Ashok Kumar Pandurangan | Tissue Engineering | Excellence in Research

Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandurangan | Tissue Engineering | Excellence in Research

Associate Professor | B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology | India

Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandurangan is an accomplished biochemist and cancer researcher with over a decade of academic and research experience across India, the United States, and Malaysia. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences at B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, since . His expertise lies in molecular oncology, particularly focusing on colon and breast cancers, ulcerative colitis, and cancer therapeutics. His career is marked by significant contributions to drug development, screening methods, and the exploration of natural products in cancer prevention and treatment. With post-doctoral research experience at prestigious institutions such as Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute (USA), Universiti Putra Malaysia, and the University of Malaya, he has developed strong international collaborations and research credentials. Passionate about innovation, he continues to integrate fundamental cancer biology with translational approaches aimed at discovering novel and effective therapeutic strategies.

Professional Profile

Scholar

Education

Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandurangan holds a strong academic background in biochemistry, marked by excellence in both coursework and research. He began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Biochemistry followed by an M.Sc. in Biochemistry  at Islamiah College, affiliated with the University of Madras, where he graduated with distinctions. He then pursued an M.Phil. in Biochemistry at the University of Madras. His passion for cancer biology led him to a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Madras, Guindy Campus, where he graduated with high commendation. His doctoral research, centered on luteolin’s protective role in colon cancer, provided deep insights into the modulation of key signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. This academic foundation prepared him for impactful global research and teaching contributions in oncology.

Experience

Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandurangan has accumulated extensive professional experience in teaching and research, spanning globally recognized institutions. He began his post-doctoral career at the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute where he studied the role of sphingolipid metabolism in colon cancer progression. Later, as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Universiti Putra Malaysia, he investigated nanomaterials for cancer therapy, bioflavonoids in autophagy, and dietary components like rice bran derivatives for cancer prevention. He then joined the University of Malaya as a Visiting Research Fellow, contributing to cancer pharmacology and drug screening studies. Since, he has been serving as an Associate Professor at B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, where he teaches biochemistry and life sciences while actively pursuing funded research projects. His diverse experience across continents reflects a blend of academic leadership, translational research, and innovative problem-solving in cancer therapeutics.

Research Focus

Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandurangan’s research focuses on cancer biology, molecular signaling, and translational therapeutics. His primary areas of investigation include signal transduction mechanisms in colon and breast cancers, ulcerative colitis, and colitis-associated cancers. His work emphasizes the chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of natural products, exploring compounds such as luteolin, green tea polyphenols, and rice bran derivatives in both in vitro and in vivo models. His post-doctoral research expanded into nanotechnology, evaluating nanomaterials for cancer therapy and drug delivery. Additionally, he has studied autophagy-mediated cell death in colorectal cancer and the role of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer progression. By targeting pathways like Wnt/β-catenin, Nrf2-ARE, TGF-β/Smad, and apoptotic signaling, his research bridges molecular biology with clinical applications. His multidisciplinary approach integrates biochemistry, pharmacology, and oncology, aiming to develop safe, effective, and innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment and prevention.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandurangan has earned several recognitions throughout his career for academic excellence and research contributions in cancer biology. His Ph.D. thesis at the University of Madras was rated highlighting the novelty and impact of his work on luteolin in colon carcinogenesis. His achievements include securing prestigious international post-doctoral fellowships in the United States and Malaysia, enabling him to collaborate with leading scientists in oncology. He has received funding and project support for his research on nanomaterials, natural products, and cancer therapeutics. His global research exposure has resulted in numerous publications in reputed international journals, reflecting his scientific contributions to signal transduction, drug screening, and molecular oncology. In addition, he has been recognized for his active participation in international conferences and workshops, where he has presented his findings and built collaborations. These awards and honors underscore his standing as a respected researcher and educator in biochemistry and cancer research.

Publication Top Notes

Conclusion

The researcher demonstrates a strong research profile, with a focus on cancer research and a strong academic background. Their research experience and projects demonstrate their expertise in the field. With further evaluation of their publication record, citation impact, and collaboration, they could become an even stronger candidate for the Excellence in Research. Their contributions to the field of cancer research, and their potential for future research, make them a strong contender for this award.

