Andrey Popatanasov | Neurobiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Andrey Popatanasov | Neurobiology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher, Institute of Neuro biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria

Andrey Popatanasov is a Research Assistant at the Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. With a unique multidisciplinary background, he holds BSc degrees in Psychology, Physics, and Biology, with MSc degrees in Clinical Psychology, Medical Physics, and Molecular Biology. He is completing his PhD in Human and Animal Physiology, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to scientific learning. Since 2016, Andrey has played a key role in neurobiological research, particularly on neurodegenerative disorders. His work involves molecular docking, in silico and in vivo studies, and the interaction of quantum radiation with living tissues. He has authored over a dozen peer‑reviewed articles and contributed to book chapters, demonstrating strong publication productivity. As a member of Bulgarian scientific societies in physiology, toxicology, and peptides, he actively engages in professional development and scholarly communication. His interdisciplinary expertise spans neuroscience, biophysics, psychology, and molecular biology, aligning theory with practical therapeutics and public health applications.

Professional Profile

Education

Andrey Popatanasov completed a diverse academic foundation demonstrating deep integration across fields. He earned BSc degrees in Psychology, Physics, and Biology, offering a broad base in both social science and natural science domains. He then advanced to MSc qualifications in Clinical Psychology, Medical Physics, and Molecular Biology, refining clinical, physical, and cellular expertise. Currently, he is finalizing his PhD in Human and Animal Physiology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, integrating his multidisciplinary knowledge into experimental design and physiological interpretation. His academic versatility supports exploration at molecular, psychological, and systemic levels—ideal for neurobiological research. Andrey’s academic journey has provided advanced training in psychophysiology, radiobiology, molecular modeling, and ethology. This cross-disciplinary education empowers him to bridge computational, experimental, and clinical worlds, optimizing both research breadth and depth, and preparing him for leadership in translational neurobiology.

Experience

Since 2016, Andrey has served as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Neurobiology (Bulgarian Academy of Sciences), where he contributes to neurodegenerative and affective‑behavioral studies. In 2015, he worked briefly as a Molecular Biologist at the Institute of Molecular Biology “Roumen Tsanev.” He taught physics at Sofia University’s Faculty of Physics (2014–2015) and performed specialized physics research at the Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies (2012). Earlier, between 2002 and 2005, he was a Psychophysiology researcher at the Institute of Psychology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences—focusing on cognitive‑developmental studies in children. Across these roles, Andrey developed skills in experimental design, laboratory methods, in silico modeling, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His diverse work experience reflects adaptability, integrative thinking, and proficiency across biological, physical, and psychological science—well-suited for modern neurobiology settings.

Research Focus

Andrey’s research intersects neuroscience, psychology, molecular biology, and biophysics. He investigates affective and pro-social behaviors in neurological and psychiatric conditions, including developing and testing novel ligands and neuroactive compounds in rodent disease models such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. His projects span in silico molecular docking, in vivo neuropharmacology, and mechanistic studies of ligand–biomolecule interactions. He also investigates the effects of electromagnetic radiation from quantum generators on biological soft tissue, bridging theoretical optics and experimental biology. Genomic complexity and control of expression during the cell cycle have been explored in laboratory and computational settings. He further examines language complexity’s impact on brain development in disabled children. Current work includes evaluating new memantine-based derivatives against Alzheimer’s pathology, with a focus on translational potential. Andrey’s research emphasizes integrative, multidisciplinary methods aimed at understanding neurological disorders and developing next-generation therapies.

Publication Top Notes

  1. In Silico and In Vivo Evaluation of N-Sinapoyl‑memantine as a Candidate for Alzheimer’s Disease Management (Crystals, May 2025).
    Summary: First author; used computational docking and mouse models to test memantine derivative for neuroprotection.

  2. Mutation Breeding Research in Sweet Pepper (Book chapter, 2023; in Mutation Breeding for Sustainable Food Production, ISBN 978‑981‑16‑9720‑3).
    Summary: Examines mutation breeding strategies for climate-resilient agriculture.

  3. Effect of Castalagin Against HSV‑1 Infection in Newborn Mice (Natural Product Research, Dec 2023).
    Summary: Evaluated antiviral effects of castalagin in neonatal HSV‑1 mouse model.

