Hafsah Akhtar | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hafsah Akhtar | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Dr at COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan

Pranali Parab is a highly skilled researcher with extensive experience in biomaterials and biomedical engineering. With a Ph.D. in Biomaterials from The University of Sheffield and a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences from NUST Islamabad, her expertise spans ceramic and polymer synthesis, chemical characterizations, and cell culture techniques. Pranali has demonstrated leadership as a research associate, lab in-charge, and graduate teaching assistant, supervising numerous projects and interns. She has received several awards and grants for her outstanding contributions to the field. Pranali is passionate about bone repair and regeneration and actively contributes to research and technology awareness initiatives.

Profile

 

Scholar

EducationšŸŽ“

PhD in Biomaterials Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sheffield, United Kingdom2017-2022 PhD Thesis: Metal Oxide Substituted Polyurethane foams for enhanced craniofacial bone repair: Exploring the properties of Cerium, Zirconium, and Copper-doped Zinc Oxide nanoparticles as potential additives for bone regeneration and angiogenesis. Project Supervisor: Prof. Gwendolen Reilly MS in Biomedical Sciences School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, NUST Islamabad, Pakistan 2013-2015 Masterā€™s Thesis: Designing and Fabrication of a functional stent graft for the treatment of Oesophageal Cancer (Higher Education Commission funded project). Project Supervisor: Dr. Murtaza Najabat Ali BS in Applied Biosciences Atta ur Rehman School of Applied Biosciences, NUST Islamabad, Pakistan 2009-2013 Bachelorā€™s thesis: Identification of Mycoviral infections in environmental fungal isolates (Higher Education Commission Project). Project Supervisor: Dr. Muhammad Faraz Bhatti

 

Professional Experience

Research Associate ā€˜Member Bone Research Groupā€™ Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), Lahore. 2016-Present Lab In-charge & Advanced User Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope. Graduate Teaching Assistant University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. 2018-2021 Professional Behaviour and Ethical Conduct Module for PhD Students. Diamond Labs. Chemical and Biological Engineering Labs. Department of Mechanical Engineering Labs. Research Supervision Masterā€™s Students (2 Co-supervisions), IRCBM, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore campus. Masterā€™s Students (2 Co-supervisions), Undergraduate Summer Student (1 Co-supervision), University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. Research Internees (2) from Jagiellonian University Krakow, Poland. Erasmus Research Mobility Program. Intern Seed Biotech Lab, Centre for Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), Lahore, Pakistan. 2012 (6 weeks) Intern Molecular Biology Lab, Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, NUST Islamabad, Pakistan. 2010 (6 weeks)

Academic Projects šŸŽ“šŸ”¬šŸ“š

Solvent Casting/Particle Leaching (SCPL) Scaffold Synthesis for Craniofacial Bone Repair (Completed) Role of Zinc Oxide in Bone Regeneration (Completed) Cell Attachment and Biocompatibility of Next Generation Oxide Containing Bioactive Scaffolds for Craniofacial Vascularization and Bone Regeneration (Completed) Cell Viability, Mineralization, and Collagen Production of hTERT BMSCs in Basal and Osteogenic Media (Completed) Bioactive Scaffolds for Orbital Floor Repair and Regeneration (Completed) Evaluation of Analgesic Effect of Honey, Mint, Aloe Vera, and Rose Water in Balb/c Mice: Comparative Study (Completed) Development of Novel Biofunctional Polymer-Based Natural Biomaterial Films and Surfaces for Biomedical Applications (Completed) Evaluation of LDA, QDA, and Decision Trees for Multifunctional Controlled Below Elbow Prosthetic Limb Using EMG Signals (Completed) Designing and Simulation Analysis of Tracheal Splint Coated with Adipose Stem Cells for the Treatment of Weak Trachea (Birth Disorder) (Completed)

 

