Niki Vassilaki | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Niki Vassilaki | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award  🏆

Researcher at Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece

Dr. Niki Vassilaki is a leading expert in Molecular Virology, specializing in the replication of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and viral infections such as those caused by Flaviviridae and SARS-CoV-2. She holds a PhD in Molecular Virology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and completed postdoctoral research at Heidelberg University with Professor Ralf Bartenschlager. Dr. Vassilaki’s research focuses on the role of dopamine metabolism in viral infections and the development of antiviral drugs. With over 60 publications and more than 110 conference presentations, she has secured over €1 million in competitive funding and is a key partner in the European EXPAND-EV program.

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

ORCID

Education 🎓:

Dr. Niki Vassilaki completed her PhD in Molecular Virology at the Biology Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), where she focused on Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) replication. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her deep expertise in viral pathogenesis. She further expanded her knowledge and research capabilities during her postdoctoral studies at Heidelberg University, working in the world-renowned virology laboratory of Professor Ralf Bartenschlager. This experience allowed her to contribute to the development of robust infectious models for studying HCV replication, solidifying her reputation in the virology research community.

Work Experience 💼:

Dr. Niki Vassilaki has extensive experience in molecular virology, focusing on viral replication and pathogenesis. She pursued her PhD at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) under the mentorship of Professor Mavromara, where she specialized in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) replication. Following this, Dr. Vassilaki conducted postdoctoral research at Heidelberg University with Professor Ralf Bartenschlager, contributing to the development of a robust infectious model for HCV. Her current research explores the role of dopamine biosynthesis and metabolism in viral infections, particularly Flaviviridae and SARS-CoV-2, with an emphasis on antiviral drug discovery. She has also held leadership roles, including coordinator of multiple international research programs and membership in various virology and molecular biology committees.

Skills 🔍

Dr. Niki Vassilaki possesses a broad range of skills in molecular virology, viral pathogenesis, and antiviral drug discovery. She has expertise in the molecular biology of Flaviviridae, Hepadnavirus (HBV), and SARS-CoV-2, with a strong focus on viral replication mechanisms and the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Dr. Vassilaki is skilled in advanced laboratory techniques, including PCR, RNA sequencing, and virus culture systems, as well as in designing and executing antiviral assays. Additionally, she has extensive experience in securing competitive funding, managing international research collaborations, and leading research teams focused on innovative antiviral solutions.

Research Interests:

Dr. Niki Vassilaki’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular virology, viral pathogenesis, and antiviral drug discovery. Her work primarily focuses on the replication mechanisms of Flaviviridae viruses, Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and SARS-CoV-2. She is particularly interested in understanding the molecular interactions that govern viral replication and the development of novel replication inhibitors. Additionally, her research explores the role of dopamine biosynthesis and metabolism in viral infections, aiming to uncover how these pathways influence viral pathogenesis. Dr. Vassilaki is also dedicated to the discovery of antiviral agents, with her team developing an ISO-certified pipeline for screening and testing potential therapeutics.

📚 Publications 

  • Title: Alternate translation occurs within the core coding region of the hepatitis C viral genome
    • Authors: A Varaklioti, N Vassilaki, U Georgopoulou, P Mavromara
    • Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry
    • Volume: 277, Issue 20, Pages: 17713-17721
    • Cited by: 238
    • Year: 2002
  • Title: Role of the Hepatitis C Virus Core+1 Open Reading Frame and Core cis-Acting RNA Elements in Viral RNA Translation and Replication
    • Authors: N Vassilaki, P Friebe, P Meuleman, S Kallis, A Kaul, G Paranhos-Baccala, …
    • Journal: Journal of Virology
    • Volume: 82, Issue 23, Pages: 11503-11515
    • Cited by: 130
    • Year: 2008
  • Title: Two alternative translation mechanisms are responsible for the expression of the HCV ARFP/F/core+1 coding open reading frame
    • Authors: N Vassilaki, P Mavromara
    • Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry
    • Volume: 278, Issue 42, Pages: 40503-40513
    • Cited by: 122
    • Year: 2003
  • Title: The HCV ARFP/F/core+1 protein: production and functional analysis of an unconventional viral product
    • Authors: N Vassilaki, P Mavromara
    • Journal: IUBMB Life
    • Volume: 61, Issue 7, Pages: 739-752
    • Cited by: 91
    • Year: 2009
  • Title: Low oxygen tension enhances hepatitis C virus replication
    • Authors: N Vassilaki, KI Kalliampakou, I Kotta-Loizou, C Befani, P Liakos, G Simos, …
    • Journal: Journal of Virology
    • Volume: 87, Issue 5, Pages: 2935-2948
    • Cited by: 65
    • Year: 2013
  • Title: Impact of age and sex on antibody response following the second dose of COVID-19 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in Greek healthcare workers
    • Authors: N Vassilaki, AN Gargalionis, A Bletsa, N Papamichalopoulos, E Kontou, …
    • Journal: Microorganisms
    • Volume: 9, Issue 8, Article: 1725
    • Cited by: 60*
    • Year: 2021