  4. Neuroprotective Effect of 2‑Methylcinnamic Acid Amide in an MPTP‑Induced Parkinson’s Model (Crystals, Oct 2022).
    Summary: Demonstrated in vivo efficacy and docking-based binding analysis for a novel compound.

  5. Tyrosinyl‑amantadine in Parkinson’s Disease Rats (Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, Apr 2022).
    Summary: Reported behavioral and molecular improvements in 6‑OHDA Parkinsonian rats.

  6. Safety and Activity of Newly Synthesized Amantadine Derivative (Farmacia, Dec 2021).
    Summary: Preclinical toxicity and pharmacological profiling for amantadine analogue.

  7. Canopy Effects on Ophrys insectifera Distribution (Journal of BioScience and Biotechnology, 2020).
    Summary: Used imaging to study habitat effects on endangered orchid.

  8. New Neurotensin Analogue for Affective Symptoms in Parkinson’s Rats (Bulgarian Chemical Communications, 2020).
    Summary: Behavioral efficacy of a neurotensin analogue in disease model.

  9. Ellagic Acid Prevents Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Mice (Bulgarian Chemical Communications, 2018).
    Summary: Mechanistic insights into ellagic acid’s neuroprotection in AD mouse model.

  10. Preventive Effect of Neurotensin Analogues in Parkinson’s Rats (Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, Dec 2018).
    Summary: Demonstrated neurotensin analogues’ protective roles against dopaminergic degeneration.

Conclusion

Andrey Popatanasov exemplifies the profile of a committed, interdisciplinary researcher with contributions spanning fundamental and applied neuroscience, molecular medicine, and psychology. His work displays both depth and societal relevance, particularly in managing neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders. Despite modest citation metrics and limited industrial engagement, his diverse academic training, integrative research approach, and scholarly productivity make him a worthy contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Srinivas Tadepalli | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Srinivas Tadepalli | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award 

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR,  Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Saudi Arabia

Dr. Srinivas Tadepalli is an accomplished Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia. With over 9 years of teaching experience and a solid research foundation, he holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from UPES, Dehradun. His research specializes in environmental engineering, particularly in water pollution, bio-remediation, and low-cost adsorption techniques for heavy metal removal. Dr. Tadepalli has contributed significantly to the academic world with 30+ peer-reviewed publications, several books, and international conference presentations. His teaching portfolio spans undergraduate and postgraduate courses, along with lab development and coordination. He is widely recognized for his innovative teaching methodologies and extensive work on adsorption modeling and simulation. Dr. Tadepalli has also been actively involved in academic coordination, technical events, and quality assurance programs. Passionate about sustainability, he continues to mentor students and contribute to environmental research through interdisciplinary collaborations worldwide.

Professional Profile

🎓 Education 

Dr. Srinivas Tadepalli’s educational journey reflects a strong foundation in engineering disciplines. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (2011–2017) from the University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, with a focus on environmental pollution and heavy metal remediation using adsorbents. Prior to that, he completed his M.Tech in Gas Engineering (2008–2010) at UPES, achieving 85.4% and submitting a thesis on the design of compact heat exchangers. He holds a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering (2004–2008) from Bapatla Engineering College, affiliated with Acharya Nagarjuna University, where he conducted a project on xylene separation using distillation and extraction. Dr. Tadepalli also excelled in his early education, scoring 88.7% in Intermediate (2002–2004) and 84% in SSC (2001–2002). Throughout his academic path, he demonstrated excellence by securing top state ranks and qualifying national-level competitive exams like GATE and PGECET.

