Camila Canaán-Haden | Biomedical research | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Camila Canaán-Haden | Biomedical research | Best Researcher Award

PhD student, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB)

Camila Canaán-Haden Ayala is a Cuban researcher specializing in cancer immunotherapy. She works at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), focusing on developing therapeutic cancer vaccines and recombinant antigen production. Her expertise includes immune response evaluations using ELISA, FACS, ELISPOT, and cytokine assays in various models. She has contributed to COVID-19 clinical trials and vaccine development, including the Abdala vaccine. Camila has undertaken multiple international research fellowships in Italy, Spain, France, and Mexico. Her work aims to improve immunotherapeutic strategies against cancer by targeting immune checkpoints and optimizing vaccine efficacy.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Camila holds a Master’s in Contemporary Biotechnology (2019-2022) from CIGB and a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2012-2017) from the University of Havana. She completed postgraduate training in bioinformatics, immunology, protein engineering, and good laboratory practices. Her academic foundation includes mathematics, chemistry, molecular genetics, virology, and clinical biochemistry. She has pursued advanced studies in biomedical research through multiple international pre-doctoral fellowships.

💼 Experience

Since 2017, Camila has been a researcher at CIGB’s Cancer Immunotherapy Lab. She has led projects on immune checkpoint inhibition strategies and therapeutic cancer vaccine development. Her work includes antigen cloning, protein characterization, and immunogenicity studies in animal models. She has evaluated antitumor and anti-metastatic effects of novel therapies and contributed to clinical trials for COVID-19 treatments. She has also worked with antibody phage display libraries to develop scFv antibodies. Her research extends to immune response assessments for cancer and infectious disease vaccines.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Camila has received prestigious short-term pre-doctoral fellowships in Italy (ICGEB-Trieste, University of Padua), Spain (CIBIR), France (Cancer Research Center of Lyon), and Mexico (CICESE), funded by international programs like IILA, Coimbra Group, and EU Ventana Adelante. Her contributions to COVID-19 vaccine research have been recognized in published scientific papers. She has played a key role in Cuban clinical trials for novel immunotherapies and has received funding for advanced research in biotechnology and immunology.

🔍 Research Focus

Camila’s research centers on cancer immunotherapy, focusing on immune checkpoint inhibition and tumor vaccine development. She specializes in recombinant antigen production, immune response characterization, and antibody-based therapies. Her projects involve antigen cloning, protein engineering, and evaluating vaccine efficacy in preclinical models. She has explored the combination of immunotherapies targeting VEGF and PD-L1 pathways to enhance anti-tumor responses. Her work has also contributed to COVID-19 vaccine research, particularly in evaluating immunogenicity and antibody responses.

Conclusion

Camila Canaán-Haden Ayala’s academic and professional trajectory is exceptional, with significant contributions to cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development. Her technical expertise, international exposure, and scientific output make her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. With a continued focus on expanding her clinical research impact, publishing in high-impact journals, and taking on leadership roles, her potential to drive groundbreaking innovations is evident.

Publication

M Limonta-Fernández, G Chinea-Santiago, AM Martín-Dunn, …
Title: An engineered SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain produced in Pichia pastoris as a candidate vaccine antigen
Year: 2022
Citation: 63

LA Espinosa, Y Ramos, I Andújar, EO Torres, G Cabrera, A Martín, …
Title: In-solution buffer-free digestion allows full-sequence coverage and complete characterization of post-translational modifications of the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2
Year: 2021
Citation: 15

YA Fleites, J Aguiar, Z Cinza, M Bequet, E Marrero, M Vizcaíno, I Esquivel, …
Title: HeberNasvac, a therapeutic vaccine for chronic hepatitis B, stimulates local and systemic markers of innate immunity: Potential use in SARS-CoV-2 postexposure prophylaxis
Year: 2021
Citation: 10

LA Espinosa, Y Ramos, I Andújar, EO Torres, G Cabrera, A Martín, …
Title: In-solution buffer-free digestion for the analysis of SARS-CoV-2 RBD proteins allows a full sequence coverage and detection of post-translational modifications in a single ESI
Year: 2021
Citation: 8

Y Morera-Díaz, C Canaán-Haden, J Sánchez-Ramírez, …
Title: Active immunization with a structurally aggregated PD-L1 antigen breaks T and B immune tolerance in non-human primates and exhibits in vivo anti-tumoral effects in
Year: 2023
Citation: 4

