Lok R. Pokhrel, East Carolina University

Lok R. Pokhrel

Dr. Lok R. Pokhrel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. His research integrates sustainable nanotechnology, environmental and occupational health, toxicology, and quantitative risk assessment to develop innovative solutions for global environmental and public health challenges. Dr. Pokhrel directs the Nano-Technology and Health Laboratory (NHL), where his interdisciplinary research spans nano–bio interactions, nanotoxicology, sustainable agriculture, antimicrobial resistance, water quality, and the development of nano-enabled technologies for environmental remediation, food production, and pollinator health. His current translational research focuses on advancing patentable technologies for sustainable pest management, antimicrobial therapeutics, and climate-resilient agricultural systems while evaluating the environmental health and safety of engineered nanomaterials. Dr. Pokhrel has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and multiple patents and actively mentors graduate and undergraduate researchers. His work bridges fundamental nanoscience with real-world applications to promote the safe, responsible, and sustainable development of nanotechnology for environmental, agricultural, and human health. His research has been funded by NCInnovation, NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, and NSF I-Corps. He serves as an elected council member for the National Environmental Health Science and& Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC), as a grant review for national and international grant agencies, and as an expert reviewer and academic editor for several journals in the field.