Katherine SimbaƱa Rivera | Biomedicina | Young Scientist Award

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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:

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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

 

Zekeria Yusuf | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Ā Dr. Zekeria Yusuf | Plant Biotechnology| Best Researcher Award

Zekeria Yusuf Habib is an accomplished Associate Professor and Biological Science Program Head at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. With a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and a background in Applied Genetics, he specializes in genetic variability and performance of agricultural crops, notably groundnut and citrus. His research, published in reputable journals, focuses on plant biotechnology, enzymatic properties, and phyto-fabrication of nanoparticles. Zekeria is dedicated to enhancing research activities and educational quality, serving as a subtheme leader and coordinator at his institution. Fluent in Oromo, Amharic, and English, he actively contributes to academia through curriculum development, manuscript reviews, and training programs in biotechnology and molecular biology.

Profile

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šŸŽ“ Education

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding Haramaya University, Maya, Ethiopia October 2011 to August 2018 Dissertation Title: Genetic Variability, Inter-Relationship and Performance of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) varieties for Yield and Oil Traits in Ethiopia. M.Sc. in Applied Genetics Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia September 2005 to March 2008
Thesis Title: Study of chromosomes of snail spp in Bulinus truncatus/tropicus complex collected from various localities in Ethiopia. B.Ed. in Biology Haramaya University, Maya, Ethiopia October 1998 to July 2001

šŸ«šŸ§ŖExperiences in Academic, Research, and Community Activities

  1. Subtheme Leader of Bioscience Research

Position: Subtheme Leader (equivalent to headship position), Institution: Basic Science Research (Theme VI), Duration: Since December 15, 2018, Responsibilities: Actively participated in improving research activities, identifying research priority areas, and encouraging young staff in research activities.

  1. Biological Science Program Coordinator

Position: Coordinator (equivalent to headship position), Institution: School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Haramaya University, Duration: Since June 28, 2022, Responsibilities: Contributing to the reorganization of laboratory resources within the School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology (SBBT) and ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all staff members.

  1. Training Participation: Frontiers in Flow Cytometryā„¢ 2023

Event: 24 Hour Virtual Event, Details: Training in cellular laboratory analysis

  1. Capacity Building Training

Topic: Enhancing the Quality of Education at Higher Education Institutions, Audience: Middle-level Institutional Leaders

  1. Curriculum Review Committee Member

Programs: M.Sc Genetics and Biotechnology,Institution: School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Haramaya University, Role: Ad hoc committee member

  1. Ad Hoc Committee Member

Activities: Staff promotion committee member, Facilitating national exit exams

  1. External Examiner

Institutions: Madda Walabu University, Dire Dawa University, Salale University, Role: External examiner for M.Sc theses

  1. Manuscript Reviewer

Journals: Reviewed manuscript titled “Physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds of three varieties of melon (Cucumis melo) seed oils” in Food Science and Nutrition (Wiley journal). Reviewed manuscript titled “White Clover Components as an Effective Biosorbent for the Elimination of Toxic Malachite Green from Wastewater” in Natural Product Communications (SAGE journal)

  1. R Software Training Facilitator

Collaboration: Haramaya University Research Office and CNCS. Role: Involved in the facilitation of R software training sessions

  1. Laboratory Manual Preparation

Courses: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Enzymology, and Enzyme Technology, Program: Undergraduate Molecular Biology and Biotechnology program, Responsibility: Preparing laboratory manuals for specified courses

 

Publications Top Notes šŸ“

  • Article 1

    • Title: Characterization of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles for extraction of harar coffee (coffea arabica L.) genomic DNA
    • Authors: T. Beyene, Z. Yusuf, E. Teju
    • Journal: Vegetos
    • Year: 2024 (Article in Press)

    Article 2

    • Title: On farm diversity and genetic erosion of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]
    • Authors: I. Adem, Z. Yusuf, M. Chimdesa
    • Journal: International Journal of Vegetable Science
    • Year: 2024 (Article in Press)

    Article 3

    • Title: Direct Organogenesis of Citrus Cultivars from Shoot Tip Nodal Segments
    • Authors: Z. Yusuf, M. Desta, W. Mohammed
    • Journal: Recent Patents on Biotechnology
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 18
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 63ā€“70

