Anita Kavrakova | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Anita Kavrakova | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Genetic Medico-Diagnostic Laboratory “Genica” | Bulgaria

Mrs. Anita Kavrakova is a distinguished molecular biologist and project manager with extensive experience in medical genetics and diagnostic research. Since 2019, she has been serving as Project Manager at Genetic Medico-Diagnostic Laboratory “Genica” and Genome Center Bulgaria AD in Sofia, where she oversees laboratory projects, implements innovative diagnostic techniques, ensures compliance with national and international standards, and actively contributes to scientific research through conferences, publications, and collaborative studies. Prior to this role, she worked as a Molecular Biologist at Genica (2008–2018), conducting advanced molecular analyses including PCR, qPCR, gene sequencing, and immunohistochemistry, with a focus on cancer genetics, particularly prostate and cervical cancers. She has also been a part-time assistant at the Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University Sofia, since 2012, training students in theoretical and practical biochemistry. Dr. Kavrakova earned her PhD in Genetics from Medical University Sofia in 2015, investigating molecular markers in prostate cancer for improved diagnostics and patient management, following an MS in Genetics and a Bachelor in Biology from Sofia University “St Kliment Ohridski.” She has contributed to numerous national and international research projects on infectious agents, reproductive failure, and cancer etiology, authored multiple publications, and actively participates in innovation evaluation and scientific advisory roles, demonstrating leadership, analytical skills, and a commitment to advancing molecular diagnostics and biomedical research.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Todorova, E., Kavrakova, A., Derimachkovski, G., Georgieva, B., Odzhakov, F., Bachurska, S., Terziev, I., Boyadzhieva, M. E., Valkov, T., Popov, E., Slavov, C., Tourtourikov, I., Mitev, V., & Todorova, A. (2025). Human Herpes Virus genotype and immunological gene expression profile in prostate cancer with prominent inflammation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(10), 4945.

Todorova, E., & Kavrakova, A., Derimachkovski, G., Georgieva, B., Kalenderova, S., Odzhakov, F., Bachurska, S., Boyadzhieva, M. E., Terziev, I., Genova, M., Mitev, V., & Todorova, A. (2025). Pathogenic contribution of human papillomaviruses and Epstein-Barr virus to prostate cancer in Bulgarian patients. C. R. Acad. Bulg. Sci. (submitted).

Mesechkova, K., Kavrakova, A., Georgieva, B., Sigridov, I., Miteva, A., Mitev, V., & Todorova, A. (2023). Bacterial and viral pathogens implicated in female reproductive failure investigated on menstrual blood. C. R. Acad. Bulg. Sci., 76(3), 394–406.

Mesechkova, K., Kavrakova, A., Georgieva, B., Sigridov, I., Mitev, V., & Todorova, A. (2023). Non-invasive diagnostics of reproductive failure with infectious etiology on menstrual tissue. Acta Medica Bulgarica, 50(3).

Mesechkova, K., Kavrakova, A., Todorova, E., Georgieva, B., Sigridov, I., Mitev, V., & Todorova, A. (2023). Role of bacterial and viral infections and co-infections in miscarriages. Acta Medica Bulgarica, 50(4).

Kavrakova, A., Todorova, A., Georgieva, B., Anachkov, K., Yanev, K., Ivanov, G., & Mitev, V. (2018). Investigation of noninvasive urine specimens with molecular fluctuations for a presence of high-risk human papilloma viruses as an inflammatory cofactor in prostate cancer. Journal of Biology and Medicine.

Tsvetkova, A., Todorova, A., Todorov, T., Georgiev, G., Drandarska, I., & Mitev, V. (2015). Molecular and clinico-histological data in aggressive prostate cancer patients from Bulgaria. JBUON, 20(2).

Tsvetkova, A., Todorova, A., Todorov, T., Georgiev, G., Drandarska, I., & Mitev, V. (2015). Molecular and clinicopathological aspects of prostate cancer in Bulgarian probands. Journal of Pathology and Oncology Research.

Tsvetkova, A., Todorova, A., Todorov, T., Georgiev, G., Drandarska, I., & Mitev, V. (2014). Molecular profile and clinicopathological aspects of prostate cancer in Bulgarian patients. Journal of BOD, 4, 18–26.

Tsvetkova, A., Kadiyska, T., Georgiev, G., Drandarska, I., Todorova, A., & Mitev, V. (2013). Molecular-genetic approach in combination with clinical and histological data for diagnostics of prostate cancer. Journal of Oncology, 3, 50–55.

 

 

Wen-Ji Dong | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wen-Ji Dong | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Washington State University | United States

Author Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Wen-Ji Dong embarked on his academic journey with a deep passion for chemistry and biophysics. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry from Lanzhou University, P.R. China, under the mentorship of Prof. Rudong Yang. His doctoral research at Birkbeck College, University of London, focused on physical chemistry, guided by Prof. Colin D. Flint. Further strengthening his expertise, he pursued postdoctoral training in biophysics at the University of Western Ontario and biochemistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. These formative years provided him with a multidisciplinary foundation, setting the stage for groundbreaking contributions to bioengineering and cardiac muscle research.

Professional Endeavors 🏛️

Dr. Dong's professional career spans multiple prestigious institutions. His tenure at Washington State University (WSU) has been particularly influential, where he has risen through the ranks from Assistant Professor to Full Professor in the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering. Before joining WSU, he served as a Research Assistant Professor and Research Instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, refining his expertise in protein and cellular engineering. His career reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing both research and education in bioengineering.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Dong's research addresses critical challenges in cardiac muscle regulation, microbial extracellular vesicles, and diagnostic technologies. His key research objectives include:

  • Understanding Myocardial Function: Investigating fundamental mechanisms governing heart muscle function under healthy and diseased conditions.
  • Developing Advanced Biosensors: Creating unique diagnostic technologies for rapid disease detection at the point of care.
  • Microbial Extracellular Vesicles: Exploring their roles in intracellular communication and potential applications in microbial infection control.
  • Innovative Antibiotic Alternatives: Engineering microbial EV-based antibiotics to combat bacterial and fungal infections.

His interdisciplinary approach integrates bioengineering, fluorescence spectroscopy, biophotonics, and microfluidics, positioning him at the forefront of biomedical research.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Dong’s contributions have been widely recognized through various awards and editorial roles:

  • Outstanding Research Award from Washington State University.
  • Nominee for the Anjan Bose Research Award in the College of Engineering and Architecture.
  • Muscular Dystrophy Association Research Fellowship, highlighting his impact on muscle physiology research.
  • China-British Technology Collaboration Scholarship, recognizing his early academic excellence.
  • Editorial Roles in esteemed journals, including Frontiers in Striated Muscle Physiology, Biosensors, and Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.
  • Invited Speaker at the Gordon Research Conference, a prestigious forum for scientific exchange.

His research publications, exceeding 148 in total, have garnered thousands of citations, reflecting his global academic impact.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Dong's research has significantly shaped the fields of bioengineering and cardiac physiology. His advancements in protein engineering, biosensors, and microbial vesicle studies have influenced both academia and industry. Through his mentorship at WSU, he has trained a new generation of researchers, equipping them with cutting-edge skills to drive future innovations.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

Dr. Wen-Ji Dong’s legacy lies in his interdisciplinary approach to solving biomedical challenges. Moving forward, his work will continue to:

  • Refine diagnostic technologies for faster, more accurate disease detection.
  • Develop new microbial EV-based treatments, offering alternatives to traditional antibiotics.
  • Expand research on cardiac muscle regulation, contributing to novel therapies for heart diseases.
  • Inspire and mentor future scientists, ensuring sustained progress in bioengineering.

Dr. Dong’s dedication to research and education ensures that his influence will be felt for generations, cementing his reputation as a leader in bioengineering and biomedical innovation.

Publications


  •  📄 Dual Roles of the Conditional Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms: Promoting and Inhibiting Bacterial Biofilm Growth
    Author(s): Marwa Gamal Saad, Haluk Beyenal, Wen-Ji Dong
    Journal: Biofilms
    Year: 2024


  •  📄 Dual Roles of the Conditional Exosomes Derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms: Promoting and Inhibiting Bacterial Biofilm Growth
    Author(s): Marwa Gamal Saad, Haluk Beyenal, Wen-Ji Dong
    Journal: bioRxiv
    Year: 2023


  •  📄 Exosomes as Powerful Engines in Cancer: Isolation, Characterization and Detection Techniques
    Author(s): Marwa Gamal Saad, Haluk Beyenal, Wen-Ji Dong
    Journal: Biosensors
    Year: 2021


  •  📄 Consensus Statement: Standardized Reporting of Power-Producing Luminescent Solar Concentrator Performance
    Author(s): Chenchen Yang, Wen-Ji Dong, Richard R. Lunt, et al.
    Journal: Joule
    Year: 2022


  •  📄 A Preliminary Investigation on the Photothermal Properties of Luminescent Solar Concentrators
    Author(s): Y. Li, Y. Sun, Y. Zhang, Wen-Ji Dong
    Journal: Optics
    Year: 2021


 

Deresse Daka | Immunology and Microbiology | Editorial Board Member

Assoc Prof Dr. Deresse Daka | Immunology and Microbiology | Editorial Board Member

Hawassa University | Ethiopia

Author Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Deresse Daka Gidebo embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences from Jimma University in 2006. His passion for learning extended to a Diploma in Computer Sciences from Debub University Dilla College, followed by a Certificate Diploma in Bible Correspondence Study from Canada IBC College in 2005.

Professional Endeavors

With a solid foundation, Deresse pursued a Master's in Medical Microbiology at Addis Ababa University, Black Lion, graduating in 2011. Currently, he is committed to academic excellence as a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Gondar since 2021.

Contributions and Research Focus

Deresse Daka's research endeavors encompass various critical health aspects. His ongoing studies explore the prevalence, drug resistance patterns, and associated factors of M. tuberculosis among prisoners. Additionally, he investigates the antibacterial effects of Alchemilla Abyssinica extract and assesses the impact of water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions on intestinal parasites among school children in Sidama Zone.

Accolades and Recognition

Deresse has made significant contributions to education, co-authoring the Revised Community-Based Education (CBE) Implementation Guideline for Hawassa University in February 2019 and an earlier version in January 2015. Furthermore, he authored a book titled "Introduction to Immunology and Serology, Diagnostic Tool" in 2010.

Impact and Influence

Deresse's research on tuberculosis, antibacterial effects, and hygiene interventions directly addresses public health challenges. His academic contributions, including the CBE guidelines, showcase his influence on medical education methodologies.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Deresse Daka's legacy lies in bridging academia and practical healthcare. His focus on infectious diseases and community health positions him to leave a lasting impact on medical research and education. His commitment to ongoing studies and publications promises continued valuable contributions to the field.

Notable Publications

Knowledge, attitude and practice on prevention and control of pulmonary tuberculosis index cases family in Shebedino District, Sidama Region, Ethiopia 2023

Prevalence, drug-susceptibility pattern and associated factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection among prisoners in western Arsi zonal prisons, Oromia, South West Ethiopia 2023 

Parental traditional medicine use for under-five children and association factors in Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study 2023