Ejaz Ahmad Khera | Materials Simulation | Best Researcher Award

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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 đŸ‘šâ€đŸ«

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

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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 đŸ‘šâ€đŸ«

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
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms26062766
    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
    DOI: 10.3390/cancers16193293
    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
    DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121865
    CONTRIBUTORS: BĂ©la DĂ©nes; Ryan Fuller; Wayne Kelin; Tessa Levin; Jaipuneet Gil; Aaren Harewood; MĂĄrta LƑrincz; Nathan Wall; Anthony Firek; William Langridg

Monia Orciani | Stem cells | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Monia Orciani | Stem cells | Best Researcher Award

 

Profile

Education

On January 23, 2004, she was awarded a PhD in Biomedical Biotechnology from the UniversitĂ  Politecnica delle Marche. In 2001, she obtained her qualification as a Professional Biologist from the same institution. She completed her degree in Biological Sciences on March 10, 2000, graduating with top honors (110/110 cum laude).

Her native language is Italian. She is also proficient in English at the C1 level across listening, reading, interaction, speaking, and writing. She achieved the LanguageCert Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Speaking) (Expert C1) on January 20, 2023.

Work experience

Since July 15, 2019, she has been serving as an Associate Professor in the scientific-disciplinary sector BIO/17 – Histology at the Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche. She obtained her qualification as a Second-Tier Professor in Applied Biology (SSD 05/F1) on April 4, 2017, and later achieved First-Tier Professor qualification in Histology (SSD 05/H2) on November 18, 2020. Previously, she was a confirmed Researcher in Histology at the same department from April 13, 2015, following an initial appointment as a non-confirmed Researcher from November 1, 2011, to April 13, 2015. Before that, she held a research fellowship from June 3, 2011, to November 1, 2011, focusing on the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine. From June 1, 2010, to May 31, 2011, she was a research grant holder investigating skin-derived stem cells and their clinical prospects in regenerative therapy at the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine. Between November 1, 2003, and April 15, 2010, she conducted research on leukocyte ectoenzymes and their role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of selected human diseases at the Department of Molecular Pathology and Innovative Therapies – Histology. From July 16, 2001, to July 15, 2003, she held a research fellowship focused on monoclonal antibodies for in vivo applications at the Institute of Biology and Genetics. Her early experience includes an internship at the Institute of Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Surgery, Turin, from May 1, 2000, to December 1, 2000.

Teaching Experience

Since the academic year 2022/23, she has been the course leader for Histology in the Medicine and Surgery (MedTech) degree programme at the UniversitĂ  Politecnica delle Marche.

Since 2019/20, she has held the position of Histology lecturer within the integrated course Human Morphological Sciences for the Dental Hygiene degree programme at the same university.

She has also taught Histology within the integrated Histology-Anatomy-Physiology course for the Medical Radiology Techniques for Imaging and Radiotherapy degree programme during the academic years 2016/17–2018/19 and again in 2022/23.

Since 2022/23, she has been responsible for teaching Histology within the Morphology and Histology integrated course for the Midwifery degree programme.

Since 2017/18, she has been a Tutor for AFP (Basic Sciences and First Aid Area) in the Medicine and Surgery degree programme.

She has also been involved in structured and cross-disciplinary teaching for the PhD in Human Health and Biomedical Sciences since 2017/18.

Since 2017/18, she has led an elective teaching activity (ADE) titled “Biotechnologies for the Study of Normal Human Histology” in the Medicine and Surgery degree programme.

From 2019/20 to 2021/22, she taught Histology for the Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics degree programme.

Between 2016/17 and 2017/18, she was the English Language course leader for the Medical Radiology Techniques for Imaging and Radiotherapy degree programme.

She is proficient in Microsoft Office and holds an Expert C1 Level LanguageCert Certificate in ESOL International (Speaking), awarded on 20 January 2023.

In the academic year 2018/19, she taught Histology within the Biomedical Sciences 1 integrated course for the Physiotherapy degree programme.

Between 2017/18 and 2018/19, she led a seminar-based Histology course for the Dietetics degree programme.

Since 2016/17, she has been responsible for a seminar-based Histology course in the Nursing degree programme at the Fermo campus.

Between 2012/13 and 2018/19, she taught Histology within the Histology-Anatomy integrated course for the Biomedical Laboratory Techniques degree programme.

Since 2012/13, she has also been responsible for a seminar-based Histology course in the Nursing degree programme at the Macerata campus.

