Utpal Kanti Dhar | Spine Biomechanics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Utpal Kanti Dhar | Spine Biomechanics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Utpal Kanti Dhar is a Graduate Research Assistant at Florida Atlantic University, where he leads the Spine Biomechanics Laboratory. His work centers around converting CT scans into 3D anatomical models and employing finite element analysis (FEA) to improve implant design and surgical planning for spinal and shoulder conditions. He has contributed significantly to understanding lumbar degenerative diseases and shoulder arthroplasty, exploring new implant systems like Transdiscal Screw Systems. Dr. Dhar mentors students and collaborates with Boca Raton Regional Hospital to bridge clinical needs and biomechanical research. His scholarly output includes several publications in high-impact journals such as the European Spine Journal and Frontiers in Bioengineering. An active member of SMISS and ASPNS, Dr. Dhar continues to expand the frontier of musculoskeletal biomechanics through innovative modeling and analysis.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Utpal Kanti Dhar is currently pursuing his doctoral research at Florida Atlantic University within the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering. His academic path includes comprehensive training in biomedical and mechanical engineering, integrating clinical insights with advanced computational biomechanics. He specializes in using CT imaging and FEA to address real-world clinical challenges in spinal and shoulder surgeries. Through hands-on research in the Spine Biomechanics Lab, he not only develops biomechanical models but also provides training to undergraduate and graduate students in analytical techniques and medical imaging tools. While detailed undergraduate and master’s degree information is not listed, his current academic involvement demonstrates a high level of scholarly maturity and interdisciplinary expertise. His educational background is the foundation for his translational research aimed at improving patient-specific orthopedic care and implant innovation.

🧪 Experience

As a Graduate Research Assistant at Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Dhar is responsible for managing the Spine Biomechanics Laboratory. His work entails coordinating multiple research projects, mentoring students, and serving as a bridge between clinical needs and engineering solutions. He has led investigations into muscle modeling in spinal biomechanics, cage subsidence post-surgery, and biomechanical performance of novel implants for spinal fusion and shoulder arthroplasty. His consultancy involvement with Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation and the Helene and Stephen Weicholz Foundation underscores his engagement in clinically relevant research. Dr. Dhar’s practical experience in finite element modeling, combined with academic supervision, places him in a unique position at the intersection of research, education, and healthcare innovation. His collaboration with surgeons, engineers, and researchers supports his vision of improving surgical outcomes through data-driven implant optimization and evidence-based practices.

🏅 Awards and Honors

While Dr. Utpal Kanti Dhar has not listed specific individual awards, his academic impact is evident through his peer-reviewed publications in reputed journals such as European Spine Journal, Frontiers in Surgery, and Asian Spine Journal. His citation metrics (H-index: 5, i10-index: 2) reflect growing academic influence. His research has received support and recognition through funded collaborations with institutions like Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation and the Helene and Stephen Weicholz Foundation. Nominated for multiple award categories—including Distinguished Scientist and Best Researcher Awards—his work has contributed to the advancement of spinal implant technology and finite element analysis in orthopedics. His selection as a lead researcher in the Spine Biomechanics Laboratory itself is a testimony to his competence and leadership. He is also an active member of professional societies such as SMISS and ASPNS, affirming his standing in the broader biomechanics research community.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Dhar’s primary research lies at the intersection of clinical biomechanics and computational modeling. He focuses on optimizing surgical implants for spinal and shoulder disorders using 3D reconstruction and finite element analysis. His most notable contribution is in the evaluation of the Transdiscal Screw System (TSS), which he demonstrated to be biomechanically superior to conventional fixation systems for lumbar interbody fusion, particularly in cases of low-grade spondylolisthesis. His work extends to shoulder arthroplasty, where he assesses various implant placements such as inlay, onlay, and inset configurations. Dr. Dhar also studies postoperative phenomena like cage subsidence, and integrates muscle force modeling to enhance spinal simulations. He collaborates with clinicians and engineers to ensure real-world applicability of his research. His publications in leading journals validate the robustness of his findings, while his ongoing collaborations ensure continued innovation in biomechanical engineering and patient-specific care solutions.

âś… Conclusion

Dr. Utpal Kanti Dhar is an emerging leader in spine and shoulder biomechanics whose impactful research, strong clinical collaborations, and contributions to finite element modeling make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award and a valuable asset to the scientific community.

