Yi Zhang | Obesity and Inhibitory-control | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yi Zhang | Obesity and inhibitory-control | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Xidian University, China

Dr. Yi Zhang is a distinguished neuroscientist and professor at the School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, China, where he also directs the Center for Brain Imaging. Born in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China, in 1980, Dr. Zhang has dedicated his academic and research career to exploring the brain’s mechanisms using advanced neuroimaging tools. With a PhD in Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems, he combines engineering and neuroscience to investigate conditions like obesity, addiction, and acupuncture effects. He has published over 80 journal articles and served on editorial boards of several high-impact journals. His work emphasizes functional MRI, brain modulation, and neurofeedback to improve cognitive and behavioral health. Recognized with multiple national awards, Dr. Zhang has also served as a visiting scholar in the U.S. and holds memberships in prestigious global neuroscience and medical imaging societies. His research continues to drive innovation in non-invasive brain intervention and signal processing techniques.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Yi Zhang’s academic journey is rooted in Xidian University, Xi’an, China, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering in 2003. He continued his postgraduate studies in the same institution, receiving his Master’s degree in 2006 and PhD in 2009 in Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems, focusing on integrating engineering and intelligent control with neural research. His passion for bridging technology and life sciences led him to further his academic exposure abroad. From 2010 to 2011, he was a visiting scholar at the Department of Psychiatry and McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida College of Medicine in the United States. This international experience broadened his expertise in functional MRI and advanced medical imaging. His multidisciplinary educational background has laid a strong foundation for his research in brain imaging, signal processing, and behavioral neuroscience, allowing him to contribute significantly to understanding neural mechanisms in health and disease.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Yi Zhang has had a progressive academic career at Xidian University, starting as a Teaching Assistant in the School of Electronic Engineering (2006–2008), followed by roles as Lecturer (2008–2010), Associate Professor (2010–2015), and Professor since 2015 at the School of Life Science and Technology. His teaching has been complemented by his leadership as Director of the Center for Brain Imaging, where he spearheads interdisciplinary research projects. He has collaborated internationally as a visiting scholar at the University of Florida, enhancing his global perspective in brain imaging. His professional contributions encompass mentoring, publishing, and developing cutting-edge research on obesity, addiction, acupuncture, and real-time neurofeedback. Dr. Zhang has also held key editorial and organizational roles, showcasing his dedication to academic excellence. With over 15 years of continuous experience, he remains a prominent figure in neuroimaging, blending teaching and research to cultivate innovation in neuroscience and intelligent systems.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Yi Zhang has been the recipient of several prestigious national and institutional honors in recognition of his contributions to neuroscience and medical imaging. In 2022, he received the First Prize of the Shaanxi Higher Education Science and Technology Award for his research on brain modulation in obese patients. His work on acupuncture mechanisms using fMRI earned him First and Second Prizes from the China Society for Stereo Vision and Beijing Natural Science Award in 2015 and 2014, respectively. He was named an Early Career Investigator under the “Hua Mountain Scholar Program” in 2014 and by NIDA’s mini-convention in 2011. Additional accolades include First Prizes from the Shaanxi Higher Education and second prize from the Provincial Science and Technology Award in 2011. These recognitions affirm his innovative work in functional neuroimaging and its applications in cognitive enhancement, pain management, and behavioral intervention. His research continues to garner attention and impact across disciplines.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Yi Zhang’s research lies at the intersection of brain science, medical imaging, and behavioral neuroscience. His primary focus is the application of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to investigate brain activity in conditions like obesity, heroin addiction, and acupuncture. As Director of the Center for Brain Imaging, he leads studies on real-time neurofeedback to modulate brain functions, especially appetite and reward mechanisms. His work aims to decode neural patterns and develop interventions that influence behavior and cognition. With an engineering background, he also develops advanced signal processing algorithms to handle dynamic, multivariate neurobiological data. His interdisciplinary approach has helped bridge neuroscience and intelligent systems, enabling novel therapeutic strategies. Dr. Zhang’s research has influenced fields like psychopharmacology, neurofeedback therapy, and brain modulation, providing insights into the biological basis of behavior and supporting non-invasive treatment strategies. He has co-authored over 80 journal papers, affirming his position as a leader in neuroimaging innovation.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Yi Zhang stands out as a visionary neuroscientist whose interdisciplinary expertise in engineering and life sciences advances brain imaging and cognitive neuroscience. Through pioneering research in fMRI, neurofeedback, and brain modulation, he addresses critical health issues like obesity, addiction, and pain. With a distinguished academic record, numerous awards, and a global scholarly presence, Dr. Zhang continues to shape the future of neuroscience research and education through his leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving human health.

