Assoc Prof Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan | Toxicology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan has led and participated in several significant research projects, supported by various research grants. His work primarily focuses on natural product discovery, antimicrobial activities, and genomic approaches. In 2002, Dr. Sasidharan embarked on a project using genomic approaches to explore seaweed genes and natural product discovery. This early initiative set the stage for his subsequent research endeavors. As a Principal Investigator, he secured a USM INSENTIF research grant amounting to RM5,000.00, which funded his project from February 24, 2009, to February 25, 2010. This project was successfully completed, marking an important milestone in his research career. Dr. Sasidharan then received a USM Short Term Grant of RM34,096.00 for his study on the anti-Candida activity, mode of action, and biofilm prevention by Cassia spectabilis methanol leaf extract, specifically targeting Candida albicans. This project ran from August 1, 2009, to July 31, 2011, and was completed successfully. Furthering his research on natural products, he investigated the antiparasitic properties and conducted scanning and transmission electron microscope studies on the root extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. This project was supported by a USM Research Universiti Grant of RM102,062.00 and was carried out from November 1, 2009, to March 31, 2012, culminating in valuable findings. Dr. Sasidharan also explored the isolation and identification of isothermal DNA polymerase-producing thermophiles from geothermal water in Malaysia. This research, funded by a USM Research Universiti Grant of RM99,962.00, spanned from November 15, 2009, to November 14, 2011, and was successfully completed. In another significant project, he focused on the isolation, identification, and in-vitro production of helicase from local clinical isolates of Escherichia coli. This extensive study, supported by a USM Research Universiti Grant of RM494,061.75, took place from June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2013, and was completed, adding substantial knowledge to the field. Lastly, Dr. Sasidharan investigated the antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of Lantadene A against paracetamol-induced damage in mice. This project, funded by a USM Short Term Grant of RM39,094.00, ran from June 15, 2012, to June 14, 2014, and was completed successfully, highlighting his continued commitment to advancing biomedical research. These research projects and grants underscore Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan’s dedication to scientific discovery and his significant contributions to the fields of natural products, pharmacognosy, and biotechnology.

Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and scholarships throughout his academic and professional career, reflecting his outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of biological sciences. Dr. Sasidharan was awarded a JPA Scholarship for his undergraduate studies, covering a period of four years. For his Master’s degree, he received the Skim Biasiswa Pasca Siswazah Scholarship, which supported his studies for two years. For his doctoral studies, Dr. Sasidharan was granted the Skim Biasiswa Pasca Siswazah Scholarship that covered a three-year period. During his academic journey, Dr. Sasidharan was listed on the Dean’s List for his academic excellence during the 1996/97 academic year (two semesters) and the second semester of the 1998/99 academic year. In 2008, he received the Sanggar Sanjung Award from Universiti Sains Malaysia for his achievements in the publication category. He was further recognized with the Hadiah Sanggar Sanjung Award for his publication achievements in 2009, 2010, and 2011 by Universiti Sains Malaysia. In 2011, Universiti Sains Malaysia honored him with the Annual Excellent Service Award, which included a cash prize of RM 1000, for his exemplary service. Dr. Sasidharan was recognized by Elsevier BV and Stanford University as one of the top 2% of scientists worldwide based on career-long citation impact until the end of 2021. He was also acknowledged for his citation impact in a single calendar year (2021) by Stanford University. The Academy of Sciences Malaysia recognized Dr. Sasidharan as one of the top research scientists in Malaysia in 2022. Additionally, he was listed among the top 2% of scientists globally for career-long citation impact until the end of 2020 by Elsevier BV and Stanford University. Dr. Sasidharan was also recognized for his citation impact in the single calendar years of 2020 and 2019 by Stanford University. These accolades underscore Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan’s significant contributions to his field, highlighting his dedication to research, education, and academic excellence.

Skills:

Dr. Sreenivasan Sasidharan possesses a comprehensive range of computer skills essential for academic research and professional productivity. He is proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, which allows him to create engaging and informative presentations, utilizing advanced features to enhance visual communication and effectively convey research findings. His expertise in Microsoft Word enables him to prepare and format documents meticulously, producing well-structured and professionally formatted reports, research papers, and other academic documents. Additionally, Dr. Sasidharan is adept at using Microsoft Excel for data analysis and management, employing complex formulas, pivot tables, and charts to organize and interpret data efficiently for research and administrative purposes. His proficiency extends to SPSS Version 11.5, where he utilizes the software for statistical analysis, performing a variety of statistical tests and interpreting results to support research conclusions and academic projects. These computer skills collectively enable Dr. Sasidharan to conduct thorough research, analyze data effectively, and present his findings in a clear and impactful manner.