Kevin Pak | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kevin Pak | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Transplant Hepatology Fellow | UCLA | United States

Dr. Kevin C. Pak, M.D., is a distinguished transplant hepatologist affiliated with the Pflieger Liver Institute at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. With a strong background in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and hepatology, Dr. Pak has dedicated his career to advancing liver disease treatment and transplantation. His contributions to academic research and clinical practice have earned him recognition in the medical community.

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Strengths for the Awards✨

Exceptional Research Contributions: Dr. Pak has an extensive portfolio of peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, covering a range of topics in gastroenterology, hepatology, and military medicine. His research on hepatitis B, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, and inflammatory bowel disease is particularly noteworthy.

Clinical and Academic Leadership: As an Assistant Professor at USUHS and a former Chief Fellow in a gastroenterology fellowship, Dr. Pak has demonstrated strong mentorship and leadership in academic medicine. His contributions to teaching and training future physicians further emphasize his dedication to research and education.

Recognized Excellence: Multiple honors and awards, including the AASLD Emerging Liver Scholar Award (2019) and Resident Researcher of the Year, highlight his significant impact in the field. His invited presentations and poster sessions at national and international conferences further validate his research reputation.

Interdisciplinary and Military Medicine Contributions: His unique background in military medicine and research contributions in military healthcare settings (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease in active-duty personnel) provide a broader impact beyond civilian medicine.

Education 🎓

Dr. Pak began his academic journey at the United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York, earning a B.S. in Life Sciences. He then pursued his medical degree at the F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Maryland. His postgraduate training includes an Internal Medicine Residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, followed by a Gastroenterology & Hepatology Fellowship at Naval Medical Center San Diego. He further specialized in Transplant Hepatology through a fellowship at the Pflieger Liver Institute at UCLA.

Experience 💼

Dr. Pak has held several academic positions, including Assistant Professor of Medicine and Teaching Fellow at USUHS. He is actively involved in medical education, mentoring students and residents. His clinical expertise spans hepatology, transplant medicine, and gastroenterology, making him a key contributor to the field. Additionally, Dr. Pak has served in the military, where he provided medical services in critical care settings.

Research Interests On Medicine🔬

Dr. Pak’s research focuses on liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, chronic hepatitis B, and liver transplantation. He is particularly interested in optimizing treatment strategies for liver disease and investigating emerging therapies. His work contributes to advancements in hepatology, improving patient outcomes and clinical practices.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Pak has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was honored with the Resident Researcher of the Year Award and the AASLD Emerging Liver Scholar Award. His excellence in teaching earned him the James J. Leonard Award for Excellence in Teaching. In his military service, he received commendations such as the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Publications 📚

Dr. Pak has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals. His notable works include:

  • Systematic review of safety of selective androgen receptor modulators in healthy adults: implications for recreational users

    • Authors: JD Vignali, KC Pak, HR Beverley, JP DeLuca, JW Downs, AT Kress, …
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • Citations: 38
  • Wilson’s disease and iron overload: pathophysiology and therapeutic implications

    • Authors: K Pak, S Ordway, B Sadowski, M Canevari, D Torres
    • Publication Year: 2021
    • Citations: 23
  • Helicobacter pylori Treatment Regimen Selection and Eradication Rates Across Department of Defense Patients for Fiscal Years 2016-2018

    • Authors: ZC Junga, A Mertz, K Pak, M Singla
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • Citations: 9
  • The Patterns and Associated Cost of Serologic Testing for Helicobacter pylori in the U.S. Military Health System

    • Authors: K Pak, Z Junga, A Mertz, M Singla
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: 6
  • State of the art: Test all for anti-hepatitis D virus and reflex to hepatitis D virus RNA polymerase chain reaction quantification

    • Authors: E Umukoro, JJ Alukal, K Pak, J Gutierrez
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • Citations: 5
  • Occult HBV infection: a case series at a military treatment facility

    • Authors: K Pak, S Ordway, D Torres
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: 4
  • An acute presentation of chronic gastric volvulus

    • Authors: K Pak, Z Junga, P Young
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: 4
  • Decades of cough: Delayed recognition of atypical cystic fibrosis in an adult patient

    • Authors: A Chandel, K Pak, S Dooley, K Salazar
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: 3
  • A small blemish: isotretinoin-induced microscopic colitis

    • Authors: LR Dukate, K Pak, W O’Connell, Z Junga
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2
  • A Case of Whipple’s Disease With Concomitant Esophageal Candidiasis

    • Authors: R Choi, A Pazevic, K Pak, M Skaret, A Bachmann, R Wilkerson
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

Conclusion 🔍

Dr. Kevin C. Pak, M.D., is a dedicated physician, educator, and researcher in hepatology and gastroenterology. His commitment to advancing liver disease treatment, coupled with his academic and clinical expertise, makes him a key figure in the field. Through his research, mentorship, and clinical practice, Dr. Pak continues to contribute significantly to medical science and patient care.

loannis Mitsopoulos | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. loannis Mitsopoulos | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student | University Of Thessaly | Greece

Ioannis Mitsopoulos, a researcher and Ph.D. candidate, is dedicated to advancing sustainable aquaculture. His work in fish and plant nutrition, focused on aquaponic systems, emphasizes a multitrophic approach to environmental balance. Ioannis has a diverse background that combines hands-on experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative research contributions in the field of agriculture and aquaculture.