Publications

  • A hybrid network integrating convolution and transformer for thymoma segmentation

    Intelligent Medicine
    2023-08 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.imed.2022.06.003
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jingyuan Li; Wenfang Sun; Xiulong Feng; Karen M. von Deneen; Wen Wang; Guangbin Cui; Yi Zhang

  • MG-Net: Multi-level global-aware network for thymoma segmentation

    Computers in Biology and Medicine
    2023-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106635
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jingyuan Li; Wenfang Sun; Karen M. von Deneen; Xiao Fan; Gang An; Guangbin Cui; Yi Zhang

  • Electroacupuncture enhances resting-state functional connectivity between dorsal caudate and precuneus and decreases associated leptin levels in overweight/obese subjects

    Brain Imaging and Behavior
    2022-02 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00519-3
    CONTRIBUTORS: Yang He; Karen M. von Deneen; Guanya Li; Borong Jing; Yanyan Zhou; Kaiya Zhang; Yi Zhang; Yuanyuan

  • A dense connection encoding–decoding convolutional neural network structure for semantic segmentation of thymoma

    Neurocomputing
    2021-09 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.neucom.2021.04.023
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jingyuan Li; Wenfang Sun; Xiulong Feng; Gang Xing; Karen M. von Deneen; Wen Wang; Yi Zhang; Guangbin Cui

Marta Comes Carsí | Psychiatry and ophthalmology | Women Researcher Award

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Mrs. Marta Comes Carsí | Psychiatry and ophthalmology | Women Researcher Award

Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Spain

Mrs. Marta Comes Carsí is a Spanish ophthalmologist from Valencia with extensive clinical and academic expertise in visual sciences, retina, and ocular pathologies. Born on November 12, 1992, she currently serves as a Facultativo Especialista in Ophthalmology at the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia. Her medical career is marked by specialized training across top hospitals in Spain, including Barcelona and Valencia, and advanced postgraduate studies in retina, uveitis, and clinical ophthalmology. With multiple master’s degrees and international certifications from the European Board of Ophthalmology and the International Council of Ophthalmology, Mrs. Comes Carsí combines a strong academic foundation with practical excellence. Her research explores structural and functional alterations of the retina, especially in psychiatric conditions, and has been published in prestigious ophthalmological journals. Fluent in English and Catalan, she actively contributes to continuing medical education and integrates evidence-based practices in clinical care.

Profile

🎓 Education

Mrs. Marta Comes Carsí obtained her medical degree from the Universitat de València in 2016, laying a strong foundation for her specialization in ophthalmology. She then completed a Master’s in Clinical Medicine at Universidad Camilo José Cela (2017), followed by multiple postgraduate degrees at Universidad Tecnológica de las Islas Canarias in Retina and Uveitis, Clinical Ophthalmology, and Ocular Pathologies (2024). She earned the European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma (EBO) and multiple certifications from the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) in Clinical Ophthalmology, Visual Sciences, and Optics. Her extensive additional training includes accredited university courses in surgical techniques, pediatric glaucoma, corneal diseases, and ocular inflammation. This multidisciplinary academic background equips her with the knowledge to manage complex ocular conditions and to contribute significantly to academic research and clinical teaching. Her education reflects a continuous commitment to staying updated with evolving practices and innovations in visual science and eye health.