Research project

Professor Monia Orciani has been recognised with the ImmunoTools IT-FlowISiAM-Award 2024 for her research on “Searching for New Targets for Alzheimer’s Disease.” She is the Principal Investigator (PI) of the PRIN 2022 project titled “The Effects of Cortisol Excess on Neurogenesis in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Mandatory Footpath through Stem Cells (FORGETFUL)” (Project ID: 2022XF7XZF). In 2022, she secured funding from Boehringer-Ingelheim for a study on the “Role of Nintedanib on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF),” in collaboration with Professor Martina Bonifazi. Additionally, she received the Fondo di Finanziamento AttivitĂ  di Base di Ricerca (FFABR) – FFO grant in 2017 for her research on “Inflammation and Stem Cells: New Associations.” Her work on stem cells also led to a strategic university project (2017–2019) investigating “The Role of Stem Cells in Cutaneous Repair Deficiency in Patients with Endogenous and Exogenous Cushing’s Syndrome.”

Professor Orciani has contributed to several national research initiatives, including PRIN 2017, where she collaborated on “The Impact of Glucocorticoid Circadian Rhythm Disruption on Cardiovascular Risk and Immune Dysfunction: Pathophysiology and Novel Biomarkers of Glucocorticoid Exposure in Hypercortisolism and Hypocortisolism (CHRONO-IMAGE),” led by Professor Rosario Pivonello (Project ID: 2017HRTZYA_005). Earlier in her career, she was involved in FIRB-funded projects, such as the 2011 study on “Molecular Markers for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and the Development of New Therapeutic Strategies for Adrenal Carcinoma” (PI: Professor Roberto Di Primio, Project ID: RBAP1153LS_004) and the 2010 preclinical evaluation of “Scaffolds for Skeletal Tissue Regeneration” (PI: Professor Roberto Giardino, Project ID: RBAP10MLK7_003). In 2010, she participated in a PRIN project examining “The Interaction between Glucose and Bone Metabolism for the Cardiometabolic Characterisation of a Population of Young Obese Individuals” (PI: Professor Roberto Di Primio, Project ID: 201098WFZ2_006). Her involvement in FIRB dates back to 2001, where she contributed to a study on “Leukocyte Ectoenzymes and Their Role in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapy of Selected Human Diseases” (PI: Professor Fabio Malavasi, Project ID: RBNE01N4Z9_003).

Publication

  • 1. Pisciotta A, Di Tinco R, Bertani G, Orlandi G, Bertoni L, Pignatti E, Orciani M, Sena P,
    Bertacchini J, Salvarani C, Carnevale G. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) promote the
    lipofibroblast transition in the early stage of a fibro-inflammatory process. Front Cell Dev Biol.
    2023;11:1196023
  • Preziuso A, Piccirillo S, Cerqueni G, Serfilippi T, Terenzi V, Vinciguerra A, Orciani M, Amoroso
    S, Magi S, Lariccia V. Exploring the Role of NCX1 and NCX3 in an In Vitro Model of
    Metabolism Impairment: Potential Neuroprotective Targets for Alzheimer’s Disease. Biology
    (Basel). 2023;12:1005.
  • Di Vincenzo M, Diotallevi F, Piccirillo S, Carnevale G, Offidani A, Campanati A, Orciani M.
    miRNAs, Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Major Neoplastic and Inflammatory Skin Diseases:
    A Page Being Written: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24:8502.
  • Di Vincenzo M, Orciani M. Special Issue “The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on
    Inflammatory and Fibrotic Diseases”. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24:8578.
  • Di Vincenzo M, Martino M, Lariccia V, Giancola G, Licini C, Di Benedetto G, Arnaldi G,
    Orciani M. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Exposed to Persistently High Glucocorticoid Levels
    Develop Insulin-Resistance and Altered Lipolysis: A Promising In Vitro Model to Study
    Cushing’s Syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022;13:816229

Kawthar Diab | Biology and Life Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Kawthar Diab | Biology and Life Science | Best Researcher Award

 

Profile

Education

She holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from Ain Shams University, awarded in March 2009, with her research focusing on the protective role of medicinal plants against the genotoxic effects induced by hydrocortisone in mice. Prior to that, she earned an M.Sc. in Experimental Zoology from Zagazig University in May 2003, where she conducted cytogenetic and immunogenetic studies on cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, with a particular focus on their effects on reproduction in rats. She completed her B.Sc. in Zoology from Al-Azhar University in May 1996, graduating with a “very good” grade. Her postdoctoral research includes a six-month fellowship at Tokai University, Japan, in the Department of Bioscience, School of Agriculture, from June to December 2014. Additionally, she pursued another six-month postdoctoral fellowship in the Cancer Pharmacology Division at the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India, from March to September 2012.

