Sonia Ktari | Medical Bacteriology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sonia Ktari | Medical Bacteriology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sonia Ktari, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, Tunisia

Dr. Sonia Ktari Chaari is a dedicated Assistant Professor of Microbiology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Tunisia. She plays a key role at the Laboratory of Microorganisms and Human Pathologies, CHU Habib Bourguiba. Her expertise lies in bacterial resistance, molecular epidemiology, and microbiological diagnostics. With over two decades of academic pursuit and scientific inquiry, she has contributed significantly to the understanding of hospital-acquired infections and emerging resistant strains. Dr. Ktari has co-authored numerous high-impact journal publications and has supervised multiple theses in microbiology and health sciences. Her scholarly approach integrates molecular biology with data-driven research, as demonstrated by her recent specialization in statistics and data analysis. As a mother of two and an accomplished scientist, Dr. Ktari exemplifies balance and excellence in academia, earning respect both nationally and internationally for her contributions to medical bacteriology.

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Suitability Summary for Research for Best Researcher Award: Sonia Ktari Chaari

Sonia Ktari Chaari is a highly accomplished microbiologist and Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, Tunisia. Her strong academic foundation, including a PhD in Biological Engineering and a recent Habilitation to Direct Research (HDR), reflects her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. She also holds a professional master’s degree in statistics and data analysis, underlining her proficiency in applying rigorous quantitative methods to health sciences research.

Her research expertise centers on microbiology, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance, a critical and globally relevant field. Sonia has made significant contributions to understanding hospital-associated infections, molecular epidemiology, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms, as demonstrated by her numerous publications in reputable, peer-reviewed international journals with respectable impact factors. Her work on nosocomial outbreaks and antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, and Streptococcus pneumoniae showcases both applied and fundamental research that addresses urgent public health challenges.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Sonia Ktari holds a comprehensive academic background in biological sciences. She earned her Habilitation to Direct Research (HDR) in Biological Sciences in 2023 from the Faculty of Sciences of Sfax. She further diversified her skillset by obtaining a Professional Master’s in Statistics and Data Analysis for Health Sciences from the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax the same year. Her foundational journey includes a PhD and Master’s in Biological Engineering from the National School of Engineers of Sfax in 2008 and 2003, respectively. Prior to that, she acquired a Bachelor’s Degree and a DEUG in Natural Sciences from the Faculty of Sciences of Sfax. Her early academic formation was rooted in the Experimental Sciences, completing her Baccalaureate in 1997. Dr. Ktari’s interdisciplinary education equips her with both deep scientific knowledge and modern analytical tools, empowering her to lead high-impact research in microbiology and infectious disease control.

💼 Professional Experience

With over a decade of academic and research experience, Dr. Sonia Ktari has been an integral faculty member at the University of Sfax, Tunisia, since 2014. As Assistant Professor in Microbiology, she has developed and delivered courses in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Bacterial Typing for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her pedagogical expertise extends to supervising practical workshops and creating laboratory manuals that enhance applied learning. In research supervision, Dr. Ktari has mentored numerous Master’s and undergraduate theses, and co-supervised a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Her laboratory work, housed in CHU Habib Bourguiba’s microbiology division, focuses on hospital pathogen surveillance and molecular diagnostics. She collaborates closely with clinical and international research teams, contributing to high-impact investigations of antibiotic resistance and nosocomial outbreaks. Her multifaceted experience bridges teaching, research, and clinical microbiology, shaping her as a leader in the field of medical bacteriology.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Sonia Ktari has received widespread recognition for her impactful contributions to medical bacteriology. Her scientific publications in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy and Microbial Drug Resistance have brought international attention to Tunisia’s efforts in combatting bacterial resistance. Her studies on multi-drug resistant pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae have become critical references in clinical microbiology. In acknowledgment of her growing influence in microbiological research and her ability to mentor young scientists, she earned her Habilitation to Direct Research in 2023. She is a trusted co-author in interdisciplinary teams and often contributes to collaborative projects with global epidemiology centers. Her dedication to academic excellence and laboratory precision has also garnered accolades within her institution and among the broader research community. Dr. Ktari’s standing as a scholar makes her a deserving candidate for prestigious international research awards.

