Hiba Akram | Microbiology | Young Scientist Award

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Mrs. Hiba Akram | Microbiology | Young Scientist Award

Senior Lecturer | Shalamar Institute of Health Sciences | Pakistan

Mrs. Hiba Akram is a dedicated researcher and Senior Lecturer in Medical Laboratory Technology whose work spans microbiology, infectious diseases, biotechnology, nutrigenomics, and precision medicine. Her academic and scientific journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing laboratory sciences through high-quality research, evidence-based practice, and innovation in clinical diagnostics. She has contributed to impactful projects exploring enzyme technology, antibiotic resistance, microbial behavior under stress conditions, nutrigenomic interactions in obesity, and cytomorphological patterns in endocrine disorders. Her completed work includes investigations on nano-coupled thermostable enzymes, plasmid elimination dynamics, and diagnostic cytology, while her ongoing studies address public health challenges such as obesity trends, burn wound microbiology, and hygiene-associated infections. Mrs. Hiba Akram has published research in reputable national and international journals and has authored a chapter in a scientific book, further strengthening her growing academic footprint. Her collaborative engagements with leading academic and healthcare institutions support multidisciplinary research, curriculum enhancement, and student mentorship, and she actively participates in international conferences to disseminate findings and expand scientific dialogue. Her research interests continue to evolve toward the intersection of microbiology, biotechnology, and personalized health, integrating genomic and microbial insights to improve clinical outcomes. Through her contributions to teaching, scholarly writing, and innovative research, she remains committed to shaping the future of Medical Laboratory Technology and advancing scientific understanding in fields critical to public health and biomedical science.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Researchgate | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Gohar, U. F., Shah, Z., Sarwar, J., Akram, H., & Mukhtar, H. (2021). Recent advances in biotechnology in animal health. Veterinary Pathobiology and Public Health, Unique Scientific Publishers, 7.

Farzand, A., Rohin, M. A. K., Awan, S. J., Ahmad, A. M. R., Akram, H., Saleem, T., … (2025). Nutrigenomics of obesity: Integrating genomics, epigenetics, and diet–microbiome interactions for precision nutrition. Life, 15(11), 1658.

Naseer, M. U., Bilal, M., Sonum, S., Kaleem, M., Akram, H., Altaf, Y., Rafeeq, A., … (2025). Cytomorphological spectrum of thyroid nodules diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration cytology in a tertiary care center. Insights – Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 3(3), 180–188.

Akram, H., Shahid, S., Bukhari, H., Iqbal, K., & Asif, M. (2022). Impact of antibiotic withdrawal and starvation conditions on plasmid elimination and consequent loss of resistance. JPMA: The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 72(6), 1053–1056.

Mohamed Abouelkhair | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abouelkhair | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor, Rowan University New Jersey, United States.                    

Dr. Mohamed Abouelkhair 🇺🇸 is an accomplished immunologist and virologist with expertise in Staphylococcus research, vaccine development, and flow cytometry. Currently serving as Associate Professor of Virology and Clinical Immunology at Rowan University, he has built an impressive career spanning both the U.S. and Egypt. Dr. Abouelkhair has contributed significantly to microbiology and immunology through research, teaching, and scientific service.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Abouelkhair holds a PhD in Biomedical and Diagnostic Medicine (2019) from the University of Tennessee, USA. He earned his Master’s degree in Bacteriology, Mycology, and Immunology (2013) and Bachelor’s degree (2009) from University of Sadat City, Egypt. His academic journey showcases a strong foundation in microbiology, infectious diseases, and immunology.

💼 Experience

With over a decade of professional experience, Dr. Abouelkhair has held positions at leading institutions. He has worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate and Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee, contributing to experimental medicine and immunology research. His career also includes roles at University of Sadat City, and currently, he is a founding faculty member at Rowan University’s Department of Diagnostic Medicine & Pathobiology.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Abouelkhair’s research interests focus on immunology, virology, vaccine development, microbial genomics, and flow cytometry. He is deeply involved in studying Staphylococcus species, zoonotic diseases, and antimicrobial resistance, with a goal to advance diagnostic tools and preventive strategies for infectious diseases.

🏆 Awards

Throughout his career, Dr. Abouelkhair has received numerous honors, including the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society Award, several travel grants for prestigious conferences like ASM Microbe and Nature Conference, and a four-year PhD scholarship from the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau. He is also recognized for his scientific reviewing and service roles in journals and professional organizations.

📚 Top Noted Publications

Genome Mining Reveals a Sactipeptide Biosynthetic Cluster in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (Veterinary Sciences, 2025).

Genome sequence of a bovine respiratory syncytial virus strain from a cow in Tennessee (Microbiology Resource Announcements, 2025).

Pathology and parasitology of free-ranging coyotes from Tennessee and South Carolina (PLOS ONE, 2025).

Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomics of Six Staphylococcus schleiferi and Staphylococcus coagulans Isolates (Genes, 2024).

Non-SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences identified in clinical samples from COVID-19 patients (PeerJ, 2020).

Conclusion

Dr. Mohamed Abouelkhair is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His multidisciplinary expertise, prolific publication record, innovative genomic studies, and leadership in research make him an excellent choice. With continued advancement in grant acquisition and broader collaborations, his future contributions are likely to become even more influential in the fields of infectious diseases and immunology.

Dr. Nitin Pal Kalia | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nitin Pal Kalia | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nitin Pal Kalia, Assistant Professor, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Hyderabad, India

🌟 Dr. Nitin Pal Kalia 🌟, an esteemed Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, India, is renowned for his groundbreaking research in Immunology and Microbiology 🧬🔬. His innovative work has earned him the prestigious Best Researcher Award 🏆, recognizing his significant contributions to the scientific community 🌐. Dr. Kalia’s research focuses on understanding the immune system’s complexities and developing novel therapeutic strategies to combat infectious diseases 💉🦠. His dedication to advancing pharmaceutical education and research has made him a prominent figure in his field 📚🎓.

👩‍🎓 Profile

Googlescholar, Orcid

📚  Education

🎓 Dr. Nitin Pal Kalia earned his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India, under the guidance of Dr. Inshad Ali Khan, Sr. Principal Scientist, from October 2007 to January 2014 🧪. He previously completed his M.Sc. in Biotechnology at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India, from June 2004 to May 2006, after qualifying the CEEB examination conducted by JNU 🧬. Dr. Kalia’s academic journey reflects his dedication to the field of Clinical Microbiology and Biotechnology 📚🔬.

🔬 Research Experience

📚 Dr. Nitin Pal Kalia is an esteemed Assistant Professor at NIPER, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, since February 4, 2021. 🌟 Previously, he was honored with the Ramalingaswami Fellowship by the Department of Biotechnology, serving at CSIR-IIIM Jammu from August 16, 2019, to February 1, 2021. 🎓 He was a Research Fellow at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, NTU Singapore, from October 16, 2015, to August 15, 2019. 🌏 Dr. Kalia also gained valuable experience as a Visiting Fellow at NIAID-NIH Bethesda, USA, from May 16, 2014, to July 31, 2015. 🌟👏

🎓 Trainings

Dr. Nitin Pal Kalia has impressive experience in biotech research. From February to July 2007, he worked as a trainee on a project titled “Cloning and recombinant expression of Rhabdovirus antigens for vaccine development” at Bharat Biotech International Private Limited in Hyderabad under the Biotech Industrial Training Program sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India 🧬💉. Additionally, from June to July 2005, he was a trainee on a project entitled “Identifying Bacterial Diversity in Natural Environment: a molecular phylogenetic approach” at IHBT-CSIR in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh 🌿🔬.

🏆 Accomplishments

Dr. Nitin Pal Kalia has a distinguished record in biosafety and research. 🏆 He was awarded the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship (2017-2018) by DBT, India. His expertise includes BSL-3 training from the National University of Singapore (2016) and NIH USA (2014 & 2015). 🧪 He completed hands-on training on laboratory animal care with A*Star Singapore (2015) and holds the IIIM-CSIR award for novel tuberculosis scaffolds (2013). 🦠 Dr. Kalia also received the ICMR-Senior Research Fellowship for his work on Staphylococcus aureus (2010) and was sponsored by DBT for industrial training (2007). 🧬 He qualified JNU’s Biotechnology Entrance Exam in 2004. 🎓

🔬 Doctoral Research & Post-Doctoral Research

Dr. Nitin Pal Kalia focuses on innovative approaches to combat drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. His research explores targeting terminal oxidases and cell wall synthesis. Key findings include the use of Q203 to inhibit the respiratory cytochrome bc1 complex and ongoing efforts to identify potent inhibitors for the bd-oxidase. At NIH, he evaluated new chemical entities, profiling them against resistant MTb mutants. During his Ph.D., he discovered capsaicin as an inhibitor of the NorA efflux pump, significantly reducing the invasiveness of Staphylococcus aureus in macrophages. 💊🔬🦠🔍

🔧 Workshops

🌟 Dr. Nitin Pal Kalia has participated in significant workshops, enhancing his expertise in biotechnology and regulatory toxicology. He attended a workshop on “Management of IPR in Biotechnology” in Hyderabad, sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India (April 26-27, 2007) 🌱🔬. Additionally, he engaged in an online national workshop on ‘Role of Regulatory Toxicology and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) in Drug Discovery and Development’ conducted by NIPER, Hyderabad (August 27-28, 2020) 💻💊. These experiences have enriched his knowledge and professional growth in these crucial fields. 📚✨

📝 Abstracts presented in conferences

Dr. Nitin Pal Kalia has made significant contributions to the field of medicinal chemistry. His research includes a 2022 study, where he explored how capsaicin boosts mupirocin’s efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus by inhibiting the MdeA efflux pump. 🧪🔬 In 2013, Dr. Kalia identified novel inhibitors for the multidrug-resistant efflux pump Rv1258c in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 🦠🔍 His 2010 study highlighted how piperine enhances rifampicin’s protective efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, showcasing its immunomodulatory activity. 🌿🛡️ His work underscores a commitment to advancing antimicrobial and immunomodulatory therapies. 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬

📄 Publications Top Notes

Capsaicin, a novel inhibitor of the NorA efflux pump, reduces the intracellular invasion of Staphylococcus aureus

Exploiting the synthetic lethality between terminal respiratory oxidases to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis and clear host infection

Piperine analogs as potent Staphylococcus aureus NorA efflux pump inhibitors

Sulfur rich 2-mercaptobenzothiazole and 1, 2, 3-triazole conjugates as novel antitubercular agents

Piperine as an inhibitor of the MdeA efflux pump of Staphylococcus aureus

Protective efficacy of piperine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Antimicrobial and Antimycobacterial Activities of Methyl Caffeate Isolated from Solanum torvum Swartz. Fruit

Targeting the Mycobacterium ulcerans cytochrome bc1:aa3 for the treatment of Buruli ulcer

Boeravinone B, A Novel Dual Inhibitor of NorA Bacterial Efflux Pump of Staphylococcus aureus and Human P-Glycoprotein, Reduces the Biofilm Formation and …

Dual inhibition of the terminal oxidases eradicates antibiotic‐tolerant Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Dr. Asma Sadiq | Immunology and Microbiology | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Asma Sadiq | Immunology and Microbiology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Asma Sadiq, Assistant professor, University of jhanh, Pakistan

Dr. Asma Sadiq, an Assistant Professor at the University of Jhanh, Pakistan, has been honored with the Women Researcher Award for her outstanding contributions to the fields of Immunology and Microbiology. Her pioneering research has significantly advanced our understanding of immune responses and microbial interactions, highlighting her dedication and expertise. This prestigious recognition celebrates her commitment to scientific excellence and her role as a trailblazer for women in science. 🌟🔬👩‍🔬

Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Qualification

Dr. Asma Sadiq holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biosciences from COMSATS University, Islamabad (2012-2020) 🎓. She completed her Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Microbiology from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad (2008-2010) 🧫, where she also earned her MSc in Microbiology (2008-2012) 🔬. Her academic journey began with a BSc in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry from Punjab University, Lahore (2003-2005) 🌱🐢⚗️. She completed her FSC in Pre-Medical at F.G. Post Graduate College for Women, Wah Cantt (2001-2003) 🏫, and her Matric in Science at F.G. Girls High School, Wah Cantt (1998-2000) 🧪. Her Ph.D. thesis focused on the “Molecular Characterization of Human Rotavirus Strains Circulating in the Pakistani Population” 🔍🦠.

Distinctions & Awards

Dr. Asma Sadiq has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors throughout her academic career. In 2012, she received the Indigenous PhD Scholarship funded by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan 🎓. She was later awarded a six-month fellowship at the University of Leuven, Belgium, under the HEC’s International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) in 2016 🌍. Dr. Sadiq earned second prize for her poster presentation on hospital-based surveillance for rotavirus diarrhea in children at the International Infectious Diseases Conference in December 2015 🏆. Additionally, she received a scholarship from the Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) for securing first position in the middle standard scholarship exam in the Wah region 🎖️.

Trainings/Workshops

Dr. Asma Sadiq has actively participated in various prestigious trainings and workshops. She attended the SAARC Regional Training Workshop on Laboratory Diagnosis of Avian Influenza H7N9 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Additionally, she participated in workshops on infection control, waterborne infections, and neonatal sepsis at the International Infectious Diseases Conference held in Rabwah, Pakistan in December 2015. Her engagement extends to the 6th Annual Public Health Scientific Conference 2015 in Islamabad and a training session on clinical diagnosis and laboratory application for food animals in Thailand in 2018. Notably, Dr. Sadiq presented posters on rotavirus seroprevalence and hospital-based surveillance in children under five years old at both the Annual Public Health Scientific Conference and the International Infectious Diseases Conference. 🌟👩‍⚕️📊

Professional Experience

Dr. Asma Sadiq is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Jhang 🧫. She has experience as a visiting lecturer at COMWAVE Institute of Science and Information Technology in Islamabad, Pakistan 📚. Previously, she served as an Assistant Lab In-charge at Sadiq Brothers Poultry Diagnostic Laboratory in Rawalpindi from February 2015 to June 2019 🐔🔬. She was also a visiting researcher in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven in Belgium, from November 2016 to June 2017 🌍🦠. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Lab Officer at the same poultry laboratory from April 2010 to November 2013.

Publications Top Notes

Rotavirus: Genetics, pathogenesis and vaccine advances

Molecular characterization of human group A rotavirus genotypes circulating in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Pakistan during 2015-2016

Effect of rotavirus genetic diversity on vaccine impact

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Slaughter Houses and Meat Shops in Capital Territory of Pakistan During 2018–2019

Magnitude of Rotavirus A and Campylobacter jejuni infections in children with diarrhea in Twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan

Comparative analysis of G1P [8] rotaviruses identified prior to vaccine implementation in Pakistan with Rotarix™ and RotaTeq™ vaccine strains

G3 and G9 Rotavirus genotypes in waste water circulation from two major metropolitan cities of Pakistan

Whole genome analysis of selected human group A rotavirus strains revealed evolution of DS-1-like single-and double-gene reassortant rotavirus strains in Pakistan during 2015–2016

Rotavirus gastroenteritis in Pakistan, 2018: updated disease burden

Evolutionary dynamics of foot and mouth disease virus serotype A and its endemic sub-lineage A/ASIA/Iran-05/SIS-13 in Pakistan