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 …

Assist. prof.Dr.levent nuralun, Gazi University, Turkey

Levent Nuralın is a Turkish chemical engineer with a robust academic and research background, currently working at Gazi University. His expertise includes supercritical fluid extraction, environmental sustainability, and clean energy. Levent has been actively involved in both research and teaching, having taught courses such as “Sustainable Development and Clean Energy” and “Environmental Issues and Ethics” in Turkish and English. He supervises final-year students in experimental work related to supercritical applications and leads research projects in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture. Alongside his academic pursuits, he is engaged in community activities, including being an advisor for a student society and a member of a Turkish classical music choir.

Professional Profile

Assessment of Levent Nuralın for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Summary of Suitability: Levent Nuralın presents a well-rounded profile with over 13 years of research and teaching experience in the field of chemical engineering. His expertise is demonstrated through his current role at Gazi University, where he manages advanced R&D labs and contributes significantly to supercritical CO2 applications and environmental sustainability. His academic background, including a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, focuses on extracting pharmaceutical components through supercritical carbon dioxide methods. His practical experience extends beyond academia, having served as a criminal expert in the Turkish police, where he analyzed drugs and explosives using advanced analytical tools. His research in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and involvement in various commissions and student advisorships reflect his leadership and community impact.

Education :

Levent Nuralın holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Gazi University, where his dissertation focused on the extraction of active pharmaceutical components from oily seeds using supercritical carbon dioxide. During his doctoral studies, he gained hands-on experience in experimental design, utilizing the Design Expert program to optimize extraction techniques. His education also includes a master’s degree from Gazi University, where he specialized in hydrogen production through water splitting via the thermochemical method. This involved designing reactors and conducting gas analysis using gas chromatography. His academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Inonu University, providing a strong foundation in chemical processes and engineering principles.

Experience:

Levent Nuralın’s professional experience spans research, teaching, and applied science. Since 2011, he has worked at Gazi University’s Faculty of Engineering, managing R&D labs equipped with advanced analytical tools such as scCO2 systems, HPLC, and GC-MS. His two years of teaching experience include delivering courses on sustainable energy and environmental ethics. In addition to his academic responsibilities, Levent is an active researcher in a project jointly conducted by Gazi University and the Ministry of Agriculture. His early career included a role as a criminal expert at the Turkish Police’s Criminal Police Laboratory, where he analyzed drugs and explosives using advanced analytical instruments. He also serves on various academic committees and advises student communities.

Awards and Honors :

Levent Nuralın has been recognized for his contributions to chemical engineering through various academic and professional awards. His participation in leading research projects and his dedication to teaching have earned him recognition from Gazi University, where he received a departmental award for his role in mentoring final-year students. In addition to his professional achievements, Levent’s involvement in student leadership and community engagement has earned him honors in the engineering faculty. He has also been an active member of various academic committees, further highlighting his contributions to the academic community. His passion for cultural pursuits, such as being part of the Gazi University Sultaniyegah Turkish Classical Music Choir, has earned him accolades for promoting cultural heritage within the academic setting.

Research Focus :

Levent Nuralın’s research focus lies in the intersection of chemical engineering, environmental sustainability, and supercritical fluid applications. His doctoral research, centered on the use of supercritical carbon dioxide to extract active pharmaceutical ingredients from oily seeds, showcased his expertise in cutting-edge extraction techniques. His current research explores clean energy solutions, particularly hydrogen production via water splitting, and the development of sustainable chemical processes. Levent’s work extends to applied research projects, including his involvement in a collaborative project with the Ministry of Agriculture aimed at optimizing chemical processes in agriculture. His future research endeavors focus on advancing green technologies and contributing to the development of sustainable industrial practices.

Publication Top Notes:

Extraction of pharmaceutical compounds using scCO2 🌿💊

Sustainable development through clean energy integration 🌍⚡

Hydrogen production via thermochemical water splitting 💧🔥

Optimization of agricultural processes using green chemistry 🍃🚜

Supercritical CO2 extraction in environmental applications 🌱🧪

Clean energy policies and their impact on environmental ethics ♻️📜

Advances in chemical analysis using GC-MS technologies 🔬🌡️

Mentoring in chemical engineering education 🧑‍🏫🎓

Supercritical fluid applications in industrial processes 🏭🧫

Future trends in chemical engineering for sustainability 🌐🛠️