Neelam Sharma – Computational Biology – Best Researcher Award 

Assist Prof Dr. Neelam Sharma - Computational Biology - Best Researcher Award 

B V Raju Institute of Technology - India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Assist Prof Dr. Neelam Sharma embarked on her academic journey in Biotechnology at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, where she pursued her Bachelor of Science from 2010 to 2013. Her undergraduate thesis focused on optimizing the expression of a soluble recombinant His-tagged protein in BL21 cells, an essential study in the field of recombinant DNA technology. Her drive for deeper knowledge led her to obtain a Master of Science (Honors) in Biotechnology from GLA University, where she investigated the epidemiology of vaginal candidiasis, culminating her studies in 2015 with an impressive CGPA of 9.34.

Professional Endeavors

Following her master’s degree, Assist Prof Dr. Sharma began her professional career as a Research Intern at Aligarh Muslim University, gaining valuable laboratory experience. Her academic career advanced rapidly as she became an Assistant Professor at Gagan College of Management & Technology in 2016, where she taught and conducted laboratory work in immunology, microbiology, and molecular biology. Dr. Sharma later pursued her Ph.D. in Computational Biology at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi, producing significant research on designing therapeutic molecules against virulent factors of pathogens, which she completed in 2022.

Contributions and Research Focus

Assist Prof Dr. Sharma’s research has been pivotal in the intersection of computational biology and biotechnological applications, particularly in protein/peptide therapeutics, genomics, and immuno-informatics. Her postdoctoral work at the University of California, San Francisco, involved analyzing HLA typing data from different sequencing platforms and exploring biomarkers for transplantation. This work led to significant insights into organ and bone marrow transplantation therapies.

Assist Prof Dr. Sharma developed several machine learning tools during her tenure as an Academic Researcher at IIIT-Delhi, which helped in predicting and identifying proteins and peptides involved in various diseases. These tools have been critical for the scientific community, aiding in disease management and vaccine development.

Accolades and Recognition

Assist Prof Dr. Sharma’s scholarly contributions are well-recognized in the scientific community, evidenced by her prolific output of peer-reviewed journal articles. She has published extensively, with articles in high-impact journals such as Briefings in Bioinformatics and Computers in Biology and Medicine, contributing significantly to the fields of computational proteomics and bioinformatics.

Impact and Influence

Assist Prof Dr. Sharma's work has significantly advanced the understanding of computational tools in the design of therapeutic molecules and vaccine candidates. Her development of bio-resources and webservers has provided essential tools for researchers worldwide, facilitating better disease management and therapeutic interventions. Her research in identifying virulent proteins and their role in disease mechanisms has opened new avenues for targeted therapy approaches.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As an assistant professor and an active researcher, Assist Prof Dr. Sharma is not only contributing to the body of knowledge but is also profoundly impacting the next generation of scientists through her teachings and supervision of research projects. Her role in educating and mentoring students in big data mining and machine learning for biomedical applications is preparing a skilled workforce capable of continuing the advancement of computational biology.

Assist Prof Dr. Sharma’s future in computational biology and biotechnology looks promising. She continues to expand her research into new areas such as cheminformatics and machine learning applications, aiming to develop novel computational methods that can lead to breakthroughs in drug repurposing and the therapeutic peptides domain. Her ongoing research and potential discoveries continue to contribute to her legacy in the scientific community, marking her as a leader in integrating computational tools with biological research for medical advancements.

Citations

A total of  783 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.

Ravi Shankar Bellala – Bioinformatics – Excellence in Research 

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Bellala Ravishankar initiated his academic journey with an MBBS from SriDevarajurs Medical College (1986-1992). He later pursued a Master's in Molecular Oncology from the renowned European School and earned advanced certification in the same from Jefferson University. His academic dedication was further showcased with an MBA in Hospital Administration from Andhra University.

Professional Endeavors

With an illustrious 26-year career in clinical oncology, Dr. Ravishankar has demonstrated expertise in both Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology. His professional journey spans across esteemed institutions like Lions Cancer Hospital, Visakhapatnam, and Omega Hospitals, Vizag, where he currently serves as the Head of Clinical Oncology & Managing Director.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ravishankar's contributions to oncology are manifold, with participation in over 20 clinical trials and numerous publications in national and international journals. His research has focused on various aspects, including PET-CT in radiotherapy planning and targeted therapies in solid tumors. As a principal investigator, he has significantly influenced advancements in cancer care modalities.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Ravishankar's pioneering efforts have earned him several accolades, including being the First Indian Oncologist to receive the Fellow ESTRO from Geneva in 2013 and the First Indian Oncologist with a Molecular Oncology Master from the European School of Oncology in 2019. His exemplary contributions have been acknowledged with awards like the Times Health Excellence Award and the Indian Glory Award for Excellence in Oncology.

Impact and Influence

As an esteemed figure in the oncology community, Dr. Ravishankar's impact extends beyond clinical practice. His global exposure, collaborations with renowned oncology centers worldwide, and mentorship roles underline his influence in shaping the future of oncological care and research.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Ravishankar's legacy is characterized by a blend of clinical excellence, research advancements, and educational contributions. His future endeavors aim to further innovate cancer treatment modalities, mentor the next generation of oncologists, and continue fostering collaborations to advance global oncology care.

This summary encapsulates Dr. Bellala Ravishankar's multifaceted career, highlighting his academic pursuits, professional accomplishments, research contributions, accolades, impact, and future aspirations in the field of clinical oncology.

Notable Publication