Ishrat Mahjabeen | Tumor Biomarkers | Best Scholar Award

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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

Parisa Shamsesfandabadi | Radiation oncology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Parisa Shamsesfandabadi | Radiation oncology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Parisa Shamsesfandabadi 🇺🇸 is a passionate radiation oncologist with a dynamic academic and clinical background, currently serving as Chief Resident at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, PA 💼. She combines a global medical foundation from Iran with extensive U.S. clinical training 🇮🇷➡️🇺🇸. Driven by innovation and compassion, Parisa has earned national recognition with multiple prestigious awards 🏅. Her dedication extends beyond clinical excellence to impactful research, global health, and mentorship 🌍📚. With hands-on experiences at leading institutions like Duke, UNC, and VA Medical Center, her expertise spans brain, breast, liver, and prostate cancer research 🧠💪. Parisa’s unique blend of research, service, and leadership reflects her lifelong commitment to patient care, academic excellence, and transformative cancer therapy 🌟. In addition to her clinical role, she actively contributes as an editorial assistant, social ambassador, and peer-reviewer to renowned medical journals and organizations 📖🤝. She’s a true rising star in oncology 🚀.

Profile

Education 🎓

📍 Chief Resident, Radiation Oncology – Allegheny Health Network, PA (2024–Present) 👩‍⚕️
📍 Residency, Radiation Oncology – Allegheny Health Network, PA (2019–2024) 💉
📍 Internship (PGY-1), Transitional Year – Southern Hills Hospital, Las Vegas, NV (2019–2020) 🏥
📍 M.D. – Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Iran (2007–2014) 🎓🇮🇷
📍 High School – Tehran Farzanegan School, NODET (2000–2007) 🧠🏫
Parisa’s academic journey reflects brilliance from the start, attending Iran’s elite NODET school 🌟. She pursued medicine at KaUMS, consistently ranking top in medical Olympiads 🥇. Her U.S. medical training includes internship and residency in highly reputed institutions, leading to her current leadership as Chief Resident 🧑‍⚕️. Her academic record is peppered with awards, research, and international training, preparing her for a successful future as a physician-scientist and leader in cancer care 🧬🩺.

Experience 👨‍🏫

📍 Chief Resident, Radiation Oncology – AHN (2024–Present)
📍 Research Associate – VA Medical Center, Durham, NC 🧪
📍 Visiting Scholar – Duke, UNC, CCC Las Vegas 🏫
📍 Research Visitor – RAI Lab, Duke University (Glioma Imaging) 🧠
📍 Research Associate – KaUMS, Iran (Probiotics Study) 🧃
📍 Medical Assistant – Advanced Pain Management, NV 💊
📍 Volunteer – Rural Clinics, Pediatrics & Geriatrics Programs 🧒👵
📍 Editorial Assistant – eContour 📘
📍 Communications Intern – RTOG Foundation 💬
Dr. Parisa brings a rich portfolio of clinical and research experience across top U.S. and international institutions 🌍. From clinical research on prostate and brain cancers to hands-on patient care and administrative duties, she is known for her leadership, empathy, and academic dedication 🏥🧠📊.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🎖 2024 RTOG Communications Intern
💰 2023 $25K Grant – MRLinac Sarcoma (Benedum Foundation)
🧳 2023 Travel Grants – ARS, ACRO, ACR
🥇 2022 Resident Best Abstract – ABS
🎖 2022 Editorial/Fellow Roles – eContour, The Mednet, NRG
🌟 2022 RePRT Peer Reviewer – Red Journal
🏆 2022 Travel Award – eContour Vulvar Cancer Guidelines
👩‍🎓 Olympiad Champion – 4x Gold in Iran Medical Olympiads
🧠 UNESCO Youth Award – Earthquake Awareness Project
🏅 Sharif University Medal – Math & Graphs Competition
🧪 Ranked 1st in Nationwide Chemistry Lab Exam
📕 Published Short Book – “World of Animals”
📚 Parisa’s excellence is recognized through national and international grants, editorial roles, peer-review selections, and top medical student honors 🏅. From early academic brilliance to clinical and research impact, her accolades reflect a rare blend of intellect, service, and innovation 🌍✨.

