NALINI ATCHAYARAM | Neuroscience | Best Research Award

Prof. Nalini Atchayaram | Neuroscience | Best Research Award

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH AND NEUROSCIENCES, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 📚🎓

Prof. Dr. (Mrs.) Atchayaram Nalini’s academic journey reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence in the medical field. Beginning her educational journey at the esteemed Bangalore Medical College, she graduated with an MBBS degree in 1988, achieving an impressive 89% and earning a Gold Medal for the highest aggregate marks in her final year. Her exceptional academic performance set the foundation for her future accomplishments.

Her commitment to neurology led her to pursue a DM in Neurology at Bangalore University, which she successfully completed in 1994. Once again, she was awarded a Gold Medal, cementing her reputation as a dedicated and brilliant scholar in the field of neurology.

Furthering her quest for knowledge, Prof. Nalini obtained a PhD from Maastricht University, The Netherlands, in 2020. This achievement underscored her passion for research and advanced understanding of neurological disorders. In 2021, she diversified her expertise by completing an MBA in Hospital Management from Madurai Kamaraj University, Tamil Nadu, equipping herself with leadership and administrative skills vital for healthcare management.


Professional Endeavors 🩺💼

Prof. Nalini serves as a Professor in the Department of Neurology at the prestigious National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, a hub of excellence in neurological research and education. Her clinical and academic leadership extends to her role as the Lead of the NIMHANS Advanced Center for Neuromuscular Disorders (NACNMD), an initiative under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

In her illustrious career, Prof. Nalini has played a pivotal role in diagnosing and managing complex neuromuscular disorders. Her expertise has been instrumental in advancing patient care and setting new benchmarks in clinical practice.


Contributions and Research Focus 🔬📖

Prof. Nalini’s research is driven by a passion for understanding the complexities of neuromuscular disorders and their impact on patients’ lives. Her work encompasses various aspects of neurology, including:

  • Neuromuscular Disorders: Advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes for patients.
  • Neurogenetics: Exploring the genetic underpinnings of neurological conditions to inform personalized medicine.
  • Healthcare Management: Integrating clinical insights with hospital management strategies for efficient and patient-centered care.

Her PhD work at Maastricht University focused on cutting-edge neurological research, which has contributed significantly to the global understanding of the field. Prof. Nalini’s dedication to research ensures that her findings translate into tangible benefits for both patients and the medical community.


Accolades and Recognition 🏅✨

Prof. Nalini’s remarkable achievements have been recognized through numerous accolades, including:

  • Gold Medal for Highest Aggregate Marks in Final MBBS (1988).
  • Gold Medal in Final DM Neurology (1994).
  • Recognition for her PhD in Neurology from Maastricht University (2020).
  • Leadership roles in pioneering initiatives at NIMHANS.

Her awards reflect not just academic brilliance but also her commitment to excellence in medical practice and research.


Impact and Influence 🌍🤝

As a mentor, researcher, and clinician, Prof. Nalini has significantly impacted the neurology community. Her role as the Lead of NACNMD has been transformative in establishing a specialized center that addresses the challenges of neuromuscular disorders in India.

Her influence extends beyond the clinical realm, as she actively contributes to the academic and professional growth of her students and peers. Through her teaching, she has inspired a generation of neurologists and healthcare professionals to pursue excellence and compassion in their work.


Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟📈

Prof. Nalini’s legacy lies in her unwavering commitment to patient care, academic excellence, and pioneering research. Her multidisciplinary expertise, encompassing neurology, neurogenetics, and hospital management, positions her as a thought leader in the evolving landscape of healthcare.

Looking ahead, Prof. Nalini aims to:

  1. Enhance Neurological Research: Expand understanding of neuromuscular and genetic disorders.
  2. Strengthen Healthcare Systems: Integrate hospital management insights to improve patient outcomes.
  3. Inspire Future Generations: Continue mentoring aspiring neurologists and researchers.

Prof. Dr. (Mrs.) Atchayaram Nalini stands as a beacon of inspiration in the field of neurology, embodying a rare blend of academic brilliance, clinical expertise, and compassionate leadership. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the medical community, ensuring her legacy as a transformative force in healthcare. 🧠🌟

Citations

A total of 3,549 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        3,549
  • h-index          264
  • i10-index       31

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies: Deciphering the Pattern of Muscle Involvement
    Authors: Sridhar, S., Nashi, S., Kulanthaivelu, K., Mahadevan, A., Nalini, A.
    Journal: Neuromuscular Disorders, 2025.
  • Title: Virtual Leadership Program for Adolescents with Muscular Dystrophy: A Process Evaluation
    Authors: Sadasivan, A., Warrier, M.G., Thomas, P.T., Vengalil, S., Nalini, A.
    Journal: Social Work with Groups, 2025.
  • Title: Telehealth Services for an Adolescent with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) During the COVID-19 Pandemic
    Authors: Sadasivan, A., Warrier, M.G., Vengalil, S., Thomas, P.T., Nalini, A.
    Journal: Australian Social Work, 2025.
  • Title: Inter-Speaker Acoustic Differences of Sustained Vowels at Varied Dysarthria Severities for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
    Authors: Bhattacharjee, T., Vengalil, S., Belur, Y., Atchayaram, N., Ghosh, P.K.
    Journal: JASA Express Letters, 2024.
  • Title: Autoantibody-Based Clinicoradiopathologic Phenotyping of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies: An Indian Cohort
    Authors: Girija, M.S., Vengalil, S., Kulanthaivelu, K., Mahadevan, A., Nalini, A.
    Journal: Journal of Clinical Neuromuscular Disease, 2024.

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.