Nitin Pal Kalia | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nitin Pal Kalia | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Hyderabad- India

Author Profile

🎓Early Academic Pursuits

Nitin Pal Kalia embarked on his academic journey with a focus on biotechnology and clinical microbiology. He completed his M.Sc. in Biotechnology with first-class honors from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India, in 2006. His passion for research led him to pursue a Ph.D. in the Clinical Microbiology Division at the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, under the guidance of Dr. Inshad Ali Khan. During his doctoral studies (2007-2014), Dr. Kalia made significant contributions to the field, including groundbreaking work on the NorA efflux pump inhibitor capsaicin and its impact on Staphylococcus aureus.

🧑‍🏫Professional Endeavors 

Assistant Professor at NIPER-Hyderabad

Since February 2021, Nitin Pal Kalia has been serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad. His office, Room No. 63, has become a hub for innovative research and academic excellence.

Ramalingaswami Fellow

From August 2019 to February 2021, Dr. Kalia held the prestigious Ramalingaswami Fellowship at CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, India. This fellowship allowed him to further his research in drug discovery and tuberculosis.

Research Fellow at NTU Singapore

Between October 2015 and August 2019, Dr. Kalia was a Research Fellow at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, NTU Singapore. Here, he honed his skills in advanced research methodologies and contributed to significant scientific discoveries.

Visiting Fellow at NIAID-NIH

Dr. Kalia also spent time as a Visiting Fellow at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA, from May 2014 to July 2015. This experience enriched his research capabilities, particularly in the field of tuberculosis and mycobacteria.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus

Drug Discovery in Tuberculosis

Dr. Kalia’s research has been pivotal in the field of tuberculosis (TB), which remains a major global health challenge. He has focused on discovering new TB drugs and improving the clinical development process for these drugs. His work includes targeting terminal oxidases, specifically the respiratory cytochrome bc1 complex and cytochrome bd-type quinol oxidase, to combat drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Targeting Cell Wall Synthesis at NIH

During his tenure at NIH, Dr. Kalia evaluated new chemical entities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis mutants. His work aimed to find compounds that target cell wall synthesis, a critical area in TB drug development.

Doctoral Research on Capsaicin

Dr. Kalia’s Ph.D. research revealed capsaicin as an effective inhibitor of the NorA efflux pump in Staphylococcus aureus. His findings demonstrated that capsaicin could significantly reduce the minimum inhibitory concentration of ciprofloxacin and enhance its efficacy, highlighting its potential in overcoming antibiotic resistance.

🏆Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Kalia’s contributions to biomedical research have been recognized through numerous awards and fellowships:

  1. Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship (2017-2018): Awarded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
  2. BSL-3 Training: Attended training sessions on biosafety, bio-containment, risk assessment, and management at the National University of Singapore and NIH USA.
  3. IIIM-CSIR Award (2013): Recognized for significant contributions in Discovery Biology, particularly in tuberculosis research.
  4. Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellowship: Awarded for his project on evaluating capsaicin and its analogues as multidrug efflux pump inhibitors.

🌍Impact and Influence

Dr. Kalia’s work has had a profound impact on the field of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis. His research has paved the way for new drug discoveries and therapeutic strategies. His dedication to teaching and mentoring students at NIPER-Hyderabad has inspired many young minds to pursue careers in biomedical research.

🚀Legacy and Future Contributions

As an Assistant Professor at NIPER-Hyderabad, Dr. Kalia continues to advance the frontiers of biomedical research. His ongoing projects aim to discover new TB drugs and improve existing treatments. Dr. Kalia’s legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to scientific excellence and his ability to inspire future generations of researchers.

Citations

A total of 1513 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        1513
  • h-index           19
  • i10-index        21

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Antitubercular activity of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole derivatives targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis type II NADH dehydrogenase
    • Authors: [Authors not provided]
    • Journal: RSC Medicinal Chemistry
    • Year: 2024
  • Title: Cytochrome bd oxidase: an emerging anti-tubercular drug target
    • Authors: [Authors not provided]
    • Journal: RSC Medicinal Chemistry
    • Year: 2024
  • Title: GaMF1.39’s antibiotic efficacy and its enhanced antitubercular activity in combination with clofazimine, Telacebec, ND-011992, or TBAJ-876
    • Authors: [Authors not provided]
    • Journal: Microbiology Spectrum
    • Year: 2023-12-12
  • Title: Exploring and exploiting the host cell autophagy during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
    • Authors: [Authors not provided]
    • Journal: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
    • Year: 2023-11
  • Title: Unravelling the flexibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: an escape way for the bacilli
    • Authors: [Authors not provided]
    • Journal: Journal of Medical Microbiology
    • Year: 2023-06-01.

