Amit Kumar Singh | Cancer Biology | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Amit Kumar Singh | Cancer Biology | Young Scientist Award

National Cancer Institute, NIH United States

Dr. Amit Kumar Singh is a passionate cancer researcher currently serving as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Cancer Institute (NIH), where he is part of the Cancer Innovation Laboratory. With deep expertise in molecular immunology, cancer biology, and host–microbiota interactions, Dr. Singh investigates the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis, particularly in epithelial cancers. He holds a Ph.D. in Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Indore. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to the scientific community through his research on Toll-like receptors, somatic hypermutation, and cytokine signaling pathways. He has also mentored students and judged numerous academic poster sessions. Dr. Singh’s impactful work is reflected in multiple national and international awards, certifications, and his active participation in conferences such as AACR. Through innovative modeling using skin organoids and multi-omics techniques, he continues to explore the immunological crosstalk that shapes cancer progression and potential therapeutic avenues.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education 

Dr. Singh’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, followed by a Master’s in Biotechnology from the same institution, where he graduated with a gold medal. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, where his research focused on the role of splicing regulators (SRSF1-3) and nucleosome positioning in AID-mediated somatic hypermutation. His academic training has provided him with a robust foundation in molecular biology, immunology, genetics, and epigenetics. Prior to his doctoral studies, he also undertook early research training as a project trainee and master’s student, which sharpened his scientific curiosity and skills in experimental biology. Throughout his education, Dr. Singh has demonstrated academic excellence, research innovation, and a commitment to scientific inquiry, earning numerous fellowships, certifications, and recognition for his research contributions.

🧪 Experience 

Dr. Amit Kumar Singh has rich and diverse research experience spanning over a decade. He is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at NIH’s National Cancer Institute, where he explores the impact of TLR4 signaling and microbiota on skin tumorigenesis. Previously, he served as a Ph.D. scholar at IIT Indore, where he uncovered the roles of splicing factors and chromatin architecture in antibody gene diversification. As a Junior Research Fellow at NCCS Pune, he worked on chemokine receptors in autoimmune disease, gaining expertise in inflammation and immune regulation. He has also mentored interns and Master’s students and contributed to teaching at NIH and IIT. His technical repertoire includes molecular biology, flow cytometry, RNA-seq, organoid culture, and murine models. This experience equips him to conduct translational cancer research and foster scientific collaboration across domains like cancer biology, immunology, and host-pathogen interactions.

🏅 Awards & Honors 

Dr. Singh has received over 20 awards, certifications, and honors throughout his academic and professional career. He was recently recognized with the FARE Award 2026 for his collaborative work on TLR4 deficiency in carcinogenesis. In 2025, he was honored for best poster presentation at the Spring Research Festival and served as a judge for multiple NIH scientific events. He has also earned certifications in generative AI, machine learning, and project management. Earlier, he received the DST-INSPIRE Fellowship (both JRF and SRF) from India’s Department of Science and Technology. He was awarded the Gold Medal for securing the top rank in his MSc program. Dr. Singh also won travel and poster awards at prominent symposia including the Society of Biological Chemists’ meeting and AACR conferences. His dedication to research and outreach has been repeatedly recognized by professional societies, academic institutions, and international organizations.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Amit Kumar Singh’s research centers on host–microbiota–immune interactions in cancer, particularly in epithelial tissues such as skin. His ongoing work at NIH focuses on the tumor-suppressive role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in skin cancer using genetically modified mouse models and 3D skin organoid cultures. He investigates how dysbiosis and innate immune signaling influence DNA damage, cytokine responses, and lipid metabolism in tumor development. His Ph.D. research elucidated the transcriptional and chromatin-level control of somatic hypermutation by splicing regulators and nucleosome positioning in immunoglobulin genes. Additionally, his earlier work explored chemokine receptor targeting in inflammatory and autoimmune models. Across these domains, Dr. Singh employs cutting-edge tools including NGS, ATAC-seq, scRNA-seq, ChIP assays, and microbiome profiling. His integrative and translational approach aims to decode the immune microenvironment and develop novel therapeutic targets for cancer and immune disorders.

 Conclusion

Dr. Zhang Zhifeng is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His body of work demonstrates a strong balance between theoretical modeling, engineering application, and innovation. His achievements in industrial automation, intelligent disassembly design, and digital manufacturing systems, backed by multiple patents and government-recognized awards, position him as a leader in advanced manufacturing research. With further global engagement and academic leadership, Dr. Zhang is poised to make even greater contributions to the field and society.