D Vázquez-Blomquist, M Bequet-Romero, Y Mendoza-Marí, G Lemos, …
Title: Nasalferon, a new nasal formulation of IFNα2b, modulates cellular and molecular elements associated with an antiviral response in mucosa and blood
Year: 2022
Citation: 4

EM Idelsis, PE Jésus, DR Yaquelin, VB Dania, BR Mónica, BR Lisandra, …
Title: A combination treatment of IFN-α2b and IFN-γ accelerates viral clearance and control inflammatory response in COVID-19: Preliminary results of a randomized controlled trial
Year: 2021
Citation: 4

C Canaán-Haden, J Sánchez-Ramírez, R Martínez-Castillo, …
Title: Immunogenicity and Safety Profile of Two Adjuvanted-PD-L1-Based Vaccine Candidates in Mice, Rats, Rabbits, and Cynomolgus Monkeys
Year: 2025
Citation: N/A

Y Morera, M Bequet-Romero, F Hernández-Bernal, I González-Moya, …
Title: Preclinical and clinical significance of VEGF deprivation in ovarian cancer through a specific active immunotherapy
Year: 2023
Citation: N/A

Dr. Sonia M R Oliveira | Infectious diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sonia M R Oliveira | Infectious diseases | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sonia M R Oliveira, Catholic University of Portugal – Dental Medicine Faculty and CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, Portugal

Dr. Sonia M. R. Oliveira is a distinguished researcher at the Catholic University of Portugal’s Dental Medicine Faculty and CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials. Her work focuses on the intersection of dental medicine and advanced materials, contributing significantly to both fields through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

 Profile

Scopus  Profile

Orcid  Profile

Google Scholar  Profile

 Academic Background

Dr. Sonia M. R. Oliveira is a distinguished academic with a diverse teaching portfolio. Currently, she teaches Histology & Embryology for the Integrated Master’s in Dental Medicine and Undergraduate Degree in Biomedical Sciences at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Viseu, University Catholic Portuguese (2023/2024). She also teaches Histology and Documentation and Scientific Information for the Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Puthisastra, Cambodia. Her past teaching includes Microbiology for the Master’s in Medical Biology and “Reproduction and Cancer” for the BSc in Biomedical Sciences at UAveiro, Portugal. Dr. Oliveira has previously taught Biochemistry, Genetics, Anatomy, and Histology & Microscopy at The University of Newcastle, Australia, and has contributed to specialized courses on obesity, diabetes, and reproductive health in Brazil and Portugal.

Education 

Dr. Sonia M. R. Oliveira has an extensive academic background with significant achievements in various fields. She completed her postdoctoral research in Materials Science and Bioengineering at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, from 2018 to 2019. Her doctoral studies began in Biological Sciences and were completed in Human Physiology at the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Australia (2014-2018). Prior to that, she earned her MSc in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal (2008-2010). Dr. Oliveira’s academic journey began with a BA Sci Hons in Biology at the same institution (2004-2008).

Professional History

Dr. Sonia M. R. Oliveira has held a range of academic and research positions across multiple institutions. In 2023, she served as an Invited Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, and an Adjunct Lecturer at UCSI, Malaysia. Additionally, she lectured on Master’s programs at the University of Puthisastra, Cambodia. Her previous roles include being a Postdoc Researcher on the SENSECOR project at CESAM and a Lecturer at UNIFIPA. From 2019 to 2021, she conducted research at CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials and HMRI, and she was a Casual Lecturer at various institutions, including the University of Newcastle and the University of Aveiro.

Awards and Distinctions

Dr. Sonia M. R. Oliveira has been recognized for her pedagogical innovation with the award at UA 2023 for her project “Art as a Strategy in Biomedical Sciences Education: New Horizons with Artificial Intelligence.” She was also a recipient of the prestigious UNIPRS & UNIRSC RHD scholarships during her studies in Australia (2011-2017). Additionally, she earned the Competitive Oozoa Award (2nd place) from the Society of Reproductive Biology for her research on “CDC14B Role in Male Meiosis,” presented at their conference in Gold Coast, QLD, Australia in August 2012.
Top Note Publications

Sangkanu, S., Siyadatpanah, A., Norouzi, R., Sakolnapa, M., & Nissapatorn, V. (2024). Efficacy of propolis extract and eye drop solutions to suppress encystation and excystation of Acanthamoeba triangularis WU19001-T4 genotype. PeerJ, 12(4), e16937.

Esfanjani, S.M., Maleki, L.A., Nami, S., Ahmadpour, E., & Micić, J. (2023). Induction of TLR5, IRAK1, and NF-κB expression by Trichomonas vaginalis in cervical cancer cell (HeLa) and normal human vaginal epithelial cell (HVECs) lines. Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 17(8), 1160–1167.

