Ejaz Ahmad Khera | Materials Simulation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ejaz Ahmad Khera | Materials Simulation | Best Researcher Award


Dr. Ejaz Ahmad Khera is an Assistant Professor of Physics at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan, and an HEC-approved supervisor with a PhD in the characterization of materials for memory storage and neuromorphic applications using DFT. He has published over 30 high-impact international research articles and currently leads research at the Materials Modeling and Simulation Lab, where he supervises MPhil and PhD students. His group is actively involved in developing efficient double perovskites for solar cell applications. In addition to his academic and research roles, Dr. Khera contributes to departmental administrative functions and has participated in multiple international conferences in physics and materials science. He is proficient in VASP, Wien2k, CASTEP, and other computational tools, reflecting his strong background in computational materials physics.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Khera earned his PhD in Physics from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (2016–2021), focusing on DFT-based characterization of materials for neuromorphic and memory applications. He holds an MPhil in Physics from Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad (2012–2014), and a Master of Science in Physics from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (2007–2010). His academic foundation combines theoretical physics, computational modeling, and practical understanding of solid-state and condensed matter systems. He is trained in multiple simulation platforms including VASP, Wein2k, and CASTEP, and has built expertise in data analysis software like Origin and visualization tools like VESTA and Crystal Maker. His solid academic training has enabled him to mentor graduate students in computational material science and renewable energy research domains. Dr. Khera has also enhanced his academic exposure through participation in pedagogical and research methodology training programs.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Khera is currently serving as Assistant Professor of Physics at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur since March 2022, where he teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses, leads research, and manages academic administration. From 2019 to 2021, he was a visiting lecturer at University of Education, Multan Campus, and previously taught physics at Admire Group of Colleges (2017–2021), Muslim Group of Colleges (2013–2017), and Educators Group of Colleges (2011–2013), focusing on undergraduate and higher secondary education. Over a decade of teaching experience has honed his expertise in delivering core physics concepts and mentoring students. In his academic tenure, Dr. Khera has also built research collaborations and guided MPhil and PhD students in materials modeling. His responsibilities have included curriculum design, academic planning, and seminar coordination. He is deeply engaged in academic development through active participation in physics conferences and workshops.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Khera received the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme award from the Federal Government of Pakistan in 2018, recognizing his academic excellence and contribution to higher education. He was also granted the Punjab Government Scholarship under the Fee Reimbursement Scheme for Higher Education in 2017, awarded by the Government of Punjab. These honors reflect his academic merit, commitment to research, and service in the field of physics education. He has participated in multiple international and national-level conferences, including events hosted by The Islamia University of Bahawalpur and The Women University Multan. His consistent performance in academics and his role in teaching and research supervision have earned him institutional recognition. Additionally, his HEC-approved supervisor status further signifies his qualification and leadership in guiding advanced research projects in Pakistan. These accolades support his active involvement in national education development and scientific advancement in materials science.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Khera’s research is centered on computational materials science with a focus on density functional theory (DFT)-based investigations of electronic, optical, thermoelectric, and structural properties of novel materials. His primary interest lies in characterizing double perovskites (DPs), Heusler alloys, and vacancy-ordered compounds for use in solar cells, memory storage, brain-inspired neuromorphic systems, and energy harvesting applications. Using simulation tools like VASP, CASTEP, and Wien2k, he studies materials such as Ga₂PtX₆, Li₂ATlCl₆, and Na₂PtX₆ for their optoelectronic and thermoelectric performance. His recent publications explore halogen modification, spin polarization, and hybrid perovskites for sustainable technologies. His research group actively contributes to discovering lead-free, high-efficiency materials that align with global goals for clean and renewable energy. Dr. Khera also collaborates internationally, co-authoring papers with scientists across Asia and Europe, thereby advancing the field of computational physics and sustainable material development.

Publications

 

  • Probing the opto-electronic, thermoelectric, thermodynamic and elastic responses
    of lead-free double perovskite Li2ATlCl6 (A= Na and K) for potential photovoltaic
    and high-energy applications: A DFT study
    Reference: Qiguo Xiao, Abrar Nazir, Ejaz Ahmad Khera, Mumtaz Manzoor, Ramesh
    Sharma, Javed Rahman, Sabah Ansar, Farooq Ali
    Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921510724006895

 

  • First principles investigation of structural, electronic, optical, transport properties
    of double perovskites X2TaTbO6 (X= Ca, Sr, Ba) for optoelectronic and energy
    harvesting applications
    Reference: Mudassir Ishfaq, Muniba Urooj, Muhammad Sajid, Khawar Ismail, Rimsha
    Baqeel, Ejaz Ahmad Khera, Rajwali Khan, Sattam Al Otaibi, Khaled Althubeiti, Hassan Ali,
    Ghulam Murtaza, Muhammad Jamil
    Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022369724005675

