Hakan Çiftçi | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Neuroscientists

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Çiftçi | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Çiftçi,  Afyon Kocatepe University, Turkey.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Çiftçi is a distinguished academic and researcher at Afyon Kocatepe University with a strong foundation in Mining Engineering. Transitioning from field engineering to academia, he has carved a niche in mineral processing, materials science, and nanotechnology. His research focuses on innovative drug delivery systems, advanced clay-based composites, and environmental remediation techniques. With multiple high-impact publications, two patents, and active involvement in industry-driven projects, Dr. Çiftçi exemplifies interdisciplinary excellence. His work not only enhances scientific understanding but also provides practical solutions in medicine, mining, and environmental engineering.

Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Hakan Çiftçi embarked on his academic journey with a bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering from the prestigious Istanbul Technical University, graduating in 2011. His early exposure to the fundamentals of earth sciences and engineering instilled a strong foundation in mineralogy, thermodynamics, and process design. Shortly after completing his undergraduate studies, he gained firsthand industrial experience as a mining engineer. However, his passion for research and innovation soon guided him toward academia, where he would find his true calling.

🧪 Professional Endeavors in Mineral Processing

Transitioning from industry to academia, Dr. Çiftçi began his career as a research academician at Afyon Kocatepe University in the Department of Mineral Processing and Enrichment. Over the years, he steadily climbed the academic ranks to become an Associate Professor. His professional work is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, combining traditional mineral processing techniques with modern material science, polymer chemistry, and nanotechnology, positioning him as a key contributor in applied and experimental mineral-based research.

🧬 Research Focus and Scientific Contributions

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiftçi’s research spans a diverse yet interconnected set of fields. He is deeply invested in the synthesis and characterization of advanced nanocomposites, particularly those based on montmorillonite and magnetite, with applications in drug delivery systems and environmental remediation. His work includes developing smart drug release systems, bone cement with antibiotic properties, and advanced bentonite-based materials for radiation shielding. His investigations also extend to dry enrichment techniques, microwave-assisted mineral dissolution, and surface property analysis of industrial materials. With over a dozen major research projects completed or ongoing, his contributions significantly enhance both theoretical understanding and industrial application.

📚 Publications, Patents, and Scholarly Output

A prolific scholar, Dr. Çiftçi has published extensively and authored a book titled “An Introduction to Montmorillonite Purification” (ISBN: 978-1-83968-603-0), which underscores his expertise in clay minerals and their purification. He holds two patents: one on a novel drug delivery system for capsaicin and another on the dry enrichment method for bentonites, reflecting his innovation-driven mindset. His citation metrics—h-index of 8 and i10-index of 7—testify to the growing academic impact of his work.

🏭 Industry Collaboration and Practical Impact

Beyond academic settings, Dr. Çiftçi collaborates with various industrial partners on impactful projects. These include analyzing morphine and codeine phosphate materials, assessing coastal sand health implications, and developing advanced enrichment devices like dynamic separators and aero cyclones. His research has immediate applicability in health, mining, and materials industries, bridging the gap between laboratory-scale research and full-scale industrial implementation.

🏅 Accolades, Recognition, and Influence

Dr. Çiftçi’s work has garnered recognition in both academic and industrial communities. His involvement in cutting-edge materials research and the integration of nanotechnology into mineral applications position him as a rising thought leader in his field. His innovations in drug delivery and sustainable mineral processing are paving the way for future advancements, particularly in therapeutic materials and environmentally conscious engineering solutions.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Çiftçi aims to further advance the fusion of nanotechnology with mineral processing, contributing to smarter, safer, and more sustainable material systems. His commitment to mentoring young scientists, coupled with his broad interdisciplinary expertise, ensures a lasting legacy in academia and industry alike. As he continues to push the boundaries of traditional mineral engineering, his future contributions are expected to leave a significant imprint on the scientific community and human health.

Publication

  • Removal of methylene blue from water by ultrasound-assisted adsorption using low-cost bentonites
    H Çiftçi — 2022

 

  • Synthesis, Characterization and Cr (VI) Adsorption Properties of Modified Magnetite Nanoparticles
    H Çiftçi, B Ersoy, A Evcin — 2017

 

  • Development and evaluation of mesoporous montmorillonite/magnetite nanocomposites loaded with 5-Fluorouracil
    H Çiftçi, MD Arpa, İM Gülaçar, L Özcan, B Ersoy — 2020

 

  • Purification of Turkish Bentonites and Investigation of the Contact Angle, Surface Free Energy and Zeta Potential Profiles of Organo-Bentonites as a Function of CTAB Concentration
    H Çiftçi, B Ersoy, A Evcin — 2020

 