    Article 4

    • Title: Phyto-fabrication of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles from Ocimum Gratissimum L. Leaf and Flower Extracts and their Antimicrobial Activities
    • Authors: M. Abdi, Z. Yusuf, J.M. Sasikumar
    • Journal: Open Biotechnology Journal
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Article Number: e18740707261876

    Article 5

    • Title: Biological Activities of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Seed, Rind and Pulp Oil Extracts
    • Authors: A. Getahun, Z. Yusuf, M. Desta
    • Journal: Anti-Infective Agents
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 21
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 1ā€“5, e310323215317

    Article 6

    • Title: Optimization of Hormonal Compositions of Media in In Vitro Propagation of Orange Cultivars from Shoot Tip Nodal Segments
    • Authors: F. Abdi, Z. Yusuf, Y. Petros, M. Desta
    • Journal: International Journal of Agronomy
    • Year: 2023
    • Article ID: 3581881

    Article 7

    • Title: Enzymatic Properties of Red Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Leaf, Root Pulp and Peel
    • Authors: T. Sileshi, Z. Yusuf, M. Desta
    • Journal: Recent Patents on Biotechnology
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 395ā€“404

    Article 8

    • Title: Optimization of Hormonal Compositions of Media for In vitro Propagation of Apple (Malus Ɨ domestica Borkh.) Cultivars
    • Authors: B. Abdella, Z. Yusuf, Y. Petros
    • Journal: Open Biotechnology Journal
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 1
    • Article Number: e187407072301240

    Article 9

    • Title: Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Koseret (Lippia adoensis Hochst. Var. Koseret) Seed and Leaf Oil Extracts
    • Authors: M. Shiferaw, Z. Yusuf, M. Desta
    • Journal: Recent Patents on Biotechnology
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 2
    • Pages: 142ā€“150

    Article 10

    • Title: Effects of Indigenous and Commercial Rhizobia on Growth and Nodulation of Soybean (Glycine max L) under Greenhouse Condition
    • Authors: M. Desta, A. Akuma, M. Minay, Z. Yusuf, K. Baye
    • Journal: Open Biotechnology Journal
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 1
    • Article Number: e187407072302070

MOHAMED HAMDI EL ASHAL | Biochemistry Award | Best Researcher Award

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Ā Mr . MOHAMED HAMDI EL ASHAL | Biochemistry Award | Best Researcher Award

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«Profile Summary

Efficient and detailed oriented post doctor researcher working in the field of natural products and food chemistry especially in bee products and medicinal plants. Owing to write reviews or original papers to be published in high impacted journals.

šŸŒ Professional Profiles

 

 

Qualifications šŸ“š

Post-graduation PhD. in Biochemistry (Menoufia University) Date of graduation: 2024 Area of research: Drug discovery research, Functional Food. M.SC. in Biochemistry (Menoufia University) Date of graduation: Sep. 2019 Area of research: Drug discovery research, Functional Food Analytical Biochemistry Diploma (Menoufia University) Date of graduation: May 2014 Grade: Excellent. B.Sc. in Science, Chemistry and Botany Department (Menoufia University) Date of graduation: May 2006 Grade: Very Good (83%)

Scientific Experiences šŸ”¬

  • Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS).
  • Liquid chromatography-Mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS-MS).
  • GNPS interpretation.
  • Writing scientific papers.
  • Reviewing scientific papers.

Fields of Interest šŸ§Ŗ

  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Food Chemistry
  • Metabolomics

Conferences šŸŒ

Annual International Conference of THE EGYPTIAN FERTILITY AND STERILITY, 2023, International Association of Surgeonsā€™ Gastroenterologists and Oncologistsā€™ 5th Meeting of IASGO Egyptian Chapter, November 2021. Oral presenter in 3rd INTERNATIONAL JSPS AAE SYMPOSIUM, September 2021. Oral presenter in the 5th International Symposium on Phytochemicals in Medicine and Food conference, China, 2021. Menoufia Diabetes Conference, February 28, 2020. HGIDA 14th Scientific Event on Pitfalls in Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases, February 26, 2020. Training Course and Symposium on Apitherapy, December 4-5, 2019. Clinical Approach to Autoimmune Liver Diseases Postgraduate Course, November 27, 2019. IASGO Egyptian Chapter 2nd Annual Meeting, November 15-17, 2018.