🧪 Experience

Mrs. Marta Comes Carsí has accumulated a wide range of clinical experience through her progressive roles in leading Spanish medical institutions. She began her residency at Hospital Clínico y Provincial de Barcelona in 2017 and continued at the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia from 2020 to 2024. Her dedication and expertise earned her a permanent position as a Facultativo Especialista in Ophthalmology at the same Valencia hospital, where she now works part-time. Mrs. Comes Carsí’s clinical work spans general ophthalmology, retinal pathologies, anterior segment imaging, and pediatric ocular disorders. Her experience also includes performing ophthalmologic surgeries and diagnosing complex visual system disorders. She actively participates in scientific and academic programs, blending patient care with educational involvement. Her clinical background, enriched with hands-on training and high-level certifications, reflects a comprehensive and evolving practice in visual health, making her a reliable clinician, researcher, and educator in the field of ophthalmology.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Mrs. Marta Comes Carsí’s commitment to academic and clinical excellence has been recognized through several prestigious achievements. She was awarded the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) Diploma in 2024, a significant credential demonstrating her advanced expertise across European standards. Additionally, she earned certifications from the International Council of Ophthalmology in Clinical Ophthalmology, Visual Sciences, and Optics—honors that underscore her global standing in ophthalmic education. Her dedication to continuing education is evident in her completion of specialized university-accredited courses in glaucoma, surgical ophthalmology, corneal diseases, and pediatric pathologies. These honors signify her commitment to lifelong learning and delivering the highest standards of care in ophthalmology. Her active involvement in continuing education programs and international evaluations confirms her drive for excellence and positions her as a highly respected ophthalmologist committed to best practices, academic advancement, and patient-centered care.

🔬 Research Focus

Mrs. Marta Comes Carsí’s research primarily focuses on the intersection of ophthalmology and systemic or neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly studying structural and functional retinal changes. Her recent work includes investigations into visual function and retinal morphology in patients with bipolar disorder, indicating a multidisciplinary approach that integrates psychiatry and ophthalmology. She also contributes to anterior segment imaging studies, such as iris abnormalities using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Her publications, appearing in Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología, highlight her emphasis on evidence-based clinical advancements. Mrs. Comes Carsí applies her research findings to refine diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic approaches in complex ocular pathologies. Her focus on retinal diagnostics and systemic ocular manifestations supports the advancement of personalized ophthalmic care. By combining advanced imaging, clinical insight, and inter-disciplinary research, she is contributing to a broader understanding of ocular biomarkers relevant to both ophthalmology and systemic disease diagnosis.

✅ Conclusion

Mrs. Marta Comes Carsí exemplifies the integration of clinical expertise, academic rigor, and research innovation in modern ophthalmology. With a solid educational foundation, diverse hospital experience, and internationally recognized certifications, she advances patient care while contributing to scientific understanding of ocular diseases. Her work stands at the forefront of visual science and clinical excellence.

Publications

  • Marta Comes Carsí; Delia Hernández Pérez; Antonio Miguel Duch Samper. Subretinal hemorrhages
    with subfoveal involvement after blunt ocular trauma, in a patient with pseudoxanthoma elasticum and
    angioid streaks. Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología (English Edition). 99 – 9, pp. 412.
    Elsevier BV, 22/06/2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2024.05.013. Epub 2024 Jun 22.>. ISSN 2173-5794

  • Marta Comes Carsí; Noemí Ruiz Del Río; Antonio Miguel Duch Samper. Myopic macular pit with
    scleral dehiscence in highly myopic patient. Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología
    (English Edition). Elsevier BV, 20/07/2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2024.07.008>. ISSN 2173-5794
  • Marta Comes Carsí; Elena Gracia Rovira; Laura Manfreda Domínguez; Vicente Tomás Pérez
    Torregrosa; John Paul Liscombe Sepúlveda; Antonio Miguel Duch Samper. Oclusión combinada de
    vena central de la retina y arteria ciliorretiniana en dos pacientes jóvenes. Archivos de la Sociedad
    Espanola de Oftalmologia. Elsevier BV, 19/08/2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oftal.2024.08.006.>.
    ISSN 0365-6691
  • Noemí Ruiz Del Río; Marta Comes Carsí; Leyre Sanz Gallen. Roséola sifilítica iridiana. Utilidad de la
    tomografía de coherencia óptica de segmento anterior. Archivos de la Sociedad Espanola de
    Oftalmologia. Elsevier BV, 24/08/2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oftal.2024.08.004>. ISSN 0365-6691
  • Marta Comes Carsi; José Miguel Vilaplana Mora; Laura Manfreda Domínguez; Carlos Cañete
    Nicolás; Antonio Miguel Duch Samper. Alteraciones en la función visual y en la estructura retiniana
    de los pacientes con trastorno bipolar. Archivos de la sociedad española de oftalmología. (España):
    elsevier, 05/2025. <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oftal.2025.03.007>.
  • Marta Comes Carsí; Sergio Alfredo Maugard Tepper; Antonio Miguel Duch Samper. Mamilaciones
    de iris bilaterales. Imagen de tomografía de coherencia óptica del segmento anterior.ARCHIVOS DE
    LA sociedad española de oftalmología. 04/2025.<https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oftal.2024.11.005>.
  • Marta Comes Carsí; Sergio Alfredo MAUGARD TEPPER; Amparo Lanuza García; Antonio Miguel
    Duch Samper. Orbital abscess surgery in a patient with odontogenic pansinusitis. Acta
    ophthalmologica. 100 – S275, pp. 1755 -3768. John Wiley & Sons, 20/12/2022.
    https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-3768.2022.0267>. ISSN 1755-375X

