Rupendra SHRESTHA

Dr. Rupendra SHRESTHA

Department of Natural and Applied Sciences (NAAS), Nexus Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI), Kathmandu, Bāgmatī, Nepal
orcid

Biography

I am a dedicated science fellow with a strong background in regenerative medicine and developmental biology research. My core expertise lies in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and the application of human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs and hESCs), particularly in their directed differentiation into complex 3D structures like retinal organoids. My research covers the interconnected fields of cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, and tissue engineering. I am particularly interested in understanding how cells differentiate, acquire spatial identity, and self-organize into tissue-like structures that mimic in vivo development. A key focus of my work is the modeling of early differentiation, axon growth, and pathfinding of human retinal ganglion cells. My work also involves the use of 3D culture systems, nanofibrous scaffolds, and biomaterials to create functional biological environments that support lineage-specific differentiation. Additionally, I have experience in human genetics, with expertise ranging from cytogenetic analyses (karyotyping and FISH) to detect chromosomal abnormalities and molecular genetic testing to identify specific genetic disorders.

Affiliations

Nexus Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI)

Kathmandu, Bāgmatī, Nepal

Department of Natural and Applied Sciences (NAAS)

Honors and Awards

honor

FFS / Hanson Family Trust Postdoctoral Award

Fight of Sight, NY

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of CRB1-associated retinal dystrophies using human retinal organoids. https://fightforsight.org/grants/past-awardees/

honor

3-D Retina Organoid Challenge (3-D ROC)- NEI/NIH Phase II Prize

National Eye Institute/NIH, Bethesda, MD

NEI awards a team led by Wei Liu, Ph.D., Albert Einstein College of Medicine $40,000 for developing two different types of organoids, one which is enriched for cone photoreceptors and the other organoid demonstrating RGC axon pathfinding abilities. https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/goals-and-accomplishments/nei-research-initiatives/3-d-retina-organoid-challenge-3-d-roc/2017-ideation-challenge/2017-ideation-winner-and-honorable-mention

honor

Best PhD Thesis

Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan

Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSC)-Derived Retinal Organoids and Retinal Pigment Epithelium to Model Retinal Development and Degenerative Diseases.

Experience

Senior Scientist or Principal Investigator

Nexus Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI), Lalitpur, Nepal

01 Sep 2024 - present

Research Consultant

Anka Analytica, Melbourne, Australia

01 Jan 2023 - 01 Jul 2024

Post Doctoral Researcher

Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, US

01 Feb 2020 - 01 Jul 2023