Katherine SimbaƱa Rivera | Biomedicina | Young Scientist Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Dr. Katherine SimbaƱa Rivera | Biomedicina | Young Scientist Award

Assistant Professor at Pontificia Universidad CatĆ³lica del Ecuador, Ecuador

Summary:

Katherine SimbaƱa Rivera is a medical doctor and researcher dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and public health initiatives through extensive research and collaborative networks. With a background in molecular biomedicine and significant experience in health research management, she has authored numerous articles and co-authored books on critical health topics. Her leadership in national health research and active involvement in student scientific societies underline her commitment to fostering research capabilities and promoting healthcare access in underserved communities across Latin America.

Profile:

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

šŸŽ“Education:

Katherine SimbaƱa Rivera earned her medical degree from Universidad Central del Ecuador. She further pursued a Master’s degree in Molecular Biomedicine, specializing in Basic and Translational Cancer Research, from the Universitat de Barcelona, Spain. Currently, she is enrolled in doctoral studies in Applied Health Sciences Research at the University Institute of Biomedical and Health Research (IUIBS) at Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.

šŸ„šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«Professional Experience:

From 2021 to 2022, Katherine served as the National Director of Health Research at the Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health, where she played a key role in drafting nine research and bioethics regulations and developing strategic guidelines for national health management. She is currently an associate researcher at the Center for Research on Health in Latin America (CISeAL) at Pontificia Universidad CatĆ³lica del Ecuador (PUCE).

Research Interests:

Katherine SimbaƱa Rivera’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum, including the Ecuadorian pharmaceutical market, COVID-19, translational cancer research, and applied health sciences. Her work focuses on advancing public health through innovative research methodologies and strategic health interventions.

Publications Top Notes šŸ“:

1. Clinical, molecular, and epidemiological characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), a comprehensive literature review

  • Authors: Ortiz-Prado, E., SimbaƱa-Rivera, K., GĆ³mez-Barreno, L., Rubio-Neira, M., …
  • Journal: Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
  • Volume: 98
  • Issue: 1
  • Year: 2020
  • Article Number: 115094
  • Citations: 543

2. Epidemiological, socio-demographic and clinical features of the early phase of the COVID-19 epidemic in Ecuador

  • Authors: Ortiz-Prado, E., SimbaƱa-Rivera, K., Barreno, L.G., Diaz, A.M., Barreto, A., …
  • Journal: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue: 1
  • Year: 2021
  • Article Number: e0008958
  • Citations: 171

3. Anxiety and depression in patients with confirmed and suspected COVID-19 in Ecuador

  • Authors: Paz, C., Mascialino, G., Adana DĆ­az, L., RodrĆ­guez Lorenzana, A., …
  • Journal: Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
  • Volume: 74
  • Issue: 10
  • Year: 2020
  • Pages: 554-555
  • Citations: 109

4. Behavioral and sociodemographic predictors of anxiety and depression in patients under epidemiological surveillance for COVID-19 in Ecuador

  • Authors: Paz, C., Mascialino, G., Adana-DĆ­az, L., RodrĆ­guez-Lorenzana, A., …
  • Journal: PLoS One
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue: 9
  • Year: 2020
  • Article Number: e0240008
  • Citations: 80

5. The disease burden of suicide in Ecuador, a 15 yearsā€™ geodemographic cross-sectional study (2001ā€“2015)

  • Authors: Ortiz-Prado, E., SimbaƱa, K., GĆ³mez, L., Henriquez-Trujillo, A.R., …
  • Journal: BMC Psychiatry
  • Volume: 17
  • Issue: 1
  • Year: 2017
  • Pages: 1-11
  • Citations: 56

 

Mohammadsadeq Mottaqi | Computational biology | Young Scientist Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Mr. Mohammadsadeq Mottaqi | Computational biology | Young Scientist Award

MohammadSadeq Mottaqi is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate in Biochemistry at the City University of New York, with a strong foundation in Biotechnology from the University of Tehran. He possesses a robust skill set in Python, R, and various bioinformatics tools. His research focuses on machine learning-based drug action prediction, molecular dynamics simulations, and protein-ligand interactions. He has contributed significantly to research projects at Hunter College and Weill Cornell Medicine, and has industry experience as an R&D intern. MohammadSadeq is a published author, with works in journals like the Journal of Environmental Management and Informatics in Medicine Unlocked.