🌍 Research Skills On Medical Bacteriology

Dr. Ktari’s research proficiency lies at the intersection of molecular microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, and genomic epidemiology. She has specialized skills in molecular subtyping methods, bacterial genome analysis, and clinical diagnostics. Her work involves tracking the genetic evolution and resistance mechanisms of nosocomial pathogens such as Salmonella enterica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. She effectively uses statistical and computational tools to analyze large datasets, thanks to her Master’s in Health Data Analysis. Dr. Ktari is proficient in designing and executing PCR, sequencing protocols, and resistance gene detection. Additionally, her capabilities in supervising multidisciplinary teams and translating research into clinical practice enhance her relevance in both academic and hospital-based microbiological settings. Her ability to lead investigations into hospital outbreaks and resistance spread highlights her vital contribution to public health microbiology.

📖 Publication Top Notes

Title: Genomic analysis of Brucella melitensis isolates recovered from humans in south Tunisia over 35 years between 1988 and 2022
Authors: (Not provided in your snippet)
Citation count: 1 citation
Year: 2025
Journal: BMC Microbiology
Access: Open access

Title: Molecular epidemiology of a multidrug-resistant Shigella sonnei outbreak in Tunisia (2022–2023) using whole-genome sequencing
Authors: (Not provided in your snippet)
Citation count: 0 citations
Year: 2025

Drauzio Rangel | Microbiology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Drauzio Rangel | Microbiology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil

Dr. Drauzio Eduardo Naretto Rangel is an accomplished Brazilian microbiologist and affiliated professor at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP). With a career that spans over four decades in microbiology, fungal physiology, and biological control, Dr. Rangel is internationally recognized for his contributions to the study of entomopathogenic fungi and fungal stress responses. He has also held key academic positions across several Brazilian universities and has actively fostered international collaboration in fungal biology.

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Rangel’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Universidade São Francisco in 1983. He pursued a Master’s in Microbiology (2000) at Universidade Estadual Paulista, where he studied the virulence of fungal pathogens against insect pests. His passion for fungal biology and biocontrol culminated in a Ph.D. in Microbiology (2006) from Utah State University, USA, under the mentorship of Dr. Donald W. Roberts. His doctoral dissertation focused on the genetic and phenotypic variability of Metarhizium anisopliae, especially its tolerance to UV-B radiation and heat.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Drauzio Eduardo Naretto Rangel’s career reflects a dynamic blend of academic leadership, research innovation, and multidisciplinary experience. He has held several significant academic positions, including serving as a Full Visiting Professor (2022–2024) at the Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), where he focused primarily on research activities. Prior to this, he was an Assistant Professor (2018–2022) at Universidade Brasil, and an Associate Visiting Professor (2016–2018) at the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), maintaining a consistent balance of teaching and research responsibilities. From 2007 to 2015, he contributed to both pedagogy and research as an Assistant Professor at the Universidade do Vale do Paraíba. Earlier in his career, Dr. Rangel was a postdoctoral fellow and research assistant at Utah State University, where he participated in biocontrol initiatives such as the management of Mormon crickets using entomopathogenic fungi. Beyond academia, his early professional life included roles as a biologist, ecotourism guide, and even a graphic designer, reflecting a versatile and multidisciplinary skill set that has enriched his scientific perspective and teaching approach.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Rangel’s research focuses on fungal stress physiology, particularly the responses of fungi to UV radiation and thermal stress, as well as the virulence mechanisms of insect-pathogenic fungi. He is especially known for his work on biological control applications involving Metarhizium anisopliae and related species. His studies operate at the intersection of microbiology, ecology, and photobiology, offering valuable insights into how fungal pathogens adapt to environmental challenges, with implications for sustainable pest management and agricultural biotechnology.

🌍 Impact and Influence

A pioneer in fungal stress biology, Dr. Rangel is the founder and chairperson of the International Symposium on Fungal Stress (ISFUS), now in its sixth edition (2026). His leadership has placed Brazil at the forefront of global discussions on fungal responses to environmental challenges. Through extensive collaborations, he has built strong academic networks across Latin America, North America, Europe, and Asia.

