Rajanikant Panda | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rajanikant Panda | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral researcher at University of California, San Francisco, United States

Rajanikant Panda is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He specializes in computational neuroscience, focusing on consciousness. He earned his PhD from the University of Liรจge, Belgium, and has published over 60 SCI-indexed journal articles, accumulating 1700+ citations with an H-index of 22. Rajanikant has extensive experience in multimodal neuroimaging and computational modeling, using tools like EEG, ECoG, fMRI, and PET to explore brain dynamics across various states of consciousness. He is passionate about applying AI and neuroimaging techniques to improve clinical outcomes for patients with neurological disorders.

Profile

Scholar

๐ŸŽ“ Education

PhD in Medical Science (2017-2022): University of Liรจge, Belgium โ€“ Focused on computational and empirical modeling of altered states of consciousness. M.E. in Applied Electronics (2013-2015): Anna University, India โ€“ Conducted research on brain tumor functional network mapping. B.Tech in Biomedical Engineering (2006-2010): Biju Patnaik University of Technology, India โ€“ Thesis on EEG signal classification for epileptic seizure detection.

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience

Postdoctoral Fellow, UCSF, USA (2023โ€“Present): Studying brain dynamics in acute comatose patients. Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Liรจge, Belgium (2022-2023): Researched virtual reality hypnosis and chronic disorders of consciousness. Junior Scientific Officer, NIMHANS, India (2013-2017): Focused on brain connectivity in neurological patients using EEG-fMRI. Junior Research Fellow, NIMHANS, India (2011-2013): Developed simultaneous EEG-fMRI data acquisition protocols. Biomedical Engineer, Human Kariger Pvt. Ltd, India (2010-2011): Provided technical support for neurofeedback systems.

๐Ÿ† Awards and Honors

F.R.S.-FNRS Aspirant Grant for PhD research at University of Liรจge. DST Travel Grant to present research at an international conference, USA (2012). Guest Editor for journals like Brain Connectivity and Frontiers Psychology โ€“ Consciousness Research. Best Paper Awards at international conferences on neuroscience and consciousness.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focus

Characterizing brain dynamics across consciousness spectrums (meditation, hypnosis, coma). Leveraging computational tools like brain connectivity, network theory, and information theory. Developing multimodal neuroimaging techniques (EEG, ECoG, fMRI, PET). Enhancing neurocritical care through AI-based diagnostics and therapeutic predictions. Investigating mechanisms underlying consciousness in disorders of consciousness and dying patients.

Conclusion

Dr. Pandaโ€™s unparalleled expertise, impactful contributions, and commitment to advancing neuroscience make him a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award. His work not only pushes the boundaries of scientific knowledge but also offers transformative clinical insights, underlining his significant impact on the field.

Publications ๐Ÿ“š

 

  • Classification of EEG signal using wavelet transform and support vector machine for epileptic seizure detection
    • Year: 2010
    • Authors: R Panda, PS Khobragade, PD Jambhule, SN Jengthe, PR Pal, TK Gandhi

 

  • Preservation of brain activity in unresponsive patients identifies MCS star
    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: A Thibaut, R Panda, J Annen, LRD Sanz, L Naccache, C Martial, โ€ฆ

 

  • Quantifying arousal and awareness in altered states of consciousness using interpretable deep learning
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: M Lee, LRD Sanz, A Barra, A Wolff, JO Nieminen, M Boly, M Rosanova, โ€ฆ

 

  • Decreased integration of EEG source-space networks in disorders of consciousness
    • Year: 2019
    • Authors: J Rizkallah, J Annen, J Modolo, O Gosseries, P Benquet, S Mortaheb, โ€ฆ

 

  • Role of altered cerebello-thalamo-cortical network in the neurobiology of essential tremor
    • Year: 2017
    • Authors: A Lenka, KS Bhalsing, R Panda, K Jhunjhunwala, RM Naduthota, J Saini, โ€ฆ

 

  • Temporal dynamics of the default mode network characterize meditation-induced alterations in consciousness
    • Year: 2016
    • Authors: R Panda, RD Bharath, N Upadhyay, S Mangalore, S Chennu, SL Rao

 

  • Loss of consciousness reduces the stability of brain hubs and the heterogeneity of brain dynamics
    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: A Lรณpez-Gonzรกlez, R Panda, A Ponce-Alvarez, G Zamora-Lรณpez, โ€ฆ

