Andrey Popatanasov | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Andrey Popatanasov | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award 

Research Assistant, at Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria.

Andrey Popatanasov is a dedicated Research Assistant at the Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). His academic journey is distinguished by a multidisciplinary approach: he holds Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, Physics, and Biology, complemented by Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology, Medical Physics, and Molecular Biology. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Human and Animal Physiology, expected to be conferred this year. Professionally, Popatanasov has been affiliated with various institutes under BAS, contributing to integrative research that bridges the gap between basic science and its application to human well-being. His work aims to advance our understanding of neurobiological mechanisms and their implications for human health.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education

Popatanasov’s educational foundation is both broad and deep, reflecting his commitment to understanding complex biological systems. He earned Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, Physics, and Biology, providing him with a diverse scientific perspective. Building on this, he completed Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology, Medical Physics, and Molecular Biology, each aligning with his evolving research interests. Currently, he is finalizing his PhD in Human and Animal Physiology, which will further enhance his expertise in neurobiology. This extensive academic background equips him to approach research questions from multiple disciplinary angles, fostering innovative solutions to complex problems in neuroscience and related fields.

Experience

Throughout his academic and professional career, Popatanasov has gained substantial experience in research and academia. He has been involved in various research projects at institutes of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, where he applied his multidisciplinary training to investigate neurobiological phenomena. Currently, as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Neurobiology, he contributes to studies that explore the molecular and physiological aspects of the nervous system. His role encompasses experimental design, data analysis, and dissemination of findings, all aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and its practical applications in medicine and healthcare.

Research Interests

Popatanasov’s research interests lie at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, biology, and physics. He investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive, affective, and pro-social behaviors, particularly in pathological conditions. His work includes in silico and in vitro studies on ligand interactions with brain biomolecules, as well as the impact of electromagnetic radiation from quantum generators on living and non-living matter. Additionally, he explores the relationship between language complexity and brain development in children with disabilities. These interdisciplinary pursuits aim to uncover fundamental insights into brain function and inform therapeutic strategies for various neurological disorders.

Awards

While specific awards are not detailed in the provided information, Popatanasov’s contributions to neuroscience and interdisciplinary research are noteworthy. His work has been recognized through his involvement in peer-reviewed publications and editorial roles, indicating a respected standing within the scientific community. His dedication to advancing knowledge in neurobiology and related fields reflects a commitment to excellence in research and its application to human health.

Top Noted Publications

Popatanasov has co-authored several significant publications in reputable scientific journals. One notable article is “New Insights into the Cytoarchitecture of the Rat Spinal Trigeminal Nucleus,” published in the Proceedings of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in July 2024. This study provides detailed histological analysis of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, contributing to the understanding of sensory processing in the trigeminal system. Another key publication is “Expression of Neurotrophic Factors and Their Receptors in the Rat Spinal Trigeminal Nucleus,” also in the Proceedings of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, published in September 2024. This research examines the role of neurotrophic factors in neuronal differentiation and survival, with implications for pain modulation and neuroplasticity. These publications underscore Popatanasov’s active engagement in advancing neurobiological research.proceedings.bas.bg+2proceedings.bas.bg+2proceedings.bas.bg+2proceedings.bas.bg

Publications with Hyperlinks and Citation Information

🧠 1. New Insights into the Cytoarchitecture of the Rat Spinal Trigeminal Nucleus

DOI: 10.7546/CRABS.2024.07.11

This study delves into the structural organization of the spinal trigeminal nucleus (SpV), a pivotal relay station for processing sensory information from the face, head, and oral cavity. Historically considered a continuous structure, it was revealed to be subdivided into three distinct subnuclei: oral, interpolar, and caudal. Utilizing histological techniques, the researchers identified unique cytoarchitectural features characteristic of each subnucleus, providing insights into the spatial distribution and density of neuronal populations across the rostrocaudal extent of the SpV. These findings enhance the understanding of the neural circuitry underlying sensory processing in the trigeminal system and may have implications for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders involving altered trigeminal function. proceedings.bas.bg+1proceedings.bas.bg+1

🧬 2. Expression of Neurotrophic Factors and Their Receptors in the Rat Spinal Trigeminal Nucleus

DOI: 10.7546/CRABS.2024.09.15

In this follow-up study, the authors investigated the expression of neurotrophic factors—nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)—and their corresponding receptors in the rat SpV. Using primary antibodies against these neurotrophic factors and their receptors, the researchers found immunoreactive cells scattered along the entire length of the nucleus in all three subnuclei. Notably, the majority of spinal trigeminal neurons were intensely immunostained for all the neurotrophic factors examined and were richly endowed with their Trk receptors. The study also observed regional variations in the expression levels of these factors and receptors within the subnuclei. Given that these neurotrophic factors are involved in mechanisms of central sensitization in trigeminal nociceptive pathways, the findings suggest that neurotrophins may contribute to a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of orofacial pain. proceedings.bas.bg

Conclusion

Andrey Popatanasov is a highly interdisciplinary researcher with a solid academic and professional foundation. His efforts to integrate diverse scientific domains (psychology, neuroscience, physics, biology) are commendable. He has made meaningful contributions to both theoretical and applied research, especially in brain science, cognitive behavior, and molecular biology.