 

Faheem Arshad | Cognitive Neurosciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Faheem Arshad | Cognitive Neurosciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Faheem Arshad is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru. A leading cognitive neurologist in India, he specializes in dementia and neurodegenerative disorders. He played a pivotal role in establishing India’s first cognitive disorders registry at NIMHANS, integrating clinical and research excellence. Dr. Arshad is a Senior Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and the first fellow from South Asia. His research integrates neurogenetics, biomarkers, imaging, and clinical trials, with a focus on inclusivity and low-literacy populations. He actively contributes to national and international collaborations and holds leadership roles within Indian and global neurology communities. Committed to early diagnosis, caregiver support, and prevention strategies, his work aims to improve brain health equity in diverse settings. His ongoing studies explore social interaction, bilingualism, and digital tools in dementia management.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Arshad received his foundational training in Internal Medicine (MD, 2014) at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Kashmir. He served as Registrar in Internal Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi until 2016. He pursued advanced neurological training at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, earning a DM in Neurology (2019) and completing a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Cognitive Neurosciences (2020). He furthered his expertise with a prestigious international fellowship in Global Brain Health Equity at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), USA in 2021. Dr. Arshad also holds the MRCP(UK) Neurology credential (2020), reflecting global competence. His multidisciplinary training spans cognitive neurology, imaging, biomarkers, and dementia prevention, equipping him with a holistic approach to brain health research and patient care.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Faheem Arshad’s professional journey spans over a decade of clinical, academic, and research excellence. He is currently Assistant Professor of Neurology at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, where he has led initiatives in cognitive neurology since 2021. His early training included roles as Junior and Senior Resident in Internal Medicine at SKIMS and AIIMS, followed by Neurology Residency and Postdoctoral Fellowship at NIMHANS. He became a faculty leader and Convener of the Cognitive Neurology subsection of the Indian Academy of Neurology in 2023. Internationally, he served as an Atlantic Fellow at UCSF’s GBHI (2020–2021), developing leadership in brain health equity. Dr. Arshad is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and other prestigious forums. He has published widely, initiated clinical trials, and built registries that bridge clinical insights with translational research. His work integrates social science, neurobiology, and global health in addressing dementia across underserved populations.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Faheem Arshad has received numerous recognitions for his contributions to neurology and dementia research. He was awarded the Bursary Award at the TSS International Neuropsychiatry Conference (2018) for his work on social cognition in Frontotemporal Dementia. As the first South Asian to become a Senior Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at UCSF’s GBHI, he has been globally recognized for championing equity in dementia care and research. His appointment as Convener of the Cognitive Neurology subsection by the Indian Academy of Neurology in 2023 highlights his leadership within the national academic community. He holds the MRCP(UK) in Neurology and is an active member of prestigious societies, including the American Academy of Neurology. These honors reflect his ongoing commitment to research innovation, community-based care models, and international collaboration in the field of neurodegenerative disorders.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Faheem Arshad’s research focuses on dementia, particularly Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Alzheimer’s Disease, and related neurodegenerative conditions. He investigates cognitive reserve, biomarkers, social cognition, neuroimaging, and bilingualism in dementia resilience. His landmark projects include exploring the role of social interaction in FTD (GBHI-AA), plasmapheresis in Alzheimer’s (ICMR), cognitive testing in low-literacy settings, and bilingualism’s impact on cognitive reserve (NIH-funded). He co-leads a SERB-funded project using speech features for early dementia detection and a DBT-funded imaging study for vascular dementia diagnosis. He established India’s first cognitive disorders registry at NIMHANS, integrating socio-demographics, imaging, and biomarker data. His work bridges clinical neurology and public health, emphasizing inclusive research for underrepresented populations. A strong advocate for clinical trials in LMICs, his studies integrate AI tools, cross-cultural data, and longitudinal analyses to improve early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies in dementia care.

Publications

Jolanta Dorszewska | Neurobiology | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Jolanta Dorszewska | Neurobiology | Women Researcher Award

Professor Jolanta Dorszewska is a globally recognized neuroscientist and pharmacologist based at Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland 🧠🇵🇱. She leads the Laboratory of Neurobiology, exploring the molecular and genetic basis of neurodegenerative diseases 🧬. With over 35 years of academic experience, her work spans neurochemistry, clinical neurology, and genetic research in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease 🧪. A prolific author, she has contributed to 80+ research papers, 50+ reviews, and 30+ book chapters 📚. She serves on editorial boards of top neuroscience journals and holds leadership roles in national and international neurological societies 🌍.

Profile

Education 🎓

Prof. Dorszewska earned her M.Sc. in Pharmacy with distinction from Poznan University of Medical Sciences in 1987 🏅. She completed board certifications in Pharmaceutical Analytics (1990 & 1997) and received her Ph.D. in 1996 🧪. In 2004, she qualified as an Associate Professor and achieved full Professorship in 2016 🎓. Her academic growth includes training in medical genetics from 2012 to 2020 🧬. Her education reflects an evolving blend of pharmacy, neurobiology, and genetics, forming the foundation of her current research excellence 💡.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Prof. Dorszewska began as an Assistant in the Dept. of Pharmacy (1987-88), then in Clinical Neurochemistry (1988-96) at PUMS 👩‍🔬. She was a Research Scientist in New York (1999–2000) 🗽 and has led the Laboratory of Neurobiology since 2004 🧠. She became Full Professor in 2022 🏛️. She also lectured at the National High Medical School in Pila (2012–2018) 📖. Her career blends hands-on research, global collaboration, and dedicated academic leadership 📚. She continues to mentor, publish, and drive innovations in neurology and neurochemistry 🚀

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Awards and Honors:
Prof. Dorszewska is a Local Honorary Member of the 12th World Congress on Controversies in Neurology (2018) 🌐. She has served as Guest Editor for 6 prestigious theme issues and holds editorial roles in top-tier journals like Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience and Current Alzheimer Research 📘. A section and associate editor for journals across the USA, UK, and Poland 🌍, she’s a key figure in scientific publishing 🖋️. She’s affiliated with the Polish Academy of Sciences and international neurological societies and has co-edited 5 books 📚.

Research Interests 🔬

Research Focus:
Her research spans lipid metabolism in hypoxia 🧫, cerebral sterols 🧠, neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine) 🧪, apoptosis in aging and disease (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s) 💔, and gene polymorphisms (MTHFR, MAO-B, PARK) 🧬. She investigates homocysteine metabolism, catecholamine pathways, and molecular changes in neurodegeneration 🧠. Since 2009, she’s focused on genetic mutations (PARK, APOE), biomarkers (ASN, microRNAs), and migraine genetics ⚙️. She uses advanced techniques like HPLC, PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry 🔍. Her interdisciplinary work integrates neurobiology, pharmacogenomics, and molecular neuroscience in tackling brain diseases 🚀.

Publications 

  • Genetic variants of ZNF746 and the level of plasma Parkin, PINK1, and ZNF746 proteins in patients with Parkinson’s disease

    IBRO Neuroscience Reports
    2025-06 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2025.01.016
    CONTRIBUTORS: Jolanta Dorszewska; Jolanta Florczak-Wyspiańska; Bartosz Słowikowski; Wojciech Owecki; Oliwia Szymanowicz; Ulyana Goutor; Mateusz Dezor; Paweł P. Jagodziński; Wojciech Kozubski

  • Kinesiotherapeutic Possibilities and Molecular Parameters in Multiple Sclerosis

    Sclerosis
    2025-04-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/sclerosis3020013
    CONTRIBUTORS: Katarzyna Wiszniewska; Małgorzata Wilk; Małgorzata Wiszniewska; Joanna Poszwa; Oliwia Szymanowicz; Wojciech Kozubski; Jolanta Dorszewsk