 

  • Recovery of resting brain connectivity ensuing mild traumatic brain injury
    • Year: 2015
    • Authors: RD Bharath, A Munivenkatappa, S Gohel, R Panda, J Saini, J Rajeswaran, โ€ฆ

 

  • Perturbations in dynamical models of whole-brain activity dissociate between the level and stability of consciousness
    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Y Sanz Perl, C Pallavicini, I Pรฉrez Ipiรฑa, A Demertzi, V Bonhomme, โ€ฆ

 

  • Machine learning detects EEG microstate alterations in patients living with temporal lobe epilepsy
    • Year: 2018
    • Authors: SS Rajagopalan, S Bhardwaj, R Panda, VR Reddam, C Ganne, โ€ฆ

 

 

Dinushi Tennakoon | Pathological Physiology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Dinushi Tennakoon | Pathological Physiology| Women Researcher Award

Medical Lecturer at International Institute of Health Sciences, Welisara, Sri Lanka

Dr. T.D. Dinushi Tennakoon is a dedicated Medical Lecturer in the Anatomy Department at the International Institute of Health Sciences, Sri Lanka. She holds an MBBS from Tver State Medical University, Russia, specializing in General Medicine. With over 1.5 years of experience, Dr. Tennakoon has made significant contributions to medical research and education, earning numerous accolades, including Innovator of the Year and Best Student Article of the Year. She has completed multiple online courses related to global health and patient safety. Additionally, she actively engages in research, has published various articles, and presented at international conferences.

Publication profile

Scholar

๐ŸŽ“ Education

  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS/MD): 2nd Class Upper, Tver State Medical University, Russia
  • G.C.E. Ordinary Level: 8A and 1B (2012)
  • G.C.E. Advanced Level: Specialized in Bio Stream (3B in 2015) โ€“ Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo, Sri Lanka

๐Ÿ† Achievements

Innovator of the Year 2020: 2nd place for echolocation device project. Falling Walls Lab โ€“ Moscow: Top 20 finalist for echolocation project. Best Student Article of the Year 2020: 1st place for antiviral nutritional therapy to counter COVID-19. Best Research Practices 2020: 1st place for essential oil composition for rheumatoid arthritis. Student of the Year 2020 & 2021: Multiple recognitions for projects on mental health and maternal health during COVID-19. European Forum of Young Scientists 2021: 1st place for research on Saccharina japonica

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Contributions

Research Projects: Completed and ongoing projects totaling 10 Citation Index: 68 (Russian e-library).  Publications: Contributed to 8 journals in various indices; ongoing collaboration on 2 joint projects. Conferences: Active participation with 10 presentations, including at international conferences in Moscow, Ireland, and the UK. Volunteering: Served as a social media strategist and grant proposal writer for various organizations

๐ŸŒ Research Areas

  • Focus: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathological Physiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry

๐Ÿ’ผ Professional Affiliations

  • Member of 4 professional bodies and held 2 editorial appointments in journals/conferences

 

Publication

  • The Importance of Maternal Nutrition for the Mental Health and Development of Infants
    • Author: T.D.D.T. Tennakoon
    • Year: 2022

 

  • The Relationship Between Maternal Catechin Consumption and Congenital Anomalies
    • Author: D.D.T.T. Tennakoon
    • Published In: Modern Achievements of Youth Science, pp. 161-171
    • Year: 2022

 

  • Managing Pregnancy and Childbirth During the COVID-19 Pandemic โ€“ Sri Lanka
    • Author: T.D.D.T. Tennakoon
    • Year: 2021

 

  • Saccharina Japonica Japanese Cuisine: Thyroid, Antioxidants, Biochemical, Psychological Aspects and Potential Effects
    • Author: D.D.T.T. Tennakoon
    • Year: 2021

 

  • Unique Composition of Essential Oil for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Author: D.D.T.T. Tennakoon
    • Published In: The Best Research Practices, pp. 81-92
    • Year: 2020

 

  • Antiviral Nutritional Therapy to Combat COVID-19
    • Author: D.D.T.T. Tennakoon
    • Published In: Best Student Article 2020, pp. 40-50
    • Year: 2020

 

  • Modern Inhaler for Panic Attacks Induced by Depression
    • Author: D.D.T.T. Tennakoon
    • Published In: Student of the Year 2020, pp. 164-175
    • Year: 2020