Dr. Rana Sabouni | Detection | Academic Excellence Award

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Dr. Rana Sabouni | Detection | Academic Excellence Award

Dr. Rana Sabouni, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Dr. Rana Sabouni is a prominent figure in the field of Chemical Engineering, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario, and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Science from the University of United Arab Emirates. Dr. Sabouni’s research focuses on advanced materials, particularly Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), with applications in environmental sustainability, drug delivery systems, and CO2 adsorption. She has received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Interdisciplinary Research Award and various research grants from AUS. Her dedication to innovative solutions in chemical engineering extends into her teaching, where she inspires future engineers through a combination of theory and practical applications.

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Summary of Suitability for the Research for Academic Excellence Award:

Dr. Rana Sabouni, an associate professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at the American University of Sharjah, presents a strong profile for the Research for Academic Excellence Award. She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario and has over a decade of academic experience. Her research focuses on cutting-edge areas such as Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), CO2 adsorption processes, drug delivery systems, and environmental pollutant detection. These are not only highly relevant to contemporary global challenges but also contribute significantly to the fields of chemical engineering and interdisciplinary research.

🎓   Education 

Dr. Rana Sabouni completed her Ph.D. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the University of Western Ontario in 2013. Her doctoral work focused on advanced materials for environmental and biochemical applications, particularly in the areas of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and CO2 capture. Prior to that, she earned her M.Sc. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the same university in 2009, concentrating on sustainable chemical processes. Dr. Sabouni also holds a B.S. (Hons.) in Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Science from the University of United Arab Emirates, which she completed in 2006. Her comprehensive educational background has provided her with a deep understanding of chemical processes, enabling her to explore innovative solutions for environmental challenges and drug delivery systems.

💼    Experience 

Dr. Rana Sabouni has extensive academic experience, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the American University of Sharjah since 2020. She previously held the position of Assistant Professor at the same institution from 2014 to 2020. Before joining AUS, she worked as a Post-doctoral Fellow at the University of Western Ontario, where she focused on environmental sustainability research. She has also contributed as a Research and Teaching Assistant at the University of Western Ontario from 2007 to 2013, where she developed her expertise in chemical and biochemical engineering. Dr. Sabouni’s practical and research experience spans across multiple areas, including CO2 adsorption, environmental applications of MOFs, and the development of anticancer drug delivery systems.

🏅   Awards and Honors 

Dr. Rana Sabouni has received numerous awards and grants for her research and academic contributions. In 2023-2024, she was honored with the Outstanding Interdisciplinary Research Award for her innovative work in sensing applications. She has also secured several Faculty Research Grants, including funding for projects like developing fluorescence-based biosensing platforms and MOF-based photo-reactors for pollutant removal. Notably, Dr. Sabouni received the Teaching Excellence Award at AUS for the academic year 2019-2020. She has also been recognized with prestigious scholarships, including the Ontario Graduate Scholarship and MITACs Accelerated Graduate Scholarship during her time at the University of Western Ontario. Dr. Sabouni’s accolades reflect her commitment to advancing chemical engineering research and education.

🌍  Research Focus 

Dr. Rana Sabouni’s research primarily centers on Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), with a strong emphasis on their environmental and biomedical applications. Her work on MOFs for CO2 adsorption and micropollutant removal from aqueous solutions addresses critical global environmental challenges. In addition to environmental sustainability, she is deeply involved in developing novel nanocarriers for anticancer drug delivery, exploring the effects of external stimuli such as light, ultrasound, and microwaves on drug release profiles. Dr. Sabouni is also focused on advancing biosensor technologies, specifically in the detection of heavy metals and pollutants. Her research combines chemistry, material science, and engineering to offer innovative solutions in both environmental sustainability and healthcare.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Title: Carbon dioxide capturing technologies: a review focusing on metal organic framework materials (MOFs)
    Cited by: 238
  • Title: A novel combined manufacturing technique for rapid production of IRMOF-1 using ultrasound and microwave energies
    Cited by: 161
  • Title: Anti-cancer drug delivery using metal organic frameworks (MOFs)
    Cited by: 115
  • Title: Micropollutants removal from water using microfiltration membrane modified with ZIF-8 metal organic frameworks (MOFs)
    Cited by: 105
  • Title: Biomedical applications of metal− organic frameworks for disease diagnosis and drug delivery: a review
    Cited by: 99