Sahjid Mukhida | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sahjid Mukhida | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

GMERS Medical College,Gujarat- India

Author Profile

🎓Early Academic Pursuits

Sahjid Mukhida embarked on a diverse academic journey, beginning with his Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.) from Govt. Ayurved College, Junagadh in 2007. This early exposure to traditional medicine laid a strong foundation for his future medical career. Driven by a passion for medical science, he pursued a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.) from JIAMUSI UNIVERSITY, China, graduating in June 2019. His education didn’t stop there; he went on to earn an MD in Microbiology from Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune. Additionally, he holds several postgraduate diplomas, including a Post-Graduation Diploma in Hospital Management (P.G.D.H.M.) from Madurai Kamraj University, Tamil Nadu (2010), and a Post-Graduation Diploma in Business Management (P.G.D.B.M.) with a specialization in Clinical Research Management from the Indian School of Business Management, Ahmedabad-Gujarat (2011). His academic pursuits are further complemented by a Professional Diploma in Clinical Research (P.D.C.R.) from Catalyst Clinical Care Institute, New Delhi (2011).

🏥Professional Endeavors

Sahjid Mukhida’s professional journey began as a Medical Supervisor, Apheresis Coordinator, and Quality Manager at Rajkot Voluntary Blood Bank and Research Center (Life Blood Center), Rajkot, Gujarat, from August 2008 to November 2013. During this tenure, he gained significant experience in HPLC testing for Thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies, genetic counseling, and PND testing. He later joined Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Andheri, Mumbai, as a Quality Manager and Blood Transfusion Officer in Transfusion Medicine from October 2019 to July 2020. His role involved ensuring the highest standards in blood transfusion practices.Subsequently, Sahjid served as a Junior Resident in the Department of Microbiology at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, from August 2020 to August 2023. Here, he honed his skills in various sections of the department, gaining hands-on experience in education, teaching, data analysis, project writing, and publication processes. His role also included organizing and handling conferences, showcasing his leadership and organizational skills.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus

Sahjid Mukhida’s contributions to the field of medicine are multifaceted. His research focuses on blood banking, transfusion medicine, and microbiology. He is adept at using the latest industry equipment and technology to ensure patient and donor safety. His specialization in documentation and patient transfusion/transplant safety underscores his commitment to excellence.His work experience includes significant contributions to the prevention of Thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies through genetic counseling and PND testing. Additionally, his research on appendicitis among medical students at Jiamusi University and his involvement in various research projects, including a survey on food habits and lifestyle, highlight his dedication to advancing medical knowledge.

🏆Accolades and Recognition

Sahjid Mukhida’s exemplary work has been recognized with numerous accolades. He was awarded the Dr. Harold Gunson Fellowship by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) in 2010 and presented a poster at the 31st International Congress of ISBT in Berlin, Germany. He attended the 1st Pan-Asian Conference of Hemoglobinopathies organized by Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) in Bangkok, Thailand, with sponsorship from TIF in February 2012.His excellence has also been acknowledged through various certificates of appreciation, including being named Employee of the Month twice in five years and receiving the Certificate of Excellence Graduates from Jiamusi University in June 2019. He has been trained in quality management systems of NABH, NABL, and ISO 9001:2008, and is an internal auditor and trainer for these certifications. He holds lifetime memberships with the Quality Council of India and ISTM.

🌟Impact and Influence

Sahjid Mukhida’s impact on the medical community is profound. His work in blood banking and transfusion medicine has set high standards for patient safety and quality care. His leadership abilities have enabled him to effectively manage practice staff and improve patient outcomes. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development is evident in his extensive list of certifications and training.

🛤️Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Sahjid Mukhida is poised to continue making significant contributions to the medical field. His ongoing involvement in research projects, such as the ICMR study on Mucormycosis, and his dedication to education and training position him as a future leader in medical research and practice. His legacy is one of dedication, excellence, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, ensuring that his impact will be felt for years to come.In summary, Sahjid Mukhida’s journey from a dedicated student to a respected medical professional is marked by his unwavering commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and a passion for improving patient care. His contributions to blood banking, transfusion medicine, and microbiology, coupled with his leadership skills and professional achievements, make him a notable figure in the medical community.