📚 Academic Contributions and Citations

Dr. Rangel is widely cited in the fields of invertebrate pathology and environmental microbiology, having published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. He has received accolades for his peer review contributions from prominent journals like Fungal Biology and the Journal of Invertebrate Pathology.

🧪 Research Skills

Dr. Rangel possesses strong technical expertise in both molecular and phenotypic analysis of fungi, with a focus on understanding their adaptive mechanisms. He is skilled in conducting UV radiation experiments and stress tolerance assays, which are central to his research on fungal resilience. His work also includes extensive field and laboratory studies on fungal biocontrol, particularly targeting agricultural pests. In addition to his scientific capabilities, he has significant experience in research coordination, grant acquisition, and the organization of major scientific events, demonstrating his leadership in the academic community.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Dr. Rangel has decades of teaching experience across all levels, from high school science education to graduate-level microbiology and biotechnology. He has held faculty roles at multiple Brazilian universities, typically balancing 20–40% teaching with 60–80% research responsibilities. His courses often integrate applied microbiology, biocontrol, and photobiology.

🏅 Awards and Honors

He is a four-time recipient of Brazil’s prestigious CNPq Research Productivity Fellowship (PQ 1D and PQ 2) (2011–2026). Other notable recognitions include:

  • Outstanding Reviewer Award from Fungal Biology (2015),

  • Excellence in Reviewing Award from the Journal of Invertebrate Pathology (2014).

💰 Grants and Funding

Dr. Rangel has successfully secured over US$ 750,000 in research funding, reflecting his strong track record in academic grant acquisition. His projects have received major support from prestigious institutions including FAPESP (State of São Paulo Research Foundation), CNPq (Brazilian National Council), CAPES, Embrapa, and The Rockefeller Foundation. These funds have been instrumental in advancing his research in fungal biology and biocontrol, as well as in organizing high-impact scientific symposia, notably the International Symposium on Fungal Stress (ISFUS) and the International Fungal Biology Conference (IFBC).

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Rangel’s legacy is marked by his tireless promotion of fungal stress biology and international scientific exchange. Through ISFUS and ongoing research at UNIFESP, he continues to shape future directions in fungal biotechnology, biocontrol, and microbial resilience to climate change. His future contributions will likely focus on developing novel strategies to harness fungal organisms for sustainable agriculture and environmental management.

Top Noted Publications

Physiological stress tolerance responses of the dung decomposer fungus Mucor circinelloides

  • Authors: Acheampong, M. A., B. Pupin, L. P. Dias, M. P. Santos, L. O. Bernardes, M. S. Pinheiro, P. C. Ferreira, A. Mikaelyan, H. R. Medina, A. Alder-Rangel, and D. E. N. Rangel
    Journal: Fungal Biology
    Year: 2025


Metarhizium acridum exhibits a different conidial hydrophobicity than other insect-pathogenic fungi

  • Authors: Medina, H. R., and D. E. N. Rangel
    Journal: Fungal Biology
    Year: 2025

Light enhances the production of conidia and influences their hydrophobicity in Tolypocladium inflatum

  • Authors: Medina, H. R., and D. E. N. Rangel
    Journal: Fungal Biology
    Year: 2025

Proteomics in Metarhizium parasitism of arthropods

  • Authors: Saciloto-de-Oliveira, L. R., C. Innocente-Alves, J. de Fraga Sant’Ana, A. L. Marques, A. Schrank, D. E. N. Rangel, L. Santi, and W. O. Beys-da-Silva
    Journal: Fungal Biology Reviews
    Year: 2025

Leading developments in basic research on aspergillosis and mucormycosis

  • Authors: Sarkar, A., D. E. N. Rangel, and N. Osherov
    Journal: Fungal Biology
    Year: 2025

Ekadashi Rajni | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ekadashi Rajni | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ekadashi Rajni, Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences & Technology, India

