Federica Russo | Molecular genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Federica Russo | Molecular genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Federica Russo, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Italy

Dr. Federica Russo is an Italian biomedical researcher specializing in medical genetics and rare Mendelian disorders. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Biosciences and Biotechnology at Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro,” in collaboration with IRCCS Fondazione Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza. With a strong academic foundation in biology and biomedical lab techniques, Dr. Russo has contributed to peer-reviewed publications in the field of genomics. Her work integrates advanced molecular methods and bioinformatics, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy in genetic diseases. Passionate and detail-oriented, she combines clinical laboratory skills with innovative research approaches. 🧬🇮🇹📚

Publication Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Russo earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Techniques from Università degli Studi di Foggia with highest honors (110/110 Lode). She then completed a Master of Science in Biology from Università degli Studi Milano-Bicocca, where she investigated TAB2 gene variants causing multisystem disorders. Currently, she is enrolled in a PhD program in Biosciences and Biotechnology at Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro,” focusing on multi-OMICs strategies for diagnosing rare Mendelian disorders. Her academic path reflects a consistent focus on molecular biology, medical genetics, and translational research methodologies. 🧫📖🧪

🧪 Experience

Dr. Russo has accumulated valuable experience at the IRCCS Fondazione “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza,” where she currently works as a Biomedical Laboratory Technician. She began with a curricular internship in 2021, followed by a term contract and later a full-time role. Alongside her job, she undertakes her PhD project involving multi-OMICs data integration for rare genetic disorder diagnosis. Her roles encompass molecular diagnostics, NGS, PCR, and bioinformatics analysis. This combination of clinical practice and research allows her to contribute effectively to the advancement of precision medicine in the genetic field. 🧬🔬🧑‍🔬

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Federica Russo graduated with highest academic distinction (110/110 Lode) from Università degli Studi di Foggia. While formal award records are not listed, her publications in high-impact genetic research and her selection for a prestigious PhD project at Università degli Studi di Bari reflect her academic excellence and research potential. Her involvement in clinically significant studies, including those on Ehlers-Danlos and Opitz syndromes, highlights her growing recognition in the field of human genetics and bioinformatics. She is considered a promising young scientist within the Italian biomedical research community. 🏆🎖️📘

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Russo’s research is centered on developing cost-effective diagnostic strategies for rare Mendelian disorders using a multi-OMICs approach. Her work integrates exome, transcriptome, and low-pass genome sequencing data to improve clinical outcomes in medical genetics. She focuses on splicing abnormalities, structural variant detection, and functional genomics. Her notable contributions include studies on TAB2, COL5A1, MID1, and PLOD1 genes, enhancing the clinical interpretation of rare genetic variants. Her aim is to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and patient care through precision diagnostics and translational research. 🧬💡🧫

Publication Top Notes

Whole Blood Multi-OMIC Analysis Is Effective in Clinical Interpretation of Splicing Aberrations in PLOD1-Related Kyphoscoliotic Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
📅 Published: April 10, 2025
📘 Journal: American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A
🔗 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.64085

Opitz syndrome: Improving Clinical Interpretation of Intronic Variants in MID1 Gene
📅 Published: April 2023
📘 Journal: Pediatric Research
🔗 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02237-y

Loss-of-Function Variants in Exon 4 of TAB2 Cause a Recognizable Multisystem Disorder with Cardiovascular, Facial, Cutaneous, and Musculoskeletal Involvement
📅 Published: November 2021
📘 Journal: Genetics in Medicine
🔗 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2021.10.009

Gonosomal Mosaicism for a Novel COL5A1 Pathogenic Variant in Classic Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
📅 Published: November 29, 2021
📘 Journal: Genes
🔗 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121928

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.