Dipesh Khanal | Experimental Methods | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dipesh Khanal | Experimental Methods | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dipesh Khanal, The University of Sydney, Australia

Dr. Dipesh Khanal is a Postdoctoral Fellow and Nano-characterisation theme leader at the University of Sydney’s Pharmacy School. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from the same institution in 2018 and holds a Master of Pharmacy from Kathmandu University, Nepal, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Dr. Khanal specializes in nano-characterisation, pulmonary formulations, and advanced drug delivery systems. His research is funded by prestigious bodies like the US FDA, and he has been recognized with awards for his contributions to nanoscale toxicology and aerosol drug delivery.

PROFILE

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Educational Details

Dr. Dipesh Khanal is a Postdoctoral Fellow and Nano-characterisation theme leader at the Advanced Drug Delivery Group, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney. He holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from The University of Sydney (2014-2018) and a Master of Pharmacy (Magna Cum Laude) from Kathmandu University, Nepal (2009-2011), where he was the batch topper. He earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy from the same institution in 2006.

Professional Experience

Dr. Khanal has been a postdoctoral fellow since 2018, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing nano-characterisation and biopharmaceutical formulations. His expertise includes particle production techniques like spray drying, lyophilization, and air jet milling. He has developed advanced analytical techniques such as AFM-IR spectroscopy and optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy for nanoparticle characterization. Dr. Khanal has successfully secured competitive funding, including grants from the US FDA, ARC, and NSW funding bodies. He has co-supervised two PhD students and managed high-impact research projects, particularly in pulmonary formulations, aerosol characterization, and bacteriophage tablet formulation.

Research Interest

Dr. Khanal specializes in nano-characterisation, nanotechnology in drug delivery, pulmonary formulations, and the mechanical analysis of nanoparticles. His research explores aerosol delivery systems, nanotoxicity assessment, and the development of analytical methods to characterize drug nanocrystals within liposomes.

Grants and Awards

2023 Provost’s CAPEX Fund: AUD 756,000 for a Multimodal, Correlative, and Multiscale Characterisation Platform.

2022 US FDA Research Support: USD 1.25 million for nanospectroscopy and nano-thermal analysis of drug aerosols.

2019 Sydney Nano Publication Award: For a paper on nanodiamond particles and nanotoxicity assessment.

2018 Nanoscale Horizons Outstanding Paper Award: For nanoscale characterization using AFM-IR spectroscopy.

2017 Award for reducing the use of animals in research via 3D scaffold-free liver models for nanotoxicity studies.

Top Notable Publications

Khanal, D., Cao, Y., Tai, W., & Kim Chan, H. (2024). O-PTIR spectroscopy for characterizing active pharmaceutical ingredient specific particle size distributions of nasal spray suspension products. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 664, 124653.

Zhang, J., Khanal, D., Chan, H.-K., & Banaszak Holl, M.M. (2024). Nanoscale colocalized thermal and chemical mapping of pharmaceutical powder aerosols. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 656, 124116.

Cao, Y., Khanal, D., Kim, J., Banaszak Holl, M.M., & Chan, H.-K. (2023). Stability of bacteriophages in organic solvents for formulations. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 646, 123505.

Wang, Y., Khanal, D., Alreja, A.B., Britton, W.J., & Chan, H.-K. (2023). Bacteriophage endolysin powders for inhaled delivery against pulmonary infections. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 635, 122679.

Khanal, D., Kim, J., Zhang, J., Holl, M.M.B., & Chan, H.-K. (2023). Optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy for nanochemical analysis of pharmaceutical dry powder aerosols. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 632, 122563.

Zhang, J., Khanal, D., & Banaszak Holl, M.M. (2023). Applications of AFM-IR for drug delivery vector characterization: infrared, thermal, and mechanical characterization at the nanoscale. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 192, 114646.

Albariqi, A.H., Ke, W.-R., Khanal, D., Drago, J., & Chan, H.-K. (2022). Preparation and characterization of inhalable ivermectin powders as a potential COVID-19 therapy. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery, 35(5), 239–251.

Global Collaboration and Leadership

He has established successful collaborations with regulatory authorities like the US FDA, academic partners globally, and industries. His role in leading research teams, managing significant projects, and fostering collaborations reflects his leadership and organizational capabilities, which are critical attributes for this award.