Akanksha Dwivedi | Biomedical Engineering Control | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Akanksha Dwivedi | Biomedical Engineering Control | Women Researcher Award

Research Scholar | IIT Patna | India

Akanksha Dwivedi is a dedicated research scholar currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna. With a deep passion for innovation and applied engineering, she aims to contribute impactful research to the fields of robust control systems and biomedical engineering. Before entering academia, Akanksha worked as a Senior System Engineer at Infosys Limited from 2019 to 2021, where she honed her technical and problem-solving skills in real-world industry settings. She actively contributes to academic events and has coordinated several initiatives, including Research Scholar Day at IIT Patna and DISHNA Techfest during her undergraduate years. Akanksha is also a multifaceted individual, recognized in state-level pageants and entrepreneurial programs such as Jagriti Yatra and the Ship for World Youth Leaders by the Government of Japan. Her research efforts have been recognized with multiple accolades, including a Best Paper Award at RITEEC 2025 for her work on optimization-based control systems.

Professional Profile

Scholar

Education 

Akanksha Dwivedi is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna, where she holds. She completed her B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the School of Engineering at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kochi, achieving an impressive. Her academic journey started at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Ramabai Nagar, where she secured. Her hands-on learning includes internships at SIEMENS, KMRL, and BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd., where she gained practical knowledge in power systems, automation, and electrical machinery. Her academic projects span critical areas such as smart grid integration, lithium-ion battery storage systems for ISRO, and IoT-based automation in renewable energy. Akanksha’s academic rigor is complemented by strong participation in co-curricular activities and competitions.

Experience

Akanksha Dwivedi worked as a Senior System Engineer at Infosys Limited from 2019 to 2021. During her tenure, she was involved in critical software and systems engineering tasks that enhanced her analytical, coding, and project management skills. Her work in the IT industry exposed her to enterprise-level challenges and helped her develop a structured approach to problem-solving. Transitioning from the corporate to academic world, she pursued doctoral research at IIT Patna starting in 2022, with a focus on robust controller design and optimization for biomedical and energy systems. In addition to technical roles, Akanksha has held several leadership positions in event organization—such as being a coordinator for DISHNA Techfest and Research Scholar Day—demonstrating her ability to manage projects and lead teams. Her engineering experience is further supported by hands-on training in automation and power systems through internships at SIEMENS, KMRL, and BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd., highlighting her versatile technical background.

Research Focus 

Akanksha Dwivedi has received several prestigious awards and recognitions throughout her academic and professional journey. Most recently, she won the at RITEEC 2025 for her research on “Crayfish Optimization-based Tuning of Fractional PI Controller for Blood Pressure Regulation.” In 2017, she was selected for the Ship for World Youth Leaders Programme, a global leadership initiative supported by the Government of Japan. The same year, she was a finalist in the , participated in the Jagriti Yatra, and emerged as a finalist in  national startup competition. She also secured the , hosted by NIT Trichy in 2016. Outside the academic field, she was a finalist in pageants like These accolades reflect her multifaceted talent in leadership, research, innovation, and personal development.

Awards and Honors

She utilizes advanced tools like to simulate and validate her models. Her innovative use of graphical techniques nature-inspired algorithms Crayfish Optimization provides novel solutions to real-world control challenges. Akanksha’s research is strongly interdisciplinary, intersecting electrical engineering, biomedical systems, and applied mathematics. She collaborates closely with her advisor Prof. Ahmad Ali and team members to produce impactful publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Her future research interests include smart healthcare systems, renewable energy integration, and real-time embedded control systems. Akanksha aims to contribute scalable, cost-effective solutions to enhance human health and sustainable energy technologies.

Publication Top Notes

1. Robust controller design strategies with improved performance for MSBR core
2. A Novel Graphical Design of Fractional-Order PI-PD Controller for Blood Pressure Regulation
3. Loop Shaping Based Robust Controller Design for Boost Converter in DC Microgrid
4. Stability Region Based Graphical Methods for Controller Design: An Outline Survey
5. Crayfish Optimization based Tuning of Fractional PI Controller for Blood Pressure Regulation
6. Design of PI Controller for Artificially Ventilated Human Respiratory System using Crayfish Optimization

mengyuan ke | Biomedical engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ms. mengyuan ke | Biomedical engineerin | Best Researcher Award

Mr. medical university of vienna, Austria

Mengyuan Ke is a Ph.D. candidate at the Medical University of Vienna, with a Master of Science in Physics from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Engineering from Soochow University. He has diverse research experience, including a role as a Research Associate at the Singapore Eye Research Institute. His work has been published in high-impact journals like Nature Biomedical Engineering and Scientific Reports. Mengyuan has also presented at numerous international conferences and earned several academic awards, including the Marie Curie Award and Best Thesis nomination. His research focuses on optical coherence tomography and its applications in ophthalmology.