  • Unraveling the Role of Proteinopathies in Parasitic Infections

    Biomedicines
    2025-03-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13030610
    CONTRIBUTORS: Mikołaj Hurła; Damian Pikor; Natalia Banaszek-Hurła; Alicja Drelichowska; Jolanta Dorszewska; Wojciech Kozubski; Elżbieta Kacprzak; Małgorzata Paul

  • Expression of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Early Oxidative DNA Damage in Aging Rat Brain—The Effects of Memantine

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2025-02-14 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms26041634
    CONTRIBUTORS: Małgorzata Anna Lewandowska; Agata Różycka; Teresa Grzelak; Bartosz Kempisty; Paweł Piotr Jagodziński; Margarita Lianeri; Jolanta Dorszewska

Elsa Pittaras | Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Elsa Pittaras | Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

Elsa Pittaras is a Basic Life Research Scientist at Stanford University, specializing in neuroscience, cognition, and sleep research. With expertise in molecular biology, neuroanatomy, pharmacology, and behavior, she has extensively studied decision-making processes in mice. Her research has contributed significantly to understanding sleep deprivation’s effects on cognition and memory in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease models. She has published multiple papers as both first and last author, showcasing her leadership in neuroscience. Elsa’s goal is to advance research on mood disorders, cognition, and neurochemistry, aspiring to become an independent researcher in the U.S. 🇺🇸🔬🧠

Profile

Education 🎓

Elsa Pittaras earned a B.S. in Physiology from the University of Caen (2010), an M.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Paris Sud and ENS Cachan (2012), and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Neuro-PSI and the Biomedical Research Unit of the French Army (2016). Her multidisciplinary foundation in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics from Châtelet, Douai (2009) laid the groundwork for her neuroscience expertise. Throughout her education, she focused on decision-making, sleep deprivation, and neurochemical mechanisms in cognition. 🧠📚🎓

Experience 👨‍🏫

Elsa Pittaras has been a Basic Life Research Scientist at Stanford University since 2022, focusing on cognitive enhancement in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease models. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford (2017-2022), investigating sleep and circadian rhythms’ effects on memory. Previously, she conducted research at the Biomedical Research Unit of the French Army (2016-2017) and completed her Ph.D. at Neuro-PSI. Her career includes internships in neuroscience at Neuro-PSI (2011-2012) and clinical observations at CHU Caen (2010). 🏛️🧬🧪

Research Interests 🔬

Elsa’s research explores decision-making, memory, and sleep in neurodevelopmental disorders. She pioneered the Mouse Gambling Task, revealing individual decision-making strategies. Her Ph.D. identified neurochemical markers of decision-making behaviors and the effects of sleep deprivation. At Stanford, she investigates sleep’s impact on cognition in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s models, aiming to improve memory and sleep quality through pharmacological interventions. Her work bridges behavioral neuroscience with neurochemistry to enhance cognitive function. 🧠💡🛌

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Elsa has received prestigious grants, including the Jerome Lejeune Research Grants (2019, 2020), the Fyssen Foundation Research Grant (2017), and travel awards for conferences such as T21RS (2021) and Advances in Sleep and Circadian Science (2019). She was also recognized by the French Society for Research and Sleep Medicine (2014) and received a European Neuroscience Federation travel award (2016). 🏅

Publications 

  • Selectively Blocking Small Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels Improves Cognition in Aged Mice.

  • Short-term γ-aminobutyric acid antagonist treatment improves long-term sleep quality, memory, and decision-making in a Down syndrome mouse model

  • Behavioral and Neuronal Characterizations, across Ages, of the TgSwDI Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease.

  • Inter-individual differences in cognitive tasks: focusing on the shaping of decision-making strategies

  • Handling, task complexity, time-of-day, and sleep deprivation as dynamic modulators of recognition memory in mice

  • Enhancing sleep after training improves memory in down syndrome model mice

 

said Pournaghash-tehrani | Neuroscience | Best Faculty Award

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Dr. said Pournaghash-tehrani | Neuroscience | Best Faculty Award

 

Profile

  • Googlescholar
  • Researchgate

Education

Said Pournaghash-Tehrani earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology in 1993 from The American University in Washington, D.C., where he also completed his Master of Arts in Psychology in 1990. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Distributive Science from the same institution, which he obtained in 1986. Fluent in English and German, he also has familiarity with French. He can be reached via email at spournaghash@yahoo.com or by telephone at 011-98-09122074388.