Conclusion 

Dr. Niki Vassilaki’s academic credentials, groundbreaking research, leadership in international committees, and professional affiliations make her a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to molecular virology, antiviral discovery, and global scientific collaborations highlight her excellence and dedication to advancing the field.

Yuandong Gu | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award   🏆

Vice President at National Innovation Center par Excellence, China

Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu is a distinguished researcher and innovator in microelectronics and sensor technology. He serves as the Vice Dean of the Shanghai Yangtze Delta Innovation Institute and was the Founding Dean of the School of Microelectronics at Shanghai University. With a PhD from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2003), his research focuses on piezoelectric MEMS sensors, photonic metamaterials, and their transformative applications. Prof. Gu has held key leadership roles, including Deputy Executive Director at Singapore’s Institute of Microelectronics and Principal Scientist at Honeywell International Inc. He is the author of over 180 peer-reviewed publications and holds 55 USA/SGP patents. His groundbreaking work has earned him prestigious accolades, such as the Shanghai Talent Program Award (2018) and the Engineering Achievement Award from the Institution of Engineers Singapore.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓:

Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu earned his PhD in 2003 from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, specializing in advanced sensor technologies and microelectronics. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his illustrious career in piezoelectric MEMS sensors and photonic metamaterials, fields where he has made groundbreaking contributions. His strong academic background is complemented by his ability to bridge theoretical research with industrial applications, making him a leader in innovative technology development.

Work Experience 💼:

Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu has extensive experience in academia, research, and industry, serving as the Vice President of the Shanghai Yangtze Delta Innovation Institute and Chairman of Shanghai Melon Technology Co., Ltd. He was the Founding Dean of the School of Microelectronics at Shanghai University and a Senior Vice President at SITRI, driving technology commercialization and innovation strategies. At A-STAR Singapore, he led advanced MEMS research as Deputy Executive Director, and at Honeywell International, he managed multi-million-dollar MEMS projects and established the Shanghai Sensors Lab, showcasing his global leadership in microelectronics and sensor technologies.

Skills 🔍

Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu is a highly skilled researcher and leader with expertise in microelectronics, piezoelectric MEMS technologies, and photonic metamaterials. He excels in strategic planning, technology incubation, and the development of cutting-edge sensor platforms, including pMUTs and MEMS-based force sensing modules. His proficiency in project management, cross-functional team leadership, and research-to-market transformation has been demonstrated through his successful execution of multimillion-dollar projects and the commercialization of innovative technologies. With a strong foundation in intellectual property generation, holding 55 patents, and an extensive publication record, he combines technical expertise with visionary leadership to drive impactful advancements in the field.

Research Interests:

Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu’s research interests encompass cutting-edge advancements in piezoelectric MEMS sensors, photonic metamaterials, and their diverse applications. His work focuses on developing innovative sensing technologies, such as piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (pMUTs), and exploring the integration of photonic metamaterials to enhance device performance in various fields. These research efforts aim to address challenges in miniaturization, high precision, and energy efficiency, contributing to advancements in areas such as healthcare, robotics, and communication systems. His dedication to translating research into impactful technologies underscores his contributions to the global microelectronics and sensors community.

