Slesha Tuladhar | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Ms. Slesha Tuladhar | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Slesha Tuladhar | Paramount Planet Product | United States

Slesha Tuladhar is a dynamic and multidisciplinary researcher specializing in sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative thinking, thanks to her triple bachelor’s degrees in Sustainable Product Design, Architecture, and Business Administration from Keene State College. Her passion for innovation and sustainability is evident in her groundbreaking work with hydrogels and 3D bioprinting technologies. Slesha has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, focusing on optimizing the rheological properties of bio-inks and cellulose-derived materials. She is actively involved in teaching and mentoring, and serves on the University of Maine’s Graduate Sustainability Committee. With numerous accolades, including National Science Foundation travel grants and leadership roles in academic organizations, Slesha stands out as a forward-thinking researcher poised to make significant contributions to the future of sustainable manufacturing.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Education:

Slesha Tuladhar is currently a Master of Science candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine, expecting to graduate . Her thesis focuses on “Free Hanging Hydrogel Droplet Formation for 3D Cell Culturing,” reflecting her deep engagement in biofabrication research. She holds three bachelor’s degrees from Keene State College, each earned with distinction (GPA: 4.0): Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Product Design and Innovation, Bachelor of Science in Architecture, and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Her academic path reflects a rare convergence of design, engineering, and business principles, positioning her to lead in both research and applied industry settings. Throughout her education, she has focused on sustainable solutions, material science, and advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly in the field of 3D bioprinting with cellulose-based hydrogels. This well-rounded and rigorous academic background lays the foundation for her impactful research contributions.

Experience:

Slesha has gained extensive hands-on research and teaching experience across both undergraduate and graduate levels. As a Research Assistant at the University of Maine, she investigates cellulose-based hydrogels, optimizing rheological properties for 3D bioprinting. She concurrently serves as a Teaching Assistant, supporting courses in Manufacturing and Materials Engineering. Here, she mentors students in processes including casting, molding, milling, forming, and additive manufacturing. Prior to this, at Keene State College, she led research projects on hybrid hydrogels, culminating in several peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Her work explored the integration of Tempo-Mediated Nanofiber Cellulose and Carboxymethyl Cellulose into bio-inks for sustainable manufacturing. Slesha has presented at national conferences, collaborated with faculty on high-level research, and led student organizations, including her role as President of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Her experience combines experimental rigor, educational impact, and leadership — all core qualities for a leading researcher.

Honors and Awards:

Slesha Tuladhar’s academic journey has been decorated with numerous honors and awards that reflect her excellence in research, leadership, and service. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) student travel grant for her work on hydrogel-based bioprinting. At Keene State College, she was awarded the Peter Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Endowment, recognizing her academic distinction and research contributions. Slesha was also supported throughout her undergraduate career by the Little Sister’s Fund (LSF) Scholarship, awarded for outstanding potential and academic commitment. Her work has garnered attention across academic communities and the media, featured in outlets like New Hampshire Business Review, Union Leader, and the EPSCoR Idea Foundation. Additionally, she held leadership positions, including serving as President of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and Graduate Student Senator at the University of Maine. These accolades underscore her potential as a transformative researcher and emerging leader in sustainable technologies.

Research Focus:

Slesha Tuladhar’s research lies at the intersection of material science, biofabrication, and sustainability. Her work focuses on the formulation and rheological optimization of hydrogel-based bio-inks, with a special emphasis on cellulose-derived polymers like Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) and Tempo-Oxidized Nanofiber Cellulose (TONFC). She investigates how parameters like shear rate, solid content, and fiber integration impact 3D printability and scaffold fidelity, with applications in tissue engineering and sustainable manufacturing. Through her thesis on “Free Hanging Hydrogel Droplet Formation for 3D Cell Culturing,” she explores innovative methods for precision cell placement and viability. Her long-term vision involves developing biocompatible and environmentally sustainable materials that can replace synthetic polymers in biomedical and industrial applications. Her work contributes both theoretical insights (via rheological modeling) and practical methodologies (via extrusion-based bioprinting), making it impactful for academic, clinical, and commercial fields. She integrates engineering precision with ecological responsibility, aiming to reshape future manufacturing practices.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Tuning Shear Thinning Factors of 3D Bio-Printable Hydrogels Using Short Fiber – Materials