Citations

A total of 40 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         40
  • h-index           44
  • i10-index        3

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Two Teacher System in Medical Curriculum: An Experiment Worth Considering
    • Authors: Das, N.K., Mukhida, S., Patil, R., Khan, S.
    • Journal: Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
    • Year: 2024
  • Title: All it Needs a Passionate Teacher to Ignite Young Minds
    • Authors: Das, N.K., Mukhida, S., Ajagunde, J., Das, P.
    • Journal: Journal of Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences University
    • Year: 2024
  • Title: Development of a Machine Learning Model to Predict Risk of Development of COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis
    • Authors: Patil, R., Mukhida, S., Ajagunde, J., Das, N.K., Mirza, S.
    • Journal: Future Microbiology
    • Year: 2024
  • Title: Baseline Findings of a Multicentric Ambispective Cohort Study (2021–2022) Among Hospitalised Mucormycosis Patients in India
    • Authors: Abdulkader, R.S., Ponnaiah, M., Bhatnagar, T., Murhekar, M.V., Mukhida, S.S.
    • Journal: Mycology
    • Year: 2024.

Naresh Kumar | Dairy Microbiology | Innovation Award

Dr. Naresh Kumar - Dairy Microbiology - Innovation Award🏆

Deemed University , ICAR-NDRI , Karnal - India

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

His journey in Dairy Microbiology commenced with a strong academic foundation. Graduating from High School with flying colors from Haryana Education Board, Bhiwani, he exhibited early prowess in subjects like Hindi, English, Mathematics, History, and Biology. His inclination towards the sciences led him to pursue Higher Secondary studies from M D University, Rohtak, where he excelled in English, Physics, Chemistry, and Botany. His undergraduate studies at M D University, Rohtak, in Biology, further fueled his passion for the intricate workings of living organisms, achieving distinction in subjects like Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry.

The pivotal moment came when he pursued his Masters and Ph.D. in Dairy Microbiology from the prestigious ICAR NDRI, Karnal. Here, he delved deep into the realm of Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Technology, and Dairy Chemistry, achieving top honors in both his Master's and Doctoral degrees. His academic pursuits laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors in the field.

Professional Endeavors

Armed with a robust academic background, he embarked on a distinguished career in Dairy Microbiology. His professional journey commenced with his appointment as a Senior Scientist at ICAR NDRI, Karnal, where he spearheaded research, teaching, and technology development in the domain of food safety and quality assurance. Over the years, he ascended to the role of Principal Scientist, where he further honed his expertise in managing research projects, training programs, and technology development initiatives.

Throughout his tenure, he made significant contributions to the dairy industry, focusing on areas such as diagnostics, licensing, commercialization, and infrastructure development. His leadership and strategic vision played a pivotal role in advancing research and innovation in Dairy Microbiology.

Contributions and Research Focus in Dairy Microbiology

At the heart of his professional journey lies his unwavering commitment to advancing Dairy Microbiology. His research endeavors have encompassed a wide array of topics, including microbial detection technologies, antibiotic residue analysis, and pesticide monitoring in dairy products. Noteworthy among his contributions are the development of spore-based kits for antibiotic residue detection and paper strip assays for rapid pesticide detection in milk.

Dr. Kumar's pioneering research has not only enhanced food safety standards but has also paved the way for cost-effective and efficient testing methods in the dairy industry. His innovative approaches have garnered recognition both nationally and internationally, positioning him as a trailblazer in the field of Dairy Microbiology.

Accolades and Recognition

His exemplary contributions to Dairy Microbiology have been duly recognized through various accolades and awards. Notably, his technology developments have been granted patents, validating the novelty and utility of his research findings. His work has also been validated through third-party certifications, further underscoring the reliability and efficacy of his methodologies.

Additionally, his scholarly achievements have been acknowledged through fellowships and honors from esteemed institutions such as the German DAAD fellowship and CISR associateship award. These accolades serve as a testament to his expertise and dedication to advancing the frontiers of Dairy Microbiology.

Impact and Influence

His impact extends far beyond the confines of the laboratory. Through his research, he has contributed significantly to enhancing food safety standards and ensuring consumer health and well-being. His innovative technologies have empowered dairy producers with reliable tools for quality assurance and contamination detection, thereby safeguarding public health and trust in dairy products.

Furthermore, his mentorship and guidance have inspired a new generation of scientists to pursue careers in Dairy Microbiology. His collaborative approach and willingness to share knowledge have fostered a culture of innovation and excellence within the field, leaving an indelible mark on future generations of researchers.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As he reflects on his illustrious career in Dairy Microbiology, his legacy is one of innovation, excellence, and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. While his professional journey has been marked by numerous accomplishments, his commitment to pushing the boundaries of research remains steadfast.

Looking ahead, he envisions continuing his pursuit of excellence in Dairy Microbiology, leveraging emerging technologies and interdisciplinary collaborations to address pressing challenges in food safety and quality assurance. His enduring legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations, underscoring the transformative power of scientific inquiry in shaping a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Citations

  • Citations               785
  • h-index                  16
  • i10-index               22

Notable Publications