Nasrin Mehranfard | Neurodegeneration | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nasrin Mehranfard | Neurodegeneration | Best Researcher Award

Researcher, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute Iran

 Nasrin Mehranfard is a physiologist specializing in neurodegenerative disorders, ion channels, and synaptic plasticity. She earned her B.Sc. in Midwifery from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, followed by an M.Sc. in Physiology from the same institution.  She completed her Ph.D. in Physiology at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.  Her research focuses on electrophysiology, neuroplasticity, and behavioral neuroscience.  She has attended multiple national and international neuroscience and physiology congresses.  She has taught physiology at various universities, including Tehran University and Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. She has published research on electrophysiology and behavioral neuroscience.  She has expertise in whole-cell patch clamp recording, deep brain stimulation, and stereotaxic surgery. She has contributed to neuroscience books and helped set up electrophysiological labs in Iran.

 

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education

B.Sc. in Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.  M.Sc. in Physiology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.  Ph.D. in Physiology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Specialized in neurophysiology, focusing on electrophysiology and behavioral neuroscience. Ranked 2nd in the Ph.D. General Entrance Exam of Physiology in Iran. Completed training in behavioral neuroscience, electrophysiological recording, and neuroplasticity techniques. Attended international neuroscience and physiology congresses, including IBRO School of Neuroscience in China. Conducted extensive research on ion channels and synaptic plasticity. Developed expertise in brain ischemia/reperfusion models and hippocampal tissue preparation. Authored book chapters on neuroscience techniques, including passive avoidance learning and whole-cell patch clamp methods.

💼 Experience

Lecturer of Physiology at Arak University of Medical Sciences, Khomein Faculty. Instructor of Physiology at Jahade Daneshgahee, affiliated with Tehran University. Electrophysiology Researcher at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Faculty member at Ghom University of Medical Sciences, Iran.  Lecturer at Behbahan Azad University of Medical Sciences, Iran.  Instructor at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, teaching physiology to nursing and midwifery students.  Neuroscience researcher at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Assisted in establishing intracellular patch-clamp recording and field potential recording laboratories. Set up Morris Water Maze and behavioral neuroscience labs for advanced neurophysiology research. Conducted training workshops on electrophysiological techniques and behavioral neuroscience.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Ranked 2nd in the National Ph.D. Entrance Exam for Physiology in Iran. Won a travel grant to attend IBRO School of Neuroscience in Beijing, China. Speaker at multiple national and international neuroscience congresses. Awarded for contributions to electrophysiology and behavioral neuroscience research. Recognized for setting up electrophysiology labs at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Published research on synaptic plasticity and ion channels in high-impact journals. Authored book chapters on neuroscience techniques.
Selected as an instructor for international neuroscience workshops.Recognized for developing experimental models in neurophysiology research. Contributor to neuroscience education and curriculum development in Iran.

🔬 Research Focus

 Neurodegenerative disorders and their impact on synaptic plasticity. Electrophysiological recordings, including whole-cell patch clamp and field potential methods. Role of ion channels in neurological diseases. Deep brain stimulation techniques and their effects on neural activity. Experimental models of ischemia/reperfusion injury in the brain.
Behavioral neuroscience, including formalin test, Morris Water Maze, and shuttle box studies. Pharmacological interventions in neurological disorders. Synaptic transmission and plasticity mechanisms in the hippocampus. Translational research linking basic neuroscience to clinical applications. Development of novel electrophysiological and behavioral neuroscience methodologies.

Publication Top Notes

  • Honey protects against chronic unpredictable mild stress induced-intestinal barrier disintegration and hepatic inflammation

 

  • Negative relationship between brain α1A-AR neurotransmission and βArr2 levels in anxious adolescent rats subjected to early life stress

 

  • Norepinephrine, neurodevelopment and behavior

 

  • Effects of chronic scheduled-caloric dietary on ghrelin secretion and food intake in adult male rats
    • Year: 2019
    • Authors: Halabian, Alireza; Mehranfard, Nasrin; Radahmadi, Maryam; Ghasemi, Maedeh
    • Citation: Physiology and Pharmacology, WOSUID: WOS:000488628800006

 

  • Mechanisms underlying anticonvulsant and proconvulsant actions of norepinephrine

 

  • Modulatory effect of ventromedial hypothalamic D2 receptors on leptin and glucose concentration
    • Year: 2018
    • Authors: Ghasemi, Maedeh; Mehranfard, Nasrin; Alaei, HojjatAllah
    • Citation: Physiology and Pharmacology, WOSUID: WOS:000441094000007