Ramezanzadeh, S., Barzegar, G., Osquee, H.O., de Lourdes Pereira, M., & Ahmadpour, E. (2023). Microscopic and molecular identification of Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cystoisospora belli in HIV-infected people in Tabriz, Northwest of Iran. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 8(7), 368.

Hatam-Nahavandi, K., Carmena, D., Rezaeian, M., Pereira, M.D.L., & Ahmadpour, E. (2023). Gastrointestinal parasites of domestic mammalian hosts in Southeastern Iran. Veterinary Sciences, 10(4), 261.

Gautam, D., Dolma, K.G., Khandelwal, B., Saravanabhavan, S.S., & Nissapatorn, V. (2023). Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Ocimum sanctum Linn. and its antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. PeerJ, 11, e15590.

Sama-ae, I., Sangkanu, S., Siyadatpanah, A., Dolma, K.G., & Nissapatorn, V. (2023). Targeting Acanthamoeba proteins interaction with flavonoids of propolis extract by in vitro and in silico studies for promising therapeutic effects. F1000Research, 11, 1274.

Rodrigues Oliveira, S.M., Rebocho, A., Ahmadpour, E., Nissapatorn, V., & de Lourdes Pereira, M. (2023). Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A review on advances and challenges in creating insulin-producing devices. Micromachines, 14(1), 151.

Sangkanu, S., Paul, A.K., Chuprom, J., Kayesth, S., & Nissapatorn, V. (2023). Conserved candidate antigens and nanoparticles to develop a vaccine against Giardia intestinalis. Vaccines, 11(1), 96.

Chuprom, J., Sangkanu, S., Mitsuwan, W., Oliveira, S.M.R., & Nissapatorn, V. (2022). Anti-Acanthamoeba activity of a semi-synthetic mangostin derivative and its ability in removal of Acanthamoeba triangularis WU19001 on contact lens. PeerJ, 10, e14468.

Gupta, M., Wahi, A., Sharma, P., Rahmatullah, M., & Nissapatorn, V. (2022). Recent advances in cancer vaccines: Challenges, achievements, and futuristic prospects. Vaccines, 10(12), 2011.

Nadin Younes | Infectious disease | Young Scientist Award

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Mrs. ‌Nadin Younes |Infectious disease|Young Scientist Award 

Mrs at Qatar university, Qatar

Mrs. Nadin Younes is a dedicated biomedical scientist with a Ph.D. in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences from Qatar University. Her research focuses on developing low-cost lateral flow assays for rapid detection of foodborne viruses. With a strong academic background, including an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences, she has significant experience as a Research Associate and Graduate Assistant at Qatar University. Mrs. Nadin Younes has received numerous awards, including the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Award. Her expertise spans clinical laboratory methods, gene and protein expression analysis, and technical proficiency in various analytical instruments.

Profile

 

Education 🎓

June 2025 Qatar University – College of Health Sciences, PhD in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, GPA: 3.75/4.00, Dissertation Title: Development of Low-Cost Lateral Flow Assay Platform for Rapid Point-of-Care Detection of Foodborne Viruses in Qatar. June 2019 Qatar University – College of Health Sciences, M.Sc in Biomedical Sciences, GPA: 3.70/4.00, Dissertation Title: Genome Wide Association Study of Low Bone Mineral Density in The Qatari population. June 2017  Qatar University – College of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science, Major in Biomedical Sciences, NAACLS Accreditation, GPA: 3.22/4.00, Thesis: The Effect of Combined Iron Chelation Therapy on Iron Overloaded Zebrafish Embryos

💼 Work Experiences

Sep 2019 – Present 🔬 Research Associate in the Biomedical Research Center – Qatar University. Sep 2017 – Jun 2019
🧪 Graduate Assistant in Biomedical Science Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.  Jun 2017 – Sep 2017
🔬 Research Assistant in the Biomedical Research Center – Qatar University. April 2017 – Jun 2017 🏥 Internship in the Anti-Doping Lab (Aspire): Protein Engineering, Vascular Section, Imaging Section, Molecular Biology, Tissue Culture & Physiology Section. Sep 2016 – Jan 2017
🏥 Clinical Practice in Hamad Medical Corporation: Chemistry, Endocrinology, Special Chemistry, Medical Microbiology, Parasitology, Immunology, Virology, Hematology, Special Coagulation & Blood Bank