  2. Controlling Rheological Properties of Hybrid Hydrogel Using Short Fiber for Extrusion-Based 3D Bioprinting – ASME MSEC

  3. Developing Hybrid Hydrogels for Full-Scale Scaffold Fabrication Using Extrusion-Based Bioprinting Process – ASME MSEC

  4. Pre-Crosslinked Hybrid Hydrogels for 3D Bio-Printing Process: Rheological Analysis – ASME MSEC

  5. Rheological Analysis of Low Viscosity Hydrogels for 3D Bio-Printing Processes – ASME MSEC

  6. Rheological Study of Highly Thixotropic Hydrogels for 3D Bio-Printing Processes – IIE Conference Proceedings

  7. Modulating Rheological Characteristics of Bio-Ink with Component Weight and Shear Rate for Enhanced Scaffold Fidelity – Bioprinting,  (Link Disabled)

  8. Fine-Tuning Rheological Properties of 3D Bio-Printable Hybrid Hydrogel by Controlling Component Solid Content – Conference Paper,
    (Additional journal titles not provided, assuming 12 total in the record)

Conclusion:

Slesha Tuladhar is an exceptional young researcher whose work stands at the intersection of sustainability, material science, and biofabrication. Her strong academic foundation, innovative research contributions, and proactive engagement in leadership and community roles present her as a well-rounded and highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a forward-thinking approach and dedication to solving real-world challenges through sustainable engineering, Slesha embodies the values and promise of future scientific leadership.

 

 

Audrey FERRAND | Mechanobiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Audrey FERRAND | Mechanobiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Audrey FERRAND , Inserm , France

Dr. Audrey Ferrand, PhD, HDR, is a tenured senior researcher at Inserm and team leader at the Institut de Recherche en Santé Digestive (IRSD) in Toulouse, France. Born in 1975, she is a pioneering scientist in intestinal biology, with a strong international profile, including stints at Harvard Medical School and the University of Melbourne. She currently leads the “Intestinal Epithelium & Environment Interactions” team, investigating the dynamic crosstalk between intestinal epithelial cells and their environment. Dr. Ferrand has published 28 peer-reviewed articles, with an h-index of 20 and over 2100 citations. She is widely recognized for her expertise in organoids, regenerative medicine, and mechanobiology, and has coordinated multiple large-scale European research projects. A prolific speaker, educator, and scientific leader, she also plays key roles in advisory boards and national committees, contributing to cutting-edge biomedical research and innovation.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

1. Outstanding Scientific Productivity

  • 28 peer-reviewed publications and 7 review articles.

  • Strong Google Scholar profile (h-index 20; 2122 citations).

  • Recent high-impact publications in PLoS Computational Biology, Journal of Pathology, and Cell Reports.

2. Research Leadership & Innovation

  • Team Leader at Inserm since 2021.

  • Leads the “Intestinal Epithelium & Environment Interactions” team, a hub of innovation in gut biology and organoid models.

  • Coordinated 6 major funded research projects since 2020 totaling over €2 million.

3. International Experience & Visibility

  • Research experience in USA (Harvard Medical School), Australia (University of Melbourne), and France.

  • Speaker at top-tier global events (e.g., Columbia University, European Society of Biomaterials, Franco-Taiwanese Conference).

4. Scientific Contribution to Society

  • Serves on multiple scientific advisory boards, including PEPR MED’OOC, RIBBON, and GIS FC3R.

  • Expert reviewer for national and international funding bodies (France, Belgium, Poland, Israel, UKRI).

  • Contributes to PhD juries (25+) and teaches extensively (40 hours/year).

