CarlaAndreea Culda | Biology | Young Scientist Award

Ms. CarlaAndreea Culda | Biology | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Carla AndreeaCulda at University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Carla Andreea Culda is a dedicated researcher in parasitology, specializing in vector-borne diseases and conservation medicine. She is a Ph.D. student at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Babeș-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca, and has extensive international research experience, including work in the Galápagos Islands, Italy, and Portugal. With a strong background in molecular biology, she has contributed to numerous high-impact research projects, publications, and science communication initiatives. As a teaching assistant and molecular biology technician, she mentors young scientists while advancing cutting-edge research in parasitology and public health.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Educational Background 🎓

Carla Andreea Culda holds a Ph.D. in Parasitology from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Babeș-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca (2020-present). She earned a Master’s degree in Medical Biology (2018-2020) and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology (2015-2018) from the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca. She has participated in specialized training programs, including a Conservation Genetics Traineeship in Portugal (2025) and a Science Communication Camp (2023). Her education combines expertise in molecular biology, parasitology, and ecology, preparing her for impactful contributions in conservation medicine.

Professional Background🏆

Carla has worked on multiple international research projects, including vector-borne pathogen studies in Galápagos (2020-present), eco-ethological monitoring of Alpine marmots in Italy (2023), and parasitology research in Portugal (2025). She co-organized the EUA-CDE Thematic Workshop on sustainability in doctoral education (2023) and serves as a molecular biology technician (2024-present). Additionally, she has been a teaching assistant (2021-present) and has supervised students in laboratory research. With expertise in diagnostics, fieldwork, and project coordination, she continues to contribute significantly to parasitology and conservation science.

Awards and Honors🏅

Carla has received multiple accolades, including the Leader Award from the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (2020) for mentoring young scientists. She has been part of eight research projects, securing grants and recognition for her contributions to molecular biology and epidemiology. Her work in vector-borne diseases, public health, and One Health initiatives has earned her invitations to prestigious workshops, conferences, and training programs worldwide. She has delivered 17 oral presentations and 8 poster presentations at international conferences, showcasing her impactful research.

Research Focus🔬

Carla specializes in vector-borne diseases, molecular parasitology, and conservation medicine. Her Ph.D. research focuses on vector-borne pathogens in dogs from the Galápagos Islands, contributing to conservation efforts. She has conducted research on avian malaria, parasitic threats to wildlife, and eco-ethological monitoring of Alpine marmots. Her work integrates molecular biology techniques with epidemiological modeling to advance One Health approaches. She is also involved in projects on RT-PCR data analysis and AI-driven epidemiological studies, bridging molecular diagnostics with global health initiatives.

Publication Top Notes

1️⃣ Feeding sources of mosquitoes in Galapagos Islands: A potential threat to wildlife conservation 🦟🌍
📅 Year: 2025 | 📑 Journal: Acta Tropica 262, 107528

2️⃣ Canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapagos 🐶🦠
📅 Year: 2024 | 📑 Journal: Parasites & Vectors 17 (1), 515

3️⃣ Gasterophilus in horses from Romania: diversity, prevalence, seasonal dynamics, and distribution 🐴📊
📅 Year: 2024 | 📑 Journal: Parasitology Research 123 (12), 416

4️⃣ Molecular survey of flea-borne pathogens in fleas associated with carnivores from Algeria and an Artificial Neural Network-based risk analysis of flea-borne diseases 🦠🤖
📅 Year: 2024 | 📑 Journal: Research in Veterinary Science 171, 105235

Conclusion

Carla Andreea Culda is a highly accomplished young researcher with extensive expertise in parasitology, molecular biology, and conservation medicine. Her international research experience, including work in the Galápagos Islands, Italy, and Portugal, demonstrates her global scientific impact. With 12 impact-factor publications, multiple conference presentations, and leadership in student grants and research projects, she has established herself as a promising scientist. Her active role in teaching, science communication, and workshop organization further highlights her commitment to academic and public engagement. While expanding independent research funding could enhance her profile, her strong collaborative efforts, innovative research, and contributions to biological sciences make her a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award.

