Ms. Pratiksha Kshirsagar | Pre-clinical pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Pratiksha Kshirsagar, University of Nebraska Medical Center, United States

Ms. Pratiksha Kshirsagar is a dedicated pharmaceutical scientist currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), USA. With strong academic credentials and hands-on research experience in both India and the U.S., she specializes in bioanalytical method development, preclinical pharmacokinetics, and drug delivery systems. Her work includes the development and validation of LC-MS/MS methods and conducting in vitro and in vivo DMPK studies for novel therapeutics targeting medulloblastoma. She has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and presented her findings at national and international conferences. Ms. Kshirsagar is also a recipient of the UNMC Dean of Graduate Studies Conference Attendance Award and remains committed to advancing pharmaceutical research and translational drug development.

Profile

ORCID

Early Academic Pursuits

Pratiksha Kshirsagar’s academic journey is marked by consistent dedication and a keen interest in pharmaceutical sciences. Her educational foundation was laid at Savitribai Phule Pune University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Pharmacy (2016–2020) with an SGPA of 7.7/10 and a Master of Pharmacy in Pharmaceutics (2020–2022), graduating with distinction (SGPA: 8.96/10). These formative years laid the groundwork for her strong research acumen and laboratory skills. Keen to explore further, she transitioned to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), USA, where she pursued a Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2022–2024). Her academic growth culminated in her enrollment in the Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutical Sciences (2024–2029). With a GPA of 3.6/4.0, her progress has been both steady and impressive. Simultaneously, she earned a Certificate in Applied Biostatistics with a perfect GPA of 4.0/4.0, showcasing her commitment to interdisciplinary learning and data-driven research.

Professional Endeavors

Pratiksha’s professional experience is deeply intertwined with her academic path, reflecting a rare blend of scholarly rigor and hands-on application. At UNMC, under the mentorship of Dr. Daryl J. Murry, she has worked extensively as a graduate research assistant and student researcher, contributing to the development and validation of LC-MS/MS bioanalytical methods for novel small molecules and RIPTACs. Her earlier professional journey in India involved impactful research under Dr. Smita S. Pimple, where she explored micro-emulsions using essential oils and carrier oils for skincare applications. This early exposure to formulation science, coupled with analytical chemistry, gave her a solid foundation in pharmaceutics and laboratory research.

Contributions and Research Focus

Pratiksha’s primary research focus lies in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), with an emphasis on preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutic agents. Her notable contributions include the in-depth pharmacokinetic analysis of EPZ015666 and JNJ-64619178 for medulloblastoma treatment, reflecting her role in advancing pediatric cancer therapy.

Her technical expertise spans several key areas:

• LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method development

• In-vitro studies like metabolic stability, protein binding, and drug transporter assays

• In-vivo animal studies, including oral/IV dosing and tissue distribution

• Use of Phoenix WinNonlin, GraphPad Prism, and other analytical tools for pharmacokinetic modeling

Moreover, she contributed to the design, characterization, and stability testing of advanced nano drug delivery systems such as S-SNEDDS (Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System), which demonstrates her interdisciplinary knowledge.

Accolades and Recognition

Pratiksha’s dedication has earned her notable recognition throughout her academic and research journey. She was awarded the UNMC Dean of Graduate Studies Conference Attendance Award in 2023, underscoring her academic excellence and potential for contribution at scientific forums.

She actively participated in esteemed conferences such as:

• American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), Oct 2023

• UNMC College of Pharmacy Research Day, May 2023

• CHRI Pediatric Research Forum, May 2023

In earlier academic years, she was involved in state and national level conferences and poster competitions, including the Medical Coding & E-Poster Competition (2020) and a State Level Seminar on Natural Products Research (2018).

Impact and Influence

Pratiksha’s research holds real-world significance. Her work on small molecule therapeutics for medulloblastoma contributes to the body of knowledge addressing rare pediatric brain cancers, potentially guiding future clinical interventions. Her cross-functional approach—merging analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical formulation—makes her an invaluable contributor to translational medicine. She has also co-authored several scholarly publications and book chapters on nanotechnology, drug delivery, and antiviral drug challenges, reinforcing her growing influence in the academic community. These contributions are cited in peer-reviewed journals and academic textbooks, evidencing her thought leadership.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Pratiksha continues her Ph.D. journey, her trajectory suggests a future as a leading scientist in pharmaceutical research and drug development. Her interests align with solving complex challenges in drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, and personalized medicine. Looking ahead, she aims to bridge the gap between bench-side research and bedside applications, translating scientific breakthroughs into therapeutic realities. Whether in academia, industry, or clinical collaborations, her vision is clear: to contribute meaningfully to global health innovation.

Publication Top Notes

Crossing the Blood–Brain Barrier: Innovations in Receptor- and Transporter-Mediated Transcytosis Strategies

Contributors: Ling Ding; Pratiksha Kshirsagar; Prachi Agrawal; Daryl J. Murry

Journal: Pharmaceutics

Year: 2025

Preparation and Characterization of Advanced Nano medicine For Malaria: Box Behnken Design Approach

Contributors: Anuradha G. More; Parag R. Potbhare; Padmaja S. Kore; Praveen D. Chaudhari; Pratiksha U. Kshirsagar; Radhika R. Baheti; Surbhi C. Gupta

Journal: International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research

Year: 2022