Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum, Case Western Reserve University and Universiy Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and BIOHM HEALTH LLC, United States

Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum, renowned for his contributions in Health Professions, is affiliated with Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and BIOHM HEALTH LLC in the United States. His pioneering research focuses on microbiome dynamics and its impact on human health. Dr. Ghannoum’s work spans innovative approaches to understanding fungal communities and their therapeutic implications, shaping modern healthcare practices. With a distinguished career marked by groundbreaking discoveries, he continues to lead advancements in microbiology, fostering new insights into disease prevention and treatment. 🌿🔬 His collaborative efforts bridge academia and healthcare, paving the way for transformative medical solutions.

PROFILE 🌟
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EDUCATION 🎓

Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum, based at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, has a rich academic journey spanning multiple continents and disciplines. He earned his B.Sc. in 1973 from the American University of Beirut, followed by an M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Loughborough University of Technology, England, in 1974 and 1978, respectively. Dr. Ghannoum further enhanced his expertise with a Yeast Genetics Course at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories in 1993. His commitment to leadership and management led him to complete an Executive MBA at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management in 2004. 🎓✨

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 🌐

🎓 Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum is a distinguished figure in medical mycology, currently serving as Tenured Professor in the Department of Dermatology at Case Western Reserve University since 2000. He is the Director of the Center for Medical Mycology and the Mycology Reference Laboratory at Case Western Reserve and University Hospitals Case Medical Center. With a background spanning from Kuwait University to UCLA School of Medicine, his career includes pivotal roles in microbiology and infectious diseases research. Prof. Ghannoum’s expertise bridges academia and clinical practice, shaping advancements in fungal research and treatment worldwide. 🌍🔬

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES  🌐

🌐 Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum has played a pivotal role in infectious disease research and dermatology at Case Western Reserve University. He chaired various committees, including the Dermatology Department’s Recruitment and Promotion Committee and the Antifungal Susceptibility Subcommittee of CLSI. His leadership extends to international conferences and editorial boards, enhancing medical mycology and antimicrobial research. As President of the Medical Mycological Society of Americas and advisor to CLSI’s Consensus Committee on Microbiology, his influence spans academia and clinical practice. With ongoing NIH involvement and numerous committee memberships, Prof. Ghannoum continues to shape global standards in infectious disease management and medical research.

TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH 🧬

Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum is a pioneer in biofilm research, co-founding Great Lakes Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and spearheading the development of B-lock™, an innovative antibiofilm product. Currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials via the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway 🧪, B-lock™ shows promise in combating microbial biofilms. Dr. Ghannoum has also submitted multiple invention disclosures to Tech Transfer offices: one focusing on catheter Lock solutions for biofilm treatment 💡, another on the metabolomics profile of head and neck cancer 🧬, and a third on using Pichia as a probiotic or therapeutic against fungal infections 🍄. Additionally, he is involved in a patent application for photodynamic therapy 🌟, showcasing his commitment to advancing medical science.

ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES 💼

Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum, as Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder of Great Lakes Pharmaceuticals, spearheaded translational research leading to an anti-biofilm lock solution now in Phase III clinical trials, based on his RO1 on microbial biofilms 🧫. He conducted extensive pre-clinical studies and secured $2.7 million in Fast Track funding through SBIR grants 💡. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in raising private financing from angel investors and venture capital firms like Charter Life Science Fund 🌱. As Chief Scientific Officer of Oasis Consumer Healthcare LLC/ARMS Pharmaceutical, he oversaw the development of germ remediation drugs, managed Phase II trials, and facilitated nearly $8 million in private funding 🌍. His consultancy roles with major pharmaceutical companies underscore his profound impact on the industry 🔬.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS 🤝 

Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum is a distinguished member of several prestigious organizations, including the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), American Society for Microbiology, and Infectious Diseases Society of America, where he holds fellowship status. His expertise extends to the American Academy of Dermatology and the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM). He has previously been associated with the Leaders Society of the Dermatology Foundation and the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID). Dr. Ghannoum’s contributions have also been recognized by the Society for General Microbiology (U.K.) and the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences. 🌍🔬👨‍🔬