Profile

Orcid

Scholar

EducationšŸŽ“

City University of New York, the Graduate Center, New York, NY PhD in Biochemistry, Computer Science Department
Aug 2022 – Present. University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran B.Sc. in Biotechnology, GPA: 3.8 (top 15%) Sep 2017 – March 2022

Ā Technical SkillsšŸ’»

Programming Languages: Python, R, Bioinformatics Tools and Libraries: PyMol, MOE, Gromacs, Spss, Unity, Scikit-learn, Data Analysis: Transcriptomics data analysis, Statistical analysis, Data Visualization, Operating Systems: Linux, Unix, Others: High-performance computing

Ā Relevant Experience šŸŒŸ

Machine learning-based prediction methods for drug actions
Prof. Lei Xie lab, Hunter College and Weill Cornell Medicine
June 2023 – Present
Thesis: Deep learning models for chemical-induced differential gene expression and cell viability predictions for de novo drugs and cell lines

  • Resolve challenges in predictive modeling using algorithmic approaches
  • Design pre-processing pipelines for Transcriptomics datasets
  • Integrate disparate Transcriptomics datasets (80 cell-lines) using Python
  • Incorporate multiple diverse labeled and unlabeled OMICS data
  • Contribute to writing manuscript

Molecular dynamics simulations of mutated HER2 protein
Research assistant – Dr. Mateusz Marianski lab, Hunter College
April 2023 – June 2023

  • Investigated coupling reactions and residue interactions in several mutated HER2 proteins
  • Performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations employing Gromacs
  • Analyzed the data of the MD simulations
  • Presented the interpreted results

Protein-Ligand interactions in docking
Research assistant – Prof. Tom Kurtzman lab, Lehman College
Nov 2022 – Jan 2023

  • Identified the potential molecular interactions between protein pharmacophores and ligands
  • Wrote Python scripts in PyMOL for detection of potential H-bonds and Van der Waals forces

Aral Teb CO. Ltd., Tehran, Iran
R&D Intern
May 2020 – Oct 2020

  • Designed and executed experiments for a bacterial diagnostic kit
  • Converted 3D MRI data into a format compatible with 3D bioprinter
  • Served as a key researcher in the clean room

Virtual reality (VR) project, Iranā€™s National Elites Foundation
Nov 2020 – Aug 2021

  • Devised 7 biotechnological experiments in VR environments employing Unity software
  • Collaborated with 9 computer scientists and 4 biologists

Publications Top Notes šŸ“

  • Iman Kianian, Mohammad Sadeq Mottaqi, et al. Automated identification of toxigenic cyanobacterial genera for water quality control purposes, Journal of Environmental Management

 

  • Mohammad Sadeq Mottaqi, et al. Contribution of machine learning approaches in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, Informatics in Medicine Unlocked, 2021

hrishti Singh | Biomedical Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Ā Dr. hrishti Singh | Biomedical Engineering | Women Researcher Award

Ā Dr. George Mason University, United States

šŸ‘©ā€šŸ”¬ With 5 years of experience as a biomedical engineer, scientist, and entrepreneur, I specialize in developing translational contrast agent platforms for enhancing early-stage tumor diagnosis. Additionally, I possess 1 year of healthcare product management experience as a Co-Founder of a biotech start-up. My expertise lies in problem-solving, stakeholder relationship management, and project planning, with a strong passion for innovation and improving patient outcomes through healthcare product development and leadership.

