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.

 

 

Shadab Ahamad | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Scholar Award

Mr. Shadab Ahamad | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Scholar Award

Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence | India

Mr. Shadab Ahamad is a dedicated life sciences researcher specializing in biotechnology, genomics, and congenital heart disease (CHD) studies. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Life Sciences at Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, focusing on unraveling genetic and environmental factors contributing to CHD through advanced genomic approaches such as GWAS, NGS, and variant screening. His academic background includes a B.Tech. in Biotechnology from GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, a DBT-sponsored Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Biotechnology from Amity Institute of Biotechnology, and research fellowships across prestigious institutes including JNCASR and IARI Delhi. Professionally, he serves as a Research Officer at Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani International Centre for Child Heart Care and Research, where he integrates clinical data analysis with genomic research to explore genotype-phenotype correlations and maternal-perinatal risk factors. His work spans plant biotechnology, nanotechnology integration, and clinical genomics, with multiple peer-reviewed research articles, reviews, and book chapters. Having presented at numerous international conferences and received recognition for his contributions, Mr. Ahamad continues to bridge translational research and clinical application to improve child health outcomes globally.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

  • "Maternal Peri-Conceptional Sleep Quality and Risk of Congenital Heart Disease in Offspring: An Exploratory Case–Control Study"

  • "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease"

  • "Impact of long-term deep freeze storage on human leukocytes viability & DNA extraction: Insights from a resource-limited biorepository"

  • "Navigating Life with Rare Syndromes and Congenital Heart Disease: The Unseen Link"

  • "Is Poor Maternal Sleep Quality in the Periconceptional Period a Risk Factor for Congenital Anomalies in Offspring?"

  • "Systematic molecular view of targets prioritization of congenital heart disease against developmental toxicity"

  • "Paternal Teratogen Exposure and Risk of Congenital Heart Disease in Offspring: A Two-Year Retrospective Observational Study"

  • "Summary of initiatives for treating congenital heart disease: Enhancing quality of life and bridging the knowledge gap"

  • "Computational insights into maternal environmental pollutants and folate pathway regulation"

  • "Isolation and PCR Validation of DNA from Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) Leaves Using an Optimized CTAB Method to Propel Medicinal Insights"

Vishal Srivastava | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vishal Srivastava | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Cleveland Clinic | United States

Author Profile

Orcid

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Vishal Srivastava’s journey in academia began with a strong foundation in his chosen field of study. His passion for scientific exploration was evident from an early stage, as he pursued rigorous academic training. Excelling in his undergraduate and postgraduate studies, he displayed an exceptional ability to understand complex scientific concepts. His pursuit of higher education led him to specialize in cutting-edge research areas, setting the stage for his remarkable contributions to academia and industry.

Professional Endeavors 💼

With a solid academic background, Dr. Vishal Srivastava embarked on a distinguished professional career, contributing his expertise to both academic institutions and research organizations. Over the years, he has taken on key roles that allowed him to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications. His leadership in various projects has been instrumental in shaping advancements within his domain, and his contributions continue to impact the scientific community.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Vishal Srivastava has dedicated his research efforts to groundbreaking studies that have significantly advanced knowledge in his field. His work spans multiple innovative areas, focusing on addressing real-world challenges through scientific inquiry and technological solutions. With a keen interest in emerging trends, he has contributed to numerous publications and research collaborations, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader. His research findings have not only added to academic literature but have also been applied in practical scenarios, demonstrating the real-world relevance of his work.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Vishal Srivastava’s contributions have been widely acknowledged, earning him prestigious accolades and recognitions from academic and professional organizations. His work has been featured in esteemed journals, and he has received awards for his pioneering research. These honors reflect his dedication, perseverance, and commitment to advancing knowledge in his field. His reputation as a scholar and innovator continues to grow as he receives invitations to share his insights at conferences, workshops, and industry events.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Beyond his research and professional achievements, Dr. Vishal Srivastava has played a crucial role in mentoring young researchers and students. His guidance has inspired many to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of conventional knowledge. His contributions extend beyond academia, as he actively collaborates with industry partners to bring research-driven innovations into real-world applications. Through his work, he has influenced policies, technological developments, and scientific progress, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

Dr. Vishal Srivastava’s legacy is one of innovation, excellence, and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. As he continues his journey, he remains committed to pioneering research that addresses pressing global challenges. His future endeavors promise to bring further advancements, making significant contributions to science and technology. Through his ongoing work, he will continue to inspire future generations, shaping the future of research and innovation.

