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

Jim Jinn-Chyuan Sheu | Precision medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jim Jinn-Chyuan Sheu | Precision medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jim Jinn-Chyuan Sheu is a professor at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, and an adjunct professor in several prestigious institutions. With a PhD in Life Science from National Tsing-Hua University, his academic and industrial experiences span cancer genetics, precision medicine, and biopharmaceuticals. He has held positions at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and Development Center for Biotechnology. His research explores molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer and endometriosis, employing genome-wide technologies to identify biomarkers and drug targets. He actively contributes to biomedical innovation, translational medicine, and mentorship. Dr. Sheu has received numerous national and international awards, including the Wu-Da-You Memorial Award and Sigma Xi membership. He is also an ambassador for the European Association for Cancer Research. As a prolific researcher and reviewer, he plays key roles in research councils and institutional review boards, helping shape scientific policy and translational biomedical advancements in Taiwan and beyond.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Sheu earned his Ph.D. in Life Science from National Tsing-Hua University, Taiwan, in 2002, where he focused on advanced molecular biology, gene expression regulation, and biomedical research. His doctoral training provided a strong foundation in cancer genetics and systems biology. Earlier, he completed his B.S. in Biology (now Life Science) from Fu-Jen University in 1994, building core competencies in biological sciences and cellular mechanisms. These educational milestones equipped him with theoretical knowledge and technical skills in genomics, proteomics, and cellular signaling, which are now reflected in his research on chromatin remodeling, cancer biomarkers, and therapeutic targets. Through rigorous academic mentorship, Dr. Sheu gained early exposure to multidisciplinary research and critical analysis, fostering his interest in precision medicine. His academic background laid the groundwork for his contributions to biomedical research, drug development, and translational science. These formative years in Taiwan’s top universities underpin his long-standing excellence in scientific discovery and innovation.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Sheu’s professional experience includes faculty roles and research leadership across academia and industry. He has served as a Professor at National Sun Yat-sen University since 2014 and previously held faculty roles at China Medical University. Internationally, he was a Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (2004–2006). Between 2003–2004, he worked in various leadership positions at the Development Center for Biotechnology, including Director of Protein Drugs Division and Project Leader. His postdoctoral and early research roles included work with Dr. Tse-Wen Chang and Dr. Carmay Lim at Academia Sinica. His academic leadership includes roles such as Associate VP of R&D, Chair of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Director of Research Resources at NSYSU. He has reviewed research proposals for numerous hospitals and institutions, served on IRBs, and guided government research policy. His diverse experience bridges basic science, translational research, and biomedical entrepreneurship with national and global impact.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Sheu has received over 30 prestigious awards. In 2023 alone, he earned the Tien-Te Lee Award, NSYSU Outstanding Faculty Award, and top honors at the 37th Joint Biomedical Conference. He previously received the Prof. Chii-Ruey Tzeng Award, Sigma Xi membership (2021), and EACR Ambassador role (2020). His innovation was recognized by Future Tech Award and the 2020 Smart Life Innovation Competition. His studies were featured as Taiwan Research Highlights and F1000Prime recommendations. He was the 2014 recipient of the Wu-Da-You Memorial Award and the IBC Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award. He received the Medical Young Investigator Award in 2009 and the Best Basic Science Award at Johns Hopkins in 2005. As a government-financed scholar to the U.S., his academic excellence has been internationally recognized. He consistently ranks among Taiwan’s top biomedical researchers, illustrating his impact through award-winning research in endometriosis, cancer stemness, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovation.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Sheu’s research focuses on cancer genetics and genomics, endometriosis, precision medicine, chromatin remodeling, cytoskeletal dynamics, cell adhesion and invasion, and mechanotransduction. His lab investigates how abnormalities in gene expression and chromatin structure drive disease progression, especially in gynecologic cancers and endometriosis. By applying genome-wide analysis and bioinformatics, his team identifies disease-driving genes and develops novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. A key interest is the tumor microenvironment and how cytoskeletal networks and nuclear architecture influence cancer stemness and metastasis. His group explores traditional Chinese medicine compounds and stem cell therapies, advancing integrative approaches to medicine. Antibody and vaccine engineering are also integral to his translational pipeline. Funded by NSTC Taiwan and other institutions, his projects target non-invasive diagnostics and biomarker-based interventions. His long-term vision involves bridging molecular biology, clinical application, and therapeutic innovation to impact patient care and global health through interdisciplinary and precision-driven biomedical science.

Publications