Shefali Gupta | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

📚Early Academic Pursuits

Shefali Gupta’s academic journey is a testament to her dedication and passion for neuroscience and digital communication. Her foundational education began at Central Academy Sr. Sec. School, Jabalpur, where she excelled with an impressive 87.20% in High School and 81.60% in Higher Secondary PCM. These early achievements set the stage for her future success.In 2009, Shefali pursued a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Electronics and Communication Engineering at GGCT, Jabalpur. She graduated in 2013 with a commendable percentage of 78.41%. Her quest for knowledge continued as she enrolled in a Master of Technology (M.Tech) program in Digital Communication at NITTTR, Bhopal. Graduating in 2017 with a CGPA of 8.44, Shefali’s expertise in digital communication laid a strong foundation for her subsequent research endeavors.Currently, Shefali is a Ph.D. scholar in Neuroscience at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where she has been since January 2018. Her doctoral research focuses on understanding neural correlates of object recognition under the guidance of esteemed professors, Tapan Kumar Gandhi and Pawan Sinha (MIT, USA). This rigorous academic pursuit highlights her commitment to advancing the field of computational neuroscience.

🧩Professional Endeavors

Shefali’s professional journey is marked by significant research contributions and collaborations. As a Research Scholar from January 2018 to July 2024, she has worked on groundbreaking projects that bridge the gap between theoretical neuroscience and practical applications.One of her notable projects is “Project Prakash,” where she has collaborated with individuals who experienced early-onset blindness. This project involves collecting EEG and behavioral data from individuals with congenital blindness to understand the neural mechanisms of object recognition. This unique research opportunity has allowed Shefali to explore the brain’s adaptability and plasticity in response to visual deprivation.Another significant collaboration involves her work with Vodafone from June 2023 to December 2023. This project focuses on identifying cognitive skills of employees by analyzing brain responses using EEG. By interpreting brainwave patterns, Shefali aims to develop innovative methods for assessing cognitive capabilities, enhancing employee evaluation and development processes.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus

Shefali Gupta’s research interests span several crucial areas in neuroscience:

  • Cognitive Science: Investigating how cognitive processes relate to brain functions.
  • Object Perception: Understanding how the brain recognizes and processes visual objects.
  • Functional Connectivity and Brain Dynamics: Exploring how different brain regions interact and their impact on brain function.
  • Brain Plasticity: Examining the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself in response to changes.

Her expertise in EEG data acquisition and analysis is particularly noteworthy. Shefali has collected EEG data from over 150 subjects using a 64 Channel Brain Vision EEG System, and her proficiency in EEG data pre-processing and analysis in Matlab and Python underscores her technical capabilities.

🏆Accolades and Recognition

Shefali Gupta’s academic and research contributions have earned her recognition and respect in the field of neuroscience. Her participation in various workshops and training sessions showcases her commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in neurotechnology and computational neuroscience. Notable workshops include:

  • BCI and Neurotechnology Spring School organized by g.tec medical engineering GmbH.
  • Brain Mapping and Artificial Intelligence under IBRO Spring School at IIT Delhi.
  • EMBO Lecture Course on Noninvasive Brain Stimulation at IIT Gandhinagar.
  • Machine Learning workshop organized by iNeuron at IIT Delhi.
  • Science of Intelligence workshop at IIT Jodhpur.
  • Computational Intelligence: Some Recent Advances and Applications sponsored by IEEE Computational Intelligence Society at IIT Delhi.

These experiences have enriched her knowledge and contributed to her professional development.

🌟Impact and Influence

Shefali Gupta’s research has had a significant impact on understanding neural mechanisms and cognitive processes. Her work on “Project Prakash” has provided valuable insights into how blindness affects brain development and perception. Her collaboration with Vodafone demonstrates her ability to apply neuroscience research to practical, real-world applications, potentially revolutionizing employee assessment and cognitive skill identification.

