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Apaala Basak bags innovation award for ALS treatment
She was recognized for developing a minimally invasive, light-based therapy to improve swallowing in ALS patients.
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Bhavana P - Mon, 21, Apr 2025
- 14:53 EDT
- 74
Apaala Basak / University of Missouri
University of Missouri post doctoral candidate Apaala Basak was awarded the 2025 Michael Donovan NFOSD Innovation Award by the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders.
The award recognizes Basak for her pioneering work in managing dysphagia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients through optogenetic neuromodulation. She received this international recognition at the Dysphagia Research Society Annual Meeting.
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Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects most ALS patients and is a leading cause of death. Basak’s approach involves using a virus tagged with a light-sensitive protein injected into the tongue, enabling the muscles to respond to light stimulation and support swallowing function. The technique offers an alternative to invasive brain surgeries, which are not viable for many patients suffering from ALS-related motor deficits.
“If my research can save one life or improve the life of even one person, I’ll feel that I have done something worthwhile,” Basak said.
In addition to the award, Basak has been recognized on campus with the Mizzou 18 Award and the Graduate Professional Council International Student Award. Originally trained in applied physics, Basak entered Mizzou’s doctoral program focusing on real-time imaging before transitioning to optogenetics, guided by her advisor Teresa Lever and support from a cross-disciplinary dissertation committee.
Beyond research, Basak has held multiple leadership roles, including president of the Missouri International Student Council and co-founder of the College of Engineering Graduate Student Association. Set to graduate in December, Basak says she’s preparing for the next step in her career as a researcher committed to translating science into life-changing therapies.
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