  • An Introduction to Montmorillonite Purification
    H Ciftci — 2021

 

  • Novel functional copolymers based on glycidyl methacrylate: Synthesis, characterization, and polymerization kinetics
    I Erol, DN Devrim, H Ciftci, B Ersoy, IH Cigerci — 2017

 

  • Utilization of Marble and Boron Waste in Brick Products
    A Evcin, B Ersoy, H Çiftçi — 2019

 

  • Pillared magnetite/clay structures as a function of Ctab and Teos concentrations
    H Çiftçi, B Ersoy, A Evcin — 2020

 

  • Afyonkarahisar bölgesi mermer parça atıklarının beton agregası olarak değerlendirilebilirliğinin araştırılması
    Z Arsoy, H Çiftçi, B Ersoy, T Uygunoğlu, B Arslan — 2019

 

  • Coal recovery from coal washing plant tailings with Knelson concentrator
    S Özgen, Z Arsoy, B Ersoy, H Çiftçi — 2019

 

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Hakan Çiftçi stands out as a dynamic and forward-thinking researcher whose multidisciplinary approach addresses real-world challenges through scientific innovation. His contributions have bridged the gap between mineral engineering and biomedical applications, positioning him as a valuable asset to the global research community. With ongoing research, patented technologies, and a commitment to future advancements, Dr. Çiftçi is poised to make lasting impacts in both academia and industry.

Jagadeesh Rao | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Jagadeesh Rao | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jagadeesh Rao,  IGC Pharma LLC, United States.

Dr. Jagadeesh S. Rao is a distinguished neuroscientist and clinical researcher with over 15 years of experience in neuroscience, psychiatry, neuropharmacology, and drug development. His career is marked by significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease. With a strong academic foundation in molecular biology and biochemistry, Dr. Rao has led groundbreaking work in clinical trial design, preclinical toxicology, and regulatory submissions, including IND and CMC documentation for FDA approvals. He currently serves as Principal Scientist at IGC Pharma Inc., where he leads teams in Phase I and II clinical trials, manages CROs and budgets, and has developed both OTC and investigational drug products.

Profile

Orcid

🧠 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Jagadeesh S. Rao began his scientific journey with a deep interest in the complexities of the human brain and molecular biology. From the early stages of his academic training, he demonstrated exceptional dedication to exploring the interplay between neurobiology, biochemistry, and psychiatric health. His pursuit of a Ph.D. laid a robust foundation in neuroscience and neuropharmacology, equipping him with a multidisciplinary understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. This strong academic grounding would later become the driving force behind his innovative contributions to research in pain, Alzheimer’s disease, and drug development.

🧪 Professional Endeavors in Neuroscience and Drug Development

With over 15 years of professional experience, Dr. Rao has successfully navigated and led multiple domains including toxicology, psychiatry, and molecular biology. Currently serving as a Principal Scientist at IGC Pharma Inc., he has taken a prominent role in advancing clinical drug development, particularly in designing and executing Phase I and II trials. His expertise extends to critical regulatory processes such as Investigational New Drug (IND) submissions, clinical protocol design, and Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC). He has actively led teams in drug formulation, batch production, validation, and compliance with FDA and ISO standards—demonstrating a blend of scientific acumen and regulatory insight.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus in Neuropharmacology

Dr. Rao’s research centers on developing therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions, especially Alzheimer’s disease. His contributions span the full spectrum of drug development: from preclinical toxicology and pharmacokinetics to clinical pharmacodynamics and regulatory documentation. He has designed preclinical studies adhering to GLP standards, involving mutagenesis assays, reproductive and general toxicity assessments, and immunogenicity tests. Moreover, he played a key role in the development of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief cream products, contributing both to academic research and commercial innovation. His insights into P450 enzyme polymorphisms and their effects on drug metabolism showcase a precision medicine approach to pharmacological care.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition in Clinical Research

While much of Dr. Rao’s work has been behind the scenes of scientific advancement and regulatory excellence, his leadership in preparing CMC documents and overseeing investigational drug submissions has earned him widespread respect among peers. His oversight of departmental budgets and his management of Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) reflect not only scientific brilliance but also strategic and financial stewardship in clinical drug development. The successful initiation of Phase I and II clinical trials under his guidance stands as a testament to his expertise and diligence in the field.

🌍 Impact and Influence in Translational Medicine

Dr. Rao’s work bridges the gap between laboratory research and clinical application. His projects have advanced the translational medicine field by offering therapeutic candidates that move seamlessly from preclinical safety assessments to human trials. His influence is felt not only through the innovative drugs developed under his watch but also in shaping protocols that align with FDA’s stringent regulatory frameworks. His understanding of the molecular intricacies of neuropsychiatric diseases allows him to propose and test interventions that directly respond to the unmet needs of patients and healthcare systems alike.

