Alaa Abd-Elsayed | Neuromidulation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alaa Abd-Elsayed | Neuromidulation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alaa Abd-Elsayed 🇺🇸 is an American board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison 🏥, recognized for his leadership, groundbreaking research 🔬, and compassionate patient care 💉, with a prolific academic career as a professor, director, and global speaker 🎤, blending clinical excellence, innovation, and education 📚 in pain management, with over two decades of medical service and leadership roles across Egypt 🇪🇬 and the U.S. 🇺🇸, while holding numerous prestigious certifications 🏅, published research, and leadership awards 🏆, he stands as a dedicated pioneer in improving chronic pain therapy 🔥 and anesthesiology practice worldwide 🌍.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Alaa’s academic journey began at Assuit University 🇪🇬, earning his MBBCh 🩺 in 2000 & MPH 🎓 in 2006; postgrad, he trained extensively in the U.S. 🇺🇸, completing internships, anesthesiology residency, and a pain medicine fellowship 🏥 at the University of Cincinnati 🎯, and a Clinical Research Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic 🧪; board-certified in anesthesiology & chronic pain medicine 💊, and a Certified Physician Executive (CPE) 🏆, he capped his academic prowess with an Executive MBA 🎓 in 2023, mastering both medicine & healthcare leadership 🧠, and attending diverse leadership programs 💼 from AAPL, UW Health, and Faulkner University, cementing a strong foundation in clinical care and strategic innovation ⚡.

Experience 👨‍🏫

With over 20 years in medicine 🩺, Dr. Alaa has held roles from intern 👨‍⚕️ in Egypt 🇪🇬 to Associate Professor 📖, First Division Chief, and Medical Director at UW-Madison 🇺🇸; he’s led UW Health Pain Services 🔥, pioneering chronic pain medicine management 💊; his journey spanned positions at Assuit University, Cleveland Clinic, and University of Cincinnati 🏥; he’s served as chief fellow, staff anesthesiologist, researcher 🔬, educator 📚, and leader, combining advanced clinical practice 🏆 with administrative excellence 💼, mentoring future physicians while driving cutting-edge research 🚀 and pain medicine innovations 🌟.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Alaa’s distinguished career is crowned with awards 🌟 like the Raj/Racz Excellence Award 🥇, Physician of the Year 🏅, America’s Top Doctors 👏, Fellow of ASA 🧠, and recognition as a World Expert 🌍 in pain by Expertscape; multiple top research, poster 🖼️, and abstract prizes 🧾 from ASIPP, MARC, ASPN, ASA, INS & WSA 🏆 highlight his prolific contributions, while his books 📚 were ranked among the best in anesthesiology and pain medicine 💊; his research has shaped clinical practices 🌡️ and his leadership has been applauded across national and global stages 🎤, underlining his impact as a clinician, educator, and thought leader 💡.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Alaa’s research explores pain management innovation 🔥, neuromodulation ⚡, spinal cord stimulation 🧠, dorsal root ganglion therapies 💉, and anesthesiology outcomes 🧾; he’s passionate about translating bench-to-bedside discoveries 🏥, optimizing patient-centered chronic pain therapies 💊, and advancing perioperative safety 🌡️; his peer-reviewed publications 📚, clinical trials 🧪, and systematic reviews ⚗️ have influenced global practices 🌍, securing his place among top 0.05% scholars worldwide 🏆; his scientific vision combines clinical evidence, bioethics, and real-world health solutions for pain relief and anesthetic care 🧠💡.

