Ms. Havva Mehralitabar | Biophysics | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Havva Mehralitabar | Biophysics | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Havva Mehralitabar, Tarbiat modares university, Iran

Dr. Havva Mehralitabar Firozjah, born on December 2, 1985, is a distinguished biophysicist specializing in molecular dynamics simulations, peptide design, and nanotechnology. Currently a researcher at Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Iran, she has made significant contributions to cancer research, bacterial and viral infections, and peptide-based therapeutic designs. With a strong academic foundation, Dr. Mehralitabar’s Ph.D. in Biophysics from Tarbiat Modares University centered on self-assembling peptide nanofibers, laying the groundwork for her innovative approaches in neural stem cell differentiation. Her work is marked by numerous high-impact publications and collaborations in computational biology and molecular simulations. As a researcher and educator, she has excelled in both wet lab and computational biology skills, mentoring students and contributing to interdisciplinary scientific advancements.

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Summary of Suitability for the Research for Women Researcher Award

Havva Mehralitabar Firozjah is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award based on her impressive academic background, diverse research experience, and contributions to science. With a Ph.D. in Biophysics from Tarbiat Modares University and a focus on molecular dynamics, she has worked on pioneering projects in cancer, bacterial and viral infections, and nanotechnology. Her research skills, particularly in computational biology and molecular dynamics simulations, are extensive, covering critical areas like protein modeling, molecular docking, and bioactive peptide design.

🎓  Education 

Dr. Havva Mehralitabar Firozjah’s academic journey is marked by excellence and dedication to biophysics and molecular biology. She earned her Ph.D. in Biophysics (2013-2018) from Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, where her thesis on self-assembling alkylated peptide nanofibers provided a unique perspective on neural differentiation. Before this, she completed her M.Sc. in Biophysics (2009-2012) at the Institute for Advanced Studies of Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, where she investigated the thermodynamic interactions between Doxorubicin and DNA. Dr. Mehralitabar also holds a B.Sc. in Plant Biology (2004-2008) from Alzahra University, Tehran. Her research focus spans molecular dynamics simulations and computational biology, and she has developed deep expertise in both theoretical and practical applications of biophysics, laying a strong foundation for her groundbreaking research in peptide-based therapeutic designs and biomolecular structures.

 💼    Experience

Dr. Havva Mehralitabar Firozjah has accumulated extensive research experience across various scientific domains. She is currently a researcher (2020-2023) at Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, focusing on in silico studies of lactoferrin mechanisms in cancer and bacterial infections. Prior to this, she served as a consultant (2018-2020) at Hakim Sabzevari University, guiding M.Sc. students in molecular dynamics simulations. As an adjunct professor (2019-2022), she taught advanced courses in system biology and molecular docking methods, further shaping young scientists. Her experience in both wet labs and computational biology makes her a versatile scientist, skilled in molecular simulations, peptide design, and biophysics research. Through multiple collaborations and supervisory roles, Dr. Mehralitabar has played a key role in advancing research in the field of molecular biology and nanotechnology.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Dr. Havva Mehralitabar Firozjah’s contributions to biophysics have earned her numerous awards and recognitions. Notably, she secured 6th place in the National Ph.D. Entrance Exam (2013) out of 120 participants, showcasing her academic prowess. She has also served as a reviewer for the esteemed Journal of Computer in Biology and Medicine (2020-2022), underlining her expertise in computational biology. During her academic tenure, Dr. Mehralitabar received several honors for her innovative research in molecular dynamics simulations and peptide nanotechnology, including recognition from Tarbiat Modares University for her exceptional Ph.D. thesis on alkylated-peptide nanofibers. Additionally, her active participation in conferences and workshops has led to several poster presentations, contributing to her standing as a thought leader in her field. Her relentless pursuit of scientific excellence continues to make a significant impact on the biophysics research community.

🌍 Research Focus 

Dr. Havva Mehralitabar Firozjah’s research primarily revolves around molecular dynamics simulations, peptide design, and nanotechnology. Her work focuses on exploring the interactions between peptides and biological molecules to develop innovative therapeutic strategies. One of her most notable projects includes in silico studies of lactoferrin mechanisms, aiming to address cancer, bacterial, and viral infections. She also specializes in self-assembling peptides for neural stem cell differentiation, demonstrating the potential of biomaterials in regenerative medicine. Dr. Mehralitabar’s research extends into the structural dynamics of proteins, molecular docking, and simulations to understand how molecular structures influence biological functions. With extensive expertise in computational biology and hands-on molecular biology techniques, her work integrates theoretical approaches with practical lab results, making strides in drug design and biomolecular engineering.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • A combination of bioactive and nonbioactive alkyl-peptides form a more stable nanofiber structure for differentiating neural stem cells: a molecular dynamics simulation survey
    Citations: 9
  • Abiraterone and D4, 3-keto Abiraterone binding to CYP17A1, a structural comparison study by molecular dynamic simulation
    Citations: 3
  •  The role of Wnt palmitoleylated loop conserved disulfide bonds in Wnt-frizzled complex structural dynamics: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations
    Citations: 1
  • The physicochemical properties role of a functionalized alkyl-peptide in nanofibre formation and neural progenitor cells viability and survival
    Citations: 1
  •  In vitro study of the expression of autophagy genes ATG101, mTOR and AMPK in breast cancer with treatment of lactoferrin and in silico study of their communication networks and …

