Prabhakar M.N. | Bio Composite | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Prabhakar M.N. | Bio Composite | Best Researcher Award

Changwon National University, South Korea

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. M.N. Prabhakar began his academic journey at Sri Krishnadevaraya University, India, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physical Sciences and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Polymer Science and Technology. He continued his academic excellence by completing his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Polymer Science and Technology at the same university. Additionally, he acquired a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Physical Sciences from Bangalore University, reflecting his passion for teaching alongside his research pursuits.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Prabhakar's professional career spans diverse research and academic roles in multiple countries: Research Associate at the Bristol Composite Institute, University of Bristol, UK (2024–Present), Research Professor and Co-Supervisor at Changwon National University, South Korea, Post-Doctoral Fellow at Changwon National University, Earlier, he held roles in esteemed organizations such as the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), India, and Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), India as a Project Assistant. His industrial experience includes working as a Junior Chemist in E-Pack Polymers (P) Limited.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Prabhakar’s research centers on polymer composites, focusing on their mechanical performance, thermal properties, and flame-retardant capabilities. His groundbreaking work includes: Development of eco-starch plastic composites funded by a prestigious $122,861 grant from the National Research Foundation of South Korea, Advancements in flame-resistant vinyl ester composites that earned him the Outstanding Presentation Award at the International Symposium on Precision Engineering and Sustainable Manufacturing (PRESM) 2021, Expertise in state-of-the-art composite fabrication techniques, including injection molding, coaxial electrospinning, and various advanced microscopy methods.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Prabhakar has contributed significantly to academia and industry by mentoring 4 Ph.D. and 9 Master's students at Changwon National University. He has served as an evaluator for research competitions such as FONDECYT-Chile National Projects and collaborated internationally on several innovative projects. His efforts in organizing conferences, such as the 11th International Conference on Green Composites (ICGC-11), highlight his leadership in the global research community.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

Dr. Prabhakar’s prolific academic output includes numerous publications in high-impact journals like Industrial Crops and Products, Cellulose, and Polymer Composites. His extensive reviewing experience for technical journals underscores his influence in the field of polymer science. He has been honored with prestigious fellowships, including Junior and Senior Research Fellowships from the University Grants Commission (UGC), India, during his doctoral studies.

⚙️ Technical Skills

Dr. Prabhakar’s expertise spans a wide range of analytical and processing techniques, such as:Injection molding and Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), Rheometry, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Advanced microscopy tools, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and 3D Microscopy, Fire testing techniques like Cone Calorimetry and Pyrolysis Combustion Flow Calorimetry.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Changwon National University, Dr. Prabhakar taught Polymer Processing Technology and Polymer Composites to Ph.D. and Master’s students. He also actively participated in graduate defense committees, further strengthening his commitment to education and mentorship.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Prabhakar’s work has left a lasting impact on the field of polymer science and green composites, fostering innovation in sustainable materials. Looking ahead, his role as a Research Associate at the Bristol Composite Institute positions him to drive cutting-edge advancements in composite engineering, bridging the gap between environmental sustainability and industrial applications.

🏆 Select Honors

Outstanding Presentation Award at PRESM 2021, Jeju, South Korea, Research Grant from the National Research Foundation of South Korea for eco-starch plastic composites, Junior and Senior Research Fellowships from UGC, India.

📖Notable Publications

 

Hwayeon Sun | Probiotic | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Hwayeon Sun | Probiotic | Young Scientist Award

Soonchunhyang University, South Korea

👨‍🎓Profile

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Hwayeon Sun’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Myoung-ji University in Seoul, Republic of Korea, completed in 2013. With a passion for interdisciplinary studies, She later pursued a Master’s degree in Biomedical Science at Soonchunhyang University, specializing in Urology and Family Medicine, with a research focus on the role of Ginsenoside Rg3 in tumor apoptosis. Building upon this foundation, She completed a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science, investigating the psychological impacts on medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic, guided by Professor Byung-wook Yoo.

👩‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

In a career spanning over nine years, She has established expertise in clinical research. Currently, at Pharmsville Co., Ltd.’s Microbiome R&D Center, She contributes to projects focused on the development of functional health products, including muscle function improvement using Lactobacillus and joint health enhancement through medicinal mushroom complexes. Her prior role as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Soonchunhyang University Hospital involved managing study protocols, patient selection, and regulatory documentation for global clinical trials across phases 2, 3, and 4.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research spans various medical fields, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular health, and COVID-19 vaccine testing. At Pharmsville, Hwayeon contributed to projects aimed at enhancing cognitive and immune health through functional foods derived from Korean fermented products. Additionally, Hwayeon has been involved in marketing consultations for probiotic products and contributed as both first and co-author to 17 SCI-level publications.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With expertise in diverse health conditions and extensive involvement in clinical trials, Her research has contributed to the advancement of therapeutic products in both national and international contexts. The successful commercialization of health products, such as those enhancing cognitive function and immunity, reflects Hwayeon’s commitment to translating research findings into practical health solutions.

📚 Academic Cites

Her work is cited in SCI-level journals, with 17 publications where Hwayeon is a co-author and five as a first author, showcasing the researcher’s contributions to clinical methodologies and therapeutic studies in biomedical science.

🛠️ Technical Skills

She is proficient in MS Office Suite, R Software (R Studio), SPSS, Cube CDMS, iMedidata, and electronic medical records (EMR). This technical proficiency supports Hwayeon's ability to document, analyze, and report on complex clinical data, making she adaptable and efficient in various research environments.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Although specific teaching experience isn't detailed, She has contributed extensively to internal team training and compliance with research protocols. This involves educating study participants and coordinating with medical staff, highlighting Her communication skills and knowledge-sharing abilities within clinical research.

🏆 Legacy

Her commitment to advancing clinical research has positioned them as a valuable contributor to both academic knowledge and practical health solutions. Her legacy is marked by the development of functional health products and rigorous adherence to regulatory standards, influencing future research in microbiome and probiotic therapeutics.

🔮 Future Contributions

She is poised to continue contributing to research on microbiome-based health interventions and chronic disease management, especially in the context of functional foods. Future endeavors may involve further exploration of fermented products and their potential applications in preventive healthcare. Hwayeon's ongoing work promises to impact public health through innovative research and product development.

📖Notable Publications

Authors: Hwa Yeon Sun, Sangmin Park, Jiye Mok, 정현 서, Nicole Lee, Byungwook Yoo
Journal: Foods
Year: 2024

Authors: Hwa Yeon Sun, Jinyoung Shin, MinJi Kim, Sunghwan Bae, Nicole Lee, Byungwook Yoo
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine
Year: 2024