Publications


  •  📄Cell-Based Small-Molecule Screening Identifying Proteostasis Regulators Enhancing Factor VIII Missense Mutant Secretion
    Journal: Biomolecules
    Year: 2025
    Authors: Vishal Srivastava, Zhigang Liu, Wei Wei, Yuan Zhang, James C. Paton, Adrienne W. Paton, Tingwei Mu, Bin Zhang


  •  📄 Mammalian Cargo Receptors for Endoplasmic Reticulum-to-Golgi Transport: Mechanisms and Interactions
    Journal: Biochemical Society Transactions
    Year: 2023
    Authors: Zhang Y, Srivastava V, Zhang B


  •  📄 The Combined Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and Tryptophan Treatment Modulates Immune and Metabolome Responses to Human Rotavirus Infection in a Human Infant Fecal Microbiota Transplanted Malnourished Gnotobiotic Pig Model
    Journal: mSphere
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Michael H, Srivastava V, Deblais L, Amimo JO, Chepngeno J, Saif LJ, Rajashekara G, Vlasova AN


  •  📄 Obese Children Gut Microbiota Influences Inflammatory Mucosal Immune Pathways in the Respiratory Tract to Influenza Virus Infection: Optimization of an Ideal Duration of Microbial Colonization in a Gnotobiotic Pig Model
    Journal: Microbiology Spectrum
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Renu S, Deblais L, Patil V, Schrock J, Kathayat D, Srivastava V, Feliciano-Ruiz N, Han Y, Ramesh A, Lakshmanappa Y S, Ghimire S, Dhakal S, Rajashekara G, Renukaradhya G J


  •  📄 Evaluation of Novel Quorum Sensing Inhibitors Targeting Autoinducer 2 (AI-2) for the Control of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Infections in Chickens
    Journal: Microbiology Spectrum
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Helmy Y A, Kathayat D, Deblais L, Srivastava V, Closs G, Tokarski IIR J, Ayinde O, Fuchs J R, Rajashekara G


 

Peng Chen | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Peng Chen | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Qingdao University | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Prof. Peng Chen's journey in medical research began with a strong foundation in clinical medicine and biomedical sciences. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine degree from Taishan Medical College (1999-2004), where she gained essential medical knowledge and clinical training. Her pursuit of advanced expertise led her to Capital University of Medical Sciences (2004-2007), where she obtained a Master of Science degree, focusing on medical research methodologies and specialized clinical studies. To further deepen her understanding and expertise, she pursued a Doctor of Medicine (2009-2012) at Qingdao University, refining her specialization in ophthalmology and regenerative medicine.

Professional Endeavors 🔬

After completing her master's degree, Prof. Chen embarked on her professional career at the Shandong Eye Institute (2007-2016), a renowned institution dedicated to ophthalmology research. During her tenure, she made significant contributions to vision sciences and ocular disease research, strengthening her expertise in eye-related disorders. In 2016, she transitioned to Qingdao University, where she currently serves as a leading researcher and faculty member. Her role at the university allows her to conduct cutting-edge research on ophthalmology and liver regeneration, mentor young medical scientists, and contribute to the advancement of medical science.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔍

Prof. Chen's research has significantly impacted liver regeneration, macrophage efferocytosis, and ophthalmology, particularly in understanding cellular mechanisms and disease pathophysiology. Some of her key contributions include:

  • Liver Regeneration and Macrophage Efferocytosis: Her recent studies have explored the NLRP3 inflammasome's role in constraining liver regeneration by impairing macrophage efferocytosis (Sci Adv., 2025). Additionally, she has investigated the role of Aquaporin-5 in facilitating liver regeneration via the ROS/GSDMD pathway (Cell Signal., 2025) and how extracellular vesicles containing GAS6 protect the liver from ischemia-reperfusion injury (Cell Death Discov., 2024).
  • Ophthalmology and Ocular Disease Research: She has studied the retinoic acid synthesis pathway in AQP5-deficient mice and its implications for dry eye disease (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci., 2024). Her research has also examined the regulation of axon guidance by Slit2 and Netrin-1 signaling in lacrimal gland development (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci., 2023).

Prof. Chen’s research not only deepens scientific knowledge in these areas but also paves the way for novel therapeutic strategies for liver and eye diseases.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Prof. Chen’s contributions to medical science have been widely recognized through prestigious research grants and peer-reviewed publications. She has received:

  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (2020-2023): RMB 550,000 for research on AQP5’s protective role in lens transparency through miRNA-mediated autophagy.
  • Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation (2018-2021): RMB 150,000 for the identification and functional study of Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy gene.

Her research has been featured in top-tier scientific journals, including Science Advances, Cell Signal, Cell Death Discovery, and Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, reinforcing her status as a leading expert in regenerative medicine and ophthalmology.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Prof. Chen’s work bridges fundamental research and clinical applications, making a profound impact in both ophthalmology and liver disease treatment. Her findings on macrophage efferocytosis and aquaporins have opened new avenues for therapeutic interventions in liver regeneration, while her contributions to ocular disease mechanisms have enhanced the understanding of corneal and lacrimal gland pathophysiology.

Through her mentorship, collaborations, and academic contributions, she continues to shape the next generation of medical researchers and clinicians, strengthening Qingdao University’s reputation as a hub for medical research excellence.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

With an established track record in liver regeneration and ophthalmic research, Prof. Peng Chen’s future contributions are expected to drive medical innovations in regenerative medicine and precision healthcare. Her work on cellular signaling pathways, extracellular vesicles, and aquaporins will likely inspire new therapeutic breakthroughs in both systemic and ocular diseases. As she continues to lead cutting-edge research, mentor young scientists, and contribute to transformative discoveries, Prof. Chen’s legacy will be one of scientific excellence, innovation, and meaningful impact on global healthcare.

Publications


  • 📄NLRP3 inflammasome constrains liver regeneration through impairing MerTK-mediated macrophage efferocytosis

    • Journal: Science Advances
    • Year: 2025
    • Authors: Wei S, Guan G, Luan X, Yu C, Miao L, Yuan X, Chen P*, Di G*

  • 📄Aquaporin-5 facilitates liver regeneration following hepatectomy via ROS/GSDMD pathway

    • Journal: Cell Signaling
    • Year: 2025
    • Authors: Li B, Di G, Ge H, Song P, Han W, Sun H, Wang D, Chen P*, Wang Y*

  • 📄Extracellular vesicles containing GAS6 protect the liver from ischemia-reperfusion injury by enhancing macrophage efferocytosis via MerTK-ERK-COX2 signaling

    • Journal: Cell Death Discovery
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Miao L, Yu C, Guan G, Luan X, Jin X, Pan M, Yang Y, Yan J, Chen P*, Di G*

  • 📄Reticulated Retinoic Acid Synthesis is Implicated in the Pathogenesis of Dry Eye in Aqp5 Deficiency Mice

    • Journal: Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Ge H, Di G, Li B, Han W, Song P, Han S, Wang D*, Chen P*

  • 📄Regulation of Axon Guidance by Slit2 and Netrin-1 Signaling in the Lacrimal Gland of Aqp5 Knockout Mice

    • Journal: Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: Bai Y, Di G, Ge H, Li B, Zhang K, Zhang D, Wang D*, Chen P*