 

  • Decrease of high voltage Ca2+ currents in the dentate gyrus granule cells by entorhinal amyloidopathy is reversed by calcium channel blockade
    • Year: 2017
    • Authors: Pourbadie, Hamid Gholami; Naderi, Nima; Delavar, Hadi Mirzapour; Hosseinzadeh, Mahshid; Mehranfard, Nasrin; Khodagholi, Fariba; Janahmadi, Mahyar; Motamedi, Fereshteh
    • Citation: European Journal of Pharmacology, DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.11.032

 

  • Epilepsy-associated alterations in hippocampal excitability
    • Year: 2017
    • Authors: Navidhamidi, Mojdeh; Ghasemi, Maedeh; Mehranfard, Nasrin
    • Citation: Reviews in the Neurosciences, DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2016-0059

 

  • Calcium channel blockade attenuates abnormal synaptic transmission in the dentate gyrus elicited by entorhinal amyloidopathy
    • Year: 2016
    • Authors: Pourbadie, Hamid Gholami; Naderi, Nima; Janahmadi, Mahyar; Mehranfard, Nasrin; Motamedi, Fereshteh
    • Citation: Synapse, DOI: 10.1002/syn.21915

 

  • Vagal nerve stimulation for refractory epilepsy: A brief review

 

  • Chronic administration of ghrelin regulates plasma glucose and normalizes insulin levels following fasting hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia
    • Year: 2015
    • Authors: Goshadrou, Fatemeh; Kazerouni, Faranak; Mehranfard, Nasrin; Sadeghi, Bahman
    • Citation: General and Comparative Endocrinology, DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.07.001

 

 

Rajanikant Panda | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

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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 Liège, 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

🎓 Education

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

💼 Experience

Postdoctoral Fellow, UCSF, USA (2023–Present): Studying brain dynamics in acute comatose patients. Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Liège, 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.

🏆 Awards and Honors

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

🔬 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. Panda’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 📚

 

  • 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, …

 

  • 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, …

 

  • 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, …

 

  • 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, …

 

  • 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 López-González, R Panda, A Ponce-Alvarez, G Zamora-López, …

 

  • 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, …

 

  • 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 Pérez Ipiña, A Demertzi, V Bonhomme, …

 

  • 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, …

 

 

Mona Navaei-Nigjeh | Neural tissue engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mona Navaei-Nigjeh | Neural tissue engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr.  Mona Navaei-Nigjeh Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iran

Mona Navaei-Nigjeh is a Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering specializing in tissue engineering at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. With a strong academic background, including a B.Sc. in Biology and an M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering, she has garnered multiple awards for her research excellence. Her work focuses on advanced cell culture, molecular biology, and regenerative medicine. Mona has extensive experience as a research assistant and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles. She is also a member of elite societies like the Iran’s National Elites Foundation and the Iranian Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society.

Publication Profile

Scholar

 

🏆 Strengths for the Award:

  1. Academic Excellence: Consistent top performance in her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. programs with outstanding grades.
  2. Awards and Honors: Recognition as the best researcher and poster presenter in several prominent national scientific festivals and conferences.
  3. Research Publications: Authored or co-authored over 20 publications in high-impact journals, with topics ranging from tissue engineering to molecular biology.
  4. Technical Expertise: Proficient in advanced techniques such as 3D cell culture, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, and scaffold fabrication, which are critical for high-impact research in her field.
  5. Professional Affiliations: Active membership in elite national and international research societies, which enhances her research network and collaboration opportunities.

📈 Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Recognition: While she has been recognized nationally, gaining international research awards or invitations to global conferences would further strengthen her profile.
  2. Leadership Roles: Taking on more leadership positions, such as principal investigator roles or heading research teams, could showcase her as an emerging leader in her field.