Research Interests 🔬

🧠 Radiogenomics – Brain Cancer Imaging (Duke, UNC)
🧬 MR-Linac SBRT – Liver, Pancreatic, Prostate, and Breast Cancers
💪 Strength Training Impact – Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer
🧲 Adaptive Radiation Therapy – CBCT, MRI-based Comparisons
🔍 Treatment Planning – Monte Carlo vs Cone Algorithm
🧫 Biomarker Evaluation – Breast Cancer (KaUMS & Leiden University)
🧃 Probiotics vs Regular Yogurt in Pediatric Diarrhea
🖥 Editorial & Peer Review Roles – Red Journal, The Mednet, eContour
Dr. Shamsesfandabadi’s research bridges advanced imaging, functional planning, and personalized therapy in oncology 🧠. Her projects focus on enhancing precision radiation therapy using radiogenomics, AI-driven adaptive planning, and improving survivorship through integrative approaches 💻💡. She’s driven to optimize outcomes in patients with complex cancers like gliomas, HCC, and pancreatic malignancies, while actively contributing to guidelines and clinical trials 🧪💥. A rising voice in the next-gen of physician-scientists 🌟.

Publications 
  • -Kirichenko, A., Uemura, T., Hasan, S., Lian, Y., Abel, S., Renz, P.,
    Shamsesfandabadi, P., Carpenter, J., Thai, N., “Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
    (SBRT) for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) with Single Photon Emission
    Computed Tomography (SPECT) Functional Treatment Planning in Patients with
    Advanced Hepatic Cirrhosis.” Advances in Radiation Oncology (Accepted,
    July 2023).
  • Goss, M., Champ, C., Trombetta, M, Shamsesfandabadi, P., DeMartino, V.,
    Wegner, R., Beriwal, S., Eisen, V. “The Comparison of Collapsed Cone and
    Monte Carlo Algorithms in Tangential Breast Planning.” Journal of Radiotherapy
    in Practice. (April 2023).
  • Mazurowski, M.A., Clark, K., Czarnek, N. M., Shamsesfandabadi, P., et al.
    “Radiogenomics of lower-grade glioma: algorithmically assessed tumor shape
    is associated with tumor genomic subtypes in a multi-institutional study with
    The Cancer Genome Atlas data.” Journal of Neuro-Oncology. 2017, May;
    133(1): 27-35. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 28470431.
  • Mazurowski, M. A., Clark, K., Czarnek, N. M., Shamsesfandabadi, P., et al.
    (2017, March 21). “Radiogenomic analysis of lower grade glioma: a pilot multiinstitutional study shows an association between quantitative image features
    and tumor genomics.” SPIE, The international society for optics and photonics.
  • – Sharif, A., Kheirkhah, D., Shamsesfandabadi, P., et al. “Comparison of Regular
    and Probiotic Yogurts in Treatment of Acute Watery Diarrhea in Children.”
    Journal of Probiotics and Health. 2016, Feb; 5(1): 164.

Pedram Fadavi | Radiation oncology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Pedram Fadavi | Radiation oncology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pedram Fadavi, M.D., is a distinguished radiation oncologist and associate professor at Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS). Born in Tehran, Iran (1974), he specializes in cancer treatment, radiotherapy, and oncological research. With over two decades of experience, he has contributed extensively to academia and clinical practice. His expertise spans breast, head, neck, and gynecologic cancers. He has published influential research in radiomics, chemotherapy delays, and treatment-induced complications. A dedicated educator, he mentors medical students and residents while advancing oncology research. 📚💡

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Fadavi earned his M.D. (2000) and board certification in Radiation Oncology (2006) from Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran. He completed a seven-year medical program (1993-2000) and specialized in radiation oncology during his residency (2002-2006). He holds an Iran Medical Council license (No. 76602) and actively contributes to medical education and research at IUMS. His training provided a strong foundation in oncologic treatments and innovative radiotherapy techniques. 🔬📖

Experience 👨‍🏫

Since 2006, Dr. Fadavi has served as a radiation oncologist at Haftome Tir Hospital (IUMS). He became an associate professor in 2008, teaching at IUMS and Tehran University of Medical Sciences (2011-2013). His clinical expertise includes radiotherapy advancements, cancer management, and interdisciplinary oncology research. He has led multiple projects addressing radiation-induced complications and patient outcomes. His leadership in academic and clinical oncology has shaped the future of radiation therapy in Iran. 🌍🔬

