Bikila Balis | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Bikila Balis | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bikila Balis, Haramaya University, Ethiopia

Mr. Bikila Balis is a highly skilled and results-oriented health professional with a strong focus on improving maternal and child health. He has made significant contributions to public health through his work at Gimbi Public Hospital and as a proactive lecturer and researcher at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. With over 8 years of experience, Mr. Balis has secured four research grants for projects on COVID-19 vaccines, child vaccines, diarrhea, and maternal and child health.

Education:

Higher Diploma Program (HDP), Haramaya University (2021-2022)

Expected Completion Date: July 1, 2022

Achievements: Certificate

Language of Instruction: English

Field of Study: Maternity and Neonatal Nursing

Role: Assistant Professor

Master of Science (MSc), Haramaya University (2018-2019)

Expected Completion Date: August 2, 2019

Major: Maternity and Neonatal Nursing

Achievements: GPA of 3.92

Language of Instruction: English

Bachelor of Science (BSc), Haramaya University (2011-2014)

Expected Completion Date: July 10, 2014

Major: Midwifery

Achievements: GPA of 3.75

Language of Instruction: English

Entrance and Matric, Amuru High School and Preparatory, Ethiopia (2007-2010)

Achievements: Certificates

Language of Instruction: English

Professional Profiles:

Scopus Profile

Professional Experience:

Currently, Mr. Balis is coaching 8 BSc research projects and 5 Master’s theses while teaching various courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students at the College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University. He also holds the position of freshman program coordinator at the college, enhancing the academic experience for new students. His dedication to both teaching and research makes him a valuable asset to the health sector and academia in Ethiopia.

Top Notable Publications:

Systemic and meta-analyses of diabetic retinopathy and its care-related predictors after diabetic mellitus treatment initiation in Ethiopia

Authors: Motuma, A., Birhanu, A., Regassa, L.D., Mohammed, F., Mussa, I.

Published in Endocrine and Metabolic Science, 2025, 17, 100209

Association between the use of herbal medicines during pregnancy and adverse fetal outcomes among mothers in eastern Ethiopia

Authors: Getachew, T., Tura, A.K., Dheresa, M., Regassa, L.D., Eyeberu, A.

Published in Heliyon, 2024, 10(24), e40941

Further analysis of determinants of Pentavalent and Measles immunizations dropouts among children under five years of age in Ethiopia from Mini-EDHS 2019

Authors: Tolera, M., Birhanu, A., Regassa, L.D., Balis, B., Mussa, I.

Published in BMC Health Services Research, 2024, 24(1), 1527

Knowledge, perceived needs of continuous professional’s development, and associated factors among healthcare workers in East Ethiopia: a multi-health facility-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Yadeta, T.A., Mohamed, A., Behir, K., Debella, A., Letta, S.

Published in BMC Medical Education, 2024, 24(1), 497

Diarrheal disease and associated factors among children aged 6 to 59 months in Oda Bultum District, Eastern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Getachew, Z., Asefa, N., Gashaw, T., Regassa, L.D., Mussa, I.

Published in BMC Infectious Diseases, 2024, 24(1), 303

Prevalence and adverse outcomes of twin pregnancy in Eastern Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Getachew, T., Negash, A., Debella, A., Shiferaw, K., Eyeberu, A.

Published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2024, 24(1), 169

Utilization of continuous professional development among health professionals in East Ethiopia: a multi-health facility-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Yadeta, T.A., Mohammed, A., Alemu, A., Balis, B., Letta, S.

Published in BMC Medical Education, 2024, 24(1), 61

Predictor of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia: a case-control study

Authors: Dufera, T., Dheresa, M., Dingeta, T., Balis, B., Balcha, T.

Published in International Health, 2024, 16(4), pp. 438–445

Trend, prevalence and predictors of successful vaginal birth after caesarean section in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Balis, B., Bekele, H., Hunde, A.D., Abdisa, L., Lami, M.

Published in International Health, 2024, 16(4), pp. 371–379

Patterns of basic pneumococcal conjugated vaccine coverage in Ethiopia from 2015 to 2018; further analysis of Ethiopian DHS (2016–2019)

Authors: Gamachu, M., Mussa, I., Deressa, A., Balis, B., Demissie Regassa, L.

Conclusion:

Mr. Balis’ extensive community involvement, both academically and professionally, makes him a standout candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His contributions have had a tangible impact on healthcare and public health in Ethiopia, demonstrating his holistic approach to improving health systems.