HONORS AND SPECIAL AWARDS 🏅 

Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum has garnered extensive recognition for his pioneering contributions in microbiology and infectious diseases. He received the prestigious “Freedom to Discover Award” from Bristol Myers-Squibb, a testament to his groundbreaking research with a $500,000 grant. His intellectual achievements were further honored with the Kuwait Foundation for Advancement of Science Award, emphasizing scientific advancement. Dr. Ghannoum’s leadership includes chairing the Antifungal Sub-committee of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and serving as a member of NIH study sections. Named one of Cleveland’s “Most Interesting People,” he also received awards like the Billy Cooper Award and the Prevent Blindness America Investigator Award for his research on biofilms. 🏆🔬

PUBLICATIONS TOP NOTES 📚

Biofilm Formation by the Fungal PathogenCandida albicans: Development, Architecture, and Drug Resistance

Antifungal agents: mode of action, mechanisms of resistance, and correlation of these mechanisms with bacterial resistance

Characterization of the oral fungal microbiome (mycobiome) in healthy individuals

Potential role of phospholipases in virulence and fungal pathogenesis

Development of interpretive breakpoints for antifungal susceptibility testing: conceptual framework and analysis of in vitro-in vivo correlation data for fluconazole …

Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida Biofilms: Unique Efficacy of Amphotericin B Lipid Formulations and Echinocandins

Antifungal resistance of candidal biofilms formed on denture acrylic in vitro

A large-scale North American study of fungal isolates from nails: the frequency of onychomycosis, fungal distribution, and antifungal susceptibility patterns

Comparison of Biofilms Formed by Candidaalbicans and Candidaparapsilosis on Bioprosthetic Surfaces

Antifungal susceptibility testing: practical aspects and current challenges

Dr. Vedbar Khadka | Genetics and Genomics | Excellence in Research

Dr. Vedbar Khadka | Genetics and Genomics | Excellence in Research

Dr. Vedbar Khadka, Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Manoa, United States

Dr. Vedbar Khadka, an Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, United States, specializes in Genetics and Genomics. His dedication to research excellence shines through his work, contributing significantly to the field’s advancement. Dr. Khadka’s expertise spans critical areas of genetic research, aiming to unravel complex biological mechanisms and enhance understanding in genomics. His role at a prestigious institution underscores his commitment to academic and scientific rigor, inspiring both students and colleagues alike. With a passion for discovery and innovation, Dr. Khadka continues to make profound strides in genetics, fostering new insights that shape the future of genomic studies. 🧬🔬🌿

Profile

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Education

Dr. Vedbar Khadka pursued a diverse educational journey, starting with a BE in Electronics and Computer Engineering from Tribhuvan University, Nepal (2000-2004). He then ventured to South Dakota State University, achieving an MS in Electrical Engineering (2006-2010) and later a Ph.D. in Computational Science and Statistics with a focus on Bioinformatics (2011-2014). His academic path reflects a blend of engineering and computational sciences, culminating in advanced expertise in statistical analysis and bioinformatics research. 🎓🔬 His educational achievements spanned continents, enriching his insights into interdisciplinary applications of technology and data science in biological research.

Academic & Professional

Dr. Vedbar Khadka brings a wealth of experience and expertise spanning multiple disciplines. Currently serving as Assistant Specialist at the Graduate Faculty of Quantitative Health and Clinical Research Program and Bioinformatics faculty at JABSOM Bioinformatics Core, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, he also holds roles as Cooperating Graduate Faculty in the Departments of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, and Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology. With a background that includes Ph.D. Bioinformatics at John A. Burns School of Medicine, his journey began with research and teaching roles at South Dakota State University. Dr. Khadka’s career reflects a commitment to advancing bioinformatics and health sciences, marked by significant contributions and educational engagements. 🎓⚕️