Hangue Park | Neuroprosthetics | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Hangue Park | Neuroprosthetics | Best Researcher Award  🏆

Associate professor at  Sungkyunkwan University,South Korea🎓

Dr. Hangue Park is a prominent academic and researcher specializing in neuroprosthetics, multisensory integration, motor learning, rehabilitation, and human augmentation. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea, Dr. Park also holds adjunct faculty positions at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on developing innovative neuroprosthetic technologies, brain-machine interfaces, and rehabilitation systems to improve the lives of patients with neurological impairments. Through his leadership of the Integrated NeuroProsthesis Lab, Dr. Park is pushing the boundaries of neural engineering to achieve advanced human augmentation and neuroprosthetic applications. He has an interdisciplinary background that merges electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience to address real-world challenges in medical technology.

 

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓:

Dr. Park completed his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2017, where his dissertation focused on gait optimization and real-time sensory feedback systems for amputee cats. He earned his Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Seoul National University in 2008, focusing on the design of wireless capsule endoscopy systems. Dr. Park received his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, graduating Cum Laude, from Seoul National University in 2006. His advanced studies reflect his strong foundation in both engineering and medical technologies, equipping him to bridge the gap between technology and human health.

 

Work Experience 💼:

Dr. Park’s work experience spans academia, research, and industry. He is currently an Associate Professor at Sungkyunkwan University and has been affiliated with Texas A&M University as an adjunct faculty member since 2017. He was previously an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (2017-2022). Prior to his academic career, Dr. Park worked at Samsung Electronics, where he contributed to the design of digital RF transceivers and tunable components for cellphone applications (2008-2010). Additionally, he spent time at Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology working on cutting-edge RF and oscillator designs. His industry experience informs his research, allowing him to bring practical, innovative solutions to complex biomedical challenges.

 

Skills 🔍

Dr. Park possesses a diverse skill set that bridges engineering, neuroscience, and medical technology. His expertise includes neuroprosthetics, motor learning and rehabilitation, human augmentation, and neural interfaces. He is skilled in developing neuromorphic circuits and bidirectional neuroprostheses, and he uses advanced computational and experimental techniques to optimize neural feedback systems. His ability to integrate electrical engineering with neuroscience allows him to approach complex problems from a multidisciplinary perspective, making him a leader in his field. He is also adept in circuit design, biomedical instrumentation, and the development of medical devices aimed at improving patients’ quality of life.

 

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Park has received numerous accolades for his work in biomedical engineering and neuroscience. He was nominated for the COE TEES Young Faculty Fellow Award at Texas A&M University in 2022. He has also won several prestigious research awards, such as the Outstanding Research Award from the Association of Korean Neuroscientists in 2016 and the SRI Spinal Cord Injury Research Writing Prize in 2022. His poster presentations have earned top honors at several conferences, including first-place awards at Texas A&M Student Research Week and the Mission Connect Symposium. Dr. Park’s contributions have been recognized by major scientific organizations, and his work continues to impact both the academic community and industry.

 

🤝 Memberships:

Dr. Park is an active member of several professional organizations. He is a member of the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society, the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, and the Society for Neuroscience (SfN). He is also affiliated with the Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) and the American Heart Association (AHA). His engagement with these societies enables him to stay at the forefront of advancements in neuroprosthetics, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience. Additionally, Dr. Park serves on the editorial boards of leading journals such as IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II and Frontiers in Neuroscience.

 

Teaching Experience 👩‍🏫:

Dr. Park has extensive teaching experience, primarily in the fields of biomedical engineering and electrical engineering. He currently teaches at Sungkyunkwan University and Texas A&M University, where he has mentored numerous graduate students in both research and clinical applications. He has served as the advisor and committee chair for a large number of MS and PhD students, guiding them in projects related to neuroprosthetics, neural interfaces, and rehabilitation technology. His commitment to teaching is also reflected in his leadership roles in various academic committees, including the Graduate Studies Committee at Texas A&M University.

 

Research Focus 🔬:

Dr. Park’s research focuses on the development of advanced neuroprosthetic devices and systems to restore lost sensory and motor functions in patients with neurological impairments. He specializes in bidirectional neuroprosthesis, multisensory integration, motor learning, and the use of neural intelligence to enhance human capability. His work includes the development of systems for brain-machine interfaces and rehabilitation technologies aimed at improving the mobility and autonomy of individuals with spinal cord injuries or amputations. Dr. Park is also interested in the potential of human augmentation and the integration of neural intelligence to create superhuman capabilities. His research combines expertise in neuromorphic circuits, neural prosthetics, and motor control to develop practical, impactful solutions for patient rehabilitation.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Dr. Hangue Park’s research exemplifies the qualities of an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His interdisciplinary expertise, pioneering work in neuroprosthetics, and commitment to improving patient outcomes make him a leader in the field. Despite potential challenges related to real-world implementation and ethical considerations, Dr. Park’s groundbreaking contributions to science and technology position him as an outstanding researcher whose work will continue to influence and inspire the field of biomedical engineering for years to come. His combination of innovation, academic achievement, and dedication to improving human health makes him highly deserving of this prestigious award.

📚 Publilcation

  • Underground Metal Pipeline Localization Using Low-cost Wireless Magnetic Sensors Mounted on an Excavator
  • Palatal Electrotactile Display Outperforms Visual Display in Tongue Motor Learning
  • Pinching Force Changes by Modulating the Interaction Gain Over the Fingertip
  • Challenges, Tasks, and Opportunities in Teleoperation of Excavator Toward Human-in-the-loop Construction Automation
  • Forehead Tactile Hallucination Is Augmented by the Perceived Risk and Accompanies Increase of Forehead Tactile Sensitivity
  • A CNN-based Method to Reconstruct 3-D Spine Surfaces from US Images in Vivo