Work experience

She has actively participated in international workshops and conferences, including the Fluorescence Microscopy workshop “FluoMicro@ICGEB” at the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in New Delhi, India, from October 2nd to 4th, 2019. Additionally, she was a speaker at the 6th Rajabhat University National and International Research and Academic Conference, held virtually on August 17-18, 2020, where she presented her research on the Cancer Chemopreventive Activity of Himalayan Plants. In terms of academic supervision, she has guided Ph.D. student Amr Mohammed Abo-Elhamd Ahmed, an Assistant Researcher at the Department of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt. His research focuses on the biochemical and therapeutic evaluation of selected Lamiaceae family plants for prostate disease treatment.

Research project

She has actively contributed to several local and international research projects, playing key roles in various studies. From 2005 to 2008, she was a member of a National Research Centre (NRC) project investigating the genotoxic effects of environmental pollution and veterinary drugs (Project No. 7110613). Between 2010 and 2013, she participated in an NRC-funded project on the production and evaluation of bioactive metabolites and hypolipidemic agents derived from marine sponge and coral endophytic microorganisms against carcinogenic pathogens, liver, and colon cancer (Project No. 9100302).

Her research extended to environmental toxicology, where she contributed to a Science & Technology Development Fund (STDF) project (2012-2014) evaluating mango byproducts as antioxidants against genetic damage caused by lead pollution (Project No. 4782). From 2017 to 2019, she served as a Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) on an NRC project studying the anti-hepatotoxic and antigenotoxic properties of plant extracts and their safety for use (Project No. 11010345). During the same period, she was also a member of an NRC project exploring the effects of nanoparticles in tissue culture applications (Project No. 11030108).

Her expertise further contributed to projects applying OMICS technology to enhance food safety in Egypt (2020-2022, Project No. 12050305) and exploring new pharmaceutical raw materials for prostate disease treatment (2020-2022, Project No. 12060108). Additionally, she collaborated with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences on a research project (2020-2022) focused on improving the production of therapeutic ingredients in Lamiaceae plants for prostate disease treatment using biotechnology techniques.

Publication

 

  • Zaied FA, Zabal M, Diab KA (2003): Cytogenetic and Imuunogenetic studies of cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil in rats. Zagazig University Journal, (IX):133–156.
  • Fahmy MA,Diab KA (2009): In vivo genotoxicity studies of cefotaxime.Cytologia, 74 (4):417–425.
  • Diab KA, Hassan ZM. (2011): Assessment of the antigenotoxic activity of white sesame extract (Sesamum indicum) against vincristine induced genotoxicity in mice. Comunicata Scientiae, 2(3)126-134.
  • Diab KA and Aboul-Ela E I (2012): In vivo comparative studies on antigenotoxicity of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pits extract against DNA damage induced by N-Nitroso-N-methylurea in mice. Toxicology International, 19 (3):279-286.
  • Diab KA,Elmakawy AI, Abd El-Moneim OM, Sharaf HA (2012): Assessment of genotoxicity and histopathological changes induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) in male mice.  Journal of Cytology & Histology, 3(5): 153.
  • Khalil WKB, Ghal IS, Diab KA,Elmakawy AI (2014): Antitumor activity of Moringaoleifera leaf extract against Ehrlich solid tumor. International Journal of Pharmacy, 4(3): 68-82.
  • Elmakawy AI, Abd El-Moneim OM, Diab KA,Sharaf HA (2014) Evaluation of male-mediated reproductive toxicity induced by polyethylene glycol in mice. World Applied Sciences Journal, 31 (8): 1478-1487.

 

Shilpa Kumari | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms.Shilpa Kumari | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

 

Sharda University, India

Profile

Education

She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Sharda University since 2020, having completed her coursework with an impressive 84.5%. She holds an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Chandigarh University, where she secured 79.6% in 2019. Prior to that, she earned her B.Sc. from HNB Garhwal Central University, Srinagar, in 2017 with a score of 66.7%. She completed her 12th grade in the Medical stream under CBSE in 2014 with 74.4% and her 10th grade in General Science in 2012, securing 75.5%.

 

Awards

She has been awarded the Sharda University Research Scholarship (SURS) by Sharda University since February 2021. She received a Silver Medal at the 8th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Zoologists and the 5th International Conference on Recent Trends in Life Sciences and Biotechnology held at Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Haryana, in December 2024. Additionally, she was granted International Travel Support from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, to present her research at the University Malay, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, in August 2024. She secured 2nd Prize at the Anveshan International Convention 2023-2024 (North Zone), organized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in January 2024. Furthermore, she won the Best Oral Presentation Award at the National Conference on Disease Diagnosis and Drug Development Against Human Pathogens, sponsored by DBT and organized by Muthyammal College of Arts and Science in November 2023.

Book chapters

1. Shilpa Kumari, Neha Verma, Anil Kumar, Sunita Dalal, and Kanu Priya. “Functional
overrepresentation analysis and their application in microbial pathogenesis.” In Systems Biology
Approaches for Host-Pathogen Interaction Analysis, pp. 171-179. Academic Press, 2024.
2. Neha Verma, Shilpa Kumari, Anil Kumar, and Kanu Priya. “Advancements in systems biologybased analysis of microbial pathogenesis.” In Systems Biology Approaches for Host-Pathogen
Interaction Analysis, pp. 181-190. Academic Press, 2024

Publication

NORMA SILVA | Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

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Dr.Norma Silva | Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

 

The university of Arizona, United States

Profile

Education

She holds a Biotechnology Engineering degree from the Technological Institute of Sonora (1991-1996) and a Master’s in Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Development from the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (2001-2004). She later earned a Ph.D. in Sciences with a Specialization in Biotechnology through the National Program (PNPC) of Biological Sciences of the Northwest, CONACYT, at the Technological Institute of Sonora (2010-2014). Additionally, she has obtained diplomas in teaching, generic competencies, and nutrition

Work experience

She worked as a Laboratory Technician at SABRITAS, S.A. de C.V. (1994-1998), where she was responsible for quality control of physicochemical parameters in raw materials, processes, and packaging lines. From 2001 to 2004, she served as a Professor at Colegio Sinaloa in CuliacĂĄn, teaching chemistry, biology, and food analysis. She then worked as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Architecture and Environmental Engineering at the Technological Institute of Cajeme (ITESCA) from 2006 to 2008. Additionally, she held a dual role as a Professor and Academic Administrator in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences at the Technological Institute of Sonora (ITSON) between 2001 and 2014. In 2011, she was an Adjunct Professor at TecnolĂłgico de Monterrey, teaching Organic Chemistry in English. She later joined the University of Sonora (UNISON) as an Adjunct Professor from 2013 to 2016 and again in 2024. From 2017 to 2022, she worked as a Determined Research Professor at UNISON, focusing on biological sciences, particularly in the agri-food field and its connections to public health and the environment. Expanding her research internationally, she became an Associate Researcher at the University of Arizona’s Department of Environmental Sciences from 2021 to 2022. She continued her work there as a Visiting Professor with a Research Scholar position from 2023 to 2024 and is currently an Associate Researcher (2024-2025). Her research at the University of Arizona focuses on the innovation and development of biotechnological products using natural products.

Awards

She has received several distinctions throughout her career, including being recognized as a Distinguished Teacher at the Technological Institute of Sonora in 2006 and 2007. In 2017, she was honored as a Distinguished Citizen in CAJEME by the Interamerican University for Development in Cd. ObregĂłn, Sonora. Her research excellence has been acknowledged by CONACYT’s National System of Researchers, where she was awarded the title of National Researcher Level C from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. She advanced to National Researcher Level 1 in the area of Agricultural, Livestock, Forestry, and Ecosystem Sciences from 2019 to 2021 and continued at Level 1 in the area of Biotechnology and Agricultural Sciences for the period from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2026.

Research Experience

She has extensive experience in research and development, demonstrating expertise in implementing technologies and innovative practices to enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and environmental sustainability. Her work focuses on utilizing scientific and technological tools to address complex challenges in the agri-food sector.

She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Laboratory for Research in Food Safety (LANNIA), CONACYT, at the Center for Research in Food and Development (CIAD) (2016-2017), where she worked on the chemical and biological characterization of agro-industry products. Her research experience includes multiple research stays at CIAD: in 2004 at the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory (Culiacán Unit, Sinaloa), where she developed her master’s thesis on disinfection applications in mango products; in 2012 at the Antioxidant Laboratory (Hermosillo Unit, Sonora), where she evaluated the antioxidant capacities of agro-industrial products; and in 2013 at the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory (Culiacán Unit, Sinaloa), where she conducted her doctoral research on the characterization of antiviral studies of agro-industrial products.

Additionally, in 2016, she conducted a research stay at the Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), working at the Center for Genomic Sciences (CCG) in Cuernavaca, Morelos, focusing on the genomic characterization of bacteriophages isolated from agricultural valleys in Southern Sonora, Mexico.

Publication