 

Pradeep Tyagi | Health Professions Award | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Pradeep Tyagi | Health Professions Award | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Pittsburgh, United States

Pradeep Tyagi is a prolific researcher and educator with a strong focus on urology, bladder cancer, and drug delivery systems. His research contributions have significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of various urological conditions, including interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and urinary tract dysfunction. One of Pradeep’s key research interests lies in the development of targeted drug delivery systems, particularly ligand-targeted liposomes, for cancer treatment. His work in this area has shown promise in enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy while minimizing side effects. Pradeep has also made significant contributions to the understanding of bladder cancer staging and treatment through the development of anisamide-targeted stealth liposomes for targeted drug delivery. In addition to his work in drug delivery systems, Pradeep has conducted research on the molecular mechanisms underlying lower urinary tract dysfunction, including the role of nitric oxide- soluble guanylate cyclase pathway in male bladder outlet obstruction. He has also investigated novel therapeutic targets for radiation cystitis and the use of urinary cytokines as noninvasive predictors of ulcerative interstitial cystitis.

Professional Profiles:

📚 Education:

Pradeep Tyagi pursued his undergraduate education at Ch. Charan Singh University in India from November 1992 to September 1996, where he earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in 1996. He continued his academic journey at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India, from August 1997 to May 1999, completing a Master of Science degree in Pharmacology. Pradeep then pursued his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, from August 2000 to April 2005, under the mentorship of Leaf Huang, PhD. His doctoral research focused on [specific topic or area of research]. To further enhance his skills and knowledge, Pradeep attended Katz Business School, University of Pittsburgh, from May 2021 to December 2022, where he completed an Executive MBA with a concentration in healthcare. This program provided him with a comprehensive understanding of business principles and strategies, particularly in the context of the healthcare industry, preparing him for leadership roles in the field.

Academic Experience:

Pradeep Tyagi’s academic career spans several prestigious institutions and roles. He served as a Visiting Research Scholar at the National University of Singapore in August 2001. From June 2001 to April 2005, he held the position of Teaching Fellow at the School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, where he contributed to the education of future pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. Moving forward, Pradeep became a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Urology at the University of Pittsburgh from September 2006 to November 2008. He then took on the role of Director of Urology Lab at the Beaumont Research Institute in Royal Oak, MI, from November 2008 to November 2011, concurrently serving as an Associate Professor at the William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, from December 2010 to November 2011. Pradeep continued his academic endeavors as a Faculty Member at the OU-William Beaumont Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine from March 2011 to 2015. He returned to the University of Pittsburgh in December 2011, where he held the position of Visiting Research Associate Professor in the Department of Urology until December 2020.

Awards and Honors:

Pradeep Tyagi’s exceptional contributions and achievements in academia and research have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. In 2002, he received the ASPET Graduate Student Travel Award for the XIV World Congress of Pharmacology, highlighting his early excellence in the field. The following year, Pradeep was honored with the Graduate Student Research Excellence Award from the School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, for his outstanding research contributions. In 2004, Pradeep was awarded a Scholarship Award for a certificate course on developing entrepreneurship by the Office of Enterprise Development, University of Pittsburgh, showcasing his diverse skill set and interests. His commitment to urological research was further acknowledged in 2006 when he won the Annual Poster Contest organized by the Center of Urology Research Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on hope and awareness for interstitial cystitis. Pradeep’s research prowess continued to garner recognition, with notable achievements such as winning the Best Basic Science Poster at the NIH, NIDDK Meeting on Urinary Incontinence in 2009, and receiving the Best Clinical Essay Prize on Biomarkers at the Winter Meeting of the Society of Urodynamics and Female Urology in the same year. His scholarly impact was also acknowledged through his selection for the Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare in 2009. In 2010, Pradeep achieved the Grand Prize in the International Jack Lapides Essay Contest on Urodynamic and Neuro-urology Research, further solidifying his position as a leading figure in the field. His contributions to academia were highlighted through awards such as the Best Paper Presented at the OU-Beaumont Symposium in 2011 and being a co-author of the Best Paper Presented at the OU-Beaumont Symposium in 2012. Pradeep’s commitment to excellence in research and scholarship was further demonstrated through his co-authorship of the Best AUA Poster on Prostatic Inflammation in 2012 and being the senior author of four posters judged best in sessions on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), incontinence, and inflammation at the AUA in 2015. These awards and recognitions underscore Pradeep’s dedication to advancing the field of urology through his innovative research and scholarly contributions.