Workshops šŸ› ļø

American Society of Pharmacognosy webinars about most recent applications of natural products from April 2020 to November 2020. 1st GNPS User Meeting, August 2020. ‘Hands-on featuring a successful academic career’ workshop at Chemistry Department, American University of Cairo (AUC), July 2019.

Skills šŸ› ļø

Good Command of English Intensive Course in English (Intermediate II Level, 36 Hours) Final Grade: Excellent (Minufia University) Conversation Course in English (Intermediate Level, 36 Hours) Final Grade: Excellent (Minufia University). Computer Skills Excellent Experience in Computer Software (Windows, Office, Internet) ICDL Certificate. Professional Development Pharma Mini-MBA (Certificate from ACC Group – American Canadian Center) Excellence in Negotiation Workshop (Scope Office) Advanced Presentation Skills Talent Pool Course Pharmacovigilance Basic Principles Leadership Skills and Management (Harvest Academy)

 

šŸ“šTop Noted Publication

  1. Title: An updated multifaceted overview of sweet proteins and dipeptides as sugar substitutes; the chemistry, health benefits, gut interactions, and safety
    • Authors: Farag, M. A., Rezk, M. M., Elashal, M. H., El-Araby, M., Khalifa, S. A., & El-Seedi, H. R.
    • Journal: Food Research International
    • Year: 2022
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111853

 

  1. Title: Bee pollen: Clinical trials and patent applications
    • Authors: Algethami, J. S., El-Wahed, A. A. A., Elashal, M. H., Ahmed, H. R., Elshafiey, E. H., Omar, E. M., … & El-Seedi, H. R.
    • Journal: Nutrients
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 14
    • Issue: 14
    • DOI: 10.3390/nu14142858

 

  1. Title: Cosmetic applications of bee venom
    • Authors: El-Wahed, A. A. A., Khalifa, S. A., Elashal, M. H., Musharraf, S. G., Saeed, A., Khatib, A., … & El-Seedi, H. R.
    • Journal: Toxins
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 13
    • Issue: 11
    • DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110810

 

  1. Title: Bee Pollen: Current Status and Therapeutic Potential
    • Authors: Khalifa, S. A., Elashal, M. H., Yosri, N., Du, M., Musharraf, S. G., Nahar, L., & El-Seedi, H. R.
    • Journal: Nutrients
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 13
    • Issue: 6
    • DOI: 10.3390/nu13061876

 

  1. Title: Comprehensive overview on multiple strategies fighting COVID-19
    • Authors: Khalifa, S. A., Mohamed, B. S., Elashal, M. H., Du, M., Guo, Z., Zhao, C., & El-Seedi, H. R.
    • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 16
    • DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165813

 

  1. Title: Recent insights into chemical and pharmacological studies of bee bread
    • Authors: Khalifa, S. A., Elashal, M., Kieliszek, M., Ghazala, N. E., Farag, M. A., Saeed, A., & El-Seedi, H. R.
    • Journal: Trends in Food Science & Technology
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 97
    • Pages: 300-316
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2019.08.021

 

  1. Title: Apilarnil ameliorates Bisphenol A-induced testicular toxicity in adult male rats via improving antioxidant potency and PCNA expression
    • Authors: Mohamed H. Elashal, Aida A. Abd El-Wahed, Mostafa Abdelgaber Mohamed, Rania Hamad, Mabrouk Attia Abd Eldaim, Shaden A. M. Khalifa, Hesham R. El-Seedi, Mohamed F. AlAjmi, Bishoy El-Aarag
    • Journal: Reproductive Toxicology (accepted paper)
    • Year: 2024

 

 

Ameneh Jafari | Genetics Award | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Ameneh Jafari | Genetics Award | Women Researcher Award

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«Profile Summary

With a Ph.D. in Applied Proteomics from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and extensive research experience at institutions like Motamed Cancer Institute, I specialize in identifying anti-cancer agents using proteomics approaches. As a Bioinformatician at Pars Silico Bioinformatics Laboratory, I leverage my expertise in molecular methods, cell culture, and cytotoxicity assays. Recognized with awards such as the first rank in Clinical Biochemistry and achievements like editorial board membership for Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment, I am dedicated to advancing biochemistry and cancer research through innovative methodologies and academic contributions.