 

Ms. Havva Mehralitabar | Biophysics | Women Researcher Award

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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 …

Dr. Rômulo Carleial | Zoology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rômulo Carleial | Zoology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rômulo Carleial, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom

Rômulo Carleial is an evolutionary biologist based at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK. His research spans sexual selection, conservation genetics, and the evolutionary dynamics of phenotypic plasticity. He has a strong academic foundation, having studied in renowned institutions like the University of Oxford and Yale University. Rômulo’s work explores the interplay between genetics and adaptation, contributing to critical conservation efforts. His commitment to science education is evident through his teaching roles in the UK and Brazil. He is passionate about understanding the evolutionary mechanisms that shape biodiversity, aiming to solve ecological challenges.

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Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award:

Rômulo Carleial demonstrates an exceptional profile for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His research spans multiple critical areas, including evolutionary biology, conservation, and genetics, with a focus on sexual selection, genetic plasticity, and conservation biology. His reflective statement highlights a deep engagement with contemporary scientific questions, such as the philosophical implications of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis, showing thought leadership in evolutionary theory.

🎓 Education

Rômulo Carleial has a rich educational background, beginning with his B.S. in Biology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. He further pursued his academic journey with an MSc in Ecology and Wildlife Management, where he developed his expertise in evolutionary biology. His DPhil in Zoology from the University of Oxford deepened his understanding of genetics and sexual selection. Additionally, Rômulo gained valuable experience as a visiting researcher at Yale University and Florida International University, honing his skills in evolutionary and conservation science, contributing to his global scientific perspective.

💼 Experience

Rômulo Carleial’s experience is diverse and impactful, with a PDRA position at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK, focusing on conservation genetics. He has served as a tutor at Oxford University, delivering lectures and conducting practical demonstrations. His international teaching experiences include delivering courses in Brazil and the UK, alongside fieldwork supporting biodiversity conservation. Rômulo’s work extends to community outreach, organizing science events and talks to promote evolutionary biology education. His scientific collaborations have led to numerous international presentations, further cementing his reputation in evolutionary and conservation sciences.

🏅Awards and Honors

Rômulo Carleial has received numerous prestigious awards. In 2022, he co-authored a DEFRA grant that secured £438,704 to investigate the genetic basis of AOD. He was also a recipient of CNPq DPhil and MSc international scholarships, which funded his advanced research at Oxford University. These scholarships, along with CAPES Science Without Borders funding, supported his studies and international collaborations. His ability to secure competitive grants and scholarships highlights his research excellence and commitment to advancing evolutionary biology and conservation.

🌍 Research Focus

Rômulo Carleial’s research focuses on the intersection of evolutionary biology, conservation, and genetics. His earlier work examined sexual selection and sexual dichromatism, while his current interests lie in understanding how genetics and phenotypic plasticity contribute to adaptive traits in organisms. His research on the genetic basis of plant resistance to pathogens, particularly in oak trees, aims to protect ecosystems from climate change and disease. He is also exploring the philosophical implications of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis, focusing on organismal agency in evolution and its conservation biology impact.

 📖 Publications Top Notes

Circadian patterns in male sexual behaviour and female resistance in a polygynandrous bird
A first draft genome of holm oak (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota), the most representative species of the Mediterranean forest and the Spanish agrosylvopastoral ecosystem “dehesa”
Disentangling the causes of temporal variation in the opportunity for sexual selection
Temporal dynamics of competitive fertilization in social groups of red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) shed new light on avian sperm competition
Dynamic phenotypic correlates of social status and mating effort in male and female red junglefowl, Gallus gallus