📝Publications 

Title: Phenotypic and functional plasticity of gamma–delta (γδ) T cells in inflammation and tolerance
Year: 2014
Authors: S Paul, AK Singh, Shilpi, G Lal
Journal: International Reviews of Immunology, 33 (6), 537–558
Citations: 101

Title: IL-10 from marginal zone precursor B cells controls the differentiation of Th17, Tfh and Tfr cells in transplantation tolerance
Year: 2016
Authors: G Lal, N Kulkarni, Y Nakayama, AK Singh, A Sethi, BE Burrell, …
Journal: Immunology Letters, 170, 52–63
Citations: 71

Title: Interleukin-10 from marginal zone precursor B-cell subset is required for costimulatory blockade-induced transplantation tolerance
Year: 2015
Authors: G Lal, Y Nakayama, A Sethi, AK Singh, BE Burrell, N Kulkarni, …
Journal: Transplantation, 99 (9), 1817–1828
Citations: 58

Title: Direct evidence of intrinsic blue fluorescence from oligomeric interfaces of human serum albumin
Year: 2017
Authors: A Bhattacharya, S Bhowmik, AK Singh, P Kodgire, AK Das, TK Mukherjee
Journal: Langmuir, 33 (40), 10606–10615
Citations: 46

Title: AID Biology: A pathological and clinical perspective
Year: 2018
Authors: M Choudhary, A Tamrakar, AK Singh, M Jain, A Jaiswal, P Kodgire
Journal: International Reviews of Immunology, 37 (1), 37–56
Citations: 27

Title: Splicing regulator SRSF1-3 that controls somatic hypermutation of IgV genes interacts with topoisomerase 1 and AID
Year: 2019
Authors: AK Singh, A Tamrakar, A Jaiswal, N Kanayama, A Agarwal, P Tripathi, …
Journal: Molecular Immunology, 116, 63–72
Citations: 15

Title: SRSF1-3, a splicing and somatic hypermutation regulator, controls transcription of IgV genes via chromatin regulators SATB2, UBN1 and histone variant H3.3
Year: 2020
Authors: AK Singh, A Tamrakar, A Jaiswal, N Kanayama, P Kodgire
Journal: Molecular Immunology, 119, 69–82
Citations: 10

Title: Fighting with Gram-negative enemy: Can outer membrane proteins aid in the rescue
Year: 2017
Authors: A Tamrakar, A Singh, M Chodhrary, P Kodgire
Journal: Chemical Biology Letters, 4 (1), 9–19
Citations: 10

Title: A TNFR1–UBCH10 axis drives lung squamous cell carcinoma dedifferentiation and metastasis through a cell-autonomous signaling loop
Year: 2022
Authors: Z Xiao, G Shi, S Xi, AK Singh, J Willette-Brown, X Li, F Zhu, L Su, X Wu, …
Journal: Cell Death & Disease, 13 (10), 885
Citations: 5

Lilian Makgoo | Cancer genomics | Young Researcher Award

Mrs. Lilian Makgoo | Cancer genomics | Young Researcher Award

University of Limpopo, South Africa

Dr. Lilian Makgoo is a passionate biochemist and dedicated academic from South Africa, currently serving as an nGAP Lecturer at the University of Limpopo. With a robust background in molecular and life sciences, her journey in academia showcases a commitment to both scientific research and student development. She is actively involved in teaching undergraduate biochemistry and contributes to curriculum development, laboratory supervision, and mentoring. Dr. Makgoo’s research expertise lies in cancer biology, specifically studying molecular mechanisms of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and the effects of HIV protease inhibitors on HPV-related cervical cancer. She has presented her findings at national and international conferences and published widely in peer-reviewed journals. Outside the lab, she supports her community as a change agent with the Mohlotlo Thuto Foundation. Her scientific passion is matched by technical proficiency in advanced molecular biology techniques, making her an emerging leader in biochemistry and biomedical sciences.

Profile

Orcid

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Lilian Makgoo’s academic journey began at the University of Limpopo, where she earned her BSc in Molecular and Life Sciences (2013–2015) , followed by a BSc Honours in Biochemistry in 2016 . She then pursued and completed her Master’s degree in Biochemistry from 2017–2018 , focusing on apoptosis and cell signaling. Currently, she awaits final results for her Ph.D. in Biochemistry 🧬, also from the University of Limpopo. Her doctoral research investigates the cytotoxic effects of HIV protease inhibitors on HPV-induced cervical cancer, highlighting her commitment to translational cancer research. Throughout her studies, Dr. Makgoo has displayed an exceptional aptitude for scientific inquiry and lab-based experimentation. Her education has been marked by strong mentorship, multidisciplinary exploration, and a seamless transition from student to academic staff. This solid foundation equips her to tackle complex biochemical problems while educating the next generation of life science professionals.