šŸŒ Professional Profiles

šŸ“šEducational Background:

Ph.D. in Applied Proteomics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Supervisor: Prof. Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani Thesis Title: Identifying the nature of the anti-cancer agents in conditioned media of human amniotic epithelial cells by proteomics approach.Ā  M.Sc. in Clinical Biochemistry, Yazd University of Medical Sciences Supervisor: Prof. Bemanali Jalali-Khaniabadi Thesis Title: Relationship between plasma lipoprotein (a) concentration and oxidizability in healthy adult men B.Sc. Biology, Shahid Beheshti University

professional experience šŸ’¼

Researcher: Motamed Cancer Institute, Tehran, Iran. (2021-2023), Bioinformatician: Pars Silico Bioinformatics Laboratory, Tehran, Iran (2019-Present), Faculty member: Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran (2007-2011)

Research experiences šŸ”¬

Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran: List of research projects conducted… Motamed Cancer Institute, Tehran, Iran: List of research projects conducted…

Technical skills šŸ’»

Human and animal cell/tissue culture and isolation, Molecular methods (PCR, Real-time PCR), Colorimetric assays, Flow cytometry analysis Cytotoxicity assays, Colony assay, Spheroid assay, Scratch assay, 2D-PAGE, Cell Proliferation Assays, Animal handling, Application Software: Office, Prism, Endnote, Cytoscape, AutoDock Vina

Awards šŸ†

First rank, among graduates in Clinical Biochemistry (MSc), 2008, The second rank of country entrance for Ph.D., 2012, First ranking award in Tehran Climathon International Event, 2023

Teaching experiences šŸ“–

Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol (2008-2011), List of subjects taught… Islamic Azad University (2011-2014) List of subjects taught…

Editorial responsibilities šŸ“

  • Editorial Review Board member: Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment
  • Ad hoc reviewer for various journals

Conference presentations šŸŽ™ļø

  • List of conference presentations…

Book & book chapter publications šŸ“–

  • Part of the Methods in Molecular Biology book series, 2023.

šŸ“šTop Noted Publication

  1. Potential therapeutic options for COVID-19: an update on current evidence
    • Authors: Z Niknam, A Jafari, A Golchin, F Danesh Pouya, M Nemati, …
    • Journal: European journal of medical research
    • Volume: 27
    • Pages: 1-15
    • Citations: 123
    • Year: 2022

 

  1. Amniotic membrane and its epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells as an appropriate source for skin tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
    • Authors: B Farhadihosseinabadi, M Farahani, T Tayebi, A Jafari, F Biniazan, …
    • Journal: Artificial cells, nanomedicine, and biotechnology
    • Volume: 46
    • Issue: sup2
    • Pages: 431-440
    • Citations: 120
    • Year: 2018

 

  1. Human urine proteomics: analytical techniques and clinical applications in renal diseases
    • Authors: S Kalantari, A Jafari, R Moradpoor, E Ghasemi, E Khalkhal
    • Journal: International journal of proteomics
    • Citations: 90
    • Year: 2015
  2. Exosomes and cancer: from molecular mechanisms to clinical applications
    • Authors: A Jafari, A Babajani, M Abdollahpour-Alitappeh, N Ahmadi, …
    • Journal: Medical Oncology
    • Volume: 38
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 45
    • Citations: 51
    • Year: 2021

 

  1. Clinical applications and anticancer effects of antimicrobial peptides: from bench to bedside
    • Authors: A Jafari, A Babajani, R Sarrami Forooshani, M Yazdani, …
    • Journal: Frontiers in oncology
    • Volume: 12
    • Pages: 819563
    • Citations: 45
    • Year: 2022

 

  1. HSP90 and Co-chaperones: Impact on Tumor Progression and Prospects for Molecular-Targeted Cancer Therapy
    • Authors: A Jafari, M Rezaei-Tavirani, B Farhadihosseinabadi, S Taranejoo, H Zali
    • Journal: Cancer Investigation
    • Volume: 38
    • Issue: 5
    • Pages: 310-328
    • Citations: 41
    • Year: 2020