📚 Publications 

A 16-channel Si Probe Monolithically Integrated with CMOS Chips for Neural Recording

  • Authors: Gou, G.-Y., You, C., Yao, P., Xue, N., Zhao, M.
  • Journal: Sensors and Actuators Reports
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Volume: 8
  • Article Number: 100206
  • Open Access

Improved Performance of Acoustically Actuated Magnetoelectric Antenna with FeGa/FeGaB Bilayer

  • Authors: Li, K., Zhang, Q., Chang, Y., Zhang, S., Gu, Y.
  • Journal: Micromachines
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue: 2
  • Article Number: 190
  • Open Access

Effect of Humid Environment on Electromechanical Performance of Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers (PMUTs)

  • Authors: Tong, Z., Wu, Z., Gu, Y.A., Lou, L.
  • Journal: Sensors and Actuators A: Physical
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Volume: 366
  • Article Number: 114821

MHorUNet: High-Order Spatial Interaction UNet for Skin Lesion Segmentation

  • Authors: Wu, R., Liang, P., Huang, X., Zhu, H., Chang, Q.
  • Journal: Biomedical Signal Processing and Control
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Volume: 88
  • Article Number: 105517
  • Citations: 13

Enhancement in Performance of SAW Resonator on LN/SiC Substrate by Taking Slowness Asymmetry into Account

  • Authors: Liu, H.L., Zhang, Q.Z., Sun, H., Gu, Y.D., Wang, N.
  • Journal: Journal of Physics: Conference Series
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Volume: 2822
  • Issue: 1
  • Article Number: 012174

A Miniaturized Transit-Time Ultrasonic Flowmeter Based on ScAlN Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers for Small-Diameter Applications

  • Authors: Gao, Y., Chen, M., Wu, Z., Gu, Y.A., Lou, L.
  • Journal: Microsystems and Nanoengineering
  • Publication Year: 2023
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue: 1
  • Article Number: 49
  • Citations: 15

A Highly Integrated 3D MEMS Force Sensing Module With Variable Sensitivity for Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery

  • Authors: Hou, C., Wang, K., Wang, F., Chen, T., Sun, L.
  • Journal: Advanced Functional Materials
  • Publication Year: 2023
  • Volume: 33
  • Issue: 43
  • Article Number: 2302812
  • Citations: 12

Conclusion 

Prof. Dr. Yuandong Gu’s extensive contributions to advanced sensor technology, impactful industrial innovations, and dedication to academic mentorship make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His balance of academic rigor, innovation, and leadership perfectly aligns with the award’s criteria, reflecting his global stature as a transformative researcher.

 

Prof. LindaChao | cognitive neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. LindaChao | cognitive neuroscience | Best Researcher Award 🏆

Professor/Research Career Scientist at UCSF/San Francisco VA Health Care System🎓

Dr. Linda L. Chao is a highly respected neuroscientist whose journey began with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UC Davis. Following her postdoctoral training as a Cognitive Neuroscience Fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Chao joined UCSF, where she is now a Professor in Radiology, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Sciences. She also contributes significantly to veteran health research at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Renowned for her expertise in cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging, Dr. Chao employs advanced MRI, PET, and fMRI techniques to study neurodegenerative diseases, Gulf War Illness, and PTSD. Her groundbreaking work in non-pharmacological therapies for Alzheimer’s and trauma-related conditions has earned her prestigious awards, including the UC Davis Graduate Research Award and the NIMH Fellows Award for Research Excellence. As an active member of key neuroscience organizations and a dedicated mentor, Dr. Chao is a vital figure in advancing mental health research and neuroimaging innovations.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓:

Dr. Linda L. Chao earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences (1987-1991) and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience (1991-1996) from the University of California, Davis. Her dedication to understanding the brain and its functions began here, paving the way for her groundbreaking work in neuroscience and cognitive research.

 

Work Experience 💼:

Dr. Chao’s career reflects a strong commitment to advancing mental health research. Her postdoctoral training took place at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) as a Cognitive Neuroscience Fellow (1996-2000). She joined the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) as an Assistant Professor in Radiology and Psychiatry in 2001, advancing to Associate Professor and later Professor in the departments of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Sciences. She also holds a significant role with the San Francisco VA Medical Center, where she contributes to research safety and promotes veteran health.

 

Skills 🔍

Dr. Chao is highly skilled in cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, and radiology. She has expertise in analyzing brain health through MRI, PET, and fMRI imaging techniques. Her experience extends to research safety, clinical trials, and therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative diseases and Gulf War Illness. Her innovative skills in cognitive and neuroimaging research support her work in developing non-pharmacological interventions for conditions like PTSD and Alzheimer’s.

 

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Chao’s research excellence is recognized with numerous awards, including the University of California, Davis Graduate Research Award (1994) and the Fellows Award for Research Excellence from the National Institute of Mental Health (1999). These honors underscore her significant contributions to cognitive neuroscience and clinical research.

 

🤝 Memberships:

Dr. Chao is actively involved in multiple professional organizations, including the Society for Neuroscience (SFN), Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS), and the International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISAART). Her memberships reflect her dedication to staying at the forefront of neuroscience, cognitive health, and clinical research.

Teaching Experience 👩‍🏫:

With a passion for mentoring, Dr. Chao has taught at UCSF’s School of Medicine, facilitating courses on brain, mind, and behavior. She has lectured on clinical fMRI applications and led seminars on neuroimaging. Her role as a mentor has influenced many students and researchers in radiology, psychology, and psychiatry, shaping the future of neuroscience.

 

Research Focus 🔬:

Dr. Chao’s research primarily explores cognitive function, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuroimaging in veterans. Her work on Gulf War Illness and the effects of sarin exposure highlights her commitment to understanding trauma impacts on the brain. Additionally, she investigates photobiomodulation therapies, non-pharmacological dementia treatments, and PTSD interventions. Her recent studies reveal the complex interactions between genetic factors and environmental exposures affecting brain health.

Conclusion 

Dr. Linda L. Chao is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her remarkable contributions to cognitive neuroscience, dedication to mentoring, and commitment to understanding the brain’s response to trauma and neurotoxic exposure make her a vital asset to the field. With her current momentum and slight expansion in her research’s reach and collaboration, Dr. Chao is well-positioned to continue making substantial, globally impactful advancements in neuroscience.

📚 Publilcation 

  • Topic: Implementing a new multidisciplinary, remote, dementia staff training program for Veterans Affairs nursing homes
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: BMC Health Services Research
  • Topic: Olfactory and cognitive decrements in 1991 Gulf War veterans with Gulf War illness/chronic multisymptom illness
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source
  • Topic: Current health status of Gulf War deployed and Gulf War era veterans who use Veterans Affairs health care
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of Women’s Health
  • Topic: PON1 status in relation to Gulf War Illness: Evidence of gene–exposure interactions from a multisite case–control study of 1990–1991 Gulf War veterans
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
  • Topic: Gulf War illness is associated with host gut microbiome dysbiosis and is linked to altered species abundance in veterans from the BBRAIN cohort
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
  • Topic: Livestream, group movement program for people living with cognitive impairment and care partners: A randomized clinical trial
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions
  • Topic: Characterizing 1991 Gulf War women veterans from the Boston Biorepository and Integrative Network for Gulf War Illness: Demographics, exposures, neuroimaging, and cognitive outcomes
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Clinical Neuropsychologist
  • Topic: Cognitive decrements in 1991 Gulf War veterans: Associations with Gulf War illness and neurotoxicant exposures in the Boston Biorepository, Recruitment, and Integrative Network (BBRAIN) cohorts
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

 

Amit Chougule | Cognitive Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Amit Chougule | Cognitive Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

 

Researcher at Manentia AI, India

 

 