 

 

Azadeh mirvakili | Bioremediation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Azadeh mirvakili | Bioremediation | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Prof. at Persian Gulf University

Dr. Azadeh Mirvakili (b. 1984) is an Assistant Professor at the School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Persian Gulf University. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Shiraz University in 2016. Her research focuses on microalgae, industrial waste treatment, hydrogen energy, renewable energies, and process simulation. With 40+ journal articles and 6 conference papers, her expertise spans energy, environmental technology, computational fluid dynamics, and chemical engineering. She teaches courses in reaction engineering, process control, and combustion engineering. 🔥♻️⚡

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Background🎓🔬

Dr. Azadeh Mirvakili (b. 1984) is an Assistant Professor at the School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Shiraz University in 2016, following her M.S. (2011) and B.S. (2007) from the same institution. Her research focuses on microalgae, industrial waste treatment, reaction engineering, hydrogen energy, renewable energies, and environmental technology. She specializes in energy conversion, fuel processing, process simulation, and optimization. Dr. Mirvakili actively contributes to advancements in sustainable energy and environmental engineering. 🌱⚡🔬

Professional Experience 👩‍🏫🔬

Dr. Azadeh Mirvakili (b. 1984) is an Assistant Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at the School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran, since September 2017. She specializes in chemical engineering, energy systems, and environmental technology, contributing significantly to research and academia. With extensive experience in process simulation, reaction engineering, and renewable energy, Dr. Mirvakili plays a key role in advancing sustainable industrial solutions. Her expertise extends to fuel processing, hydrogen energy, and waste treatment technologies. 🌱⚡🔬

🔬 Research Focus of Dr. Azadeh Mirvakili

Dr. Azadeh Mirvakili’s research primarily focuses on sustainable energy ⚡, environmental engineering 🌱, and chemical process optimization 🏭. Her expertise spans microalgae-based biofuels 🦠, industrial waste treatment ♻️, reaction engineering ⚗️, and hydrogen energy systems 🔋. She actively explores renewable energy conversion ☀️, fuel processing technologies ⛽, and advanced separation & purification methods 🌊. Additionally, she contributes to computational fluid dynamics 🖥️ for process simulation and optimization 📊. Her interdisciplinary work bridges chemical engineering 🏗️, environmental science 🌍, and energy sustainability 🔄, fostering innovative solutions for cleaner and more efficient industrial practices.

Publications Top Notes

🔬 Reaction Engineering – Designing novel reactor configurations for energy-efficient processes.


♻️ Renewable Energy & Hydrogen Economy – Investigating hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier.


🏭 Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) & Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis – Optimizing fuel production from natural gas.


⚗️ Environmental & Industrial Waste Treatment – Reducing emissions and improving process efficiency.


📊 Process Simulation & Optimization – Enhancing industrial reactions using computational methods.

Her work contributes significantly to clean energy and environmental sustainability. 🌍✨

 

Peng Zhang | Biological Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Peng Zhang | Biological Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Tianjin University of Technology, China

Dr. Peng Zhang is an Assistant Professor at the Life and Health Intelligent Research Institute, Tianjin University of Technology. With a strong focus on understanding gut microbiota and its impact on health, Dr. Zhang combines expertise in natural product research with advanced omics technologies. His work explores innovative ways to improve bioavailability and efficacy of therapeutic agents. 🌟

Publication Profile

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research Focus: Peng Zhang’s work on natural products, drug delivery systems, and the role of gut microbiota in health demonstrates a high level of innovation and relevance in the field of life and health sciences.
  2. Significant Publications: Zhang has a strong publication record in reputable journals, including Journal of Functional Foods, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, and The ISME Journal. His research on gut microbiota and its impact on health conditions showcases his expertise and contributions to the field.
  3. Active Projects: Leading national projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Zhang’s research includes high-impact topics like antibiotic resistance and its effects on gut microbiota. This aligns with current global health challenges.
  4. Diverse Experience: Zhang’s experience spans from studying the effects of natural products on obesity to the development of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, indicating a broad and applied approach to research.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Impact and Outreach: While Zhang’s research is impactful, expanding efforts to disseminate findings to a wider audience, including the general public and policymakers, could enhance the societal impact of his work.
  2. Collaborations and Networking: Increasing collaborations with international researchers and institutions could further strengthen his research’s global relevance and visibility.
  3. Grant and Project Diversification: Although Zhang has led and participated in significant projects, diversifying funding sources and project scopes might provide additional opportunities for groundbreaking research.

