Neelam Sharma – Computational Biology – Best Researcher Award 

Assist Prof Dr. Neelam Sharma - Computational Biology - Best Researcher Award 

B V Raju Institute of Technology - India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Assist Prof Dr. Neelam Sharma embarked on her academic journey in Biotechnology at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, where she pursued her Bachelor of Science from 2010 to 2013. Her undergraduate thesis focused on optimizing the expression of a soluble recombinant His-tagged protein in BL21 cells, an essential study in the field of recombinant DNA technology. Her drive for deeper knowledge led her to obtain a Master of Science (Honors) in Biotechnology from GLA University, where she investigated the epidemiology of vaginal candidiasis, culminating her studies in 2015 with an impressive CGPA of 9.34.

Professional Endeavors

Following her master’s degree, Assist Prof Dr. Sharma began her professional career as a Research Intern at Aligarh Muslim University, gaining valuable laboratory experience. Her academic career advanced rapidly as she became an Assistant Professor at Gagan College of Management & Technology in 2016, where she taught and conducted laboratory work in immunology, microbiology, and molecular biology. Dr. Sharma later pursued her Ph.D. in Computational Biology at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi, producing significant research on designing therapeutic molecules against virulent factors of pathogens, which she completed in 2022.

Contributions and Research Focus

Assist Prof Dr. Sharma’s research has been pivotal in the intersection of computational biology and biotechnological applications, particularly in protein/peptide therapeutics, genomics, and immuno-informatics. Her postdoctoral work at the University of California, San Francisco, involved analyzing HLA typing data from different sequencing platforms and exploring biomarkers for transplantation. This work led to significant insights into organ and bone marrow transplantation therapies.

Assist Prof Dr. Sharma developed several machine learning tools during her tenure as an Academic Researcher at IIIT-Delhi, which helped in predicting and identifying proteins and peptides involved in various diseases. These tools have been critical for the scientific community, aiding in disease management and vaccine development.

Accolades and Recognition

Assist Prof Dr. Sharma’s scholarly contributions are well-recognized in the scientific community, evidenced by her prolific output of peer-reviewed journal articles. She has published extensively, with articles in high-impact journals such as Briefings in Bioinformatics and Computers in Biology and Medicine, contributing significantly to the fields of computational proteomics and bioinformatics.

Impact and Influence

Assist Prof Dr. Sharma's work has significantly advanced the understanding of computational tools in the design of therapeutic molecules and vaccine candidates. Her development of bio-resources and webservers has provided essential tools for researchers worldwide, facilitating better disease management and therapeutic interventions. Her research in identifying virulent proteins and their role in disease mechanisms has opened new avenues for targeted therapy approaches.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As an assistant professor and an active researcher, Assist Prof Dr. Sharma is not only contributing to the body of knowledge but is also profoundly impacting the next generation of scientists through her teachings and supervision of research projects. Her role in educating and mentoring students in big data mining and machine learning for biomedical applications is preparing a skilled workforce capable of continuing the advancement of computational biology.

Assist Prof Dr. Sharma’s future in computational biology and biotechnology looks promising. She continues to expand her research into new areas such as cheminformatics and machine learning applications, aiming to develop novel computational methods that can lead to breakthroughs in drug repurposing and the therapeutic peptides domain. Her ongoing research and potential discoveries continue to contribute to her legacy in the scientific community, marking her as a leader in integrating computational tools with biological research for medical advancements.

Citations

A total of  783 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.

Rabea Asleh – Cardiology and cardiovascular research – Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Rabea Asleh - Cardiology and cardiovascular research - Best Researcher Award 

Hadassah University Medical Center - Israel

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Rabea Asleh's academic journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases. Beginning with his Bachelor's degree in Medical Science from the Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel, Prof. Asleh demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, graduating summa cum laude. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology, where he delved into the complexities of diabetic cardiovascular disease under the guidance of Professor Andrew P. Levy. This phase culminated in a groundbreaking thesis elucidating the mechanisms behind the interaction between the haptoglobin polymorphism and diabetic cardiovascular disease, accompanied by a prolific publication record.

Professional Endeavors

Prof. Asleh's professional journey has been marked by a commitment to advancing cardiovascular medicine through clinical practice, research, and education. Following his postdoctoral fellowship at the Laboratory of Vascular Medicine, Technion Faculty of Medicine, he embarked on a journey of medical training, including residencies and fellowships in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Advanced Heart Failure, and Interventional Cardiology. Notably, he honed his expertise at prestigious institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Hospital, acquiring comprehensive skills in clinical care and research methodologies.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Asleh's research interests encompass a wide array of topics crucial to understanding and managing cardiovascular diseases. His investigations range from elucidating the role of gut microbiota in heart failure pathogenesis to exploring mechanisms of myocardial inflammation and heart failure development. Noteworthy areas of focus include cardiac allograft vasculopathy, cardiovascular disease in malignancy (cardio-oncology), and the interplay between diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular health. His pioneering work on haptoglobin genotype and HDL dysfunction has significantly contributed to our understanding of cardiovascular risk stratification.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Asleh's contributions to cardiovascular medicine have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the National Wolf Prize for Excellence in Research and the Melvin L. Marcus Young Investigator Award from the American Heart Association. His research grants from prestigious institutions such as the Israel Science Foundation and AstraZeneca underscore the significance of his work and its potential impact on patient care.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Asleh's research has left an indelible mark on the field of cardiovascular medicine, shaping clinical practice and guiding future research endeavors. His discoveries have not only advanced our understanding of disease mechanisms but also paved the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a dedicated clinician-scientist and educator, Prof. Asleh's legacy extends beyond his research accomplishments. His mentorship of medical students and involvement in academic activities exemplify his commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Moving forward, Prof. Asleh remains poised to make further breakthroughs in cardiovascular medicine, leveraging his expertise and passion to address unmet clinical needs and drive innovation in the field.

Citations

  • Citations   3705
  • h-index       28
  • i10-index    58