Publications 

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 

Jolanta Dorszewska | Neurobiology | Women Researcher Award

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
    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
    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
    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
    CONTRIBUTORS: Małgorzata Anna Lewandowska; Agata Różycka; Teresa Grzelak; Bartosz Kempisty; Paweł Piotr Jagodziński; Margarita Lianeri; Jolanta Dorszewska

Tran Chau My Thanh | Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Tran Chau My Thanh | Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Tran Chau My Thanh, a dedicated researcher at Duy Tan University, Vietnam 🇻🇳, holds a medical degree and Ph.D. from Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy 🎓. Her work bridges the gap between clinical medicine and molecular biology 🧬. With a strong passion for translational research, she focuses on using bioinformatics and genomic tools for early diagnosis and targeted therapy development for diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders 💉. Through CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA networks, she aims to revolutionize patient-specific treatment pathways 🚀. Her extensive lab experience, scholarly publications, and ongoing innovations make her a promising leader in biomedical science 🏅.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Thanh earned her Medical Degree (M.D.) from Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy 🏥 and went on to complete her Doctorate (Ph.D.) in the same prestigious institution 🎓. Her education was deeply rooted in both clinical and research training, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of human health and disease 🧠. Throughout her academic journey, she focused on genomics, molecular medicine, and biotechnology 🔬. The rigorous curriculum and hands-on exposure in advanced labs trained her in modern diagnostic tools and therapeutic innovations ⚙️. She also mastered computational biology and molecular interactions, forming a solid foundation for her groundbreaking work in RNA regulation and gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 🧪.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Thanh brings rich experience as a medical doctor and academic at Duy Tan University 🏫. Her research career spans multiple roles in molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, and therapeutic innovation 🧬. She has led studies on disease biomarkers, participated in international collaborations 🌐, and worked extensively with cell lines, recombinant DNA, and next-gen sequencing data 🔍. Her proficiency in wet lab and dry lab environments empowers her to integrate experimental biology with computational modeling 🧫💻. Alongside mentoring students and publishing SCI-indexed research, she contributes to translational medicine by connecting bench science to bedside applications, helping advance precision medicine for critical illnesses 💡.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Thanh is a nominee for the Young Scientist Award by the International Cognitive Scientist Awards 🧠🏆. Her impactful work on circular RNAs, miRNAs, and disease biomarker networks has garnered international recognition 🌍. She’s been acknowledged in high-impact journals for discoveries related to coronary heart disease and cancer diagnostics 📖. Her scholarly articles are indexed in SCI and Scopus, and she continues to influence the biomedical community through conference presentations, peer reviews, and academic collaborations 🤝. As a rising figure in molecular biology, her research promises transformative outcomes for early disease detection and targeted therapies 🧬✨.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Thanh’s research explores circRNA/miRNA/mRNA interactions, protein-protein networks, and gene function analysis 🧬🧠. She is driven by the quest to discover novel biomarkers for early diagnosis of complex diseases such as cancer, stroke, and diabetes 💊. Her focus includes CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, molecular docking, and simulations for drug discovery and target validation 💻🧪. She also builds interaction networks to map LncRNA/CircRNA/miRNA/gene/protein-drug relationships, contributing to personalized medicine approaches 🎯. Through bioinformatics, she decodes gene expression dynamics and immune infiltrations to enable efficient diagnostics and therapeutics 💡. Her ultimate goal is to bridge computational biology with translational research for global health improvement 🌐💚.

Publications 

1. Hsa_circRNA_0000284 acts as a ceRNA to participate in coronary heart disease progression
by sponging miRNA-338-3p via regulating the expression of ETS1
2. Identification of hsa_circ_0001445 of a novel circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network as
potential biomarker for coronary heart disease
3. Potential diagnostic value of serum microRNAs for 19 cancer types: a meta-analysis of
bioinformatics data

Ali Osman | Life Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ali Osman | Life Science | Best Researcher Award

👨‍🔬 Prof. Ali Osman Mohamed Osman Khalil is a distinguished biochemist specializing in agricultural sciences. 🎓 He earned his PhD in Biochemistry from Zagazig University, Egypt, in 2012. 🏫 Currently, he serves as a Professor at the Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University. 📚 With over 130 international publications and an impressive h-index of 33 (Google Scholar), his research has significantly impacted agricultural biochemistry. 🏅 He has received prestigious awards, including the Egyptian State Prize for Encouragement in Agricultural Sciences (2014) and First Class Scientific Franchise from the President (2017). 🌱 His research focuses on environmentally friendly bioproducts, plant disease control, and biochemical applications in agriculture. 🌍 He is an active member of international scientific societies and serves as an external reviewer for renowned journals. ✨ Prof. Khalil has also collaborated on major scientific projects, contributing to advancements in biochemistry and sustainable agriculture.