 

 

Nathan Robert Wall | Medicine | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Nathan Robert Wall | Medicine | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Nathan R. Wall is an accomplished academic, biomedical researcher, and military officer. He is currently an Associate Professor of Medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and holds multiple leadership roles in research, oncology education, and national defense. With advanced degrees in biology, cancer biology, and business administration, he has dedicated his career to cancer research and military medical operations. Dr. Wall has served in multiple deployments with the California Army National Guard, including missions in Afghanistan, Poland, and Iraq. His military and academic excellence is recognized through numerous awards and honors. Dr. Wall combines rigorous research in molecular medicine with a passion for leadership, education, and national service. His extensive experience in academia, clinical research, and military command uniquely positions him at the intersection of science and strategic operations, contributing to both medical advancement and national security.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Nathan R. Wall is currently pursuing a Master of Strategic Studies at the U.S. Army War College (2024–2026). He earned his MBA with a focus in Management from the University of Redlands (2006–2008), and a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from Wayne State University (1996–2000), where he also completed an M.S. in Molecular Biology and Genetics. Prior to that, he obtained an M.S. in Biology (1992–1995) and a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry (1987–1991) from Walla Walla College (now Walla Walla University). His graduate training included mentorship under leading scientists like Dr. Ayad M. Al-Katib and Dr. Joan M. Redd. Across disciplines—from molecular biology to strategic leadership—Dr. Wall’s education reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary excellence, equipping him with the skills to navigate both biomedical research and complex military operations with strategic insight.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Nathan R. Wall has held academic appointments at Loma Linda University since 2008, currently serving as Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Human Anatomy. He also directs Research and Development at the James M. Slater Proton Treatment & Research Center and is Oncology Thread Director at the School of Medicine. Previously, he served in the Department of Biochemistry and Center for Health Disparities. Since 2008, Dr. Wall has simultaneously served in the California Army National Guard, rising through the ranks and completing deployments to Afghanistan, Poland, and Iraq in key command roles. He has also contributed as a scientific advisor for biotech firms and participated in Department of Defense medical research review panels. His interdisciplinary experience spans military medicine, molecular oncology, academic leadership, and national defense, making him a unique leader who bridges science, strategy, and service.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Wall’s exemplary service has earned him numerous military and civilian accolades. These include the Bronze Star Medal, NATO Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Honorable Order of Saint Martin. He’s received multiple Army Commendation and Achievement Medals, along with California-specific honors like the California Medal of Merit and Drill Attendance Ribbon with multiple stars. Notably, he was recognized as “Citizen Warrior of the Month” by California ARNG Magazine in August 2018. Dr. Wall has also been honored with plaques and certificates from NATO, Bulgarian Joint Forces, and various military medical programs. His academic achievements include tenure at Loma Linda University and leadership roles in key training inspections. These honors reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership in medical readiness, and profound impact in both academic and military sectors.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Wall’s research focuses on cancer biology, with specific expertise in molecular mechanisms of disease, targeted therapies, and translational oncology. His work bridges basic science and clinical application, especially in the context of proton therapy and health disparities in underserved populations. At Loma Linda University, he leads interdisciplinary teams addressing tumor microenvironments, cancer signaling pathways, and innovative therapeutics. Dr. Wall also contributes to Department of Defense research as a peer reviewer, ensuring scientific rigor in funded medical studies. His research often integrates his military background, exploring how stress and trauma-related factors influence cancer biology and immune responses. As Director of R&D at a leading proton treatment center, he’s advancing precision medicine in oncology. Dr. Wall’s work is marked by its practical implications, scientific depth, and commitment to improving patient care—particularly for populations affected by health inequities or involved in military service.

Publications
  • Seco-Duocarmycin SA in Aggressive Glioblastoma Cell Lines

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2025-03-19 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ann Morcos; Yeonkyu Jung; Ryan N. Fuller; Antonella Bertucci; Amy Nguyen; Quanqing Zhang; Tobias Emge; Kristopher E. Boyle; Nathan R. Wall; Marcelo Vazquez
  • A Comprehensive Review of the Antitumor Properties and Mechanistic Insights of Duocarmycin Analogs

    Cancers
    2024-09-27 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ann Morcos; Yeonkyu Jung; Joab Galvan Bustillos; Ryan N. Fuller; David Caba Molina; Antonella Bertucci; Kristopher E. Boyle; Marcelo E. Vazquez; Nathan R. Wal
  • A CTB-SARS-CoV-2-ACE-2 RBD Mucosal Vaccine Protects Against Coronavirus Infection