Education

Dr. Zhang earned his PhD from Nankai University, Tianjin, China, in 2021, where he developed models to study the role of gut microbiota in health crises caused by antibiotics. Prior to this, he completed his graduate studies at Hainan University, Haikou, China, focusing on the effects of dietary compounds on obesity. 🎓

Experience

2022 – Present: Assistant Professor, Life and Health Intelligent Research Institute, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China. Research includes purifying natural products and developing nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. 🔬2017 – 2021: PhD student, Nankai University, Tianjin, China. Developed models to study antibiotic exposure and drug-resistant bacteria. 🧪2015 – 2017: Graduate student, Hainan University, Haikou, China. Examined effects of Luo Han Guo on obesity. 🌿

Research Focus

Dr. Zhang’s research primarily investigates the role of natural products in alleviating inflammatory diseases and improving gut health. His projects include:

Purifying Natural Products: Studying polysaccharides and polyphenols from medicinal foods to understand their impact on inflammatory diseases and gut microbiota. 🌱Drug Delivery Systems: Developing nanotechnology-based encapsulation systems to enhance the bioavailability of active compounds. 🚀

Awards and Honours

Dr. Zhang’s contributions to the field are recognized through various awards and honors. Notable mentions include his significant contributions to understanding the interactions between gut microbiota and therapeutic agents. 🏅

Publications Top Note

Biological Science, Biological Research, Life Sciences

  1. Polysaccharides isolated from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. mitigate intestinal radiation injury, Journal of Functional Foods, 2024.
  2. Polysaccharide Isolated from Agaricus blazei Murill Alleviates Intestinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2024.
  3. The Gut Microbiota Contributes to Systemic Responses and Liver Injury in Gut-Derived Sepsis, Microorganisms, 2023.
  4. Porphyromonas gingivalis exacerbates alcoholic liver disease, Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2023.
  5. Gut microbiota exaggerates triclosan-induced liver injury, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2022.

 

Conclusion:

Peng Zhang is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His innovative research, strong publication record, and leadership in significant projects underscore his contributions to the field. Addressing areas for improvement, such as expanding outreach and fostering international collaborations, could further enhance his impact and recognition in the global research community.

 

Teresa Buchaca | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Teresa Buchaca | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Teresa Buchaca, CEAB-CSIC, Spain

👩‍🔬 Dr. Teresa Buchaca is a dedicated researcher with expertise in ecology. She earned her PhD in Biology from the Universitat de Barcelona in 2005 and holds a Master’s degree in Ecology from the same institution. With a strong academic background, she has held various research positions, including at the Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Blanes and Aarhus Universitet. Her work focuses on freshwater ecology, evident from her postdoctoral fellowships at the National Environmental Research Institute in Denmark. Dr. Buchaca’s commitment to scientific inquiry spans over two decades, marked by significant contributions to the field.

Publication profile:

Orcid

Education and qualifications :

🎓 Dr. Teresa Buchaca has pursued a distinguished academic journey, culminating in her notable achievements in the field of ecology. Her educational odyssey commenced at the Universitat de Barcelona, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1995. Building upon this foundation, she ventured into specialized areas, earning a Master’s degree in Ecology from the same institution in 1998. Driven by a passion for scientific exploration, she expanded her knowledge through postgraduate studies on chromatography at Universitat Ramon Llull in 1996. This relentless pursuit of excellence ultimately led her to achieve a PhD in Biology from the Universitat de Barcelona in 2005, solidifying her expertise in the field. 🌱

Employment :

🔬 Dr. Teresa Buchaca’s professional journey reflects a rich tapestry of research endeavors spanning over two decades. She began as a Research Assistant in Ecology at Universitat de Barcelona, igniting her passion for scientific exploration from 1996 to 1997. This fervor led her to continue her academic pursuits, securing roles at esteemed institutions like Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Blanes, where she served in various capacities, including as a Postdoctoral Research Associate and a Research Assistant. Dr. Buchaca’s international exposure includes stints at Aarhus Universitet and the National Environmental Research Institute in Denmark, further enriching her expertise in freshwater ecology. Her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge is unwavering. 🌿

Research Focus:

Teresa Buchaca’s research primarily revolves around the ecology and conservation of freshwater ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on high mountain lakes 🏞️. Her work spans various topics, including the impacts of non-native fish species on native biodiversity, the effects of climate change on aquatic habitats, and the evaluation of monitoring programs for understanding global change effects. Buchaca also investigates paleoecological records in lake sediments to reconstruct past environmental changes and their implications for present-day ecosystems. Her research contributes significantly to understanding the dynamics of fragile aquatic environments and informing conservation strategies in mountainous regions.

 

Publication Top Notes: