Kiran Sapkota, PhD, is a new faculty member at UNMC.
- Name: Kiran Sapkota, PhD
- New title and department at UNMC: Assistant professor, pharmaceutical sciences, at the UNMC Kearney campus
- Hometown: Pokhara, Nepal
Education:
- PhD, pharmacology and experimental neuroscience, UNMC
- MS, pharmacology, Creighton University
- Master of Pharmacy, medicinal chemistry, Catholic University of Daegu, South Korea
- BS, pharmacy, Pokhara University, Nepal
Memberships:
- Society for Neuroscience
- American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Research/professional interests:
I am interested in identifying and characterizing chemical compounds for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. Specifically, we focus on discovering compounds that modulate the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, a type of glutamate receptor. One potential application of such modulators is in the treatment of disorders like schizophrenia, where NMDA receptor activity is reduced and enhancing their function may offer therapeutic benefits. Currently, I am focused on applying my training and research experiences in various disciplines to prepare lectures for pharmacy students in a meaningful and engaging way.
How I fell in love with pharmacy:
I’ve been interested in biology and chemistry since my high school years. I realized that pursuing a career in pharmacy would allow me to apply both scientific disciplines, which led me to pharmacy school. I’ve always been fascinated by how the interaction of a small molecule with a receptor at the molecular level can influence entire physiological systems, ultimately alleviating symptoms or curing disease. Pharmacy also offers the opportunity to blend scientific knowledge with compassion, offering an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s health and constantly learn about new medications and innovations.
Three things people may not know about me:
- I enjoy playing volleyball and used to play at the school and college level.
- I like cooking and can cook Nepali, Indian and Korean dishes.
- In my free time, I enjoy gardening or walking on the trail with my wife and son.