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Fadavi’s research centers on radiomics, predictive modeling, and improving radiotherapy outcomes. His recent studies explore machine learning applications in radiation toxicity prediction, chemotherapy delays, and novel treatment strategies for breast, cervical, and head-and-neck cancers. He investigates biomarkers for cancer prognosis and response to therapy, with a strong emphasis on precision oncology. His work in computational oncology and artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics is shaping the future of personalized cancer treatment. 💻🧬Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Fadavi has received numerous accolades for his contributions to radiation oncology and medical research. His work on radiomics, treatment toxicity, and innovative oncological therapies has been recognized in national and international forums. His publications in leading journals and collaborations with top researchers underscore his impact on global cancer research. He has also been honored for his excellence in medical education, research innovation, and commitment to improving patient care. 📜🏅

Publications 📚

Natalia Baran | Cancer Research | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Natalia Baran | Cancer Research | Best Researcher Award

Leading Attending at InselSpital Bern, Switzerland.

Dr. Natalia Baran is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Leukemia at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in leukemia. Her expertise lies in understanding how metabolic reprogramming can lead to drug resistance and contribute to leukemia progression. With a medical background and extensive experience in both clinical and research settings, Dr. Baran has been at the forefront of studies that aim to modulate metabolic pathways to enhance anti-leukemic responses. By combining insights from molecular biology, immunology, and clinical practice, she is actively working toward discovering innovative treatments for leukemia. Dr. Baran’s research holds great promise in advancing leukemia therapy, particularly by targeting metabolic reprogramming in the context of therapy resistance. Her multidisciplinary approach, integrating clinical data with laboratory research, makes her a key figure in leukemia research.

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Natalia Baran completed her undergraduate studies in Biotechnology, earning a Master of Science degree in 2006 from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology in Poland. She further pursued medical education and obtained her Medical Doctor (MD) degree from Wroclaw Medical University in 2007. Driven by her passion for research, Dr. Baran earned a Ph.D. in Medicine from the University of Bonn in 2015. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her current focus on leukemia and metabolic reprogramming. In addition, Dr. Baran underwent extensive postdoctoral training at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she honed her expertise in hematology and oncology, contributing significantly to translational research in leukemia. Her diverse educational background, blending science and medicine, has shaped her comprehensive approach to cancer research.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Baran has a rich professional experience that bridges clinical practice and cutting-edge research. After completing her MD, she pursued clinical residencies in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology at prestigious German institutions, including the University of Heidelberg and the University of Bonn. This clinical experience laid the groundwork for her subsequent focus on leukemia research. In 2016, she joined MD Anderson Cancer Center as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Leukemia. During her postdoctoral tenure, Dr. Baran worked closely with Dr. Marina Konopleva, exploring the role of metabolic pathways in leukemia resistance. By 2022, she had transitioned to an Assistant Professor role, continuing her translational research in leukemia, with a particular emphasis on identifying novel therapeutic strategies. Her clinical and research experiences synergize to enhance her contributions to the leukemia research community.

Research Interests:

Dr. Baran’s research is primarily centered on exploring metabolic vulnerabilities and their role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Her work seeks to understand the mechanisms through which metabolic reprogramming in leukemia cells contributes to drug resistance and tumor progression. Dr. Baran is particularly interested in how modulating the metabolic environment can enhance the effectiveness of leukemia therapies. By focusing on the interplay between metabolism and leukemic cell survival, she aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that target metabolic pathways to overcome resistance to traditional treatments. Her research also explores how immune modulation can be integrated with metabolic interventions to develop more efficient leukemia therapies.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Baran has received recognition for her contributions to leukemia research, although specific awards are not detailed in available sources. However, her research has been featured prominently in major scientific forums, including the Annual Metabolism in Cancer Symposium organized by MD Anderson. Her work has earned her respect within the scientific community, as evidenced by her continued role as an Assistant Professor and her involvement in prestigious cancer research initiatives. Dr. Baran’s impact is evident in her ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical application, aiming to revolutionize leukemia treatment.