Profile

Education 🎓

📜 Prof. Khalil holds a PhD in Biochemistry (2012) from Zagazig University, Egypt, with excellence. 🏆 His academic journey started with a B.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences-Biochemistry (2004), followed by an M.Sc. in Biochemistry (2008), both earned with distinction. 🎯 His studies focused on the biochemical mechanisms in agriculture, leading to his expertise in plant sterols, post-harvest protection, and biochemical applications in food science. 🔬 He has undertaken international fellowships, including INRA-France (2007-2008) and Umeå University-Sweden (2023-2024), enriching his research in clinical microbiology, infection, and immunology. 🌍 His educational background has provided a strong foundation for his pioneering research in agricultural biochemistry and food technology.

Experience 👨‍🏫

🔬 Prof. Khalil has over 20 years of academic experience at Zagazig University, Egypt. 📚 He began as a Teaching Assistant (2004-2008), then progressed to Assistant Lecturer (2008-2012) and Lecturer (2012-2017). 🎓 His expertise led to his promotion as an Assistant Professor (2017-2022) and later Professor (2022-present) in Biochemistry. 🏛️ His teaching covers biochemical applications in agriculture, plant metabolism, and molecular biochemistry. 🏅 He has supervised numerous postgraduate students, fostering the next generation of scientists. 🔍 As a principal investigator and collaborator in several international projects, he has worked on plant disease control, bioproduct development, and oxidation mechanisms. 📑 His editorial contributions include reviewing for top journals like LWT-Food Science and Technology, International Dairy Journal, and the African Journal of Agricultural Research. 🌍 His extensive research and teaching experience have solidified his reputation as a leading expert in biochemistry.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🎖️ Prof. Khalil has received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to biochemistry and agricultural sciences. 🏅 In 2017, he was honored with the First Class Scientific Franchise by the Egyptian President for his scientific achievements. 🏆 He won the Egyptian State Prize for Encouragement in Agricultural Sciences (2014) and the Zagazig University Prize for Encouragement in Agricultural Sciences (2017). 🍏 His research excellence was recognized with the George Steno Award for Best Applied Research in Pomology (2017). 🌍 His global impact in plant biochemistry is further demonstrated by his international fellowships at INRA-France (2007-2008) and Umeå University-Sweden (2023-2024). 💡 As a member of esteemed scientific societies, including the American Chemical Society and Egyptian Botanical Society, he actively contributes to advancing agricultural research. 📚 His accolades reflect his dedication to innovation, sustainability, and scientific excellence in biochemistry

Research Interests 🔬

🌿 Prof. Khalil’s research primarily revolves around biochemical applications in agriculture, including post-harvest disease control, plant metabolism, and sustainable bioproducts. 🧪 His h-index of 33 (Google Scholar) and 132 SCOPUS-indexed publications highlight his impactful work. 🔍 As the Principal Investigator of projects like “Fighting Plant Fungi Post-Harvest Using Environmentally Friendly Bioproducts”, he explores innovative solutions for agricultural sustainability. 🌱 His research extends to plant sterol oxidation, polymerization, and antiviral strategies for plant protection. 📊 His expertise in biochemical pathways and molecular interactions has led to the development of novel biochemical strategies to enhance crop productivity and food safety. 🌍 His international collaborations, including a Spanish-Egyptian research project on molecular modeling, further advance his contributions to biochemistry, plant pathology, and environmental sustainability. ✨ His work bridges biochemistry and agriculture, making significant strides toward sustainable farming solutions

4Publications 

1. Eskandrani, A. A., Alsubaie, N., Bawahab, A. A., Abd-Elhakim, Y. M., Ibrahim, R. E.,
Khamis, T., Osman, A,… & Mohamed, A. A. R. (2025). Whey protein hydrolysate from
camel mitigates hypoxia-induced renal and gill damage in Nile Tilapia: Effects on stress, HIFα, apoptosis, inflammation, and metabolic pathways. Aquaculture, 742256.
2. Alsubaie, N., Mohamed, A. A. R., Metwally, M. M., Khamis, T., Osman, A., Alotaibi, B. S.,
… & Ibrahim, R. E. (2025). Alkalinity exposure induced growth inhibition, intestinal
histopathological changes, and down-regulated nutrient transporter expression in Nile Tilapia:
The ameliorative role of dietary camel whey protein hydrolysates. Comparative Biochemistry
and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 111074.
3. Alsubaie, N., Ibrahim, R. E., Bawahab, A. A., Mohamed, A. A. R., Abd-Elhakim, Y. M.,
Khamis, T., Osman, A., … & Ghannam, H. E. (2025). Ameliorative role of camel protein
hydrolysates diet against alkaline stress in Oreochrmis niloticus: Hematology, immune
responses and their regulating genes expression, and histopathological assays. Veterinary
Research Communications, 49(2), 79.
4. Dahran, N., Alotaibi, B. S., Abd-Elhakim, Y. M., Ibrahim, R. E., Metwally, M. M., Khamis,
T.,El-Far, A., Osman, A., … & Mohamed, A. A. R. (2025). Effects of camel whey protein
hydrolysate on growth, nutrient metabolism, and tight junction protein gene expression in
Oreochromis niloticus under hypoxia stress. Aquaculture International, 33(2), 137.
5. Elsheikh, M., Osman, A., Edris, S., Dawam, W., Sitohy, M., & Sabeq, I. (2024). Soybean
Glycinin’s Antibacterial Properties Provide a Feasible Natural Alternative for Improving the
Overall Quality and Shelf-Life of Beef Steaks and Combating Foodborne Pathogens. Food
and Bioprocess Technology, 1-16.
6. Amer, S. A., Ibrahim, R. E., Younis, E. M., Abdel-Warith, A. W. A., Osman, A., Davies, S.
J., & Shakweer, M. S. (2025). Potential of using kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) protein
hydrolysate as a plant protein supplement in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets: effects
on growth, hematology, histology, and blood biochemical parameters. Aquaculture
International, 33(1), 95.
7. Amer, S. A., Behairy, A., Moustafa, A. A., Eltanahy, A., Younis, E. M., Abdel-Warith, A. W.
A., Osman, A., … & Tolba, S. A. (2024). Effects of dietary Arthrospira platensis phycocyanin
on growth, fatty acid assessment of breast muscles, hematobiochemical, immunological
responses, and hepatic histomorphology in broiler chickens. Journal of Applied
Phycology, 36(6), 3367-3380.
8. Ibrahim, R. E., Elshopakey, G. E., Aly, M. Y., Abdelwarith, A. A., Younis, E. M., AbdElhakim, Y. M., Khamis, T., Osman, A., … & Mohamed, A. A. R. (2024). Camel whey
protein hydrolysate diet mitigates alkaline stress–induced biochemical disorders and restores
the target of rapamycin, MAPK pathway, and autophagy-related gene expression in Nile
tilapia. Aquaculture International, 32(7), 9911-9932.
9. Sitohy, M., Enan, G., Abdel-Shafi, S., El-Wafa, N. A., El-Gazzar, N., Osman, A., & Sitohy,
B. (2024). Mapping pathogenic bacteria resistance against common antibiotics and their
potential susceptibility to methylated white kidney bean protein. BMC microbiology, 24(1),
49.
10. Amer, S. A., Rahman, A. N. A., ElHady, M., Osman, A., Younis, E. M., Abdel-Warith, A.
W. A., … & Ibrahim, R. E. (2024). Use of moringa protein hydrolysate as a fishmeal replacer
in diet of Oreochromis niloticus: effects on growth, digestive enzymes, protein transporters
and immune status. Aquaculture, 579, 740202.
11. Imbabi, T. A., El‐Sayed, A. I., Radwan, A. A., Osman, A., & Abdel‐Samad, A. M. (2024).
Prevention of aflatoxin B1 toxicity by pomegranate peel extract and its effects on growth,
blood biochemical changes, oxidative stress and histopathological alterations. Journal of
Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 108(1), 174-184.