Conclusion

Dr. Dipesh Khanal’s profound contributions to nanotechnology, drug delivery systems, and his leadership in pharmaceutical research make him an excellent contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work not only demonstrates scientific innovation but also holds real-world applicability in medicine, regulatory science, and industrial research. His accomplishments align well with the award’s emphasis on research innovation, publication record, and community impact.

 

 

Payam Dibaj | Experimental Methods | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Payam Dibaj | Experimental Methods | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Payam Dubai, Center for Rare Diseases, Germany

Dr. Payam Dibaj, FEBN is a highly qualified physician specializing in neurology. Born on September 20, 1977, in Tehran, he holds German citizenship. Dr. Dibaj is a Fellow of the European Board of Neurology (FEBN) and has extensive experience in clinical practice and research in neurological disorders. His work is recognized for its impact on patient care and the advancement of neurological science.

PROFILE

Scopus Profile

Educational Details

Dr. Payam Dibaj’s educational background is marked by exceptional academic achievement. He completed his General University Entrance Qualification (Abitur) in 1998 with a top grade of 1.0. Following this, he pursued his studies in human medicine at the Georg August University Göttingen, graduating in November 2005 with a state examination grade of 1.0. During his time at Göttingen, Dr. Dibaj also conducted significant research for his dissertation in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. H.-J. Steinfelder. His dissertation, titled “Investigations into the Function of Domains of the Transcription Factor Pax6 with the Help of the GAL4 System,” was awarded Magna cum laude, reflecting the high quality and impact of his research.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Payam Dibaj has made significant contributions to the field of neurology and neurogenetics throughout his career. Since September 2006, he has been a dedicated scientist in the Neurogenetics Department at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Natural Sciences in Göttingen, where he focuses on “Axon-Glia Interaction in Neurodegenerative Diseases” under the leadership of Prof. K. A. Nave. His clinical experience includes serving as a Senior Physician in the Neurology Department at the Schildautal Clinics in Seesen from January 2015 to June 2021, where he specialized in neurodegenerative diseases, including the management of complex Parkinson’s cases and overseeing the Empowerment Outpatient Clinic for Parkinson’s and dementia diseases. Dr. Dibaj also worked as a specialist in the MVZ Wolfsburg from March 2018 to July 2021, providing consultation in neurology. Since February 2019, he has been the Medical Coordinator at the Center for Rare Diseases (ZSEG) at the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), collaborating with notable experts such as Prof. J. Gärtner, Prof. K. Brockmann, and Prof. B. Wollnik. Additionally, he served as a Senior Physician in the Neurology Department at St. Ansgar-Höxter Hospital from July 2021 to December 2022.

Top Notable Publications

Patient Experiences of Interprofessional Collaboration and Intersectoral Communication in Rare Disease Healthcare in Germany – A Mixed-Methods Study

Authors: Inhestern, L., Otto, R., Brandt, M., Härter, M., Bergelt, C.

Journal: Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases

Year: 2024

Volume: 19(1)

Page: 197

Citations: 0

Note: Open access

Intracranial Hypotension Due to a Large Thoracic Meningocele

Authors: Dibaj, P., Haji, F., Obermann, M.

Journal: Deutsches Ärzteblatt International

Year: 2023

Volume: 120(11)

Pages: 192

Citations: 0

Note: Open access

Plastic Spinal Motor Circuits in Health and Disease

Authors: Windhorst, U., Dibaj, P.

Journal: Journal of Integrative Neuroscience

Year: 2023

Volume: 22(6)

Page: 167

Citations: 1

Note: Open access

Hemifacial Spasm Through Changes of Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Authors: Petersen, G.C., Amirkhizi, M., Brockmann, K., Dibaj, P.

Journal: Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings

Year: 2023

Volume: 36(1)

Pages: 114–115

Citations: 1

Note: Open access

Follow-up of a Case of Dopamine-Mediated Yawning-Fatigue-Syndrome Responsive to Opioids, Successful Desensitization via Graded Activity Treatment

Authors: Dibaj, P., Seeger, D., Gärtner, J., Petzke, F.

Journal: Neurology International

Year: 2021

Volume: 13(1)

Pages: 79–84

Citations: 0

Note: Open access

Modulation of Cognition and Neuronal Plasticity in Gain- and Loss-of-Function Mouse Models of the Schizophrenia Risk Gene Tcf4

Authors: Badowska, D.M., Brzózka, M.M., Kannaiyan, N., Malzahn, D., Rossner, M.J.

Journal: Translational Psychiatry

Year: 2020

Volume: 10(1)

Article: 343

Citations: 12

Note: Open access

Lyme Neuroborreliosis with Long Meningeal Enhancement and Ischemic Stroke

Authors: Dibaj, P., Schnegelsberg, M., Kroger, R.

Journal: European Neurology

Year: 2020

Volume: 83(3)

Pages: 323–324

Citations: 0

Dopamine-Mediated Yawning-Fatigue Syndrome with Specific Recurrent Initiation and Responsiveness to Opioids

Authors: Dibaj, P., Brockmann, K., Gärtner, J.

Journal: JAMA Neurology

Year: 2020

Volume: 77(2)

Pages: 254

Citations: 2

Anillin Facilitates Septin Assembly to Prevent Pathological Outfoldings of Central Nervous System Myelin

Authors: Erwig, M.S., Patzig, J., Steyer, A.M., Nave, K.-A., Werner, H.B.

Journal: eLife

Year: 2019

Volume: 8

Article: e43888

Citations: 41

Test Your Knowledge | Testen Sie Ihr Fachwissen

Authors: Dibaj, P., Kröger, R., Kallenberg, K., Obermann, M., Harun, A.

Journal: Aktuelle Neurologie

Year: 2018

Volume: 45(3)

Pages: 212–214

 

 

 

Zhengshan Liu | Experimental Methods | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhengshan Liu | Experimental Methods | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhengshan Liu, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, United States

Dr. Zhengshan Liu is a resident doctor in the Psychiatry Residency Program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where he has been training since July 2020. Starting in July 2024, Dr. Liu will transition to a new role as an attending physician at the Parkland Psychiatry Emergency Center in Dallas, TX. With a strong background in both clinical practice and research, Dr. Liu’s expertise lies in neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, and the role of inflammation in psychosis. His upcoming position will allow him to further contribute to the mental health field through direct patient care in an emergency setting.

PROFILE

Scopus Profile

Educational Details

Dr. Zhengshan Liu holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Rochester, USA, where he also earned a Master’s degree in Biology during his studies from 2011 to 2017. Before his time in the United States, Dr. Liu completed a Master’s degree in Biology at Sun Yat-sen University, China, from 2005 to 2008. His academic journey began at Anhui Medical University, China, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree between 2000 and 2005. This strong foundation in both medicine and biology has shaped his expertise in neuropsychiatric research and clinical practice.

Professional Experience

Since October 2021, Mr. Yew Hoe Wong has been serving as a Teaching Assistant at Imperial College London. In this capacity, he has managed and coordinated several final year and undergraduate design projects, ensuring they meet academic requirements and are executed effectively. He has played a pivotal role in assisting with lesson plan development and providing feedback to enhance student performance. Additionally, during his tenure as a Teaching Assistant from October 2021 to December 2021, Mr. Wong supported lesson development, facilitated classroom management, and provided objective feedback, thereby fostering an improved learning environment and supporting student comprehension and engagement.

Teaching  Experience

Dr. Zhengshan Liu has extensive teaching experience, having served as a Teaching Assistant in Molecular Biology at the University of Rochester, New York, during the Fall of 2011 and Spring of 2012, as well as in Aging Biology in the Fall of 2012. His earlier teaching roles include overseeing medical student rotations at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University in Guangzhou, China, during the Fall of 2009. More recently, from 2020 to 2023, Dr. Liu contributed to the education of medical students at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, by supervising clinical rotations, thereby enriching their practical training in medicine.

Physician Experience

Dr. Zhengshan Liu gained valuable clinical experience at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University in Guangzhou, China. During his tenure there, he completed a residency in Neurology from July 2008 to June 2010. His work at the hospital provided him with a strong foundation in neurological practice, enabling him to develop the clinical skills essential for his subsequent medical career. Additionally, he oversaw medical student rotations in the Fall of 2009, contributing to the training and development of future physicians.

Research Interest

Ethan’s research focuses on modeling and simulation within nuclear power plants, emphasizing the integration of scientific theories and innovative design. His interests also extend to the application of foundational engineering principles in real-world scenarios, inspired by landmark engineering feats like the SpaceX Rocket. He is dedicated to advancing nuclear power plant technology through precise modeling and simulation techniques, contributing to more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

Honors 

Dr. Zhengshan Liu has been recognized for his exceptional research and academic contributions through several prestigious awards. In 2013, he received the NYSTEM Training Grant, which supported his advanced studies in stem cell research. His work was further acknowledged in 2015 with the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Travel Grant, enabling him to present his findings at international conferences. In 2017, Dr. Liu was awarded the University of Rochester Neuroscience Postdoctoral Fellowship, highlighting his significant contributions to the field of neuroscience. His dedication to understanding mental health disorders was further recognized in 2019 when he received the University of Rochester Schizophrenia Fellowship, supporting his research into the underlying mechanisms of schizophrenia.

Top Notable Publications

Shen, Z., Li, M., He, F., Chen, L., Liu, Z., Zheng, H., Xiong, F. (2023). Intravenous administration of an AAV9 vector ubiquitously expressing C1orf194 gene improved CMT-like neuropathy in C1orf194-/- mice. Neurotherapeutics. PMID: 37843769.

Liu, Z., Osipovitch, M., Benraiss, A., Huynh, N.P.T., Foti, R., Bates, J., Chandler-Militello, D., Findling, R.L., Tesar, P.J., Nedergaard, M., Windrem, M.S., Goldman, S.A. (2019). Dysregulated Glial Differentiation in Schizophrenia May Be Relieved by Suppression of SMAD4- and REST-Dependent Signaling. Cell Reports, 27(13), 3832-3843.

Windrem, M.S., Osipovitch, M., Liu, Z., Bates, J., Chandler-Militello, D., Miller, R.H., Nedergaard, M., Findling, R.L., Tesar, P.J., Goldman, S.A. (2017). Human iPSC Glial Mouse Chimeras Reveal Glial Contributions to Schizophrenia. Cell Stem Cell, 21(2), 195-208. PMID: 28736215.

Goldman, S.A., Liu, Z., Osipovitch, M. Methods of treating schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. US Patent App. 17/254, 008.

Azpurua, J., Yang, J.N., Van Meter, M., Liu, Z., Kim, J., Gorbunova, V., Seluanov, A. (2013). IGF1R levels in the brain negatively correlate with longevity in 16 rodent species. Aging, 5(4), 304-314. PMID: 23651613.

Li, G., Xu, Y., Guan, D., Liu, Z., Liu, D.X. (2011). HSP70 protein promotes survival of C6 and U87 glioma cells by inhibition of ATF5 degradation. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 286(23), 20251-20259. PMID: 21521685.

Liu, Z., Xu, Y.F., Feng, S.W., Li, Y., Yao, X.L., Lu, X.L., Zhang, C. (2009). Baculovirus-transduced mouse amniotic fluid-derived stem cells maintain differentiation potential. Annals of Hematology, 88(6), 565-572. PMID: 19066893.

Xu, Y., Liu, L., Li, Y., Zhou, C., Xiong, F., Liu, Z., Gu, R., Zhang, C. (2008). Myelin-forming ability of Schwann cell-like cells induced from rat adipose-derived stem cells in vitro. Brain Research, 1239(6), 49-55. PMID: 18804456.

Feng, S.W., Lu, X.L., Liu, Z., Zhang, Y.N., Liu, T.Y., Li, J.L., Yu, M.J., Zeng, Y., Zhang, C. (2008). Dynamic distribution of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and change of pathology after infusing into mdx mice. Cytotherapy, 10(3), 254-264. PMID: 18418771.

Li, Y., Zhang, C., Xiong, F., Yu, M.J., Peng, F.L., Shang, Y.C., Zhao, C.P., Xu, Y.F., Liu, Z., Zhou, C. (2008). Comparative study of mesenchymal stem cells from C57BL/10 and mdx mice. BMC Molecular and Cell Biology, 19(10), 9-24. PMID: 18489762.

Xu, Y., Liu, Z. (co-first author), Liu, L., Zhao, C., Xiong, F., Zhou, C., Li, Y., Zhang, C. (2008). Neurospheres from rat adipose-derived stem cells could be induced into functional Schwann cell-like cells in vitro. BMC Neuroscience, 12(10), 9-21. PMID: 18269732.