Dr. Ekadashi Rajni Sabharwal is a distinguished microbiologist specializing in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. She currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, under Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences & Technology, Jaipur. As a key member of the Antimicrobial Resistance Cell at MGMCH, she actively contributes to research and policy development on infection control and stewardship programs. With extensive experience in academia, clinical microbiology, and research, Dr. Sabharwal has played a pivotal role in advancing microbiological diagnostics and antimicrobial stewardship in India. She has worked in esteemed institutions such as Lady Hardinge Medical College and Maulana Azad Medical College, enhancing her expertise in medical microbiology. Her prolific research output includes numerous peer-reviewed publications focusing on antimicrobial resistance, diagnostic methodologies, and infection control. A sought-after speaker at national and international conferences, she remains committed to improving microbiological practices and patient outcomes.

Professional Profile

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Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ekadashi Rajni Sabharwal is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, given her extensive contributions to the field of Microbiology, particularly in antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, and clinical microbiology. With an MD in Microbiology from the prestigious Maulana Azad Medical College, she has built a remarkable career as a Professor at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and a key member of the Antimicrobial Resistance Cell. Her academic journey, from her foundational medical training at Lady Hardinge Medical College to her significant role in national and international microbiological research, highlights her depth of expertise and leadership in the field.

Dr. Sabharwal’s research impact is evident through her ongoing projects, which include large-scale national multicentric studies on drug-resistant organisms, antimicrobial stewardship, and clinical trials on innovative treatments for gallbladder cancer, showcasing her commitment to both public health and translational research.

🎓 Education

Dr. Ekadashi Rajni Sabharwal completed her MBBS from Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi, from 1994 to 1999, where she also undertook a one-year rotatory internship at its associated hospitals. Her passion for microbiology led her to pursue an MD in Microbiology from Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi University (2001-2004), where she gained in-depth expertise in medical microbiology, infectious diseases, and diagnostic microbiology. During her MD training, she actively engaged in clinical microbiology, bacteriology, and molecular diagnostics, refining her diagnostic skills. She later completed a three-year tenure as a Senior Resident at Lady Hardinge Medical College & associated hospitals, deepening her knowledge in microbiological investigations and patient care. Her strong academic foundation in medical microbiology has played a critical role in her career, enabling her to contribute significantly to research and teaching. She continues to enhance her expertise through active participation in advanced microbiological training programs.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Ekadashi Rajni Sabharwal has an extensive professional career spanning academia, research, and clinical microbiology. She currently holds the position of Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, Jaipur. Previously, she served as a Senior Resident at Lady Hardinge Medical College (2004-2007), where she gained hands-on experience in clinical microbiology and laboratory diagnostics. Her expertise further expanded as a Consultant Microbiologist at Delhi Heart & Lung Institute and Dr. Lal’s Path Lab, where she managed microbiological diagnostics and quality control. She has actively contributed to antimicrobial resistance research and infection control programs. As a member of the Antimicrobial Resistance Cell at MGMCH, she plays a vital role in policy implementation and diagnostic stewardship. With a robust academic presence, she mentors postgraduate students, conducts microbiological research, and collaborates on national and international studies focused on infectious diseases and emerging antimicrobial resistance trends.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Ekadashi Rajni Sabharwal has received numerous accolades for her contributions to microbiology and antimicrobial resistance research. She has been honored with prestigious awards for her work in infection control, including recognition from the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists (IAMM) for her pioneering research on antimicrobial stewardship. She has been an invited panelist and keynote speaker at reputed microbiology conferences such as Rajcriticon, IAMM Rajasthan Chapter, and international microbiology symposia. Her contributions to infection control workshops and antimicrobial resistance awareness programs have earned her accolades from both academic and healthcare institutions. She has received research grants for multicentric studies on antimicrobial resistance surveillance and stewardship interventions. Her publication record in high-impact journals further underscores her academic excellence. With a reputation as a thought leader in medical microbiology, she continues to inspire the next generation of microbiologists and contribute to global efforts against antimicrobial resistance.