🔬 Legacy in Scientific Rigor and Innovation

One of Dr. Rao’s enduring legacies lies in his rigorous approach to clinical pharmacology and his commitment to quality and safety in every phase of drug development. His ability to interpret complex PK/PD data, assess drug-drug interactions, and foresee adverse events has significantly shaped safer and more effective drug protocols. He has also contributed to the creation of technical documentation and risk assessments that serve as gold standards in the field, ensuring compliance and reproducibility for future scientists and clinicians.

🚀 Future Contributions and Vision for Neurotherapeutics

Looking ahead, Dr. Rao continues to pave the way in neurotherapeutics with a focused ambition to develop treatments for cognitive and behavioral disorders rooted in neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction. His vision includes refining clinical strategies using personalized medicine models and leveraging his expertise in biochemistry and molecular neuropharmacology. As the global demand for effective neurological therapies increases, Dr. Rao’s evolving research and leadership promise to yield transformative solutions that will benefit countless patients worldwide.

Publication

1. Title: Neurobiological alteration in agitation in Alzheimer’s disease and possible interventions
Author(s): Rao, Jagadeesh S.; Tangarife, Maria Alejandra; Mukunda, Ram
Year: 2024

2. Title: Effects of chronic clozapine administration on markers of arachidonic acid cascade and synaptic integrity in rat brain
Author(s): Kim, Hyung-Wook; Cheon, Yewon; Modi, Hiren R.; Rapoport, Stanley I.; Rao, Jagadeesh S.
Year: 2012

3. Title: Epigenetic modifications in frontal cortex from Alzheimer’s disease and bipolar disorder patients
Author(s): Rao, J. S.; Keleshian, V. L.; Klein, S.; Rapoport, S. I.
Year: 2012

4. Title: Gabapentin’s minimal action on markers of rat brain arachidonic acid metabolism agrees with its inefficacy against bipolar disorder
Author(s): Reese, Edmund A.; Cheon, Yewon; Ramadan, Epolia; Kim, Hyung-Wook; Chang, Lisa; Rao, Jagadeesh S.; Rapoport, Stanley I.; Taha, Ameer Y.
Year: 2012

5. Title: Lamotrigine blocks NMDA receptor-initiated arachidonic acid signalling in rat brain: implications for its efficacy in bipolar disorder
Author(s): Ramadan, Epolia; Basselin, Mireille; Rao, Jagadeesh S.; Chang, Lisa; Chen, Mei; Ma, Kaizong; Rapoport, Stanley I.
Year: 2012

6. Title: Altered Expression of G-protein subunits and GRKs in Alzheimer’s Disease
Author(s): Reese, Edmund A.; Kim, Hyung-Wook; Rapoport, Stanley I.; Rao, Jagadeesh S.
Year: 2011

7. Title: Chronic olanzapine treatment decreases arachidonic acid turnover and prostaglandin E₂ concentration in rat brain
Author(s): Cheon, Yewon; Park, Jee-Young; Modi, Hiren R.; Kim, Hyung-Wook; Lee, Ho-Joo; Chang, Lisa; Rao, Jagadeesh S.; Rapoport, Stanley I.
Year: 2011

8. Title: Dietary n-6 PUFA deprivation downregulates arachidonate but upregulates docosahexaenoate metabolizing enzymes in rat brain
Author(s): Kim, Hyung-Wook; Rao, Jagadeesh S.; Rapoport, Stanley I.; Igarashi, Miki
Year: 2011

9. Title: Disturbed Choline Plasmalogen and Phospholipid Fatty Acid Concentrations in Alzheimer’s Disease Prefrontal Cortex
Author(s): Igarashi, Miki; Ma, Kaizong; Gao, Fei; Kim, Hyung-Wook; Rapoport, Stanley I.; Rao, Jagadeesh S.
Year: 2011

10. Title: Olanzapine Decreases Brain Arachidonic Acid (AA) Metabolism in Rats by Reducing Plasma Availability of AA
Author(s): Cheon, Yewon; Modi, Hiren R.; Park, Jee-Young; Kim, Hyung-Wook; Chang, Lisa; Rao, Jagadeesh S.; Rapoport, Stanley I.
Year: 2011

✅Conclusion

Dr. Rao’s career reflects a powerful blend of scientific innovation, regulatory excellence, and clinical insight. His dedication to developing safe and effective neurological therapeutics has significantly advanced the field of translational medicine. As a leader, mentor, and researcher, his ongoing work continues to influence modern approaches to treating complex brain disorders, setting a high standard for future neuropharmacological research and therapeutic innovation.