 

Profile

Scholar

Education šŸ“š

PhD in Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA (Aug. 2017 ā€“ Dec. 2022)Masters in Biomedical Engineering, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT (Aug. 2015 ā€“ Aug. 2017)Bachelors in Engineering (B.E) in Biotechnology, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka (Aug. 2011 ā€“ Aug. 2015)

Technical Skills šŸ› ļø

Languages: Python, Matlab, Perl

Software Skills: Nanoscale Molecular Dynamics (NAMD), Adobe Illustrator

Experimental Skills: Gel Electrophoresis, Western Blotting, Flow Cytometry, Cell Culture, Biomaterial Design, Synthesis and Characterization, Lipid Nanoparticle Synthesis, Rheology of Soft Materials, Cyclic Voltammetry, Electroimpedance Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), In-vitro Tissue Models, DNA Extraction, Cell Transfection, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), In-vivo Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging

Research Awards šŸ…

WeSci Women in STEM Crowdfunding Campaign Winner, 2023George Mason University Outstanding PhD Dissertation Award, 2023Biomedical Engineering Society Advanced Biomanufacturing (AbioM) Best Graduate Work Award, 2023George Mason University Office of Provost and Executive Vice-President Award, 2018University of Bridgeport School of Engineering Academic Accomplishment, 2017University of Bridgeport Faculty Research Day, Winner of Best Graduate Poster, 2017ASEE Northeast Conference, Honorable Mention in Best Graduate Poster, 2016IEEE CT-IETA, Third Place in Best Graduate Poster, 2016IEEE CT-IETA, Honorable Mention in Best Graduate Poster, 2016Ramaiah Institute of Technology Alumni Association, Best B.E Project, 2015

Highlighted Presentation šŸŽ¤

  • Gordon Imaging Institute and MGH, Harvard University (Invite) Aug. 2023
    • Oral: Non-invasive Whole Body PA Imaging of Small Animals using ICG dye constructs. Cambridge, MA

Presentations šŸ“Š

Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting Oct. 2022Virginia Catalyst Conference Sept. 2022George Mason University ā€Mason Graduate Interdisciplinary Conferenceā€ Mar. 2022Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting Oct. 2020Materials Research Society Annual Meeting Dec. 2019

Leadership and Volunteer Experience šŸ¤

President of Graduate Association for Bioengineering Students at George Mason University.Member of International Student Advisory Board at George Mason University.Responsible for mentoring undergraduate students.Part of Letters to Pre-Scientist Program exchanging letters with middle and high school female students to demonstrate the importance of women in STEM.

Relevant Skills šŸ§Ŗ

  • Nanomedicine
  • Biomaterials
  • Contrast Agents
  • Drug Delivery
  • Photoacoustic Imaging
  • Rational Design of Solutions to Health Problems
  • Grant Writing
  • Transformational Leadership
  • Strong Communication

Entrepreneurial Experience šŸ’¼

NIRView Biosciences Inc. (March 2023 – Present)Co-Founder and CEO, Fairfax, VA Responsible for identifying customer needs, conducting product-market fit analysis, and building sustainable business and revenue models. Define the vision of the product and communicate it to the product development team and stakeholders. Proposal writing to secure non-dilutive funding from different government agencies. National Science Foundation I-Corps Entrepreneurial Program (May 2023 – July 2023)Entrepreneurial Lead, NSF I-Corps Bay Area Node, UC Berkley Determined business plans, mission statements, and visions for public health products. Conducted extensive customer discovery interviews to determine product-market fit.

Relevant Media and Websites šŸ“°

Relevant Awards šŸ†

Key Personnel and Investigator on NSF Grant Award Number 2325234.1st place winner and Masonā€™s Choice Winner of Patriot Pitch Competition (2023).2nd place winner of Accelerate Investor Conference (2023) pitch competition.Principal Investigator on NSF Small Business Innovation and Research Grant.Contrast agent technology selected as STAT News Best 64 technologies in the United States, 2023.