🌍 Research Skills On Microbiology

Dr. Ekadashi Rajni Sabharwal possesses extensive research expertise in antimicrobial resistance, diagnostic microbiology, and infection control. Her primary research focuses on multidrug-resistant organisms, emerging bacterial pathogens, and rapid diagnostic methodologies. She specializes in antimicrobial susceptibility testing, genotypic and phenotypic resistance characterization, and molecular epidemiology. She has led large-scale, multicentric studies on surveillance of drug-resistant organisms, antimicrobial stewardship, and the impact of rapid diagnostics on patient outcomes. Her proficiency in microbiological techniques, including PCR-based diagnostics, whole-genome sequencing, and mass spectrometry, has contributed to advancing microbiological research. She actively collaborates with national and international research bodies, enhancing interdisciplinary research in microbiology. With a keen interest in hospital infection control, she works on innovative strategies for reducing healthcare-associated infections. Her extensive list of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international microbiology forums highlights her contributions to the field, making her a respected researcher in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  1. Silent Escalation: The Journey of Shigella from Gut to Blood

    • Author(s): Ekadashi Rajni, Snigdha Purohit, Rachna Priyadarshini, Gunjan Agarwal
    • Citation: Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2025-03
    • Year: 2025
  2. Molecular characterization of Carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales causing blood stream infections in critically ill patients

    • Author(s): Gupta, Shilpi; Rajni, Ekadashi; Galav, Himanshi; Gajjar, Devarshi
    • Citation: Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2024
    • Year: 2024
  3. Synergy testing of ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam combination by two different methods

    • Author(s): Ekadashi Rajni, Kriti Goyal, Kanika R. Bairwa
    • Citation: Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2024-09
    • Year: 2024
  4. Prevalence, Clinico-Demographic Profile, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of MRSA Infections in a Tertiary Hospital in Western India: A Retrospective Study

    • Author(s): Shilpi Gupta, Ekadashi Rajni, Afreen Ali, Anindita Kurmi
    • Citation: Journal of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2024-06-01
    • Year: 2024
  5. Clinical and microbiological characteristics of Chryseobacterium indologenes bacteremia: A case report and review of literature

    • Author(s): Ayushi Jorwal, Pallaavi Goel, Vishnu Kumar Garg, Ekadashi Rajni
    • Citation: Journal of Research in Clinical Medicine, 2024-01-14
    • Year: 2024
  6. Diversity and Distribution of β-Lactamase Genes Circulating in Indian Isolates of Multi-Drug Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

    • Author(s): Shukla, Suraj; Desai, Siddhi; Bagchi, Ashutosh; Singh, Pushpendra; Joshi, Madhvi; Joshi, Chaitanya; Patankar, Jyoti; Maheshwari, Geeti; Rajni, Ekadashi; Shah, Manali et al.
    • Citation: Preprints.org, 2023
    • Year: 2023
  7. Diversity and Distribution of β-Lactamase Genes Circulating in Indian Isolates of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

    • Author(s): Shukla, Suraj; Desai, Siddhi; Bagchi, Ashutosh; Singh, Pushpendra; Joshi, Madhvi; Joshi, Chaitanya; Patankar, Jyoti; Maheshwari, Geeti; Rajni, Ekadashi; Shah, Manali et al.
    • Citation: Antibiotics, 2023
    • Year: 2023
  8. The genus Ralstonia: The new kid on the block

    • Author(s): Rajni, Ekadashi; Goel, Pallaavi; Sarna, Mukesh Kumar; Jorwal, Ayushi; Sharma, Chinkle; Rijhwani, Puneet
    • Citation: Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, 2023
    • Year: 2023
  9. Diversity and Distribution of β-lactamase Genes Circulating in Indian Isolates of Multi-drug Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

    • Author(s): Suraj Shukla, Siddhi Desai, Ashutosh Bagchi, Pushpendra Singh, Madhvi Joshi, Chaitanya Joshi, Jyoti Patankar, Geeti Maheshwari, Ekadashi Rajni, Manali Shah et al.
    • Citation: Preprints, 2023-01-19
    • Year: 2023
  10. Providencia Causing UTIs: Are We Reaching a Dead End!!!

  • Author(s): Rajni, Ekadashi; Jain, Ashish; Garg, Vishnu K.; Sharma, Richa; Vohra, Rajat; Jain, Srishti S.
  • Citation: Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine, 2022
  • Year: 2022