 

Professional Profiles:

🎓 Education

Ph.D. | Medical University of Vienna | 2022.11-presentMaster of Science (Physics) | University of Waterloo | 2016.09-2018.04Bachelor of Engineering | Soochow University | 2012.09-2016.09

💼 Work Experiences

Research Associate | Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore | 2019.07-2021.06Teacher | New Oriental Education, China | 2018.11-2019.05Teaching Assistant | University of Waterloo, Canada | 2016.09-2017.12Research Assistant | University of Waterloo, Canada | 2015.09-2017.12Intern | Suzhou New Material Industry, China | 2013.07-2013.08

🎤 Conference Experiences

2023 Oral (First Author) presentation at SPIE Photonics West, US2023 Poster (First Author) presentation at Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, US2022 Poster (First Author) presentation at International Biophotonics Graduate Summer School, Sweden2021 Poster (First Author) presentation at Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress, Singapore2020 Oral (Second Author) presentation at Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, US2018 Poster (First Author) presentation at Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, US2017 Poster (First Author) presentation at Canadian Optometry School Research Conferences, CA16th Rapid Fire (First Author) competition at International Myopia Conferences, UK2017 Oral (First Author) presentation at Canadian Association of Physicists Annual Meeting, CA2016 Poster (First Author) presentation at Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, US2014 Jiangsu Provincial Exchange Program at University of New South Wales, Australia

🏆 Scholarships and Awards

2018 Nominated for Best Thesis Award in Science, University of Waterloo2018 Graduate Research Travel Assistantships, University of Waterloo2017, 2018 Graduate Research Assistantships, University of Waterloo2017, 2018 Teaching Assistantships, University of Waterloo2017, 2018 Marie Curie Award, University of Waterloo2017, 2018 International Master’s Student’s Award, University of Waterloo2017 Graduate Research Travel Assistantship, University of Waterloo2015 Study Abroad, Soochow University2014 Study Abroad Government Funding, Jiangsu Province2014 Study Abroad, Soochow University2014 Outstanding Academic Performance, Soochow University2013 Outstanding Academic Performance, Soochow University2012 Diligent Scholarship, Soochow University

🌟 Other Experiences

2016.09-2017.09 Peer Mentor for “2+2” International Students at University of Waterloo2014.09-2015.09 Vice President of Student’s Science Association at Soochow University

trengths for the Award:

Educational Background:Advanced education with a Ph.D. in progress at a renowned institution (Medical University of Vienna) and solid foundational degrees (MSc from University of Waterloo and BE from Soochow University).Relevant Work Experience:Experience as a Research Associate at the Singapore Eye Research Institute, contributing to significant research in ophthalmology.Teaching roles and assistantships demonstrate strong communication skills and a commitment to education.Publications:A substantial list of publications in high-impact journals like Nature Biomedical Engineering, British Journal of Ophthalmology, and Scientific Reports.Notable contributions include innovative studies in OCT imaging, retinal microvascular alterations, and myopia progression.Conference Presentations:Multiple presentations, including oral and poster sessions at prestigious conferences such as SPIE Photonics West and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.Demonstrates both leadership and active engagement in the field.Scholarships and Awards:Numerous awards and scholarships, including the Marie Curie Award and international recognition, indicating strong research capabilities and academic excellence.Leadership and Outreach:Experience as a peer mentor and vice president of the student science association shows leadership and involvement in fostering academic communities.

Areas for Improvement:

Diverse Research Topics:Expanding the research to include interdisciplinary approaches or emerging areas in biomedical engineering might strengthen the application. This could include integrating fields like artificial intelligence or personalized medicine.Broader Impact:While the research is strong, demonstrating a broader impact, such as commercialization of research, policy influence, or significant real-world applications, could further enhance the application.Collaborative Efforts:Increasing collaboration with other leading researchers or institutions could provide new perspectives and strengthen the research profile.

✍️Publications Top Note :

Wide Dynamic Range Digital Aberration Measurement and Fast Anterior-Segment OCT Imaging
Sensors, 2024
Authors: M Ke, A Kumar, TE Ansbæk, RA Leitgeb

Wide Dynamic Range Digital Aberrometry and Fast Anterior-Segment Imaging with MHz SS-OCT
Optical Coherence Tomography and Coherence Domain Optical Methods in …, 2024
Authors: M Ke, A Kumar, BO Meyer, TE Ansbæk, RA Leitgeb

Posterior Scleral Birefringence Measured by Triple-Input Polarization-Sensitive Imaging as a Biomarker of Myopia Progression
Nature Biomedical Engineering, 2023
Authors: X Liu, L Jiang, M Ke, IA Sigal, J Chua, QV Hoang, AWI Chia, RP Najjar, …