🏆 Certifications & Awards

2023  Graduate Research Award – Qatar University.  First Place in the 10th Annual Contest for Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Qatar University.  L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Award 2021 Graduate Sponsorship Research Award (QNRF) 2020. .CITI Program Certification, Working with Animals in Biomedical Research – Refresher Course, Animal Biosafety, Working with Fish in Research Settings, Working with Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) in Research Settings 2019  Honor List of Postgraduate Students for Outstanding Research  Renewal of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board for Registry – Medical Laboratory Scientist2018  1st Place Winner for Poster Presentation in the 3rd Annual Health Research Symposium2017  MLS (Medical Laboratory Scientist) ASCP Certification from University of South Florida2016  Certificate of Attending Continuing Professional Development Workshop  Certificate of Completion/Basic Life Support/AED – European Resuscitation Council2014 & 2016  Certificate of Academic Excellence in Recognition of Being on the Science Dean’s List

📊 Selected Poster Presentations & Conferences

2023  Medlab Middle East | Medical Expo & Conference | Dubai Poster Presentation in 7th QU Health Annual Research Symposium. 2022 Poster Presentation in QU Annual Research Forum & Exhibition. 2018 Poster Presentation in QU Annual Research Forum & Exhibition Poster Presentation in 3rd Annual Health Research Symposium. 2017 Poster Presentation in the British Society for Hematology, 57th Annual Scientific Meeting 2017 (BSH 2017), Brighton Centre. 2016 Oral Presentation in the World Undergraduate Congress Research, (WUCR), Qatar University Poster Presentation in the First Annual Health Research Retreat, Qatar University.

🧠 Skills and Qualifications

Research Skills
🔬 Performing Laboratory Tests and Producing Reliable and Precise Data 🔬 Analysis Instruments: Fluorescence Microscopy, Bio-Teck Citation 5, Viewpoint Zebrabox – High Throughput Screening, Zeiss SteREO Discovery V8 Microscope 🔬 Gene and Protein Expression Analysis
🔬 Knowledge and Experience in Clinical Laboratory Methods in Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Chemistry, Blood Bank, Virology, Microbiology, and Immunology

💻 Technical Skills

Ability to Produce Systematic Reviews Using Databases Such as PubMed, NCBI, and RCSB. Following and Ensuring Strict Safety Procedures and Safety Checks. Specimen Handling with Care and Minimizing Sample Retakes. Performing Clinical Laboratory Tests, Calculating Test Records, and Measuring Prescribed Quantities of Samples. Managing Clinical and Research Laboratory Resources

💻 Computer Skills

Microsoft Office Tools, GraphPad Prism, SPSS Statistics Software, MATLAB, Image-J, Photoshop, Cerner

Publications Top Notes 📝

  • Potential adverse effects of resveratrol: A literature review:
    • Authors: A Shaito, AM Posadino, N Younes, H Hasan, S Halabi, D Alhababi, et al.
    • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020, 21(6), 2084.
  • Challenges in laboratory diagnosis of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2:
    • Authors: N Younes, DW Al-Sadeq, H Al-Jighefee, S Younes, O Al-Jamal, HI Daas, et al.
    • Journal: Viruses, 2020, 12(6), 582.
  • Synthesis, bioapplications, and toxicity evaluation of chitosan-based nanoparticles:
    • Authors: BR Rizeq, NN Younes, K Rasool, GK Nasrallah.
    • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2019, 20(22), 5776.
  • Using zebrafish for investigating the molecular mechanisms of drug-induced cardiotoxicity:
    • Authors: ZZ Zakaria, FM Benslimane, GK Nasrallah, S Shurbaji, NN Younes, et al.
    • Journal: BioMed Research International, 2018.
  • Immune modulatory effects of vitamin D on viral infections:
    • Authors: M Siddiqui, JS Manansala, HA Abdulrahman, GK Nasrallah, MK Smatti, et al.
    • Journal: Nutrients, 2020, 12(9), 2879.
  • “Green” ZnO-interlinked chitosan nanoparticles for the efficient inhibition of sulfate-reducing bacteria in inject seawater:
    • Authors: K Rasool, GK Nasrallah, N Younes, RP Pandey, P Abdul Rasheed, et al.
    • Journal: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2018, 6(3), 3896-3906.
  • Plasmonic MXene-based nanocomposites exhibiting photothermal therapeutic effects with lower acute toxicity than pure MXene:
    • Authors: EA Hussein, MM Zagho, BR Rizeq, NN Younes, G Pintus, KA Mahmoud, et al.
    • Journal: International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2019.
  • Dysregulation of signaling pathways due to differentially expressed genes from the B-cell transcriptomes of systemic lupus erythematosus patients – a bioinformatics approach:
    • Authors: S Udhaya Kumar, D Thirumal Kumar, R Siva, C George Priya Doss, et al.
    • Journal: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2020, 8, 276.
  • Toxicity evaluation of selected ionic liquid compounds on embryonic development of Zebrafish:
    • Authors: N Younes, R Salem, M Al-Asmakh, T Altamash, G Pintus, M Khraisheh, et al.
    • Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2018, 161, 17-24.
  • The current status of cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevalence in the MENA region: a systematic review:
    • Authors: H Al Mana, HM Yassine, NN Younes, A Al-Mohannadi, DW Al-Sadeq, et al.
    • Journal: Pathogens, 2019, 8(4), 213.

