Orquidia G Mendez-Flores | Cognition | Best Faculty Award

Dr. Orquidia G Mendez-Flores | Cognition | Best Faculty Award

Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco | Mexico

Dr. Orquidia G. Méndez Flores is a genetics and molecular biology researcher and professor whose academic foundation includes a biology degree followed by advanced training in molecular neuroscience, emphasizing glial transport systems and glutamate regulation. Her professional experience spans teaching and research roles in universities and scientific institutions, contributing to postgraduate programs, thesis supervision, and academic coordination. She has developed expertise in neurochemistry, molecular nutrition, metabolic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration, while her early work explored the protective and nutritional potential of medicinal plants. Her research focuses on mechanisms linking neurotransmission, metabolic imbalance, brain energetics, and neurodevelopment, applying cellular, animal, and human models to understand how metabolic diseases contribute to neurological deterioration. She is skilled in molecular biology techniques, cell culture, biochemical assays, bioinformatics tools, scientific communication, and mentoring emerging scientists. With numerous scientific publications, active participation in national and international congresses, and membership in research systems, she contributes to advancing neuroscience and biomedical knowledge in Mexico. Her honors include recognition as a national researcher and participation in specialized international training programs that strengthen her academic leadership. Overall, Dr. Méndez Flores represents a dedicated scholar committed to integrating molecular research with health sciences education, fostering innovation in understanding and preventing neurodegenerative and metabolic conditions.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Méndez-Flores, O. G., Costa, A. C. R., de Aguiar, A. F. L., Paes-Colli, Y., Batista, C. M., Ribeiro-Resende, V. T., Ortega, A., & de Melo Reis, R. A. (2025). Extracellular matrix proteins differentiate postnatal mouse retina neurospheres into neurons or glia profiles. Neurochemical Research.

Cigarroa-Durán, J., López-Ramírez, G., Martínez-López, M. C., Castro-Quezada, I., Ortega Soto, A., & Méndez-Flores, O. G. (2025). In young adult males, bitterness perception is associated with excess body mass and metabolic dysregulation. Endocrinología, Diabetes y Nutrición.

Méndez-Flores, O. G., Hernández-Kelly, L. C., Olivares-Bañuelos, T. N., López-Ramírez, G., & Ortega, A. (2024). Brain energetics and glucose transport in metabolic diseases: role in neurodegeneration. Nutritional Neuroscience.

Vahid Rashedi | Alzheimer’s disease | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vahid Rashedi | Alzheimer’s disease | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vahid Rashedi 👨‍⚕️, an esteemed Assistant Professor of Gerontology at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences 🇮🇷, has made outstanding global contributions in aging, cognition, and psychogeriatrics 🌍🧠. With a Ph.D. in Gerontology (2017) 🎓 and extensive editorial duties across high-impact journals 📚, he’s actively involved as a Senior Collaborator with the Global Burden of Disease Project at IHME, University of Washington 🇺🇸. Recognized as a Top 1% scientist by Stanford University in 2024 🏅, he combines academic excellence, innovation, and impactful research. His interdisciplinary work spans gerontology, rehabilitation, mental health, and cognitive science, cementing his status as a global leader in aging research 🌐💡.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Rashedi began his academic path with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Sciences 🎓🦾, focusing on geriatric care and assistive technology. He earned his Ph.D. in Gerontology with distinction in 2017 🥇, building expertise in psychogeriatrics, mental health, and cognitive decline. His academic training was rooted in interdisciplinary frameworks linking medicine, psychology, and social work 🔬💬. This diverse education empowered him to bridge clinical insights with research, enabling innovative health solutions for elderly populations 👵👴. He complements formal education with global scientific memberships and ongoing collaborations with prestigious institutes, such as IHME 🌎, emphasizing lifelong learning and cutting-edge research.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Rashedi has over a decade of rich academic and research experience, currently serving as Assistant Professor at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences 🏫. Since 2019, he has been a Senior Collaborator at IHME, University of Washington, contributing to the Global Burden of Disease project 📊🌐. He has authored 126 indexed journal articles 📑, published a book 📖, and holds four patents, including rehabilitation innovations like the vibrating ankle-foot orthosis 🦿. He is a prolific editorial board member and associate editor for over 10 international journals 📘🖋️. His work in psychogeriatrics and cognition has garnered global recognition, highlighting his leadership and mentoring roles 👨‍🏫🏅.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Rashedi is recognized globally for his scientific excellence, notably ranked in the Top 1% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University in 2024 🌟📈. He holds editorial roles in Frontiers, CGJ, and the Journal of Gerontology, reflecting scholarly esteem 📚. He is a trusted reviewer for numerous high-impact journals and was honored with national and international awards 🥇. His patented inventions in geriatric rehabilitation demonstrate a blend of innovation and clinical value 💡🏥. His GSA, APA, and ISTAART memberships validate his international standing 👏🌐. These honors underscore his unwavering dedication to improving elderly lives through evidence-based science and collaboration 🤝

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Rashedi’s research delves into psychogeriatrics, mental health, and cognitive disorders in aging populations 🧠👴. As part of the Global Burden of Disease team at IHME 🌍, he contributes to global health analytics, shaping international aging policies 📊. His innovations include assistive devices with therapeutic functions, bridging technology and clinical rehabilitation 🛠️⚙️. With 63 research projects and over 26,000 citations 🔍📈, his scholarly output is extensive and impactful. He leads investigations on dementia, geriatric depression, and cognitive resilience, supported by his roles in editorial boards and scientific societies 🧬📘. His mission is to translate research into real-world health solutions for aging communities 🌟🩺.

Publications