Research Experience šŸ“Š

George Mason UniversityPostdoctoral Research Fellow (March 2023 – Present)Graduate Research Assistant (August 2019 – December 2022)Graduate Research Assistant (August 2017 – August 2018)

Publications Top Notes šŸ“

  • Title: Synthesis of DNA origami scaffolds: current and emerging strategies
  • Authors: J Bush, S Singh, M Vargas, E Oktay, CH Hu, R Veneziano
  • Journal: Molecules
  • Year: 2020

 

  • Title: Solar cells with PbS quantum dot sensitized TiO2ā€“multiwalled carbon nanotube composites, sulfide-titania gel and tin sulfide coated C-fabric
  • Authors: RK Kokal, M Deepa, A Kalluri, S Singh, I Macwan, PK Patra, J Gilarde
  • Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
  • Year: 2017

 

 

  • Title: Interactions between avidin and graphene for development of a biosensing platform
  • Authors: I Macwan, MDH Khan, A Aphale, S Singh, J Liu, M Hingorani, P Patra
  • Journal: Biosensors and Bioelectronics
  • Year: 2017

 

 

  • Title: Size-tunable ICG-based contrast agent platform for targeted near-infrared photoacoustic imaging.
  • Authors: S Singh, G Giammanco, CH Hu, J Bush, LS Cordova, DJ Lawrence, …
  • Journal: Photoacoustics
  • Year: 2023

 

 

  • Title: A Computational Approach for Understanding the Interactions between Graphene Oxide and Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase with Implications for Heart Failure
  • Authors: A Ray, I Macwan, S Singh, S Silwal, P Patra
  • Journal: Nanomaterials
  • Year: 2018

 

 

  • Title: Versatile encapsulation and synthesis of potent liposomes by thermal equilibration
  • Authors: SA Roberts, C Lee, S Singh, N Agrawal
  • Journal: Membranes
  • Year: 2022

 

 

  • Title: Increasing Vaccine Production using Pulsed Ultrasound Waves
  • Authors: J Xing, S Singh, Y Zhao, Y Duan, H Guo, C Hu, A Ma, R George, JZ Xing, …
  • Journal: PLOS One
  • Year: 2017

 

 

  • Title: Autonomously Propelled Colloids for Penetration and Payload Delivery in Complex Extracellular Matrices
  • Authors: S Singh, J Moran
  • Journal: Micromachines
  • Year: 2022

 

 

  • Title: Rational design of ICG-based contrast agents for near-infrared photoacoustic imaging
  • Authors: M Hanafi, N Such, G Giammanco, S Singh, D Wegierak, E Abenojar, …
  • Journal: Photons Plus Ultrasound: Imaging and Sensing
  • Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Transcranial photoacoustic imaging with ICG J-aggregates for imaging blood-brain barrier leak following LPS-induced neuroinflammation
  • Authors: FJ Bodera, S Singh, R Veneziano, PV Chitnis, MJ McVey, MC Kolios
  • Journal: Photons Plus Ultrasound: Imaging and Sensing
  • Year: 2024

 

 

  • Title: Modified j-aggregates and conjugates thereof
  • Authors: R Veneziano, PV Chitnis, S Singh
  • Journal: US Patent App.
  • Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Indocyanine green-based in-vivo photoacoustic imaging contrast agent platform (Conference Presentation)
  • Authors: S Singh, G Giammanco, C Hu, J Bush, LS Cordova, DJ Lawrence, …
  • Journal: Photons Plus Ultrasound: Imaging and Sensing
  • Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Computational Investigation of Chirality-Based Separation of Carbon Nanotubes Using Tripeptide Library
  • Authors: S Singh, HR Divecha, A Ayoola, M Xavierselvan, J Devlin, I Macwan
  • Journal: Biomolecules
  • Year: 2023