 

 

Saloni Tandon | Life sciences | Best Researcher Award

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 Ms. Saloni Tandon | Life sciences | Best Researcher Award

👨‍🏫Profile Summary

With a B.Tech + M.Tech Dual Degree in Biotechnology from the Centre for Converging Technologies, University of Rajasthan, and a stellar score of 95%, I possess a comprehensive understanding of Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Neurosciences, Information Technology, and Entrepreneurship. As a Research Associate at Celebal Technologies Pvt. Ltd., I spearheaded the establishment of the BioTech Research department, focusing on healthcare research and applications. My expertise lies in developing AI-based solutions for precision oncology and microsatellite identification tools. I have a proven track record of successful projects, including an end-to-end cloud-based solution for precision oncology. Additionally, my research contributions include papers on tumor detection and tissue engineering applications.

🌐 Professional Profiles

 

 

 

Education

B.Tech + M.Tech Dual Degree (Biotechnology), Centre for Converging Technologies, University of Rajasthan (2015 – 2020) Scored 95%. Comprehensive understanding of Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Neurosciences, Information Technology, and Entrepreneurship.. Sangeet Bhaskar (Kathak Dance), Pracheen Kala Kendra Chandigarh, India (2018). Visharad (Kathak Dance), Bhatkhande Sangit Vidhyapith Lucknow, India (2018)

Professional Experience

Research Associate, Celebal Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (01/2022 – present) Established the BioTech Research department focusing on healthcare research and applications. Currently developing AI-based solutions for the healthcare industry. Successfully developed an end-to-end cloud-based solution for precision oncology and a microsatellite identification and instability prediction tool. Mentored and managed a team for developing an oncology-based drug sales advisory chatbot. Two research papers and two review papers related to our work are under publication. Research Intern, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, DRDO (09/2019 – 12/2019) Worked on Polymeric Immunosensors for Tumor detection and Silk-based scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Gained knowledge about various biomaterials. Trainee, Biotech Park (02/2018 – 03/2018) Worked on bioethanol production from agro-waste (banana peels) and leaves of Calotropis procera using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Team Member, Centre for Converging Technologies, University of Rajasthan (01/2017 – 06/2017) Contributed to the LAMP project, developing a student information management system using HTML, PHP, and MySQL on Linux.

📚Top Noted Publication

Title: Silk-based composite scaffolds for tissue engineering applications
Authors: S Tandon, B Kandasubramanian, SM Ibrahim
Journal: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
Year: 2020
Volume: 59
Issue: 40
Pages: 17593-17611
Citations: 62

Title: Advancements in hydrogel-functionalized immunosensing platforms
Authors: SM George, S Tandon, B Kandasubramanian
Journal: ACS omega
Year: 2020
Volume: 5
Issue: 5
Pages: 2060-2068
Citations: 52

Title: Polymeric immunosensors for tumor detection
Authors: S Tandon, SM George, R McIntyre, B Kandasubramanian
Journal: Biomedical Physics & Engineering Express
Year: 2020
Volume: 6
Issue: 3
Pages: 032001
Citations: 13

Title: Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: S Kabra, S Tandon, B Kandasubramanian, S Thomas, L Somasekharan
Publisher: Elsevier
Year: 2021
Citations: 6

Title: POSS nanocomposites for defense and space applications
Authors: S Kabra, S Tandon, B Kandasubramanian
Book: Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Polymer Nanocomposites
Year: 2021
Pages: 481-498
Citations: 3

Title: A Cloud-based Precision Oncology Framework for Whole Genome Sequence Analysis
Authors: S Tandon, M Sharma, P Kasar, A Kala
Journal: Computational Biology and Chemistry
Year: 2024
Article Number: 108062