Dr. Stela Dragomanova| Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Stela Dragomanova, Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria

Dr. Stela Dragomanova is a distinguished researcher and educator at the Medical University of Varna. She earned her master’s degree in Pharmacy from the Medical University of Sofia in 2004 and later specialized in Clinical Pharmacy. In 2020, she completed her Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Dr. Dragomanova’s research centers on neuropharmacology, particularly neurodegenerative diseases. She is a member of the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union and serves as Chairlady of the Ethics Committee for the Regional Pharmaceutical Collegium in Varna. Dr. Dragomanova has published 30+ peer-reviewed papers, contributing significantly to pharmacology and neuroscience. She has also served as Assistant Professor from 2010 to 2021 and is currently Chief Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the Medical University of Varna.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Stela Dragomanova demonstrates a strong profile as a candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. With a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and a focus on neuropharmacology, her research is centered around neurodegenerative diseases, a critical area of biomedical research. Her expertise in in vivo preclinical models and behavioral tests positions her as a valuable contributor to the scientific community, particularly in neuropharmacology and toxicology.Her academic career includes over a decade of teaching and research at the Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria, where she has steadily advanced from Assistant Professor to Chief Assistant Professor. Dr. Dragomanova has also made substantial contributions to the scientific literature, with 30+ publications, including articles in high-impact journals such as Antioxidants and Molecules, with topics addressing neuroprotective strategies and experimental pharmacology.

Education

Dr. Stela Dragomanova began her academic journey at the Medical University of Sofia, where she obtained her master’s degree in Pharmacy in 2004. She further specialized in Clinical Pharmacy, enhancing her expertise in pharmacological interventions. Driven by her passion for neuropharmacology, Dr. Dragomanova pursued her Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Neurobiology, completing it in 2020. Her doctoral research provided significant insights into neurodegenerative diseases and related pharmacotherapies. With a strong foundation in experimental pharmacology and toxicology, Dr. Dragomanova is equipped with advanced skills in preclinical in vivo models and behavioral testing. Her academic qualifications, coupled with her research experience, reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge in the pharmaceutical and neuropharmacological fields.

Experience

Dr. Stela Dragomanova has been an integral part of the Medical University of Varna since 2010, starting as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacotherapy. She transitioned into the role of Chief Assistant Professor in 2021, where she continues to lead and mentor young scientists in neuropharmacology. In her academic career, she has overseen numerous research projects focusing on neurodegenerative disorders, particularly in exploring neuroprotective agents and pharmacological treatments. She has extensive expertise in in vivo preclinical models and behavioral testing in experimental pharmacology. Dr. Dragomanova is also deeply involved in regulatory and ethical aspects of pharmacology research, serving as the Chairlady of the Ethics Committee for the Regional Pharmaceutical Collegium in Varna and being an active member of several scientific and pharmaceutical associations.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Stela Dragomanova has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of pharmacology and her dedication to healthcare and education. In 2018, she was named “Pharmacist of the Year” for the Varna region by the Regional Pharmaceutical Collegium. This prestigious award highlights her commitment to the pharmaceutical profession and the positive impact of her work in the healthcare sector. In addition to her regional recognition, Dr. Dragomanova is an esteemed member of the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union, which is part of the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU). She also holds leadership roles in several academic and professional organizations, including the Bulgarian Association of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology, and Therapeutics. Her extensive experience in both research and education further solidifies her as a prominent figure in the pharmacological sciences.

Research Focus

Dr. Stela Dragomanova’s research is primarily focused on neuropharmacology, particularly in understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. Her work aims to discover potential therapeutic agents that can mitigate the progression of disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. She has developed expertise in using in vivo preclinical models to evaluate neuroprotective compounds and conduct behavioral tests. Her research explores the role of antioxidants and polyphenols, studying their neuroprotective effects and potential applications in pharmacotherapy. Additionally, Dr. Dragomanova is interested in the therapeutic potential of lipid emulsions in treating convulsions and other toxicological conditions. Her investigations have led to a deeper understanding of the molecular and biochemical processes that drive neurodegeneration, with a strong focus on developing novel interventions for these challenging medical conditions.

Publications Top Notes

Intravenous Lipid Emulsions in Anticonvulsants’ Toxicity
Trehalose: Neuroprotective Effects and Mechanisms—An Updated Review
Intravenous Lipid Emulsions in Anticonvulsants’ Toxicity
Neuropharmacological investigation of myrtenal conjugates with aminoadamantane
Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols from Geranium sanguineum L. in Viral Infections, Including SARS-CoV-2

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ebtesam Yousef, Assistant Professor of Faculty of Science, Egypt

Ebtesam Ahmed Yousef Abd elhaleem is an Assistant Professor at the Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Egypt. Born on December 26, 1974, in Sohag, Egypt, she has made significant contributions to the field of invertebrate zoology, particularly marine ostracods. With an extensive background in taxonomy and biological studies, she has published numerous research papers on the biodiversity and ecology of marine species in the Red Sea. Fluent in Arabic, English, and German, she brings a diverse set of skills, including expertise in Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and statistical software like SPSS. She is committed to advancing zoological research and educating future generations of scientists.

Professional Profile

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ebtesam Ahmed Yousef Abd elhaleem is a strong candidate for the ‘Research for Best Researcher Award.’ Her extensive research on ostracods, contributions to marine biodiversity, and commitment to academic excellence through teaching and journal refereeing make her highly suitable for the award. Her work aligns with the objectives of the award, recognizing researchers who contribute significantly to their field while promoting academic growth and innovation.

Education

Ebtesam completed her undergraduate degree in Zoology at Sohag Faculty of Science, Assiut University in 1996. She then progressed to obtain her Master’s degree in 2003, focusing on taxonomic and morphological studies of marine ostracods from the Red Sea. Her Ph.D., awarded by Sohag University in 2008, expanded on these studies, delving deeper into the biological traits of ostracod species from the Red Sea. Her research contributed significantly to the understanding of marine biodiversity and invertebrate taxonomy. Ebtesam’s expertise in zoology, particularly in studying ostracods, has positioned her as a key academic in this field.

Experience

Ebtesam has a broad academic career, starting as a demonstrator in 1997 before moving into research and teaching roles. She has been an Assistant Professor at Sohag University since 2018, where she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including invertebrate taxonomy, vertebrate anatomy, and general physiology. Her research focuses on marine crustaceans, specifically ostracods, contributing new knowledge on species diversity in Egypt’s Red Sea. Additionally, Ebtesam is a peer reviewer for several scientific journals, such as Invertebrate Reproduction & Development Journal and BMC Zoology Journal. Her teaching and research excellence continue to inspire her students and peers.

Awards and Honors

Ebtesam has received numerous accolades for her academic contributions. Among her most notable achievements is her promotion to Assistant Professor in 2018, reflecting her strong academic standing and dedication to zoological research. She has also been recognized for her scientific papers on the taxonomy and biology of marine ostracods, with several of her publications being featured in high-impact journals. Ebtesam’s research has not only garnered respect within academic circles but has also contributed to the greater understanding of marine biodiversity in the Red Sea region.

Research Focus

Ebtesam’s research primarily revolves around marine biodiversity, focusing on the taxonomy and ecology of ostracods, a group of small crustaceans found in marine environments. Her studies on the Red Sea ostracods have provided new insights into species diversity, ecological roles, and adaptation to marine habitats. She is particularly interested in how environmental factors affect ostracod populations and their ecological significance. Through her research, she aims to contribute to global conservation efforts by highlighting the importance of marine ecosystems in Egypt and beyond.