🚀Legacy and Future Contributions

As Shefali Gupta continues her journey in neuroscience, her future contributions promise to be impactful. Her focus on computational neuroscience, combined with her extensive research experience, positions her as a promising figure in the field. She aims to develop innovative solutions that bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical applications, advancing our understanding of brain functions and cognitive processes.Her dedication to her research, combined with her skills and experience, ensures that Shefali Gupta will continue to make significant contributions to the field of neuroscience, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation and discovery.

Citations

A total of 19 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         19
  • h-index           2
  • i10-index        1

Notable Publications 

  • Title: ERP and Functional Connectivity Reveal Hemispheric Asymmetry in Perceptual Grouping
    Author: Shefali Gupta
    Journal: Neuroscience Informatics
    Year: 2024
  • Title: Development of Electrophysiological Correlates of Face/Non-Face Distinction in Children with Late Sight Onset
    Author: Shefali Gupta
    Journal: Journal of Vision
    Year: 2023
  • Title: Development of Face Perception Processing After Visual Deprivation in Early Infancy
    Author: Shefali Gupta
    Journal: Neuroscience 2022, Society for Neuroscience (SFN)
    Year: 2022
  • Title: Neural Correlates of Understanding Object Concept in Human Brain
    Author: Shefali Gupta
    Journal: Annual Conference of Cognitive Science (ACCS) 2022
    Year: 2022
  • Title: Face Perception in the Human Brain as a Small-World Network
    Author: Shefali Gupta
    Journal: European Conference of Visual Perception
    Year: 2021.

Nagalakshmi | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nagalakshmi - Neuropsychology - Best Researcher Award 🏆

Jain Deemed to be University - India

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

She commenced her academic journey with a strong foundation in Psychology. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from BMS College for Women, Bangalore, securing First Class in 2005. Subsequently, she pursued her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the Indian Institute of Psychology and Research, affiliated with Bangalore University, achieving Second Class honors in 2008. Her educational journey continued with a Ph.D. in Neurocognition and Social Cognition in the elderly at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, where she successfully defended her thesis in 2020.

Professional Endeavors

Her professional trajectory reflects a diverse range of roles in academia and research. She started her career as a Lecturer at the Indian Institute of Psychology and Research, handling practical classes for PG students from February 2009 to April 2009. Subsequently, she engaged in administrative roles at Prist University Study Centre, involving counseling and guiding students from September 2008 to June 2009. Her journey extended to special education at Deepika Special School, where she served as a Psychologist/Special Educator, focusing on training and scheduling activities for individuals with Autism and learning disabilities from June 2009 to May 2010.

Contributions and Research Focus in Neuropsychology 

She significantly contributed to research during her tenure at NIMHANS, particularly in the field of dementia, late-onset depression, and the efficacy of yoga on alcoholism. Her roles as a Senior Research Fellow and Junior Research Fellow on various ICMR and ICSSR projects indicate her commitment to advancing knowledge in these critical areas of mental health, Neuropsychology .

Accolades and Recognition

The provided information doesn't explicitly mention specific accolades or awards received by her. However, her qualifications, including successfully qualifying the Karnataka State Eligibility Test (K-SET) in Psychology in 2014, suggest a high level of academic achievement and recognition.

Impact and Influence

Her impact is evident through her role as an Assistant Professor at Jain Deemed-to-be University, where she imparts knowledge in areas such as Biological Processes, Cognitive Psychology, Psychopathology, Neuropsychology and Research Methodology. Her extensive research experience at NIMHANS has likely contributed to the understanding of dementia, late-onset depression, and the role of yoga in alcoholism.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Her legacy is marked by her multifaceted contributions to education, research, and mental health. As an Assistant Professor, she continues to shape the future of psychology students. Her research legacy, particularly in neurocognition and social cognition in the elderly, leaves a lasting impact on the understanding of mental health challenges in the aging population. Looking ahead, her future contributions are anticipated to further enrich the field of psychology, especially in areas related to cognitive aging and mental well-being.

Notable Publications