Publications

Lama AlKahlan | Dentistry – Finite element analysis | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Lama AlKahlan | Dentistry – Finite element analysis | Innovative Research Award

Lama Ahmed Alkahlan is a dedicated PhD candidate in Orthodontics at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a passion for advancing orthodontic care, she combines clinical expertise with innovative research to improve patient outcomes. Earning her Bachelor’s degree in General Dentistry with Excellence and First-Class Honors from King Saud University (2013-2019), Lama has consistently demonstrated academic excellence. She holds two U.S. patents for innovative dental devices and has published impactful research on orthodontic biomechanics and oral health-related quality of life. Her active participation in national and international conferences, including the Saudi Orthodontics Society Conference, AEEDC, and SIDC, reflects her commitment to lifelong learning and contribution to the global orthodontic community. In addition to her research, Lama serves as an invited speaker and actively engages in scientific exhibitions and hackathons, showcasing her leadership and vision for advancing dental sciences.

Professional Profile

Education

Lama Ahmed Alkahlan pursued her academic journey entirely at King Saud University, Riyadh. She earned her Bachelor Degree of General Dentistry (BDS) from 2013 to 2019, graduating with Excellence and First-Class Honors, showcasing her dedication to academic rigor and clinical proficiency. Building on this foundation, she embarked on a Doctorate of Science in Dentistry (DScD) in Orthodontics, which she is expected to complete between 2020 and 2025. Her education reflects a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge, clinical practice, and research innovation, aligning with global standards in orthodontics. Throughout her academic career, she has participated in specialized training, workshops, and seminars that enhance her clinical expertise and research capabilities, preparing her for a career at the forefront of orthodontic science. Her commitment to continuous education is further evidenced by her numerous contributions to scientific conferences and exhibitions.

Experience

Lama Ahmed Alkahlan’s professional experience is rooted in academic excellence, clinical practice, and research innovation. As a PhD candidate at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, King Saud University, she engages in advanced orthodontic clinical care while simultaneously conducting cutting-edge research. Her clinical practice is complemented by participation in various scientific conferences such as the Saudi Orthodontics Society Conference, AEEDC, and SIDC, where she both contributes knowledge and stays updated on global advancements. Lama has also actively participated in prominent exhibitions and hackathons, including the Saudi Hackathon for Health and MIT Saudi Hackathon for Health, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach and interest in healthcare innovation. Her invited speaker roles and contributions to university exhibitions underline her ability to translate complex scientific ideas to broader audiences, enhancing community engagement and educational outreach.

Research Interests

Lama Ahmed Alkahlan’s research focuses on clinical orthodontics, biomechanical innovations, and improving patient care outcomes. Her work includes extensive iterative finite element analysis of molar uprighting, offering novel methods for estimating clinical treatment time—critical for improving treatment predictability and efficiency. She is particularly interested in the intersection of clinical practice and engineering solutions, as reflected in her patented inventions. Her studies also explore the psychosocial impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life among Saudi orthodontic patients, contributing valuable insights to patient-centered care models. Lama’s research bridges the gap between advanced computational modeling and practical clinical applications, aiming to optimize orthodontic interventions. Her multi-disciplinary approach includes collaboration with engineers, clinicians, and researchers, ensuring that her findings have both scientific rigor and direct clinical relevance.

Awards

Lama Ahmed Alkahlan’s career is marked by prestigious awards and significant innovations. She received the esteemed title of “The Ideal Student” from King Saud University’s College of Dentistry in May 2019, recognizing her outstanding academic and extracurricular contributions. She holds two U.S. patents: the Magnetic Dental Education Model (US 10096267 B1, 2018) and the Uprighting Dental Appliance (US 12274598 B1, 2025), demonstrating her commitment to advancing dental technology. Her participation in numerous national and international conferences has earned her recognition as a rising leader in orthodontics. Additionally, her research publications in respected journals, such as Applied Sciences (MDPI) and Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications, highlight her scientific contributions. Lama’s blend of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership underscores her role as a promising future leader in the field of orthodontics.

Conclusion

Lama Ahmed Alkahlan exemplifies a new generation of orthodontic leaders, blending clinical expertise, academic excellence, innovative research, and technological advancement to elevate patient care standards and contribute meaningfully to global orthodontic science.

 Publications

  • Extensive Iterative Finite Element Analysis of Molar Uprighting with the Introduction of a Novel Method for Estimating Clinical Treatment Time

    Applied Sciences
    2025-06 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.3390/app15126463
    CONTRIBUTORS: Lama AlKahlan; Naif A. Bindayel; Abdelhafid MALLEK; Mohamed Bendjaballah

  • Impacts of Malocclusion on Oral Health-Related Quality Among Saudi Orthodontic Patients

    Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications
    2021-09-25 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.21786/bbrc/14.3.48
    Part of ISSN: 0974-6455
    Part of ISSN: 2321-4007
    CONTRIBUTORS: Huda Alkawari