Educational Background 🎓

B.Sc. in Biology Tehran University, Tehran, Iran 2005-2009 GPA: 16.39/20. M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering (Tissue Engineering)
Tehran University, Tehran, Iran 2010-2012 GPA: 19.06/20. Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering (Tissue Engineering) Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ongoing GPA: 18.94/20

Honors and Achievements 🏅

Member of Iran’s National Elites Foundation (INEF). Member of the Iranian Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society (ITERMS). Best Researcher Award, Avicenna Student Festival, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 2016. Best Poster Awards, various congresses (2015-2016). Outstanding Researcher and Graduate Student, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, 2012. Top Student Awards in B.Sc. and M.Sc. at University of Tehran

Work Experience 💼

Research Assistant Tehran University of Medical Sciences (2 years). Scientific and Executive Role Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (6 years). Scientific Activity Brain and Spinal Injury Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (1 year)

Research Experience 🔬

M.Sc. Thesis: “3D Culture of Differentiated Human Endometrial Stem Cells into Neurons”. Ph.D. Thesis: “Effect of Co-Transplantation of Encapsulated Pancreatic Islets with Mesenchymal Stem Cells within Hydrogel as a Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus in Adult Rats”

Workshops 🛠️

  • Elisa Technique, Flow Cytometry, Real-time PCR
    The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (2016)

Technical Experience 🧪

Cellular Biology: Culturing various stem cells and cell lines. Molecular Biology: DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR, Real-time PCR. Immunology: Immunocytochemistry, Flow Cytometry. Microscopy: Stereo, Fluorescence, and Light Microscopy. Histology: Sample preparation for microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Biochemistry: ELISA, Enzymatic Assays. Tissue Engineering: Fabrication of 3D scaffolds using Electrospinning, Freeze Drying, and Self-assembly

Publication Top Notes 

  • Antibacterial properties of a bacterial cellulose CQD-TiO2 nanocomposite
    • Authors: S. Malmir, A. Karbalaei, M. Pourmadadi, J. Hamedi, F. Yazdian, M. Navaee
    • Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 137

 

  • Preparation of pH-sensitive chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposite for drug delivery application: Emphasis on ameliorating restrictions
    • Authors: S.E. Gerami, M. Pourmadadi, H. Fatoorehchi, F. Yazdian, H. Rashedi, …
    • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 116

 

  • Ameliorating quercetin constraints in cancer therapy with pH-responsive agarose-polyvinylpyrrolidone-hydroxyapatite nanocomposite encapsulated in double nanoemulsion
    • Authors: A. Samadi, M. Pourmadadi, F. Yazdian, H. Rashedi, M. Navaei-Nigjeh
    • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 91

 

  • Antiapoptotic effects of cerium oxide and yttrium oxide nanoparticles in isolated rat pancreatic islets
    • Authors: A. Hosseini, M. Baeeri, M. Rahimifard, M. Navaei-Nigjeh, A. Mohammadirad, …
    • Journal: Human & Experimental Toxicology
    • Year: 2013
    • Citations: 83

 

  • Improvement of isolated rat pancreatic islets function by combination of cerium oxide nanoparticles/sodium selenite through reduction of oxidative stress
    • Authors: N. Pourkhalili, A. Hosseini, A. Nili-Ahmadabadi, M. Rahimifard, …
    • Journal: Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods
    • Year: 2012
    • Citations: 77

 

  • Protective effects of cerium oxide and yttrium oxide nanoparticles on reduction of oxidative stress induced by sub-acute exposure to diazinon in the rat pancreas
    • Authors: M.R. Khaksar, M. Rahimifard, M. Baeeri, F. Maqbool, M. Navaei-Nigjeh, …
    • Journal: Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 71

 

  • Synthesis and characterization of chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone coated nanoporous γ-Alumina as a pH-sensitive carrier for controlled release of quercetin
    • Authors: E. Nematollahi, M. Pourmadadi, F. Yazdian, H. Fatoorehchi, H. Rashedi, …
    • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 68

 

  • PVA based nanofiber containing CQDs modified with silica NPs and silk fibroin accelerates wound healing in a rat model
    • Authors: S. Abolghasemzade, M. Pourmadadi, H. Rashedi, F. Yazdian, S. Kianbakht, …
    • Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry B
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 68

 

  • The synthesis and characterization of double nanoemulsion for targeted Co-Delivery of 5-fluorouracil and curcumin using pH-sensitive agarose/chitosan nanocarrier
    • Authors: M. Pourmadadi, M. Ahmadi, M. Abdouss, F. Yazdian, H. Rashedi, …
    • Journal: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 67

 

  • Chitosan/agarose/graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposite as an efficient pH-sensitive drug delivery system for anticancer curcumin releasing
    • Authors: M. Rajabzadeh-Khosroshahi, M. Pourmadadi, F. Yazdian, H. Rashedi, …
    • Journal: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 66

 

✅ Conclusion:

Mona Navaei-Nigjeh’s profile demonstrates excellence in academic research, consistent recognition, and contributions to the field of tissue engineering. Her research output and technical skills make her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Further international exposure and leadership roles would make her even more competitive for prestigious global awards.