Elsa Pittaras | Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

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

 

Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez | Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez | Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Best Researcher Award

Asst. Prof. Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez is a neuroscientist at İstanbul Nişantaşı University, specializing in neurodegenerative diseases, neuroprotection, and the gut-brain axis. She completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Istanbul University in 2013 and has been a faculty member since 2014. Her research spans Alzheimer’s, autism, and Parkinson’s disease, focusing on stem cell therapies and functional foods for cognitive enhancement. She has led TÜSEB-approved projects and holds patents on bioactive functional foods. Aynur teaches Neurology, Cognitive Neurophysiology, and Industrial Biotechnology. She actively contributes to cutting-edge innovations, particularly in prebiotic-microbiota interactions.

Profile

Education 🎓

Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Istanbul University in 2013. Her academic journey emphasized neurobiology, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, and innovative therapeutic strategies. Her doctoral research focused on neuroprotective compounds in Alzheimer’s disease. Before her Ph.D., she pursued studies in molecular biology and biotechnology, refining her expertise in cellular neuroscience. Throughout her education, she collaborated on interdisciplinary projects, integrating neurophysiology with pharmacological advancements. Her postdoctoral research extended into translational neuroscience, bridging laboratory findings with clinical applications. Aynur’s academic foundation laid the groundwork for her extensive research on cognitive function, stem cell therapy, and the gut-brain axis.

Experience 👨‍🏫

With over a decade of experience, Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez has been an Assistant Professor at İstanbul Nişantaşı University since 2014. She has led multiple national and international neuroscience projects, including TÜSEB-approved research on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Aynur has played a pivotal role in developing functional foods aimed at cognitive enhancement and has secured patents for novel bioactive compounds. She actively collaborates with industry and academia, integrating neuroscience with biotechnology. Her teaching portfolio includes Neurology, Cognitive Neurophysiology, and Industrial Biotechnology. She has also mentored numerous graduate students in neuropharmacology and neurodegenerative research.

Research Interests 🔬

Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez’s research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, neuroprotection, and the gut-brain axis. She explores innovative therapies for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and autism, with a strong emphasis on stem cell applications. Her work investigates the neuroprotective potential of bioactive compounds and functional foods, aiming to enhance cognitive function. She has pioneered research on the microbiota-brain relationship, particularly the role of prebiotics in neurodegeneration. Aynur’s projects also include SNP-based qPCR diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s risk assessment. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, she integrates neuroscience with biotechnology, advancing the understanding of cognitive disorders and potential therapeutic interventions.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Aynur Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez has received multiple awards for her contributions to neuroscience, including national research grants and innovation awards for her work on functional foods for neuroprotection. She was honored by TÜSEB for her groundbreaking research in stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Her patented functional chocolate enriched with bioactive compounds received recognition for its cognitive benefits. Aynur has also been awarded project grants from TÜBİTAK for her research on neurodegeneration. She has been invited as a keynote speaker at international neuroscience conferences and has been recognized for her contributions to cognitive science.

Publications 📚

  • Attila Altunel, Aynur Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez, Alparslan Onder, Ozlem Altunel, Ali
    Sever, Ihsan Kara, Efficacy of ACTH therapy in children with Landau-Kleffner Syndrome
    and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A retrospective analysis, Epilepsy & Behavior,Vol
    165,2025,110308, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.11030
  • Muduroglu-Kirmizibekmez A, Cati C, Onder A, Aydin S, Kara I. Investigation of the acute
    impact of rosemary consumption on brain activity in healthy volunteers. Nutr
    Neurosci. 2024 Jul 6:1-12. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2024.2370729. Epub ahead of print.
    PMID: 38970803.
  • Biliz Y, Hasdemir B, Başpınar Küçük H, Zaim M, Şentürk AM, Müdüroğlu Kırmızıbekmez
    A, Kara İ. Novel N-Acyl Hydrazone Compounds as Promising Anticancer Agents:
    Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies. ACS Omega. 2023 May 20;8(22):20073-
    20084. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02361. PMID: 37305237; PMCID: PMC10249086.
  • Aydin S, Erözden AA, Tavşanlı N, Müdüroğlu A, Çalışkan M, Kara İ. Anthocyanin
    Addition to Kefir: Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Community Structure. Curr
    Microbiol. 2022 Sep 20;79(11):327. doi: 10.1007/s00284-022-03017-x. PMID:
    36125585
  • Altunel Atilla, Müdüroğlu Kirmizibekmez Aynur, Altunel Emine Özlem (2022).
    Hypsarrhythmia Paroxysm Intensities that Initiate and Render Physical & Mental
    Retardation Irreversible in West Syndrome. International Journal of Neuroscience,
    DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2078208 (Publication No: 7685958)