👨‍🏫 Experience 

Dr. Tadepalli has an extensive teaching and research career spanning over 15 years, including international appointments. Since December 2019, he has been serving as Assistant Professor at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia. His past appointments include Assistant Professorships at Chandigarh University, Galgotias University, Bule Hora University (Ethiopia), and NIT Warangal. He began as a teaching assistant and research fellow at UPES Dehradun (2011–2015), where he completed his doctoral research. His responsibilities have included course instruction, lab development, curriculum design, project supervision, and academic coordination. He is adept in subjects such as Thermodynamics, Mass Transfer, Instrumentation, Wastewater Treatment, and Alternative Energy Technologies. Additionally, he has coordinated technical events, handled IPR and publications, and acted as a Department Research Committee (DRC) member. His international teaching exposure and consistent research productivity distinguish him as a versatile and committed academic professional.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Srinivas Tadepalli’s research is deeply rooted in environmental and chemical engineering, with a strong emphasis on adsorption technologies for heavy metal remediation from industrial effluents. His doctoral work explored low-cost biosorbents in packed bed columns, integrating FTIR analysis, AAS, and isotherm-kinetic modeling. He has developed several models like Thomas, BDST, Yoon-Nelson, and Adam–Bohart for batch and continuous adsorption processes. His current interests extend to nanomaterials, biopolymers, biochar, wastewater treatment, thermodynamic modeling, sorption capacity enhancement, and green technologies. Dr. Tadepalli’s collaborative projects have included CFD simulations, composite fiber development, and bioremediation techniques using agricultural and industrial waste. His publications also focus on kinetic studies, statistical optimization, and comparative evaluations of adsorbents. With a practical approach, he links experimental data to real-world industrial solutions. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, he aims to tackle global challenges in sustainable water treatment, waste valorization, and pollution control.

📚Publications Top Notes

 Biosorption of toxic heavy metals on sawdust

Citation:
V. Mishra, S. Tadepalli. CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water, 43(3), 360–367, 2015
Cited by: 24
Summary:
This study explores the efficiency of sawdust as a low-cost biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals like lead and cadmium from contaminated water. The adsorption mechanisms, equilibrium models, and reusability aspects were evaluated to determine its suitability in industrial wastewater treatment.

Synthesis and suitability characterization of microcrystalline cellulose from Citrus x sinensis sweet orange peel fruit waste-based biomass for polymer composite applications

Citation:
M. Palaniappan, S. Palanisamy, R. Khan, N. H. Alrasheedi, S. Tadepalli, et al. Journal of Polymer Research, 31(4), 105, 2024
Cited by: 18
Summary:
This research highlights the extraction of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from sweet orange peel waste. The resulting MCC was characterized and tested for compatibility in polymer composite applications, offering a sustainable path for waste valorization and advanced material design.

Novel Ficus retusa L. aerial root fiber: a sustainable alternative for synthetic fibres in polymer composites reinforcement

Citation:
M. Palaniappan, S. Palanisamy, T.M. Murugesan, N.H. Alrasheedi, S. Ataya, S. Tadepalli, et al. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 15(5), 7585–7601, 2025
Cited by: 16
Summary:
The study introduces aerial root fiber from Ficus retusa as a green reinforcement material in polymer composites. Mechanical, thermal, and morphological analyses confirmed its potential as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers.

 Potential for hydrothermally separated groundnut shell fibers for removal of methylene blue dye

Citation:
D. Sachdev, H. Shrivastava, S. Sharma, S. Srivastava, S. Tadepalli, et al. Materials Today: Proceedings, 48, 1559–1568, 2022
Cited by: 15
Summary:
This paper evaluates the adsorption capacity of groundnut shell fibers, treated hydrothermally, for removing methylene blue dye. It investigates isotherms and kinetics to demonstrate the fiber’s potential in textile effluent remediation.

Removal of Cu(II) and Fe(II) from industrial wastewater using orange peel as adsorbent in batch mode operation

Citation:
S. Tadepalli, K.S.R. Murthy, N.N. Rakesh. International Journal of ChemTech Research, 9(5), 290–299, 2016
Cited by: 12
Summary:
This work examines the batch adsorption of copper and iron ions from wastewater using orange peel. The findings support its cost-effectiveness, with modeling of adsorption behavior using Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms.

🏅 Conclusion

Dr. Srinivas Tadepalli’s distinguished career reflects a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, and sustainable innovation in chemical and environmental engineering. His work on low-cost adsorption technologies, wastewater treatment, and environmental remediation has contributed significantly to solving pressing industrial challenges. With a strong foundation in teaching, mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration, he continues to bridge the gap between science and society. Looking ahead, Dr. Tadepalli remains devoted to advancing green technologies, guiding future engineers, and fostering global research partnerships that promote cleaner, safer, and more sustainable solutions for the world.