5. Strategic National & EU-Level Engagement

  • Holds national roles in emerging tech programs like organ-on-chip (OOC) and regenerative medicine.

  • Member of key executive and scientific committees shaping the future of translational bioengineering.

⚖️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Higher Impact Journal Penetration

    • While the publication output is solid, additional publications in ultra-high impact journals (Nature, Science, Cell) could increase visibility.

  2. Public & Industry Engagement

    • Although involved in translational programs, stronger partnerships with biotech startups or patient advocacy initiatives could further amplify societal impact.

  3. Technology Transfer or Patents

    • No mention of patents or commercial spin-offs, which could strengthen application in innovation-oriented award contexts.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Audrey Ferrand holds a PhD in Life Sciences and an HDR (Habilitation to Direct Research), signifying her capability to lead doctoral research in France. Although specific universities for her doctoral studies are not listed, her academic pedigree includes postdoctoral training at internationally prestigious institutions such as Harvard Medical School’s MGH Cancer Center (2005–2006) and the University of Melbourne’s Department of Surgery (2006–2009). Her formative training laid the foundation for her long-standing focus on cancer biology, intestinal pathophysiology, and bioengineering. She has continued to enhance her expertise through involvement in multidisciplinary projects combining molecular biology, systems biology, and biomedical engineering. In parallel, Dr. Ferrand contributes significantly to academic training, teaching over 40 hours per year at Bachelor and Master levels in fields including pharmacology, tissue engineering, metabolism, and cancerology.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Ferrand has over 20 years of experience in biomedical research. Since 2009, she has held a tenured position at Inserm (CR1 level), becoming a team leader at IRSD in 2021. Her career spans international settings, including the MGH Cancer Center (Harvard Medical School) and the University of Melbourne, where she worked on translational cancer research. As team leader of “Intestinal Epithelium & Environment Interactions,” she leads interdisciplinary projects on gut biology, organoids, and microphysiological systems. She has also taken on pivotal roles in project coordination, scientific councils, ethics committees, and PhD supervision. Notably, she serves on national and international advisory boards such as PEPR MED’OOC and GIS FC3R. Beyond research, Dr. Ferrand has organized numerous conferences and thematic workshops in organoids, 3D imaging, and cancer bioengineering. Her proven track record reflects her leadership, innovation, and dedication to translational research in digestive health.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Ferrand’s research focuses on the mechanobiology and pathophysiology of the intestinal epithelium using advanced 3D culture systems and organoids. She investigates the interaction between intestinal cells and their microenvironment, particularly how physical and chemical signals regulate tissue homeostasis, regeneration, and disease. Her group is pioneering efforts in the development of colon-on-chip platforms and 3D bioprinting for high-throughput drug screening and modeling gastrointestinal diseases such as colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Ferrand’s projects are highly interdisciplinary, combining cell biology, engineering, and computational modeling. Her leadership in PEPR MED-OOC and other EU-funded initiatives showcases her vision for integrating organoid-based technologies into precision medicine. With strong collaborations across academia and industry, her team plays a key role in shaping the future of regenerative medicine and intestinal health research.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧠 Deciphering cell behavior using a finite element-based vertex organoid model – PLoS Comput Biol, 2025

  2. 🧬 Human colonic organoids to study familial adenomatous polyposis – J Pathol, 2025

  3. 🔍 20S Proteasome profiling from patient samples using Top-Down MS – Cells, 2023

  4. 🔗 Multiscale intestinal cell dynamics and gene networks – Cell Rep, 2021

  5. 🔧 Stromal-epithelial interactions in gut homeostasis and disease – Front Cell Dev Biol, 2021

  6. 🧫 Mechanosensing and epithelial morphogenesis – Front Cell Dev Biol, 2020

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Audrey Ferrand stands out as a highly accomplished, visionary, and influential researcher in the fields of intestinal biology, organoid systems, and mechanobiology. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining biology, engineering, and medicine, positions her at the forefront of innovation in gut research and 3D tissue modeling.