said Pournaghash-tehrani | Neuroscience | Best Faculty Award

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

Wei Jiang | Cognitive and neuropathology | Women Researcher Award

 Dr. Wei Jiang | Cognitive and neuropathology | Women Researcher Award

Medical University of South Carolina , United States

Her academic focus includes microbiome, B cell/autoantibody interactions, and disease pathogenesis, with particular emphasis on HIV, addictive drugs, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She is involved in several clinical and translational research projects, including R01DA059854 (Jiang & Sheng), investigating the impacts of drug abuse on autoantibodies and immune reconstitution in HIV. She also works on CSRD Merit I01 CX002422, exploring B cell-mediated immunological failure in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy. Additionally, she contributes to NIDA-funded studies, such as R01DA055523, examining the oral microbiome’s effect on cognition in HIV-infected cannabis users, and R01DA059538, investigating HIV persistence in cocaine users. Furthermore, she collaborates on a Translational Science Award project exploring the oral microbiome’s impact on cognition in Alzheimer’s disease.

 

 

Profile

Education:

She earned her M.S. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Case Western Reserve University, Medical School, Cleveland, USA, in 2012. Prior to that, she completed a Postdoctoral fellowship at Case Western Reserve University, Medical School, Cleveland, USA, in 2008. She holds an M.S. in Immunology from Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, which she completed in 2001. She also received her M.D. in Internal Medicine from Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, in 1997.

BRIEF RESEARCH INTEREST STATEMENT:

She has 8 years of clinical experience in infectious diseases and 22 years of translational research experience in disease immunopathogenesis. As a corresponding author, she has published 52 peer-reviewed articles on microbiome and disease immunopathogenesis in high-profile journals like Microbiome, Arthritis & Rheumatology, J Autoimmunity, and EbioMedicine, bringing her total number of peer-reviewed publications to 101. As a physician-scientist, she has served as Principal Investigator on five R01 grants from NIAID or NIDA, along with a VA clinical merit grant, focusing on microbiomes, drug abuse, autoimmunity, and HIV immunopathogenesis. Her research primarily focuses on two major areas. The first is understanding the role of B cell perturbation and autoantibodies in disease pathogenesis, particularly in HIV and SLE. In 2017, her team first determined that autoimmunity impacts antiretroviral therapy outcomes in HIV without inducing autoimmune disease. This concept was later corroborated in studies on COVID-19. Her team is currently developing monoclonal autoantibodies and inhibitors to prevent anti-CD4 autoantibody binding, aiming to improve CD4+ T cell recovery and reduce morbidity in HIV patients. The second area of focus is the role of microbiomes in disease pathogenesis, including HIV, SLE, and drug abuse. She has identified the impact of disease-associated pathobionts on immune perturbations and disease progression, with findings validated in animal models. Her microbiome research is supported by R01DA055523.

TRAINING, PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS

She currently serves on the Appointment, Promotion & Tenure (APT) committee in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina, a position she has held since 2024. She was promoted to Full Professor with tenure in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine at the same institution in 2023. She has been a Faculty Senator for the College of Medicine and a Research Health Scientist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center since 2022. Additionally, she is a member of the Translational Science Laboratory IAC (2020-2022) and the MUSC College’s Curriculum Committee (2019-Present). She has held various positions at MUSC, including Associate Professor (2018-2022) and Assistant Professor (2012-2018) in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Since 2018, she has been a member of the Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC and has served on the award committee for the Advancement, Recruitment, and Retention of Women in Science. Her academic career began as an Instructor (2008-2012) and Research Associate (2002-2008) at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.