Skills:

Dr. Baran’s research skills encompass a wide range of techniques in molecular biology, cell culture, and metabolic analysis. She is highly proficient in studying the metabolic pathways that drive leukemia, using state-of-the-art technologies such as high-resolution metabolic flux analysis, RNA sequencing, and advanced cell imaging. Dr. Baran is skilled at integrating basic science with clinical data, ensuring that her research translates into practical therapeutic interventions. Her expertise in immunology further complements her research in leukemia, allowing her to investigate the potential of combining metabolic therapies with immune modulation to improve patient outcomes. Her interdisciplinary approach is a key strength in her ongoing work in leukemia research.

Publication Top Notes

A Selective BCL-XL PROTAC Degrader Achieves Safe and Potent Antitumor Activity

  • Authors: S Khan, X Zhang, D Lv, Q Zhang, Y He, P Zhang, X Liu, D Thummuri, et al.
  • Journal: Nature Medicine
  • Volume: 25(12), Pages 1938–1947
  • Cited by: 515
  • Year: 2019

Targeting a Cytokine Checkpoint Enhances the Fitness of Armored Cord Blood CAR-NK Cells

  • Authors: M Daher, R Basar, E Gokdemir, N Baran, N Uprety, AK Nunez Cortes, et al.
  • Journal: Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology
  • Volume: 137(5), Pages 624–636
  • Cited by: 226
  • Year: 2021

Inhibiting Glutaminase in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Metabolic Dependency of Selected AML Subtypes

  • Authors: P Matre, J Velez, R Jacamo, Y Qi, X Su, T Cai, SM Chan, A Lodi, et al.
  • Journal: Oncotarget
  • Volume: 7(48), Pages 79722
  • Cited by: 194
  • Year: 2016

Complex I Inhibitor of Oxidative Phosphorylation in Advanced Solid Tumors and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Phase I Trials

  • Authors: TA Yap, N Daver, M Mahendra, J Zhang, C Kamiya-Matsuoka, et al.
  • Journal: Nature Medicine
  • Volume: 29(1), Pages 115–126
  • Cited by: 182
  • Year: 2023

Molecular Pathways: Hypoxia-Activated Prodrugs in Cancer Therapy

  • Authors: N Baran, M Konopleva
  • Journal: Clinical Cancer Research
  • Volume: 23(10), Pages 2382–2390
  • Cited by: 126
  • Year: 2017

Combining AFM13, a Bispecific CD30/CD16 Antibody, with Cytokine-Activated Blood and Cord Blood–Derived NK Cells Facilitates CAR-Like Responses Against CD30+ Malignancies

  • Authors: LN Kerbauy, ND Marin, M Kaplan, PP Banerjee, MM Berrien-Elliott, et al.
  • Journal: Clinical Cancer Research
  • Volume: 27(13), Pages 3744–3756
  • Cited by: 117
  • Year: 2021

Clonal Selection and Therapy Resistance in Acute Leukemias: Mathematical Modelling Explains Different Proliferation Patterns at Diagnosis and Relapse

  • Authors: T Stiehl, N Baran, AD Ho, A Marciniak-Czochra
  • Journal: Journal of The Royal Society Interface
  • Volume: 11(94), Article ID 20140079
  • Cited by: 106
  • Year: 2014

Activation of RAS/MAPK Pathway Confers MCL-1 Mediated Acquired Resistance to BCL-2 Inhibitor Venetoclax in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

  • Authors: Q Zhang, B Riley-Gillis, L Han, Y Jia, A Lodi, H Zhang, S Ganesan, R Pan, et al.
  • Journal: Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy
  • Volume: 7(1), Article ID 51
  • Cited by: 104
  • Year: 2022

Conclusion:

Dr. Natalia Baran is a prominent researcher whose work in leukemia has the potential to transform therapeutic approaches, especially through targeting metabolic pathways. Her strong academic background, combined with extensive clinical and research experience, enables her to address one of the most pressing challenges in leukemia treatment: drug resistance. By focusing on metabolic reprogramming, Dr. Baran is paving the way for innovative strategies to combat leukemia and improve patient outcomes. Her expertise in integrating basic research with clinical applications ensures that her contributions will have a lasting impact on the field of oncology, particularly in the development of new, more effective therapies for leukemia.