Prof. Sikha Dutta | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof at The University of Burdwan, India

Moges Wordofa, an Ethiopian national born on September 15, 1987, serves as a Lecturer at Addis Ababa University’s College of Health Science, Department of Medical Laboratory Science. With expertise in clinical laboratory science, he supervises students, conducts research projects, and advises both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Moges has a Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from Addis Ababa University and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology from the University of Gondar. He has published extensively and actively participates in community service and professional development. His research focuses include epidemiology, hematology, and infectious diseases.

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🌿 Dr. Sikha Dutta: Academic Profile

Name & Academic Qualification:

Dr. Sikha Dutta, M.Sc.; B.Ed.; Ph.D

Department:

Department of Botany, The University of Burdwan

Present Designation:

Professor
Head, Department of Botany, The University of Burdwan

Other Academic Assignments:

Former Head, Department of Botany, The University of Burdwan
Former Director, Crop Research and Seed Multiplication Farm (CRSMF), The University of Burdwan
Former Member of the Executive Council, The University of Burdwan
Superintendent, Gargi Research Scholar’s Hostel, The University of Burdwan
Member, Board of Research Studies (Biotechnology), The University of Burdwan
President, Governing Body, Shyamsundar College, Burdwan
External Expert, Board of Research Studies (Botany), Bankura University
Member, Project Implementation Committee, DST-FIST Programme, Department of Botany, The University of Burdwan
Investigator, UGC-CAS Programme, Department of Botany, The University of Burdwan
External Expert, West Bengal Central School Service Commission, 2021
Subject Expert, Selection Committee for Assistant Professor in Botany, West Bengal University of Teachers’ Training, Education Planning and Administration
Member, Saktigarh Govt. Sponsored Primary Teachers’ Training Institute Unit-2, Barsul, