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

Muhammad Waqar Khan | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan, University of Swat, Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan 🧬 is a Pakistani geneticist with expertise in soybean transformation and genetic diversity. He earned his PhD in Genetics from Henan University, China (2019-2023), and has a solid academic background with an MPhil and MSc in Genetics from Hazara University, Pakistan. His research focuses on genetic diversity, plant breeding, and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Dr. Khan has published multiple studies, including on soybean hybrids and genetic resistance in rice. He is an active reviewer for Elsevier’s Horticulture Plants journal. Additionally, Dr. Khan is experienced in molecular lab techniques and bioinformatics software. 🌱🔬📚

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Educational Background

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan holds an impressive academic background in genetics and related fields. He completed his PhD in Genetics at Henan University, China (2019-2023), where he focused on soybean transformation. He also holds an MPhil in Genetics (2008-2012) and an MSc in Genetics (2005-2008) from Hazara University, Pakistan. Dr. Khan’s undergraduate studies were in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry at the University of Malakand, Pakistan (2002-2005). Additionally, he pursued a B.Ed. in Education (2011-2012) from Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad. His diverse academic journey reflects his dedication to both research and education. 📚🌱

 

 

Professional Experience

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan has a diverse professional background in both education and research. He has five years of teaching and administrative experience at a school (2014-2019), where he honed his leadership and organizational skills. Additionally, he gained valuable research experience as a research intern in the Department of Genetics at Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan, for one year. This combination of teaching expertise and hands-on research experience has equipped Dr. Khan with a strong foundation in academia, making significant contributions to both educational and scientific communities. 📚👩‍🔬

 

 

Professional Skills and Business Ventures

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan possesses a wide range of professional skills and business expertise. He has significant experience in school administration and curriculum development, where he played a pivotal role in shaping educational frameworks. Additionally, Dr. Khan is passionate about honeybee keeping and management 🐝, using his knowledge to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. He is also skilled in poultry (layer) keeping and management 🐔, ensuring the healthy and efficient operation of poultry farms. These diverse skills reflect his versatility in both academic and entrepreneurial ventures. 🌱📈

 

 

Research Focus

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan’s research spans several areas within genetics, plant sciences, and agricultural biotechnology. His work includes genetic diversity studies in walnuts 🌳, the identification of bacterial blight resistance genes in rice 🌾, and advancements in soybean transformation techniques 🌱. His expertise also extends to environmental research, focusing on forest structure, biomass carbon potential, and ecological diversity 🌍. Furthermore, Dr. Khan has contributed to agricultural economics with research on the cherry marketing system 🍒. These diverse research interests showcase his interdisciplinary approach, combining genetics, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. 🌿

 

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Estimation of genetic diversity in walnut – 38 citations, 2010 🌰
  • Identification of bacterial blight resistance gene Xa7 in rice through STS marker – 15 citations, 2015 🌾
  • Evaluation of the forest structure, diversity, and biomass carbon potential in Guangxi, China – 8 citations, 2020 🌳
  • Cherry marketing system in Gilgit District, Northern Areas of Pakistan – 8 citations, 2008 🍒
  • Pulmonary Embolic Disease – 5 citations, 1965 💉
  • Generation and Assessment of Soybean Hybrids for High-Efficiency Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation – 2024 📈
  • A Novel Solid Media-Free In-Planta Soybean Transformation Approach – 2024 🌱
  • Fluid leak Following Deep Midfacial Laceration – 2017 🩹

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.

 

Shahrzad manavi nameghi | Molecular genetics | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Shahrzad manavi nameghi | Molecular genetics | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Shahrzad manavi nameghi, Islamic Azad Tehran University of Medical Science, Iran

Ms. Shahrzad Manavi Nameghi: A Suitable Candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award

Publication profile

Orcid

Education

Ms. Shahrzad Manavi Nameghi holds an M.Sc. in Molecular Biology-Genetics from Islamic Azad Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (2017–2019), where her thesis focused on the relation between rs1800437 GIPR gene and the risk of type 2 diabetes. She also earned a B.Sc. in Cellular and Molecular Biology-Genetics from Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran (2013–2017).

Work Experience and Mentorship

She has worked as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Regenerative Biology and Medicine (2020–2022) and as a main lab technician in the molecular section at Mendel Medical Genetics Laboratory, Tehran, Iran (2020–2023). Additionally, she has experience teaching biology and Arabic for college entrance exam preparation at Payandegan Science Institute (2017-2019).

Technical Skills

Her technical proficiency includes programming and software tools like R, NGS Analysis, Gene Marker, and Gene Runner. She is proficient in Microsoft Office and has strong language skills in English (IELTS 6.5) and basic German (A2.1).

Certificates and Workshops

Ms. Nameghi has participated in numerous workshops and conferences, including those focused on laboratory animals, miRNA/siRNA primer design, and essential lab skills in molecular biology.

Conclusion

Ms. Shahrzad Manavi Nameghi’s strong academic background, extensive research contributions, and practical laboratory experience make her a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her dedication to advancing knowledge in molecular biology and genetics, particularly in the context of diabetes and cancer research, exemplifies the qualities recognized by this award.