Professional Biography of Dr. Narissara Jariyapan
Dr. Narissara Jariyapan is a renowned Associate Professor in the Department of Parasitology at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. With a career spanning decade, her expertise in parasitology, vector biology, and molecular diagnostics has made her a leading figure in the fight against parasitic diseases.

Educational Background
Dr. Jariyapan earned her B.N.S. with First-Class Honors from Chiang Mai University in 1991, followed by an M.Sc. in Parasitology from the same institution in 1993. She pursued her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Immunology at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom, which she completed in 2001 under the Royal Thai Government Scholarship. Further honing her expertise, she underwent advanced training in in vitro cultivation and vector infection techniques at Lancaster University, United Kingdom, from 2015 to 2016.

Research Contributions
Dr. Jariyapan’s extensive research portfolio focuses on vector-borne diseases, their transmission dynamics, and molecular diagnostics. Highlights of her work include:

• Leishmaniasis Research: Her studies on Leishmania (Mundinia) spp. have provided critical insights into the epidemiology and pathology of leishmaniasis in Thailand, including the characterization of new pathogens such as Leishmania martiniquensis and Leishmania orientalis. She developed diagnostic tools and protocols to identify these species, significantly advancing disease detection.
• Vector Biology: She has explored the transmission potential of vectors, including sand flies and midges, identifying Culicoides peregrinus as a possible vector for leishmaniasis. Her work has contributed to understanding vector population dynamics and species identification.
• Molecular and Drug Resistance Studies: Dr. Jariyapan’s research includes the molecular analysis of genes associated with drug resistance in parasites. Her work on amphotericin B resistance in Leishmania martiniquensis has improved therapeutic strategies.
• Innovative Diagnostics: She has leveraged artificial intelligence in entomology, enhancing vector classification accuracy through models like VGG16. Her work facilitates effective vector surveillance and control.
• Salivary Gland Proteomics: Dr. Jariyapan has analyzed the salivary glands of vectors such as mosquitoes and black flies, providing insights into protein expressions linked to pathogen transmission.

Publications and Impact
Dr. Jariyapan has authored over 70 peer-reviewed articles, appearing in esteemed journals such as Parasitology Research, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, and Frontiers in Microbiology. Her work has garnered significant recognition in parasitology, with high citation indices reflecting its impact on global health.

Professional Experience
Dr. Jariyapan has held academic positions at Chiang Mai University, transitioning to Chulalongkorn University in 2020. She has also collaborated with international research teams, contributing to advancements in genome assembly, vector biology, and disease management.

Awards and Recognitions
Her accomplishments have been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Royal Thai Government Scholarship and funding from the Faculty of Medicine Endowment Fund at Chiang Mai University.

Legacy
Through her dedication to parasitology, Dr. Narissara Jariyapan has significantly advanced the understanding of vector-borne diseases. Her contributions continue to shape research, diagnostics, and public health strategies in Thailand and globally, inspiring the next generation of scientists.