 

  1. Evidence for the Benefits of Melatonin in Cardiovascular Disease
    • Authors: M Tobeiha, A Jafari, S Fadaei, SMA Mirazimi, F Dashti, A Amiri, H Khan, …
    • Journal: Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine
    • Volume: 9
    • Pages: 888319
    • Citations: 40
    • Year: 2022

 

  1. Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells to promote/suppress cancer: two sides of the same coin
    • Authors: A Jafari, M Rezaei-Tavirani, B Farhadihosseinabadi, H Zali, H Niknejad
    • Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy
    • Volume: 12
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 126
    • Citations: 37
    • Year: 2021

 

  1. Current advances and challenges in COVID-19 vaccine development: from conventional vaccines to next-generation vaccine platforms
    • Authors: A Jafari, F Danesh Pouya, Z Niknam, M Abdollahpourā€‘Alitappeh, …
    • Journal: Molecular biology reports
    • Volume: 49
    • Issue: 6
    • Pages: 4943-4957
    • Citations: 33
    • Year: 2022

 

  1. Multiple sclerosis biomarker discoveries by proteomics and metabolomics approaches
    • Authors: A Jafari, A Babajani, M Rezaei-Tavirani
    • Journal: Biomarker Insights
    • Volume: 16
    • Pages: 11772719211013352
    • Citations: 27
    • Year: 2021

 

Flavia | Molecular Biology | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Flavia| Molecular Biology | Young Scientist Award

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«Profile Summary

Flavia Scoyni is a highly accomplished researcher in molecular medicine, specializing in non-coding RNAs and their role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and ischemic stroke. With a Ph.D. from the University of Eastern Finland under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Programme, Flavia has extensive experience in experimental techniques such as scRNA-seq, FACS, and animal modeling. Their work has been published in prestigious journals and recognized with numerous grants and fellowships. Flavia’s expertise in molecular biology, cell culture, and animal work, coupled with a strong track record of securing research funding, positions them as a valuable asset in the field of translational medicine.

šŸŒ Professional Profiles

šŸŽ“Education:

Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland Duration: Dec 2017 – Feb 2024 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Programme in Genetics and Mechanisms in Translational Medicine (GENOMMED) Advisor: Prof. Tarja Malm Dissertation: “Unlocking the potential of non-coding RNAs in regulating neurodegeneration – a glimpse into Alzheimerā€™s disease and ischemic stroke pathophysiology.” Ph.D. secondment Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Duration: Sept 2018 – Feb 201 Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Thomas B. Hansen Funded by Saastamoinen Foundation travel grant FELASA accreditationUniversity of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland May 2017 Federation of Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) Certificate in laboratory animal science for EU Functions A/D MSc in Molecular Biology “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy Duration: Oct 2013 – Dec 2015 Master Degree in Molecular Biology Graduated magna cum laude (110/110 cum laude) Advisor: Prof. Alessandro Fatica Thesis title: “Identification of new transcriptional targets of p30 C/EBPĪ± transcription factor isoform in acute myeloid leukemia” MSc in Genetics University Paris-Diderot VII, Paris, France Duration: Oct 2013 – June 2015 BSc in Biotechnology “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy Duration: Oct 2010 – July 2013 Bachelor degree in Biotechnology Graduated magna cum laude (110/110 cum laude) Advisor: Prof. Carlo Presutti Thesis title: “The role of the mir-200 family in the regulation of the expression of AP1 transcriptional factor”

šŸ”¬Research Experience:

Early stage researcher Professor Tarja Malm University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences Jan 2017 ā€“ Dec 2017 Investigated the role of microRNAs in phagocytic microglia isolated from adult Alzheimerā€™s mice. Developed techniques including ex-vivo FACS, low input RNA extraction, cloning, qPCR, and protocol for transfection for hard-to-transfect cell lines. Conducted animal procedures to harvest brain samples or acutely isolate adult microglia. Erasmus traineeship Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark Oct 2016 – June 2016 Developed a transgenic stable cell line for long non-coding RNAs. Applied techniques such as cloning of long inserts, lentiviral vector production, and stable cell line development. Master thesis Professor Alessandro Fatica “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy June 2014 – Dec 2015 Investigated the regulation of the long non-coding RNA UCA1 mediated by C/EBPĪ± transcription factor in the K562 lymphoblast cell line. Applied techniques including ChIP, cloning, RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, WB, transfection, CRISPR-Cas9, and stable cell line development. Master Internship Professor Giuseppe Macino “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy Sept 2013 – March 2014 Studied microRNAs inducing epigenetic modifications in mammals.Applied techniques such as ChIP, cloning, mutagenesis, RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, WB, CRISPR-Cas9, and stable cell line development. Bachelor thesis Professor Carlo Presutti “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy Oct 2012 – July 2013 Investigated the role of the miR-200a family in regulating c-JUN transcription factor expression. Utilized techniques including cloning, mutagenesis, bacterial transformation, and cell line culture.

šŸ’» Technical Skills:

Molecular biology techniques such as scRNA-seq, RNA-seq, FACS, cloning, RT-qPCR, WB, lentiviral vectors generation. Cell culture techniques including neuronal culture, primary microglial culture, transduction, transfection, and stable cell line development. Animal work including FELASA A/D certification, maintenance, and breeding of transgenic mouse models, animal procedures, and tamoxifen-induced recombination. Statistical analysis, basic Python, and R.

šŸ†Fellowships, Awards, and Honors:

  • Secured total grants of 99.000ā‚¬ during Ph.D., including grants from Pavo Nuermen Foundation, Finnish Cultural Foundation, Kuopio University Foundation, and others.

šŸ‘©ā€šŸ« Teaching Experience:

  • Mentored a Ph.D. student and post-graduate student, and supervised five master’s thesis students during the Ph.D. program.

šŸ“šTop Noted Publication

  1. ciRS-7 and miR-7 regulate ischemia-induced neuronal death via glutamatergic signaling
    • Journal: Cell Reports
    • Year: 2024-03
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113862
    • Contributors: Flavia Scoyni; Valeriia Sitnikova; Luca Giudice; Paula Korhonen; Davide M. Trevisan; Ana Hernandez de Sande; Mireia Gomez-Budia; Raisa Giniatullina; Irene F. Ugidos; Hiramani Dhungana et al.

 

  1. Alzheimer’s disease-induced phagocytic microglia express a specific profile of coding and non-coding RNAs
    • Journal: Alzheimer’s & Dementia
    • Year: 2024-02
    • DOI: 10.1002/alz.13502
    • Contributors: Flavia Scoyni; Luca Giudice; Mari-Anna VƤƤnƤnen; Nicholas Downes; Paula Korhonen; Xin Yi Choo; Nelli-Noora VƤlimƤki; Petri MƤkinen; Nea Korvenlaita; Annemieke J Rozemuller et al.

 

  1. ciRS-7 and miR-7 regulate ischemia induced neuronal death via glutamatergic signaling
    • Journal: Preprint
    • Year: 2023-01-24
    • DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.24.525136
    • Contributors: Flavia Scoyni; Valeriia Sitnikova; Luca Giudice; Paula Korhonen; Davide M Trevisan; Ana Hernandez de Sande; Mireia Gomez-Budia; Raisa Giniatullina; Irene F Ugidos; Hiramani Dhungana et al.

 

  1. Intracerebral overexpression of miR-669c is protective in mouse ischemic stroke model by targeting MyD88 and inducing alternative microglial/macrophage activation
    • Journal: Journal of Neuroinflammation
    • Year: 2020
    • DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01870-w
    • Contributors: Kolosowska, N.; Gotkiewicz, M.; Dhungana, H.; Giudice, L.; Giugno, R.; Box, D.; Huuskonen, M.T.; Korhonen, P.; Scoyni, F.; Kanninen, K.M. et al.

 

  1. PSEN1Ī”E9, APPswe, and APOE4 Confer Disparate Phenotypes in Human iPSC-Derived Microglia
    • Journal: Stem Cell Reports
    • Year: 2019
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.08.004
    • Contributors: Konttinen, H.; Cabral-da-Silva, M.E.C.; Ohtonen, S.; Wojciechowski, S.; Shakirzyanova, A.; Caligola, S.; Giugno, R.; Ishchenko, Y.; HernĆ”ndez, D.; Fazaludeen, M.F. et al.