Awards šŸ†šŸŽ–ļø

Learned Society University of Sheffield Travel Grant WBC Glasgow 2020 (Virtual), United Kingdom (2020) Learned Society University of Sheffield Travel Grant TERMIS EU MEETING 2019, United Kingdom (2019) Armours and Brasiers Travel Grant TERMIS EU MEETING 2019, United Kingdom (2019) Learned Society University of Sheffield Travel Grant BioMedEng 2019, United Kingdom (2019) Engineering Research Symposium ā€“ University of Sheffield, United Kingdom (1st Position – Materials, 2019) 2nd Year Postgraduate Poster Presentation – University of Sheffield, United Kingdom (Runners Up, 2019) Doctoral Academy Award, University of Sheffield for Doctoral Studies (2017) Best Poster Presentation Award, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan (2014) 3rd Position in Annual Career Fair Poster Presentation ASAB, NUST, Pakistan (2014) Rectorā€™s High Achieverā€™s Award for Position and Participation in All Pakistan Competitions, NUST, Pakistan (2013) 3rd Position ā€˜Invent a Blueprintā€™ All Pakistan Math Olympiad, GIK Institute of Engineering, Pakistan (2012) Member of the Year Award NUST Science Society, NUST, Pakistan (2011) Fauji Fertilizers Company Merit Scholarship (2009-2015)

 

Technical Skills šŸ’»šŸ”§šŸ“Š

  • Technical Procedures: Ceramic and Polymer Synthesis, Chemical and Physical Characterizations, Cell Culture, ELISA.
  • Equipment Trainings: Fluorescent Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope, Transmission Electron Microscope, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope, RAMAN Spectroscopy, Plasma Spray Coating, Confocal Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction.
  • Technical Software: GraphPad Prism, Image J, Wildfire PRO Engineer, AUTOCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360.
  • Application Packages: MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Mendeley, EndNote.

Administrative Skills šŸ“ŠšŸ“šŸ“‹

  • Management, Analytical, and Coordination Skills

Extracurricular Activities šŸŒŸšŸ“°šŸ“š

Founder of ‘The Inside Story’ – A Social Media Project for the Awareness of Research and Technology Among Masses (2014-2016), Author at Student Run Online Magazine ‘I R Nustian’ (2013-2014), Joint Secretary Information, NUST Science Society (2011-2012), Director Public Relations, NUST Science Society (2010-2011)

Research Interests šŸ§ŖšŸ”¬

    • Biomaterials, Ceramics, and Bio composites for Bone Repair and Regeneration, Multifunctional Biomaterials

 

Publications Top Notes šŸ“

  • Therapeutic efficacy of neurostimulation for depression: techniques, current modalities, and future challenges
    • Authors: H Akhtar, F Bukhari, M Nazir, MN Anwar, A Shahzad
    • Journal: Neuroscience bulletin
    • Pages: 115-126
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 60

 

  • Development of K-doped ZnO nanoparticles encapsulated crosslinked chitosan based new membranes to stimulate angiogenesis in tissue engineered skin grafts
    • Authors: L Shahzadi, AA Chaudhry, AR Aleem, MH Malik, K Ijaz, H Akhtar, F Alvi, …
    • Journal: International journal of biological macromolecules
    • Volume: 120
    • Pages: 721-728
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 37

 

  • Development of biocomposites from coir fibre and poly (caprolactone) by solvent casting technique
    • Authors: HC Obasi, AA Chaudhry, K Ijaz, H Akhtar, MH Malik
    • Journal: Polymer Bulletin
    • Pages: 1-13
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 19

 

  • New biofunctional loading of natural antimicrobial agent in biodegradable polymeric films for biomedical applications
    • Authors: B Ghafoor, MN Ali, U Ansari, MF Bhatti, M Mir, H Akhtar, F Darakhshan
    • Journal: International journal of biomaterials
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 18

 

  • Zinc containing calcium phosphates obtained via microwave irradiation of suspensions
    • Authors: AA Chaudhry, H Khalid, M Zahid, K Ijaz, H Akhtar, B Younas, F Manzoor, …
    • Journal: Materials Chemistry and Physics
    • Volume: 276
    • Pages: 124921
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 8

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hrishti Singh | Biomedical Engineering | Women Researcher Award

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Ā Dr. hrishti Singh | Biomedical Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Ā Dr. George Mason University, United States

šŸ‘©ā€šŸ”¬ With 5 years of experience as a biomedical engineer, scientist, and entrepreneur, I specialize in developing translational contrast agent platforms for enhancing early-stage tumor diagnosis. Additionally, I possess 1 year of healthcare product management experience as a Co-Founder of a biotech start-up. My expertise lies in problem-solving, stakeholder relationship management, and project planning, with a strong passion for innovation and improving patient outcomes through healthcare product development and leadership.

 

Profile

Scholar

Education šŸ“š

PhD in Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (Aug. 2017 ā€“ Dec. 2022)Masters in Biomedical Engineering, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT (Aug. 2015 ā€“ Aug. 2017)Bachelors in Engineering (B.E) in Biotechnology, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka (Aug. 2011 ā€“ Aug. 2015)

Technical Skills šŸ› ļø

Languages: Python, Matlab, Perl

Software Skills: Nanoscale Molecular Dynamics (NAMD), Adobe Illustrator

Experimental Skills: Gel Electrophoresis, Western Blotting, Flow Cytometry, Cell Culture, Biomaterial Design, Synthesis and Characterization, Lipid Nanoparticle Synthesis, Rheology of Soft Materials, Cyclic Voltammetry, Electroimpedance Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), In-vitro Tissue Models, DNA Extraction, Cell Transfection, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), In-vivo Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging

Research Awards šŸ…

WeSci Women in STEM Crowdfunding Campaign Winner, 2023George Mason University Outstanding PhD Dissertation Award, 2023Biomedical Engineering Society Advanced Biomanufacturing (AbioM) Best Graduate Work Award, 2023George Mason University Office of Provost and Executive Vice-President Award, 2018University of Bridgeport School of Engineering Academic Accomplishment, 2017University of Bridgeport Faculty Research Day, Winner of Best Graduate Poster, 2017ASEE Northeast Conference, Honorable Mention in Best Graduate Poster, 2016IEEE CT-IETA, Third Place in Best Graduate Poster, 2016IEEE CT-IETA, Honorable Mention in Best Graduate Poster, 2016Ramaiah Institute of Technology Alumni Association, Best B.E Project, 2015

Highlighted Presentation šŸŽ¤

  • Gordon Imaging Institute and MGH, Harvard University (Invite) Aug. 2023
    • Oral: Non-invasive Whole Body PA Imaging of Small Animals using ICG dye constructs. Cambridge, MA

Presentations šŸ“Š

Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting Oct. 2022Virginia Catalyst Conference Sept. 2022George Mason University ā€Mason Graduate Interdisciplinary Conferenceā€ Mar. 2022Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting Oct. 2020Materials Research Society Annual Meeting Dec. 2019

Leadership and Volunteer Experience šŸ¤

President of Graduate Association for Bioengineering Students at George Mason University.Member of International Student Advisory Board at George Mason University.Responsible for mentoring undergraduate students.Part of Letters to Pre-Scientist Program exchanging letters with middle and high school female students to demonstrate the importance of women in STEM.

Relevant Skills šŸ§Ŗ

  • Nanomedicine
  • Biomaterials
  • Contrast Agents
  • Drug Delivery
  • Photoacoustic Imaging
  • Rational Design of Solutions to Health Problems
  • Grant Writing
  • Transformational Leadership
  • Strong Communication

Entrepreneurial Experience šŸ’¼

NIRView Biosciences Inc. (March 2023 – Present)Co-Founder and CEO, Fairfax, VA Responsible for identifying customer needs, conducting product-market fit analysis, and building sustainable business and revenue models. Define the vision of the product and communicate it to the product development team and stakeholders. Proposal writing to secure non-dilutive funding from different government agencies. National Science Foundation I-Corps Entrepreneurial Program (May 2023 – July 2023)Entrepreneurial Lead, NSF I-Corps Bay Area Node, UC Berkley Determined business plans, mission statements, and visions for public health products. Conducted extensive customer discovery interviews to determine product-market fit.

Relevant Media and Websites šŸ“°

Relevant Awards šŸ†

Key Personnel and Investigator on NSF Grant Award Number 2325234.1st place winner and Masonā€™s Choice Winner of Patriot Pitch Competition (2023).2nd place winner of Accelerate Investor Conference (2023) pitch competition.Principal Investigator on NSF Small Business Innovation and Research Grant.Contrast agent technology selected as STAT News Best 64 technologies in the United States, 2023.

Research Experience šŸ“Š

George Mason UniversityPostdoctoral Research Fellow (March 2023 – Present)Graduate Research Assistant (August 2019 – December 2022)Graduate Research Assistant (August 2017 – August 2018)

Publications Top Notes šŸ“

  • Title: Synthesis of DNA origami scaffolds: current and emerging strategies
  • Authors: J Bush, S Singh, M Vargas, E Oktay, CH Hu, R Veneziano
  • Journal: Molecules
  • Year: 2020

 

  • Title: Solar cells with PbS quantum dot sensitized TiO2ā€“multiwalled carbon nanotube composites, sulfide-titania gel and tin sulfide coated C-fabric
  • Authors: RK Kokal, M Deepa, A Kalluri, S Singh, I Macwan, PK Patra, J Gilarde
  • Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
  • Year: 2017

 

 

  • Title: Interactions between avidin and graphene for development of a biosensing platform
  • Authors: I Macwan, MDH Khan, A Aphale, S Singh, J Liu, M Hingorani, P Patra
  • Journal: Biosensors and Bioelectronics
  • Year: 2017

 

 

  • Title: Size-tunable ICG-based contrast agent platform for targeted near-infrared photoacoustic imaging.
  • Authors: S Singh, G Giammanco, CH Hu, J Bush, LS Cordova, DJ Lawrence, …
  • Journal: Photoacoustics
  • Year: 2023

 

 

  • Title: A Computational Approach for Understanding the Interactions between Graphene Oxide and Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase with Implications for Heart Failure
  • Authors: A Ray, I Macwan, S Singh, S Silwal, P Patra
  • Journal: Nanomaterials
  • Year: 2018

 

 

  • Title: Versatile encapsulation and synthesis of potent liposomes by thermal equilibration
  • Authors: SA Roberts, C Lee, S Singh, N Agrawal
  • Journal: Membranes
  • Year: 2022

 

 

  • Title: Increasing Vaccine Production using Pulsed Ultrasound Waves
  • Authors: J Xing, S Singh, Y Zhao, Y Duan, H Guo, C Hu, A Ma, R George, JZ Xing, …
  • Journal: PLOS One
  • Year: 2017

 

 

  • Title: Autonomously Propelled Colloids for Penetration and Payload Delivery in Complex Extracellular Matrices
  • Authors: S Singh, J Moran
  • Journal: Micromachines
  • Year: 2022

 

 

  • Title: Rational design of ICG-based contrast agents for near-infrared photoacoustic imaging
  • Authors: M Hanafi, N Such, G Giammanco, S Singh, D Wegierak, E Abenojar, …
  • Journal: Photons Plus Ultrasound: Imaging and Sensing
  • Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Transcranial photoacoustic imaging with ICG J-aggregates for imaging blood-brain barrier leak following LPS-induced neuroinflammation
  • Authors: FJ Bodera, S Singh, R Veneziano, PV Chitnis, MJ McVey, MC Kolios
  • Journal: Photons Plus Ultrasound: Imaging and Sensing
  • Year: 2024

 

 

  • Title: Modified j-aggregates and conjugates thereof
  • Authors: R Veneziano, PV Chitnis, S Singh
  • Journal: US Patent App.
  • Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Indocyanine green-based in-vivo photoacoustic imaging contrast agent platform (Conference Presentation)
  • Authors: S Singh, G Giammanco, C Hu, J Bush, LS Cordova, DJ Lawrence, …
  • Journal: Photons Plus Ultrasound: Imaging and Sensing
  • Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Computational Investigation of Chirality-Based Separation of Carbon Nanotubes Using Tripeptide Library
  • Authors: S Singh, HR Divecha, A Ayoola, M Xavierselvan, J Devlin, I Macwan
  • Journal: Biomolecules
  • Year: 2023