Work experience
  • Said Pournaghash-Tehrani has extensive academic and research experience in psychology. He served as a Research Associate in 2001 at the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. In 2002, he took a sabbatical as a researcher at the Department of Psychology, Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, focusing on cross-cultural studies related to Iranian attitudes towards the West. Since 2002, he has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Tehran University, having previously held the same position at Azzahra University in Tehran from 1996 to 2001. Additionally, he was a member of the Scientific Council on Energy and Economic Studies at the Institute for International and Political Studies (IPIS) from 1998 to 2000, where he also worked as a political researcher. His early academic career included serving as a Teaching and Research Assistant at The American University’s Department of Psychology from 1987 to 1990, where he contributed to courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience Seminar, Psychopharmacology, Neuropsychology, Biological Basis of Behavior, and Learning and Behavior.

Books

–Fundamentals of Clinical Psychopharmacology, (2007); Samt Publications
-Drugs and Behavior, (2004); Samt Publications.
-Physiological Psychology, Tehran University Publication.
-Intimacy; Alzahra University Publication.
-Theories of Addiction, Alzahra University Publication.

Conference Presentations

Said Pournaghash-Tehrani has contributed extensively to neuroscience and psychology research, presenting his findings at prestigious conferences such as the Society for Neuroscience and the Eastern Psychological Association. His work has focused on drug discrimination learning, conditioned taste aversion, and the effects of opioids and their antagonists. In 1987, he co-authored studies assessing the discriminative stimulus properties of naloxone and the failure of cholecystokinin to counteract morphine sulfate’s effects. His later research explored the antagonism of morphine stimuli, the role of buprenorphine in opiate-naive and dependent animals, and the impact of RO15-4513 on ethanol-induced taste aversion. He has collaborated with notable researchers, including A.L. Riley, contributing to investigations on diazepam exposure and behavioral toxicology. His presentations in New Orleans, Washington, D.C., Boston, and other major research venues highlight his significant role in advancing psychopharmacology and behavioral neuroscience.

Publication

Crhistiane Andressa da Silva | Chronobiology and Memory | Neurocognitive Breakthrough Award

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Dr. Crhistiane Andressa da Silva | Chronobiology and Memory | Neurocognitive Breakthrough Award

 

Estúdio Amanhecer, Brazil

Profile

Education

She earned her Doctorate in Psychology from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil, in 2012, with a Sandwich Doctorate at the Universitat de Barcelona under the supervision of Antoni Díez-Noguera. Her doctoral research, titled SAGUIS (Callithrix jacchus) SOB CICLO CLARO-ESCURO DE 21 H: UM MODELO DE DESSINCRONIZAÇÃO FORÇADA EM PRIMATA DIURNO, was conducted under the guidance of John Fontenele Araujo, with Carolina Virgínia Macedo de Azevedo as a co-advisor. She received a scholarship from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brazil.

She completed her Master’s in Pharmacology at UFRN in 2007, with a thesis titled EFEITOS DE VOCALIZAÇÕES DE CO-ESPECÍFICOS E DO ESCURO SOBRE O RITMO CIRCADIANO DA ATIVIDADE MOTORA EM SAGÜIS (Callithrix jacchus), under the supervision of Carolina Virgínia Macêdo de Azevedo. Her research was supported by a CAPES scholarship.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from UFRN in 2003, with a thesis titled Perfil Diário do Comportamento de Autocatação Durante Um Ciclo Ovariano em Díades de Saguis (Callithrix jacchus), under the supervision of Carolina Virgínia Macêdo de Azevedo. She received a scholarship from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brazil.

Work experience

She worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB) from 2014 to 2017 under a full-time and exclusive contract. She then continued her postdoctoral research at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE) from 2017 to 2018 under the same work scheme.

In 2018, she served as a part-time Professor at Faculdade Escritor Osman da Costa Lins (FACOL), where she taught the course Práticas Integrativas Complementares em Saúde for the Physiotherapy program.

Since 2021, she has been the owner and full-time instructor at Estúdio Amanhecer, where she teaches yoga.

