İlkay ER | Hematological Biomarkers in Neonates | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. İlkay ER | Hematological Biomarkers in Neonates | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ilkay Er, MD, is an Associate Professor of Neonatology at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey. With a dedicated focus on neonatal care, her clinical and academic pursuits center around prematurity, neonatal sepsis, congenital disorders, and early diagnostic biomarkers. She has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects, contributing significantly to advancements in neonatal lung function, infection control, and infant nutrition. Dr. Er has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed publications, many in high-impact journals, and is actively involved in medical education, mentoring pediatric residents and students. Her research extends to rare congenital syndromes and pediatric clinical genetics. She is an editorial reviewer for several neonatology journals and holds memberships in key medical societies, including the Turkish Neonatology Association. Dr. Er’s commitment to innovation is reflected in her patent for a catheter stopper design and her recognized excellence in clinical neonatology and pediatric research.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Ilkay Er completed her medical degree (MD) followed by specialization in pediatrics and a subspecialty in neonatology, equipping her with comprehensive knowledge and skills in neonatal care and perinatal medicine. Her academic foundation is rooted in both clinical training and scientific inquiry, which facilitated her appointment as an Associate Professor at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine. Through continual academic development and participation in structured medical education programs, she has cultivated a robust understanding of neonatal pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic interventions. In addition to her formal medical education, Dr. Er has contributed to academic instruction, serving as a mentor and educator for medical students and pediatric residents. Her multidisciplinary expertise enables her to bridge clinical practice with translational research, particularly in early diagnostic biomarkers, pulmonary function in neonates, and congenital anomalies. Her academic trajectory exemplifies a lifelong commitment to learning, discovery, and teaching in neonatology.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Ilkay Er has amassed substantial clinical, research, and academic experience in neonatology over the past decade. As an Associate Professor at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, she provides advanced clinical care in neonatal intensive care units and leads both bedside management and multidisciplinary research initiatives. She has directed institutional and national projects on neonatal sepsis, COVID-19 in neonates, congenital pneumonia, and premature nutrition, demonstrating her leadership in translational and applied neonatal research. Dr. Er has authored over 35 peer-reviewed journal articles, delivered 29 conference presentations (national and international), and contributed book chapters to medical literature. In addition to her clinical and research responsibilities, she has served as a mentor and educator, training the next generation of pediatricians. Her innovative approach is also evident through her patent in medical device design. She collaborates extensively with national medical networks, such as the Turkish Neonatology Association and POCUSNEO-Hemodynamics Group.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Ilkay Er has been recognized for her scientific contributions and excellence in neonatal research and education. She was honored with the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 3rd National Pediatric Pulmonology Congress for her pioneering work on impulse oscillometry reference values in Turkish preschool children. Her innovative projects have received institutional support, including grants from the Scientific Research Projects Unit (BAP). She is also acknowledged for her leadership in major national and international studies, including those on neonatal COVID-19 and premature infant outcomes. Dr. Er’s publication in Children (2025) on immature platelet fraction in neonatal sepsis is among her many works that reflect her impactful research. She has served as a reviewer for several high-impact pediatric and neonatology journals, and her utility model patent passed preliminary review, demonstrating innovation in infection control. Her memberships in professional societies further reflect her respected standing in the pediatric research community.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Ilkay Er’s research is centered on improving diagnostic precision and clinical outcomes in neonatology. She explores novel biomarkers, particularly the immature platelet fraction (IPF), to enhance early detection of neonatal sepsis, congenital pneumonia, and preeclampsia-related complications. Her work on lung function analysis using impulse oscillometry in preterm infants adds valuable insight into respiratory management strategies. She also investigates pain scales in preterm care, nutrition outcomes in very low birth weight infants, and the impact of perinatal vitamin D deficiency. Notably, her research extends to genetic disorders such as harlequin ichthyosis and congenital nephrotic syndrome. Dr. Er leads and collaborates on national and international studies regarding COVID-19’s impact on neonates, neonatal intensive care practices, and inflammatory marker assessment in ductus arteriosus. Her research is both clinically transformative and grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging clinical neonatology with molecular biology, genetics, and health policy innovation.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Ilkay Er’s dedication to neonatology is exemplified by her clinical leadership, innovative research on neonatal diagnostics and outcomes, and ongoing contributions to academic medicine and pediatric education, positioning her as a distinguished expert committed to advancing neonatal care globally.

 

Publications

  • Factors Affecting Lung Function in Preschool Children with a History of Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn

    Iranian Journal of Pediatrics
    2024-09-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.5812/ijp-138368
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ismail Cevik; Ilkay Er; Ayla Gunlemez

  • Evaluation of Lung Functions in Preschool-Children Diagnosed with Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn by Impulse Oscillometry System

    2024-01-30 | Preprint
    DOI: 10.22541/au.170665878.89002912/v1
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ismail Çevik; İlkay ER; Ayla Günleme

  • The Role of Biofeedback Treatment in Children with Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

    Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease
    2022-03-16 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.12956/tchd.858689
    CONTRIBUTORS: Emel Isıyel; Elif Çomak; İlkay Er

Ishrat Mahjabeen | Tumor Biomarkers | Best Scholar Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen | Tumor Biomarkers | Best Scholar Award

Academician/Research Scholar |COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen is an accomplished molecular biologist and cancer geneticist currently serving as Associate Professor at COMSATS University Islamabad, with extensive expertise in head and neck cancer, gene regulation, and microRNA biology. She earned her PhD in Cancer Genetics from COMSATS and recently completed a prestigious Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship at Brown University, USA. Dr. Mahjabeen has over two decades of research and academic experience, contributing significantly to molecular oncology through her work on base excision repair pathway genes, miRNA dysregulation, and genetic polymorphisms. She has also been an active educator, having supervised numerous undergraduate and graduate students and taught a variety of bioscience courses. Her scholarly contributions include a Springer book chapter and multiple international conference presentations. With a deep commitment to cancer research and academic mentorship, she continues to shape the future of biomedical science in Pakistan and beyond through her innovative work and international collaborations.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen holds a diverse academic background rooted in biological sciences. She earned her Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2023–2024) from Brown University, USA, through the esteemed Fulbright Scholarship Program. Her PhD in Cancer Genetics was awarded by COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Islamabad in 2013, where she conducted a thesis on deregulated base excision repair pathway genes and microRNAs in head and neck cancer. Prior to her doctorate, she completed her M.Phil. in Developmental Biology from Quaid-e-Azam University in 2006, focusing on methylcobalamin’s role in sciatic nerve regeneration in rabbits. Her academic journey began with an MSc in Zoology from the University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi in 2003, where she explored the impact of temperature on arthropod populations. This strong foundation across developmental biology, zoology, and cancer genetics has equipped her with a multi-dimensional understanding of complex biological systems, enabling her significant contributions to cancer research and biosciences education.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen has over 20 years of rich research and academic experience in biosciences and molecular oncology. Since May 2024, she has been serving as Associate Professor at COMSATS University Islamabad, where she previously held the positions of Assistant Professor (2017–2024) and Senior Scientific Officer (2014–2017). Her academic journey began with research fellowships at leading institutions, including the Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Quaid-e-Azam University, and PMAS Arid Agriculture University. She also contributed as an honorary lecturer in Talagang. As a committed educator, she has supervised over 140 students across BS, MS, and PhD levels and has taught advanced courses in molecular biology, research techniques, and biochemistry. Her leadership in academia is marked by dedication to translational cancer research, curriculum development, and capacity building in the life sciences, fostering innovation and scientific rigor among emerging researchers.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen has been honored with the prestigious Fulbright Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2023–2024) at Brown University, USA—an international recognition of her excellence in cancer genetics research. Her academic achievements and research impact have earned her continued faculty promotions within COMSATS University Islamabad, reflecting her contributions to teaching, student mentorship, and scientific leadership. She has received recognition for her work through invited talks and presentations at notable global scientific platforms, including the American Association of Extracellular Vesicles (AAEV 2023) in Boston and multiple international conferences in Turkey and Pakistan. Her chapter contribution in a Springer book on head and neck cancer highlights her thought leadership in molecular oncology. These accolades underscore her pioneering work in cancer biology, particularly in miRNA and gene regulation research, as well as her role in fostering academic excellence and collaborative innovation across borders.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen’s research centers on molecular oncology with a focus on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying cancer development, particularly head and neck cancers. Her PhD work explored deregulated base excision repair pathway genes and the role of microRNAs in tumor progression. She investigates how miRNA dysregulation, gene polymorphisms, and checkpoint kinase alterations contribute to tumorigenesis, with significant emphasis on gliomas, gastric cancer, and H. pylori-associated pathogenesis. Dr. Mahjabeen is also involved in studying exosomal miRNAs and their functional targets, aiming to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Her translational research approach integrates molecular biology with bioinformatics to unravel cancer pathways and personalize treatment strategies. Her postdoctoral research at Brown University further broadened her scope, allowing global collaborations and access to advanced genomic tools. She remains committed to bridging basic research and clinical relevance to improve early cancer diagnostics and targeted therapies in low-resource healthcare settings.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen stands out as a dynamic academic and cancer researcher, combining excellence in teaching, mentorship, and cutting-edge molecular oncology. Her global exposure, leadership in translational research, and unwavering commitment to biosciences make her an asset to the scientific community.

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Publications