    Vaccines
    2023-12-18 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Béla Dénes; Ryan Fuller; Wayne Kelin; Tessa Levin; Jaipuneet Gil; Aaren Harewood; Márta Lőrincz; Nathan Wall; Anthony Firek; William Langridg

Parisa Shamsesfandabadi | Radiation oncology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Parisa Shamsesfandabadi | Radiation oncology | Best Researcher Award

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

Profile

Education 🎓

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

Experience 👨‍🏫

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

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

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

Research Interests 🔬

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

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

Manijeh Beigi | Medical Physics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manijeh Beigi | Medical Physics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manijeh Beigi is an Assistant Professor in the Radiation Oncology Department at Iran University of Medical Sciences. She specializes in dosimetry, radiotherapy treatment planning, and quality audits, with a focus on using machine learning for radiomics and dosiomics analysis. Dr. Beigi earned her Ph.D. in Medical Physics from Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2018, where she researched the application of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in radiotherapy planning. With over a decade of experience in radiotherapy physics, she has worked in multiple hospitals, including Imam Hosein, Haft-e-Tir, and Pardis Niloo Cancer Center. She is actively involved in research on predicting radiotherapy toxicity and advanced MR imaging applications. Dr. Beigi has mentored numerous students, contributed to high-impact journals, and presented at international conferences. Her research aims to enhance radiotherapy precision and patient safety through cutting-edge imaging and AI-driven models. 🎓🔬

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Manijeh Beigi holds a Ph.D. in Medical Physics (2018) from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, where she developed automated clinical target volume determination for glioma treatment using multiparametric MRI. She completed her M.Sc. in Medical Physics (2010) at Tarbiat Modares University, focusing on radiotherapy dosimetry and quality audits in Varian linear accelerators. Her coursework covered key topics such as radiotherapy physics, radiobiology, MRI, CT, and PET physics, statistical methods, and treatment planning. Throughout her academic journey, she has specialized in advanced imaging techniques, radiomics, and AI-based predictive modeling for radiotherapy applications. Dr. Beigi’s education has provided her with strong expertise in medical physics, treatment planning optimization, and quality assurance, positioning her as a leader in radiation oncology research and innovation. 📚

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Manijeh Beigi has been an Assistant Professor at Iran University of Medical Sciences since 2020, where she focuses on radiotherapy physics, treatment planning, and quality assurance. Previously, she worked as a Radiotherapy Physicist at Imam Hosein Hospital (2010-2016), Haft-e-Tir Hospital (2016-Present), and Pardis Niloo Cancer Center (2019-2021), specializing in 3D conformal radiotherapy, IMRT planning, machine QA, and dosimetry. She was also a Research Assistant (2012-2018) at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, collaborating on quantitative MRI and spectroscopy research. Dr. Beigi has significant experience in mentoring students, managing research projects, and implementing AI-driven radiotherapy solutions. Her work integrates imaging and machine learning to optimize treatment efficacy and minimize patient toxicity. 💼🔬

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Manijeh Beigi’s research centers on dosimetry, radiotherapy quality audits, and the application of machine learning in radiomics and dosiomics. She explores AI-driven models to predict radiotherapy toxicity and optimize treatment planning. Her work integrates advanced MRI techniques, such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), to enhance clinical target volume delineation for gliomas and other cancers. She investigates imaging biomarkers to assess radiation-induced damage and improve treatment precision. Additionally, Dr. Beigi is actively involved in multi-disciplinary research collaborations, utilizing deep learning for medical image analysis. Her contributions aim to advance radiation oncology by improving accuracy, reducing side effects, and personalizing treatment plans. 🧬📡

Dr. Manijeh Beigi has received several accolades for her contributions to medical physics and radiotherapy research. She has been recognized for her work in AI-driven radiomics and dosiomics at international conferences, including ESTRO and AAPM. Her research on glioma segmentation using DTI and radiotherapy toxicity prediction has been published in top-tier journals. She has also been awarded grants for her studies on advanced MRI applications in radiotherapy planning. Additionally, Dr. Beigi has played a key role in multi-institutional research collaborations, earning recognition for her leadership in medical imaging and quality assurance. 🏆🎖️

Publications 📚

Pedram Fadavi | Radiation oncology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pedram Fadavi | Radiation oncology | Best Researcher Award

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

Profile

Education 🎓

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

Experience 👨‍🏫

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

Research Interests 🔬

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

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

Publications 📚