Nora Katabi | Salivary gland cancer | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nora Katabi | Salivary gland cancer | Best Researcher Award

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center  | United States

Author Profile

Scopus

Summary

Dr. Nora Katabi is a board-certified anatomic and clinical pathologist with extensive expertise in head and neck pathology, particularly salivary gland neoplasms. She currently serves as a Tenured Member and Attending Pathologist in the Department of Pathology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York. With over two decades of academic and clinical experience, Dr. Katabi has established herself as a thought leader in oncologic surgical pathology. She actively contributes to international pathology committees and serves in editorial roles for leading scientific journals. Her career reflects a strong integration of clinical practice, translational research, education, and institutional leadership, advancing precision diagnostics in head and neck cancer.

Education

Dr. Katabi earned her M.D. from Damascus University School of Medicine, Syria, in 1997. She completed multiple externships in internal medicine, cardiovascular medicine, cytogenetics, and ambulatory cardiology at institutions including Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Harvard Medical School) and Wayne State University. She completed her residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and served as Chief Resident at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. She then completed a fellowship in Oncologic Surgical Pathology at MSKCC, further solidifying her expertise in cancer pathology.

Professional Experience

Dr. Katabi began her tenure at MSKCC in 2006 as an Instructor and Chief Fellow, progressing to Assistant, Associate, and now Tenured Member of the pathology faculty. Clinically, she has advanced from Assistant to Attending Pathologist, specializing in surgical pathology of the head and neck. From 2017 to 2023, she served as Associate Program Director for the Oncologic Surgical Pathology Fellowship, overseeing fellow education, selection, and evaluation. She is a dedicated educator, delivering didactic lectures and participating in clinical training. Her involvement in the Fellowship Committee and numerous national and international presentations further demonstrates her leadership and academic engagement.

Research Interests

Dr. Katabi’s research focuses on histopathologic and molecular characterization of salivary gland tumors, particularly in identifying genetic alterations, molecular markers, and prognostic features. She has led multiple funded studies as Principal Investigator, including work on NR4A3 abnormalities in acinic cell carcinoma and PRKD gene alterations in polymorphous adenocarcinomas. Her additional research in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck contributes to improved tumor classification, grading, and clinical management. Dr. Katabi’s work supports a translational approach, bridging laboratory research with patient care to enhance diagnostic precision.

Publications

 Nodal Metastasis in Low Grade Salivary Gland Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis of Incidence, Histologic Spectrum and Outcome
Comprehensive Clinicopathologic, Morphologic, and Molecular Evaluation and Outcomes in Polymorphous Adenocarcinoma Tumors With Applicability of a 2‑Tiered Grading System
  • Author(s): (Authors not specified in preview)

  • Journal: Modern Pathology

  • Year: 2025

Sympathetic axonogenesis promotes adenoid cystic carcinoma progression
  • Author(s): Chun‑Hao Chen, Boris Reva, Nora Katabi, Avishai Wizel, Hongbo Xu, Alan L. Ho, Luc G. T. Morris, Richard L. Bakst, Anuraag S. Parikh, Yotam Drier, Sylvie Deborde, Richard J. Wong

  • Journal: Journal of Experimental Medicine

 

Xiya Zhang – Immunoassay method – Best Researcher Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. Xiya Zhang - Immunoassay method - Best Researcher Award 

Henan Agricultural University - China

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc Prof Dr. Xiya Zhang began his academic journey in Veterinary Science, obtaining his Bachelor's degree from the College of Animal Science and Technology at Shihezi University in 2008. He further pursued his studies in the same field at Huazhong Agricultural University, earning a Master's degree in 2011. His deepening interest in veterinary science led him to a Ph.D. at China Agricultural University, where he focused on Basic Veterinary Science from 2013 to 2017. During his doctoral studies, Zhang honed his expertise in immunological techniques and their applications in food safety, laying a solid foundation for his future research career.

Professional Endeavors

After completing his Ph.D., Xiya Zhang joined the College of Food Science and Technology as an Associate Professor, where he has been instrumental in teaching and developing courses such as Instrumental Analysis, Food Safety Case Analysis, and Food Immunology. His role involves not only educating the next generation of food safety experts but also leading cutting-edge research projects.

Contributions and Research Focus On Immunoassay method

Assoc Prof Dr. Xiya Zhang's research is primarily focused on the rapid detection of contaminants in food products, an area of critical importance to public health and safety. His work specializes in the design and synthesis of small molecule haptens, preparation of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, and the exploration of antigen-antibody recognition mechanisms. This research is vital for developing new methods for detecting contaminants like mycotoxins, veterinary drug residues, and pesticide residues. Zhang has produced nearly 50 high-performance monoclonal antibodies that address these common issues, significantly advancing the field of food immunology.

Research Projects

Assoc Prof Dr. Zhang's leadership in several high-impact research projects has marked his career. He has been the principal investigator in projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation and other prestigious institutions. These projects include studies on the sensitivity mechanisms of antibodies to antigens, the development of fluorescence resonance energy transfer lateral flow assays, and the molecular recognition mechanisms in antibodies. His work not only pushes the boundaries of scientific discovery but also has practical applications in improving food safety standards.

Papers and Publications

Assoc Prof Dr. Xiya Zhang has a prolific output of research publications, having authored or co-authored numerous papers published in high-impact scientific journals. His work is frequently published in journals such as Microchimica Acta, Journal of Hazardous Materials, and Food Chemistry. These papers often describe the development of innovative detection methods for food contaminants, showcasing his contributions to the field's advancement.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Xiya Zhang has received recognition for his research excellence and contributions to food safety science. Although specific awards and honors are not detailed in the provided information, his leadership in funded research projects and his role as a primary author in multiple high-impact publications underscore his standing in the academic community.

Impact and Influence

Assoc Prof Dr. Xiya Zhang's research has had a significant impact on the field of food safety, particularly through the development of advanced immunological assays and detection techniques. His work not only enhances our understanding of antigen-antibody interactions but also leads to practical solutions that can be implemented in the food industry to ensure consumer safety.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking towards the future, Xiya Zhang is expected to continue his influential work in food safety immunology. His ongoing projects and continuous innovation in rapid detection methodologies suggest that his research will keep providing valuable insights and tools to tackle emerging food safety challenges. His legacy, characterized by a dedication to enhancing food safety through scientific excellence, will likely influence generations of researchers and professionals in the field.

Xiya Zhang's career is a testament to the profound impact that dedicated research can have on public health and safety, demonstrating how rigorous science can be translated into practical solutions for global challenges in food safety.

Notable Publication