Assoc Prof Dr. Ashok Behera at DIT University,India
PROFILE
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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓
Dr. Behera’s academic journey laid a solid foundation for his career in medicinal chemistry. After completing his 10th standard from H.Katapali High School in Odisha with first division honors, he pursued his 12th Science from the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), Odisha, in 2000. His early interest in chemistry and biology was evident in his undergraduate studies, where he earned a B.Pharm degree from Biju Pattnaik University of Technology (BPUT), Odisha, in 2007, with a CGPA of 8.33/10, reflecting his outstanding academic performance in subjects like pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmacology.
His academic journey reached new heights when he secured admission to the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, for an M.S. (Pharm) in Medicinal Chemistry. During this time, he developed a deep interest in drug discovery, which culminated in his thesis titled “Synthesis of Biologically Active Medium Ring Heterocycles using Amino Acid as Precursors.” With a CGPA of 9.46/10 (89.60%), he proved his prowess in medicinal chemistry and drug action principles.
In 2014, Dr. Behera was awarded a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from Jadavpur University, supported by his work at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB). His doctoral thesis, titled “Synthesis of New Somatostatin Receptor Binding Radiolabeled Peptides: Physico-chemical and Biological Evaluation and Scintigraphic Studies,” explored innovative approaches in radiopharmaceutical development for cancer imaging, marking his entry into the specialized field of nuclear medicine.
Professional Endeavors and Research Focus 🔬
Dr. Behera’s professional career has been marked by both academic and research excellence. His career in academia began as an Assistant Professor at various prestigious institutions, including The M.S. University of Baroda and Himalayan Pharmacy Institute. His dedication to teaching and mentoring students was complemented by his extensive research work, particularly in the fields of peptide chemistry and targeted drug delivery systems.
One of the key areas of Dr. Behera’s research includes peptidomimetics and peptide conjugates as therapeutics. His work has focused on the development of receptor-specific drug delivery mechanisms, especially in the realm of anticancer drug discovery. His expertise in solid-phase peptide synthesis and stapled peptide synthesis has allowed him to contribute significantly to the synthesis and purification of novel peptides with therapeutic potential.
His research further delves into computer-aided drug design (CADD), where he employs virtual docking techniques using tools like AutoDock Vina and Chimera. He has also demonstrated proficiency in various analytical techniques, including FT-IR, NMR, and Mass Spectrometry, making him a versatile figure in both synthetic and analytical chemistry.
Contributions to Science and Innovation 🌟
Dr. Behera has developed a reputation as a thought leader in medicinal chemistry, particularly through his research on radiolabeled peptides for cancer imaging. His groundbreaking work in synthesizing radiolabeled anticancer drugs for nuclear imaging has opened new avenues for targeted therapies in oncology. He has conducted extensive studies on in vitro assays, radioligand binding assays, and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies, pushing the boundaries of radiopharmaceutical development.
His contribution to biological studies is equally noteworthy, having worked on cell line assays, mechanistic studies, and tumor imaging via SPECT gamma cameras. His work in this domain aims to improve the precision of cancer diagnosis and treatment, combining both chemistry and biology to create innovative solutions.
Accolades and Recognition 🏆
Dr. Behera’s excellence in research and teaching has been recognized with numerous awards and fellowships. He was awarded the Young Researcher Award in 2010 by the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He has also won multiple awards for oral and poster presentations at national and international conferences, including the Best E-poster presentation at the 24th Annual Convention of the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI) in 2019.
In addition to his awards, Dr. Behera is an active member of prestigious organizations like the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC) and serves as a mentor for the CSIR Summer Research Training Program.
Impact and Influence 🌍
Dr. Behera’s impact extends beyond his research and teaching. As a mentor, he has guided several students through complex research projects, helping them navigate the intricacies of medicinal chemistry and drug design. His involvement in interdisciplinary projects, such as the development of receptor-specific targeted drugs and nuclear imaging techniques, has made a lasting impression on the scientific community.
His work is frequently cited in scientific literature, as evidenced by his strong presence on platforms like Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Publons. His contributions have influenced both academic research and practical applications in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in cancer therapeutics and imaging.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱
As Dr. Behera continues his journey in academia and research, his legacy will be defined by his relentless pursuit of innovation in medicinal chemistry. His work on peptide therapeutics, drug delivery systems, and nuclear imaging is poised to influence future generations of researchers and professionals in the pharmaceutical sciences.
With ongoing research in radiopharmaceutical development and a growing focus on bio-conjugation techniques, Dr. Behera’s future contributions will likely address some of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine, particularly in cancer treatment. His dedication to both education and research ensures that his legacy will inspire innovation and discovery for years to come.