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Strenghts for the Awards

  • Educational Background and Specialized Knowledge: Mr. Mitsopoulos has a solid educational foundation with an Integrated Master’s Degree in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquatic Environment, and is actively working on a Ph.D. focusing on aquaponics, a sustainable and innovative field. This specialized knowledge, along with participation in a Master’s program in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, positions him as a subject-matter expert in sustainable aquaculture practices.
  • Research Experience: His experience includes active involvement in research projects like “FutureAqua” and projects focused on improving the nutritional value of forage legumes for Mediterranean aquaculture species. He also contributes to critical conservation and environmental sustainability initiatives, such as monitoring fish species’ conservation status. This breadth of applied research highlights his ability to work on diverse and impactful studies.
  • Publications and Conferences: Mr. Mitsopoulos has presented his findings at multiple high-profile conferences (e.g., AQUA2018, Aquaculture Europe 2019), showing his work is recognized at international levels. His peer-reviewed publications further demonstrate the rigor and relevance of his research, especially in journals like PeerJ and MDPI. This consistent dissemination of his work to the scientific community is a strong indicator of his commitment to advancing his field.
  • Technical Skills and Certifications: Additional certifications such as the Tilapia, Shrimp, and Carp Welfare Indicators indicate his dedication to understanding animal welfare in aquaculture. This, along with technical workshops in aquaculture and environmental tolerance, shows his commitment to continuous professional development.
  • Extracurricular Involvement: His engagement in workshops, conferences, and technical seminars related to aquaculture and marine biology adds another dimension to his experience, showing a proactive approach to staying updated with current trends and methodologies in his field.

Education 🎓

Ioannis holds an Integrated Master’s Degree from the University of Thessaly, specializing in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquatic Environment. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in fish physiology and plant nutrition within aquaponic systems at the same institution. In 2023, he joined the University of Patras for a Master’s program in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, furthering his commitment to eco-friendly and resilient aquaculture practices.

Experience 💼

Ioannis brings a wealth of experience from internships and research projects. His hands-on work includes monitoring drinking water quality, studying marine mammal biology, and participating in numerous research initiatives. These projects have ranged from improving nutritional value in Mediterranean species to evaluating fish conservation efforts, reflecting his dedication to advancing both scientific knowledge and practical applications in aquaculture.

Research Interests 🔬

Ioannis is passionate about sustainable aquaculture, focusing on fish and plant nutrition within aquaponic systems. His interests encompass the integration of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, aiming to foster resilience and reduce environmental impact. He is particularly interested in multitrophic systems that enhance resource efficiency by combining species in ways that mimic natural ecosystems.

Awards and Certifications 🏆

Ioannis has been recognized for his accomplishments, including certifications in advanced scuba diving and Taekwondo. His achievements also include professional training in fish welfare indicators for tilapia, shrimp, and carp. Through workshops and seminars, he has expanded his expertise in aquaculture innovations and environmental management.

Publications 📚

Ioannis has contributed to several prestigious conferences and journals. Here are selected publications:

  • Vlahos, N., Devetzoglou, K., Mitsopoulos, I., et al. (2018). The effect of fish meal replacement with insect meal on growth performance and survival rate of zebrafish (Danio rerio). AQUA2018, Montpellier, France.
  • Mitsopoulos, I., Tzokas E., Anastasopoulos, E., et al. (2023). Starvation and re-feeding of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and Baltic prawn (Palaemon adspersus) co-cultured with glasswort (Salicornia europaea) in a polyculture aquaponic system. HydroMedit 2023, Mytilene, Greece.
  • Mitsopoulos I, Kontou IG, Babouklis K, et al. (2024). Starvation and re-feeding of Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) co-cultured with glasswort (Salicornia europaea) in a polyculture aquaponic system. PeerJ, 12

Conclusion 🌍

Through his innovative research and practical experience, Ioannis Mitsopoulos is contributing to the future of sustainable aquaculture. His work in multitrophic systems and aquaponics showcases his commitment to environmental stewardship and the pursuit of knowledge that benefits both ecosystems and human needs.