AWARDS

She received her Chinese Board of Internal Medicine certification in Infectious Diseases in July 1997 and was certified as an Attending Medical Doctor in Infectious Diseases in November 1999 (No: 10203C089758). In July 1997, she also earned a Teacher Qualification from the Educational Institute, National Educational Committee in China (No: 971100071069382). Her licensure is from Beijing, China.

She has received several awards throughout her career, including the Laboratory Travel Grant from the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) in 2019, the MUSC High Impact Research Publication Award in 2019, and multiple travel grants from AAI for various international immunology congresses. She was awarded the Early Career Faculty Travel Grant by AAI and ECI in 2018 and 2017, and received the Travel Award and HIV Section Chair recognition at the 2016 International Congress of Immunology. In 2015, she was honored with the MUSC Foundation Developing Scholar Award and an Early Career Faculty Travel Grant from AAI. Her earlier achievements include multiple Young Investigator Awards from the 13th and 15th Conferences on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (2006, 2008) and the Keystone Meeting on HIV Pathogenesis (2006, 2008). Additionally, she was recognized as an Outstanding Student Leader for five consecutive years during her medical school years from 1986 to 1991.

OTHER EXPERIENCE AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

She has held several key professional roles and memberships throughout her career. Since 2024, she has been serving as a mentor for the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF) Program. She is a member of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology 2024 committee and has been a Treasurer Elect for the Association of Chinese Virologists in America from 2022 to 2024. She has been a member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) since 2021 and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) since 2020. She has also been serving on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology since 2019 and is a member of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology. Additionally, she has been part of the Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (SCBA) and the American College of Rheumatology since 2018. She has contributed as an award committee member for the Advancement, Recruitment, and Retention of Women in Science at the Medical University of South Carolina since 2017 and is an associate member of the Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC.

She is also an active member of the MUSC Oral Health Center, College of Dental Medicine, and the Medical University of South Carolina College of Graduate Studies. Her previous memberships include being part of the American Association of Immunologists from 2011 to 2021, the Center for AIDS Research from 2008 to 2012, and the AIDS Clinic Trial Group since 2008. Her certification in Chinese Board of Internal Medicine in Infectious Diseases dates back to 1997, along with her teacher qualification from the Educational Institute, National Educational Committee, China.

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

She is currently leading several impactful research projects. As the Principal Investigator (PI) on R01DA059854 (9/30/2024-5/31/2029), funded by NIDA with a total of $3,924,302, she is studying the impacts of drug abuse-mediated inflammatory perturbations on affinity maturation of anti-CD4 autoantibodies and poor immune reconstitution from ART in HIV. This project aims to understand the role of cocaine in autoimmunity and immune recovery in HIV patients. Her role in this project is as PI (25% effort).

She is also a multiPI on R01DA059538 (9/30/2023-7/31/2028), with a total of $1,724,585 from NIDA, investigating host gene isoforms contributing to HIV persistence in cocaine users. The study focuses on identifying gene isoforms associated with HIV infection in elite controllers and its implications for cocaine users. Her role is PI (25% effort).

In addition, she is the PI on I01CX002422 (3/1/2022-2/28/2026), funded by the VA Medical Center CSRD Merit with a total of $1,195,899. This project examines the mechanism of autoreactive B cell-mediated immunological failure in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy despite virologic suppression. She is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of anti-CD4 IgG-producing B cells and the pathologic effects of anti-CD4 autoantibodies. Her role is PI with 62.5% effort.

Additionally, she is involved as multiPI on R01DA055523 (9/30/2022-7/31/2027), with a total funding of $1,731,992, where she is working alongside Fitting to investigate the effects of microbiome-related mechanisms on H

 Publication