Ms. Effimia Angeli | Prehistoric Archaeology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Effimia Angeli | Prehistoric Archaeology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Effimia Angeli, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Poland

Effimia Angeli is an accomplished archaeologist and PhD candidate at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Poland. Born on June 7, 1991, she has developed expertise in Neolithic pottery, focusing on Central Greece. Her passion for archaeology began during her undergraduate studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology and History of Art in 2014. She went on to pursue a Master’s in Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Nottingham, completing her thesis on Neolithic painted ware. Effimia has participated in various archaeological projects across Greece and Poland, working extensively in field excavations, museum curation, and digital documentation. Her current PhD research delves into pottery as a source of information on Neolithic communities in Phthiotis, Greece. She continues to present her findings at international conferences, contributing to our understanding of ancient Mediterranean cultures.

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Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award: Effimia Angeli

Effimia Angeli’s extensive academic background, research contributions, and practical experience in archaeology make her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. She holds a Master’s degree in Mediterranean Archaeology from the University of Nottingham with distinction and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in archaeology, focusing on the Neolithic communities of Greece. Her diverse and high-quality research includes significant contributions to the understanding of pottery as a historical source, showcasing her ability to connect material culture to broader anthropological questions. Her publications in international journals, coupled with her participation in numerous excavation projects across Europe, reflect her ongoing commitment to advancing the field of archaeology.

 🎓 Education 

Effimia Angeli’s academic journey reflects her deep interest in archaeology. She is currently a PhD candidate at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Poland, where her dissertation explores Neolithic pottery from Phthiotis, Central Greece, examining the period from 6370–5300 BC. She earned her Master of Arts in Mediterranean Archaeology from the University of Nottingham, UK, in 2019. Her MA thesis focused on the development of painted ware during the Middle and Late Neolithic periods in Central Greece, receiving a Distinction. Before that, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology and History of Art at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2014, with a thesis examining pottery in early Greek settlements. Her education has provided her with both theoretical knowledge and practical field experience, shaping her into an expert on Neolithic pottery and its role in ancient civilizations.

🏆 Grants

In 2024–2025, the Association for Environmental Archaeology (AEA) awarded a grant of 1961 GBP for the project “Environment and Interactions in Neolithic Greece: geoarchaeological research at Halai (Central Greece).” Led by Principal Investigator E. Angeli, the project focuses on exploring environmental and human interactions during the Neolithic period through geoarchaeological investigations at the site of Halai.

💼 Experience 

Effimia Angeli has a broad range of archaeological experience. Since 2021, she has participated in 13 rescue excavations in Poland, contributing to projects with firms like ArchaeoAdventure and Azupiranu Archaeological Services. She has worked on excavation sites across Poland, including medieval churches and cemeteries, gaining experience in digital documentation and excavation management. In Greece, Effimia has been part of the Cornell Halai and East Lokris Project since 2012, focusing on the study of Neolithic pottery. Her prior roles also include curatorial work for various Greek museums, where she was involved in the digital recording of collections. Her experience extends to training undergraduate students in archaeological drawing, excavation techniques, and pottery analysis. Effimia’s expertise spans prehistoric, medieval, and Roman archaeological contexts, making her a versatile and skilled professional in both field and academic settings.

🏅Awards and Honors 

Effimia Angeli has achieved recognition for her academic and fieldwork contributions in archaeology. In 2023, she secured first place in the PhD evaluation procedure at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Poland, earning a 100% qualification for her research on Neolithic pottery. During her studies at the University of Nottingham, she was awarded a Distinction for her MA thesis on painted ware from Thessaly and Central Greece. Effimia has also been invited to present her research at prestigious international conferences, including the European Association of Archaeologists’ Annual Meetings and the Belgrade Conference on Archaeological Pottery. Her contributions to publications and her role as a field team leader in various excavation projects have earned her respect among her peers. Effimia’s dedication to the advancement of archaeological knowledge has been consistently recognized throughout her career.

🌍 Research Focus 

Effimia Angeli’s research is centered on Neolithic pottery, with a specific focus on Central Greece. Her PhD dissertation examines pottery as a source of information about Neolithic communities in Phthiotis from 6370 to 5300 BC. Effimia’s approach combines macroscopic analysis and conceptual metaphor theory to understand the symbolic and functional uses of pottery in ancient societies. Her previous work has explored the development of painted ware during the Middle and Late Neolithic periods, comparing regional differences between Thessaly and Central Greece. Effimia is particularly interested in the intersection of material culture and community identity, using ceramics as a lens through which to understand trade, social interaction, and environmental adaptation in prehistoric Greece. Her research also touches on the influence of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, on settlement patterns and pottery styles in coastal regions.

Publication Top Notes

“Conceptual meanings in middle Neolithic red-painted pottery from Central Greece: A case study”
“The Late Neolithic Pattern Burnished Pottery from Halai in East Locris, Central Greece: Preliminary Results of the Macroscopic Analysis”
“How did environmental factors affect the spread of Minoan Thalassocracy? Seasonal changes in winds and currents and their influence on the Minoan exchange networks”
“Painting the pots in the Middle Neolithic period. Red-on-White pottery from Central Greece”
“The development of maritime activity in the Aegean during the Bronze Age: navigational techniques and shipbuilding”