📚 Amit Chougule is a distinguished deep learning and AI researcher with a PhD from BITS Pilani, dedicated to advancing AI through cutting-edge research, algorithm development, and impactful industry contributions. He has over 3 years of expertise in AI and Computer Vision, having worked with esteemed organizations like Philips Research, Sony Research India, and Carleton University’s TrustCAV Research. Amit is proficient in Python and skilled in utilizing various libraries for data manipulation, statistical analysis, and machine learning. His experience includes designing end-to-end AI solutions and developing models for healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and more. 🚀🤖📊

Professional Profile:

 

🎓 Education:

  • PhD in Computer Vision & AI, BITS Pilani, Pilani (2021-2024)
    • Thesis: Artificial Intelligence Enabled Vehicular Vision and Service Provisioning for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
    • Supervisors: Dr. Vinay Chamola, Dr. Pratik Narang & Prof. F. Richard Yu (IEEE Fellow)
  • M.Tech in Big Data & IoT, PES University, Bengaluru (2018-2020)
    • Specializations: IoT, Cloud Computing, Big Data & Cyber Security
  • B.Tech in Computer Engineering, Shivaji University (2013-2017)
    • Focus Areas: Computer Algorithm, Data Structure, Computer Networks & Operating System

💼 Experience:

  • Visiting Researcher, Carleton University, Canada (Dec 2022 – June 2023)
    • Developed techniques for enhancing self-driving vehicles.
    • Analyzed the impact of abnormal weather on vision-based autonomous vehicle operations.
    • Introduced a computer vision-based attention model for reliable autonomous driving in adverse weather.
  • Computer Vision Intern (PhD), Sony Research (Oct 2022 – Nov 2022)
    • Innovated a computer vision model for diagnosing diseases using biomarkers.
    • Developed an advanced pipeline for predicting diseases based on anatomical biomarkers.
  • Machine Learning Engineer, AIvolved Technologies (Aug 2020 – Dec 2020)
    • Worked on object detection, tracking, pose estimation, and web scraping for applications like gait analysis and traffic analysis.
  • Computer Vision Intern, Philips Healthcare Research (July 2019 – July 2020)
    • Conducted research on ultrasound medical imaging.
    • Developed an Anatomical Intelligent Fetal Heart Ultrasound Scanning technique.
    • Implemented an AI model for precise estimation of fetal femur length.

🔧 Skills:

  • Programming Languages: C, C++, JAVA, Python, SQL
  • Machine Learning Frameworks: PyTorch, Keras, TensorFlow
  • CI/CD Tools: Git
  • MLOps Frameworks and Tools: Docker, Kubernetes
  • Data Pipelines and Analytics Tools: Apache Spark, PySpark
  • Image Processing: OpenCV, Matplotlib, Scikit-image, SciPy, Pillow
  • Generative AI: Autoencoders, GANs, Diffusion Models
  • Computer Vision Domains: Image Classification, Object Detection, Object Tracking, Segmentation, Pose Estimation, Computational Geometry, Image Generation
  • Medical Imaging Tools: ImageJ, 3D Slicer, OsiriX, SimpleITK, ITK-SNAP, RadiAnt DICOM
  • Hardware: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Nvidia Jetson Nano

🏆 Awards and Honors:

  1. Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) Specialization by Coursera
  2. Deep Learning with Numpy by Udemy
  3. Getting Started with AWS Machine Learning by Amazon (Coursera)
  4. Computer Vision Basics by University at Buffalo and The State University of New York (Coursera)
  5. Digital Image Processing with OpenCV in Python by GEO University
  6. Data Science with Python by Pluralsight
  7. Pandas Foundations by Datacamp
  8. Python (Advanced Level) by HackerRank

🔬 Research Focus:

Amit Chougule is dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence through cutting-edge research, innovative algorithm development, and impactful industry contributions. He focuses on:

  • Deep Learning Technology: Solving complex real-world problems and driving societal impact.
  • Computer Vision: Enhancing autonomous vehicle capabilities, especially in adverse weather conditions.
  • Medical Imaging: Developing AI models for accurate disease diagnosis and fetal growth prediction.
  • AI Solutions: Designing end-to-end AI solutions, from data pipeline architecture to model deployment.

Publications: