent stem cells facilitate customized retinal disease treatment. Nature Nanotechnology. (Citations: 145)

  2. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2022). A biodegradable nanocapsule delivers a Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex for in vivo genome editing. Journal of Controlled Release. (Citations: 120)

  3. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2021). Functional restoration of potassium channels in retinal degeneration models using gene therapy. Human Molecular Genetics. (Citations: 210)

  4. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2020). Electrophysiological characterization of ion-channel mutations in human retinal diseases. The Journal of Physiology. (Citations: 175)

  5. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2019). Stem-cell-derived photoreceptor models for studying inherited retinal channelopathies. Stem Cell Reports. (Citations: 190)

  6. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2018). Gene therapy and CRISPR-based approaches in ocular disease modeling. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. (Citations: 225)

  7. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2017). Nonviral genome editing strategies for treating inherited retinal disorders. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. (Citations: 165)

 

Omer Dad | Zoology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Dr. Omer Dad | Zoology | Best Academic Researcher Award 

Dr. Omer Dad | Zoology | Research Scholar at Hazara University Mansehra | Pakistan

Dr. Omer Dad is an accomplished researcher and academic specializing in Zoology, currently serving as a Research Scholar at Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to biological sciences, beginning with a BSc in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry from the University of Malakand, followed by an M.Sc. in Zoology from Hazara University, and an M.Phil. in Zoology from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal. He further advanced his research expertise with a Ph.D. in Zoology from Hazara University, focusing on Genetic Diversity and Cryptic Species Identification of the Genus Triplophysa in Fresh Waters of Malakand Division. Throughout his academic and professional career, Dr. Omer Dad has actively participated in scientific research since 2016, contributing to projects examining the effects of pesticides on histopathological, hematological, biochemical, and genotoxic responses in fish species of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His technical proficiency encompasses DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and various bioinformatics tools, including ClustalW, MEGA, dNASP, SPSS, and EndNote, underscoring his analytical and data interpretation capabilities. His research interests include molecular taxonomy, genetics, aquatic biodiversity, environmental toxicology, and fish physiology, which have been reflected in several high-impact publications in Scopus and internationally recognized journals. Dr. Omer Dad has presented his research at national congresses, attended international workshops on scientific writing, biostatistics, and computational biology, and developed exceptional communication and presentation skills. His academic excellence has been recognized through multiple honors, including the Prime Minister’s Laptop Award and the Prime Minister’s Fee Reimbursement Scholarship. With a vision to contribute to global scientific advancement in zoological and environmental research, Dr. Omer Dad continues to inspire academic excellence and collaborative innovation in biological sciences, emphasizing research integrity, biodiversity conservation, and genetic studies to address ecological challenges.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Attaullah, M., Ullah, U., Ilahi, I., Ahmad, N., Rahman, F. U., Ullah, J., & Dad, O. (2021). Taxonomic, morphometric and limnological assessment of the commercially important ichthyofauna of Sakhakot Stream, Malakand, Pakistan. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 82, e243774. (Cited by 12)

  2. Wali, K., Iqbal, M., & Dad, O. (2020). Have we forgotten the threat posed by fascioliasis? A potential threat to public health. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 49(4), 814. (Cited by 10)

  3. Dad, O., et al. (2019). Prevalence of malaria and status of Plasmodium spp. in Dir Lower, Pakistan. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, 15(2), 83–87. (Cited by 4)

  4. Dad, O., Khan, M. F., Rasool, A., Akhtar, N., & Attaullah, M. (2023). Genetic diversity and cryptic species identification of genus Triplophysa from River Swat in Malakand Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 2023(1), 8600951. (Cited by 2)

  5. Ullah, H., Arbab, S., Liu, C., Du, Q., Khan, S. A., Khan, S., Dad, O., Tian, Y., & Li, K. (2025). Source of stress‐associated factors among medical and nursing students: A cross‐sectional study. Journal of Nursing Management, 2025(1), 9928649. (Cited by 1)

  6. Ullah, S., Noreen, S., Khan, M. F., Khalid, N., Dad, O., & Ali, M. (2023). Phenotypic analysis and growth performance of Rhode Island Red, Barred Plymouth Rock and their hybrid at Jaba Mansehra, Pakistan. Proceedings of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences: B. Life and Environmental Sciences. (Cited by 1)

  7. Dad, O., Umar, M. N., Khan, M. F. F., & Rome, S. (2023). Design and synthesis of oxadiazole derivatives based on 2-mercaptobenzimidazole. International Journal of Novel Research and Development, 8(2). (Cited by 1)