Rodrick Lepcha | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rodrick Lepcha | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Lovely Professional University, India

Author Profile

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Rodrick Lepcha was born on September 25, 1991, to Prem Tshering Lepcha and Rupmani Lepcha in India. From an early age, Dr. Lepcha exhibited a passion for learning, particularly in the agricultural sciences. His foundational education began in West Bengal, where he completed his secondary education at MADHYAMIK PARIKSHA WBBSE in June 2007, securing a second division with 51.37% marks. Dr. Lepcha continued his academic journey by excelling in his higher secondary education at WBSCVET, where he achieved an impressive 83.77% in June 2009, placing him in the first division.His dedication to agriculture was evident when he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (B.Sc. Ag) from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University. Graduating in July 2013 with a first division, Dr. Lepcha earned 75.79% marks, laying a solid foundation for his future academic and professional endeavors.

🌾 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Lepcha’s professional journey commenced shortly after completing his Master’s degree in Soil and Water Conservation from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya in June 2015, where he scored 78.80%, securing a first division once again. His research during this period focused on the “Management of Irrigation and Organic Manure on Growth and Yield of Large Cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) in Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal.” This work showcased his growing expertise in soil and water conservation, particularly in the context of large cardamom cultivation in the challenging terrains of the Darjeeling hills.Continuing his academic pursuit, Dr. Lepcha completed his Ph.D. in Soil and Water Conservation from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya in July 2022, with a remarkable score of 78.10% in the first division. His doctoral research furthered his Master’s work, concentrating on “Irrigation and Nutritional Management on Large Cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) in the Darjeeling Hilly Terrain of West Bengal.” This research cemented his reputation as an expert in the field, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices in hilly regions.In January 2023, Dr. Lepcha began his tenure as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab. In this role, he has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists. His professional endeavors are characterized by a commitment to education, research, and the practical application of soil and water conservation techniques.

🌟 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Lepcha’s research contributions are significant, particularly in the area of soil and water conservation. His work has primarily focused on the sustainable management of large cardamom, a key crop in the Darjeeling hills. Through his research, Dr. Lepcha has explored the intricate balance between irrigation practices, organic manure usage, and their combined effects on crop yield and growth. His findings have provided valuable insights into optimizing agricultural practices in hilly terrains, contributing to the sustainability and productivity of this vital agricultural sector.His Ph.D. research, which built on his Master’s work, delved deeper into the nutritional management of large cardamom, addressing the challenges faced by farmers in the Darjeeling region. Dr. Lepcha’s research has been pivotal in promoting sustainable agriculture practices that not only enhance crop yield but also preserve the delicate ecological balance of hilly terrains.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Lepcha’s academic and professional journey has been marked by consistent recognition for his achievements. His dedication to his field is reflected in his strong academic record, with first division marks in both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies. His research contributions have been recognized by his peers, and his work continues to influence agricultural practices in the Darjeeling hills.In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Lepcha holds a Diploma in Computer Software, showcasing his versatility and commitment to integrating technology with agricultural practices. His involvement in extracurricular activities, such as earning an N.S.S. “B” Certificate in 2011 from the Government of Uttarakhand, further highlights his well-rounded personality and dedication to community service.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Lepcha’s impact extends beyond academia. His research on large cardamom has directly benefited farmers in the Darjeeling region, providing them with practical solutions for enhancing crop yield and sustainability. His work has contributed to the broader field of soil and water conservation, particularly in the context of hilly terrains, where such practices are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring agricultural productivity.As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Lepcha has influenced numerous students, inspiring them to pursue careers in agricultural sciences. His commitment to education and research has made him a respected figure in the academic community, particularly in the areas of soil science and agricultural chemistry.

🌠 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Lepcha’s journey is far from over. His ongoing work at Lovely Professional University promises to yield further contributions to the field of soil and water conservation. He is poised to continue his research on sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in challenging environments like the Darjeeling hills. His legacy will likely be marked by his contributions to both academia and the practical application of agricultural sciences, ensuring that future generations of farmers and researchers benefit from his work.In the coming years, Dr. Lepcha aims to expand his research, exploring new methods of soil conservation and irrigation management that can be applied to various crops and regions. His dedication to sustainability and education will continue to shape the future of agriculture in India and beyond.

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.