Areas of Expertise

She specializes in Public Health within the broader field of Health Sciences, as well as Physiology and General Biology within Biological Sciences. Her expertise also extends to Zoology, with a focus on Animal Behavior.

Scientific, Technological & Academic Production

She has contributed to bibliographic research and publications in her fields of study.

Citations

Her research has been cited in various academic databases:

  • Web of Science: 44 citations across 3 articles (as of June 2, 2024), with an H-index of 3.
  • Google Scholar: 26 citations across 9 articles (as of January 17, 2017).

The citation search included variations of her name: Silva, C.A.; da Silva, C.A.; CA da Silva; CA Silva; C da Silva, Crhistiane Andressa da Silva; Christiane Andressa da Silva; da Silva, Christiane Andressa; da Silva, Crhistiane Andressa

Awards & Recognitions

  • 2023 & 2024: TOP MASTER GOLD award by popular vote, recognized as a distinguished professional in her field in Rio Grande do Norte for her contributions to local development.
  • 2022: Named Best Yoga Teacher of 2022 in Natal and awarded Best of the Year in Natal.
  • 2017: Secured second place in the Banner category on the theme Chronobiology at the IX Symposium of Psychobiology.

Publication

Grit Hein | Social Neuroscience | Best Paper Award

Posted on by sciencefather

prof. Grit Hein | Social Neuroscience | Best Paper Award

 

Universität Würzburg, Germany

Profile

Education

She studied Psychology at Humboldt-University in Berlin, Germany, and City College in New York, USA, completing her diploma in 1999 with a grade of “very good.” She earned her doctorate in 2002 at the Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig and Humboldt-University in Berlin. Her academic and professional career progressed through various prestigious positions. In 2002, she began as a research associate at MRC Cambridge, UK, and the University Hospital Frankfurt/M. She then received a DFG-Research Stipend in 2006, conducting research at the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of Berkeley, USA. In 2008, she was awarded the Society-in-Science Stipend and became a Principal Investigator in an independent research project at the University of Zürich, Switzerland. She completed her habilitation and obtained her Venia Legendi in Psychology at Goethe-University Frankfurt/M. in 2014. She later served as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Bern, Switzerland, in 2015. In 2017, she was appointed as a Heisenberg Professor at JMU Würzburg, where she continued to advance her research. In 2021, she became a Professor of Translational Social Neuroscience at JMU Würzburg and a Steering Committee Member of the Research Training Group RTG 2660, working alongside Professor Dr. Matthias Gamer in Psychology.

Work experience

Since 2024, she has served as the President of the European Social and Affective Neuroscience Association (ESCAN) – Special Interest Group Social Neuroscience and as the spokesperson for the Neuroscience section at the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS), JMU. Previously, from 2021 to 2024, she held the position of Vice President of ESCAN. Since 2022, she has been a board member of the China-Competence Center at JMU, and since 2021, she has been an Executive Board and Steering Committee Member of the Research Training Group RTG 2660. Her engagement in the research system extends further, as she has been a board member of ESCAN since 2019 and a member of the mentoring program for young female scientists at UKW, JMU. Additionally, she holds a double affiliation with both the Medical Faculty and the Faculty of Human Science at JMU. Since 2018, she has contributed as a panel member of the Hillary Green Research Fund at the University of Birmingham, a standing member of the dissertation committee at UKW, JMU, and a member of the Degree Subject Committee of the Elite Graduate Program in Translational Neuroscience at JMU. She has also supervised numerous early-career researchers, including Anne Saulin, who completed her PhD in 2023 with magna cum laude and is now a DFG postdoctoral fellow at the University of Birmingham, UK; Marthe Gründahl, who also earned her PhD in 2023 with magna cum laude and is now a consultant at Bain & Company; and Dorothee Bruch, who obtained her MD in 2022 with magna cum laude and is currently practicing as a gynecologist.

She has received several prestigious academic distinctions throughout her career. In 2023, she was honored with an award for her extraordinary contribution to teaching by the Medical Faculty and the President of JMU. In 2015, she was awarded the Heisenberg Fellowship by the German Research Foundation, recognizing her outstanding research achievements. Earlier in her career, she received the Branco-Weiss Fellowship from ETH Zürich in 2008 and the Emmy-Noether Fellowship from the German Research Foundation in 2005, both of which supported her innovative research endeavors.

Publication