Wide Dynamic Range Digital Aberrometry and Anterior-Segment Imaging Using a Dual-Mode MHz Swept-Source OCT
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2023
Authors: M Ke, A Kumar, BO Meyer, TE Ansbæk, RA Leitgeb

Posterior Sclera Birefringence is a Biomarker for Myopia in Guinea Pigs and Humans
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2023
Authors: X Liu, L Jiang, M Ke, IA Sigal, J Chua, QV Hoang, R Najjar, B Tan, …

Choroidal Thickness in Early Postnatal Guinea Pigs Predicts Subsequent Naturally Occurring and Form-Deprivation Myopia
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2022
Authors: L Jiang, X Liu, L Zhou, JMF Busoy, MT Khine, YS Dan, M Ke, NA Brennan, …

Association of Macular and Choroidal Perfusion with Long-Term Visual Outcomes After Macula-Off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2022
Authors: J Chua, M Ke, B Tan, ATL Gan, LS Lim, GSW Tan, SY Lee, E Wong, …

Role of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Assessing Limbal Vasculature in Acute Chemical Injury of the Eye
British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2022
Authors: M Ang, V Foo, M Ke, B Tan, L Tong, L Schmetterer, JS Mehta

Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Following Trabecular Bypass Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
Frontiers in Medicine, 2022
Authors: J Gan, CCA Sng, M Ke, CS Chieh, B Tan, L Schmetterer, M Ang

Role of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in the Assessment of Acute Chemical Ocular Injury: A Pilot Animal Model Study
Scientific Reports, 2021
Authors: KY Tey, J Gan, V Foo, B Tan, MY Ke, L Schmetterer, JS Mehta, M Ang

Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Assessment of Corneal Vascularisation After Combined Fine-Needle Diathermy with Subconjunctival Ranibizumab: A Pilot Study
Advances in Therapy, 2021
Authors: VHX Foo, M Ke, CQL Tan, L Schmetterer, JS Mehta, M Ang

Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography for Iris Vasculature in Pigmented Eyes
British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2021
Authors: M Ang, K Devarajan, ACS Tan, M Ke, B Tan, K Teo, CCA Sng, DS Ting, …

Melanin Accumulation in Choroid Observed with the Calibrated Degree of Depolarization in PS-OCT
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2021
Authors: M Ke, X Liu, J Liqin, J Chua, VA Barathi, L Schmetterer

In-Vivo Posterior Retinal Fibrillary Structure Visualized Under Triple Input PS-OCT on a Non-Human Primate
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2021
Authors: X Liu, M Ke, L Jiang, AR Muralidharan, R Najjar, M Villiger, VA Barathi, …

Using Image Data to Numerically Correct the Jitter in Polarization Depth Encoding PS-OCT
Optics Letters, 2021
Authors: X Liu, L Jiang, M Ke, L Schmetterer, VA Barathi

Comparison of Retinal Vessel Diameter Measurements from Swept-Source OCT Angiography and Adaptive Optics Ophthalmoscope
British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2021
Authors: X Yao, M Ke, Y Ho, E Lin, DWK Wong, B Tan, L Schmetterer, J Chua

Choriocapillaris Microvasculature Dysfunction in Systemic Hypertension
Scientific Reports, 2021
Authors: J Chua, TT Le, B Tan, M Ke, C Li, DWK Wong, ACS Tan, E Lamoureux, …

A Pilot Study Investigating Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography as a Non-Invasive Tool in Evaluating Corneal Vascularisation
Scientific Reports, 2021
Authors: HS Ong, KY Tey, M Ke, B Tan, J Chua, L Schmetterer, JS Mehta, M Ang

Quantitative OCT Angiography of the Retinal Microvasculature and Choriocapillaris in Highly Myopic Eyes with Myopic Macular Degeneration
British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2021
Authors: F Zheng, J Chua, M Ke, B Tan, M Yu, Q Hu, CMG Cheung, M Ang, SY Lee, …

Effect of Vessel Enhancement Filters on the Repeatability of Measurements Obtained from Widefield Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Scientific Reports, 2020
Authors: J Hong, M Ke, B Tan, A Lau, D Wong, X Yao, X Liu, L Schmetterer, J Chua

Conclusion:

The individual has a strong foundation in biomedical research with notable publications, presentations, and awards. Their work in optical coherence tomography and related fields showcases significant contributions to ophthalmology and biomedical engineering. Addressing areas for improvement, such as exploring new research avenues and demonstrating broader impact, can further enhance their profile for the Best Researcher Award.