AWARDED GRANTS & RESEARCH

Dr. Vedbar Khadka has been actively involved in multiple NIH-funded projects, showcasing his expertise in bioinformatics and collaborative research. As a Principal Investigator (MPI) on projects like “Profiling transcripts associated with clinical features of breast cancer in Native Hawaiians,” he focuses on genetic signatures. His role as a Collaborator-Bioinformatician in projects such as “Assessment of methylmercury and selenium on postnatal brain development” highlights his contributions to understanding environmental influences. Dr. Khadka’s diverse roles also include investigating CLDN expression in ulcerative colitis and microbial dynamics in mosquito microbiomes. His efforts contribute significantly to advancing biomedical research, emphasizing precision and innovation in healthcare. 🧬🔬🌿

TEACHING, TRAINING, MENTORING, ADVISING

Dr. Vedbar Khadka has been a pivotal figure at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, serving as a Course Instructor at JABSOM since 2015. His contributions span a diverse range of subjects, including Machine Learning for Data Science, Bioinformatics, and Biostatistics. He has developed and taught numerous courses such as Bioinformatics I and II, Biostatistics I, and Special Topics in Introductory Bioinformatics. Dr. Khadka has also enriched the academic community through insightful guest lectures on topics like The Life Cycle, Cell & Molecular Biology, and Clinical Research Methods. His workshops on R Programming, Omics Data Integration, and Genome Assembly highlight his commitment to advancing bioinformatics and data science education. 🎓💻🔬

UNIVERSITY & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Dr. Vedbar Khadka, a distinguished faculty member at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, has contributed extensively to academia and research. He has chaired numerous doctoral committees and served as a member on various graduate program committees since 2020. Dr. Khadka’s involvement spans judging INBRE poster sessions and participating in research panels like Ola HAWAII. His role as a grants reviewer includes evaluating proposals for prestigious organizations and journals such as PloS One, Cancers, and Frontiers in Genetics. With a robust portfolio in biostatistics and biomedicine, Dr. Khadka continues to impact scientific discourse with his expertise and commitment. 🎓🔬📚

MEMBERSHIPS

Dr. Vedbar Khadka is a distinguished member of several prestigious organizations, including the Golden Key International Honour Society and the Nepal Engineering Council. He is also affiliated with the American Statistical Association (ASA) and the Society of Nepalese in Hawaii (SNEHA), reflecting his diverse professional engagements. In addition to his academic and professional roles, Dr. Khadka has contributed actively as a referee for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), Honolulu-Region 178, from 2019 to 2020. His multifaceted involvement underscores his commitment to both academic excellence and community service. 🎓🌐⚽

HONORS & AWARDS

Dr. Vedbar Khadka has been recognized for his exemplary contributions across various domains. His nomination for the 2020 Presidential Award for Outstanding Service at UH Manoa highlights his commitment to excellence. As a member of the 2013 Golden Key International Honour Society, he has upheld standards of academic achievement and leadership. Dr. Khadka’s expertise extends to high-throughput computing, supported by his 2012 Travel Award to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and participation in the XSEDE12 Conference in Chicago. Acknowledged as the Outstanding Teaching Assistant in 2009 and 2010 at South Dakota State University, he continues to inspire through his educational prowess. His innovative spirit was also honored with the 2004 Amateur Inventor’s Award from the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. 🏆🎓🌟

PUBLICATIONS TOP NOTES

A global metagenomic map of urban microbiomes and antimicrobial resistance

Collagen type IV alpha 1 (COL4A1) and collagen type XIII alpha 1 (COL13A1) produced in cancer cells promote tumor budding at the invasion front in human urothelial carcinoma of …

Short day transcriptomic programming during induction of dormancy in grapevine

HIF1 mediates a switch in pyruvate kinase isoforms after myocardial infarction

Plasma microRNA pair panels as novel biomarkers for detection of early stage breast cancer

RNA sequencing-based analysis of the laying hen uterus revealed the novel genes and biological pathways involved in the eggshell biomineralization

Selenoprotein M promotes hypothalamic leptin signaling and thioredoxin antioxidant activity

Epigenetic delay in the neurodevelopmental trajectory of DNA methylation states in autism spectrum disorders

The landscape of bacterial presence in tumor and adjacent normal tissue across 9 major cancer types using TCGA exome sequencing

Selenoprotein K deficiency inhibits melanoma by reducing calcium flux required for tumor growth and metastasis