Research Focuse:

Pradeep Tyagi is actively involved in several research projects, contributing significantly to the advancement of urology and bladder cancer care. As a Principal Investigator, he leads the project “Advancing Bladder Cancer Care by Imaging and Intravesical Immune Checkpoint Blockade,” funded by grant R21 CA263243 from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2024, with a total funding amount of $150,000. This project aims to enhance bladder cancer care through advanced imaging techniques and intravesical immune checkpoint blockade. Additionally, Pradeep serves as the Principal Investigator for grant R21CA252590, titled “Virtual Histology of the Bladder Wall for Bladder Cancer Staging,” receiving funding from August 1, 2020, to July 31, 2024, with a total award of $150,000. In this project, he focuses on developing virtual histology techniques to improve bladder cancer staging. Pradeep’s involvement extends to grant R44DK108397 (SBIR), where he leads the project “Phenotyping Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome by ICE-MRI Based Bladder Permeability Assay” as the Principal Investigator. This project, funded from September 15, 2022, to August 31, 2024, with a total award of $350,000, aims to characterize interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome using advanced imaging techniques.

Teaching Experience:

Pradeep Tyagi has a rich teaching background, contributing significantly to the education and training of researchers and post-doctoral fellows. He has been actively involved in teaching seminars and lab meetings, imparting knowledge and expertise to aspiring researchers. From the year 2000 to 2003, Pradeep served as a Teaching Fellow at the School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, where he played a key role in educating students in pharmaceutical sciences. His dedication to teaching led him to team-teach the course PHARM 5219, Drug Development III, during the spring term of 2003. In this role, he served as a co-instructor, dedicating 8 contact hours per week to provide pre-lab instruction, supervise students, and evaluate their performance in the lab. He was also responsible for composing and administering exams for this course, ensuring comprehensive assessment of student learning. Furthermore, Pradeep took on the responsibility of administering and evaluating exams for the Biochemistry course 5117 and the Gastroenterology/Nutrition course 5317 in the years 2001 and 2002. His commitment to student learning and academic excellence has been evident throughout his teaching career, making him a valuable asset to the academic community.

Publications :

Ligand-targeted liposomes for cancer treatment

Authors: P Sapra, P Tyagi, TM Allen

Citations: 333

Year: 2005

Anisamide‐targeted stealth liposomes: a potent carrier for targeting doxorubicin to human prostate cancer cells

Authors: R Banerjee, P Tyagi, S Li, L Huang

Citations: 318

Year: 2004

Controlled gene delivery system based on thermosensitive biodegradable hydrogel

Authors: Z Li, W Ning, J Wang, A Choi, PY Lee, P Tyagi, L Huang

Citations: 217

Year: 2003

Urine cytokines suggest an inflammatory response in the overactive bladder: a pilot study

Authors: P Tyagi, D Barclay, R Zamora, N Yoshimura, K Peters, Y Vodovotz

Citations: 190

Year: 2010

Therapeutic receptor targets for lower urinary tract dysfunction

Authors: N Yoshimura, Y Kaiho, M Miyazato, T Yunoki, C Tai, MB Chancellor

Citations: 176

Year: 2008

Recent advances in intravesical drug/gene delivery

Authors: P Tyagi, PC Wu, M Chancellor, N Yoshimura, L Huang

Citations: 147

Year: 2006

Urinary nerve growth factor level is increased in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and decreased in responders to treatment

Authors: HT Liu, P Tyagi, MB Chancellor, HC Kuo

Citations: 146

Year: 2009

Urodynamic and immunohistochemical evaluation of intravesical botulinum toxin A delivery using liposomes

Authors: YC Chuang, P Tyagi, CC Huang, N Yoshimura, M Wu, J Kaufman

Citations: 144

Year: 2009

Qualitative and quantitative expression profile of muscarinic receptors in human urothelium and detrusor

Authors: S Tyagi, P Tyagi, S Van-le, N Yoshimura, MB Chancellor, F de Miguel

Citations: 131

Year: 2006

Sustained intravesical drug delivery using thermosensitive hydrogel

Authors: P Tyagi, Z Li, M Chancellor, WC De Groat, N Yoshimura, L Huang

Citations: 126

Year: 2004

Urinary nerve growth factor but not prostaglandin E2 increases in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and detrusor overactivity

Authors: HT Liu, P Tyagi, MB Chancellor, HC Kuo

Citations: 122

Year: 2010

Bladder afferent hyperexcitability in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis

Authors: N Yoshimura, T Oguchi, H Yokoyama, Y Funahashi, S Yoshikawa

Citations: 107

Year: 2014