💼Experience

Dr. Makgoo began her professional journey as a Laboratory Assistant (2016–2018) at the University of Limpopo , where she supported undergraduate practicals, handled lab operations, and aided in experimental troubleshooting. Since then, she has taken on a full-time Lecturer role , teaching biochemistry to 2nd and 3rd-year students, preparing lectures, marking assessments, and guiding students through consultations. Her dual experience in lab management and classroom instruction uniquely positions her to offer a holistic learning environment. Her mentorship roles and committee involvement in academic affairs underline her leadership capabilities. She is proficient in executing molecular biology techniques and leading research projects involving cytotoxic assays, gene expression analysis, and therapeutic investigations. Her hands-on experience spans flow cytometry, PCR, fluorescence microscopy, and cell culture. As an academic and researcher, Dr. Makgoo combines theoretical knowledge with practical excellence, inspiring students and contributing significantly to the scientific community.

🏅 Awards & Honors

Dr. Lilian Makgoo’s academic excellence has earned her multiple recognitions within the scientific community . She has presented her groundbreaking cancer biology research at prestigious conferences such as the South African Society for Microbiology and the Biomedical Research & Innovation Symposium 🧬. Notably, she was selected to speak at the Ellisras Longitudinal Study International Conference and the Faculty of Science and Agriculture Research Day, where her insights on arsenic trioxide and curcumin in breast cancer treatment received significant attention. Her impactful poster presentations on the anticancer potential of HIV protease inhibitors also highlight her contributions to global health research. In addition to her academic achievements, she plays a community role through the Mohlotlo Thuto Foundation, reflecting her dedication to science-led societal transformation. These accomplishments signify not just scientific brilliance but also leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to improving public health through biochemical research and education.

🔬 Research Focus

William Niemiec’s research focuses on the inzersection of Software Engineering and Healthcare Informatics, particularly the development of no-code platforms for mHealth based on structured care plans . His work explores component-based software engineering (CBSE) and model-driven development (MDD) to streamline healthcare app development for non-technical users, empowering clinicians to create custom digital tools . His contributions address the challenge of translating medical protocols into functional mobile applications, ensuring better patient engagement and follow-up . He is also exploring how artificial intelligence can aid in healthcare decision-making while mitigating algorithmic bias . Past research includes the viability of functionality generalization in health apps and leveraging data mining to evaluate test coverage. His cross-platform development and AI-centered investigations aim to boost accessibility and efficiency in digital health services, contributing to a smarter, more inclusive healthcare ecosystem .

Conclusion

Dr. Lilian Makgoo’s research focuses on cancer cell biology, with special emphasis on drug-induced apoptosis and tumor suppression mechanisms in breast and cervical cancers . Her work investigates the molecular mechanisms by which compounds like arsenic trioxide, curcumin, and HIV protease inhibitors induce cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, and TP53 activity restoration in cancer cells. She is deeply engaged in understanding how RBBP6 and DAPK-1 contribute to tumor progression and therapeutic response, combining in silico analysis, cell culture, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and microscopy techniques . Her multidisciplinary approach bridges biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology, with the goal of developing targeted and low-toxicity anticancer therapies. She has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Viruses, Genes, and Current Issues in Molecular Biology. Through both experimental and translational frameworks, Dr. Makgoo seeks to advance therapeutic strategies against HPV-associated and drug-resistant cancers, making meaningful contributions to biomedical science and personalized medicine.

Publication

Title: In Silico Analysis of s-DAPK-1: From Structure to Function and Regulation
Year: 2025
Authors: Lilian Makgoo, Salerwe Mosebi, Zukile Mbita
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47060416

Title: Susceptibility of HPV-18 Cancer Cells to HIV Protease Inhibitors
Year: 2024
Authors: Lilian Makgoo, Salerwe Mosebi, Zukile Mbita
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/v16101622

Title: The Role of Death-Associated Protein Kinase-1 in Cell Homeostasis-Related Processes
Year: 2023
Authors: Lilian Makgoo, Salerwe Mosebi, Zukile Mbita
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14061274

Title: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HIV-mediated carcinogenesis: Role in cell homeostasis, cell survival processes and drug resistance
Year: 2022
Authors: Lilian Makgoo, Salerwe Mosebi, Zukile Mbita
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ncrna.2022.07.003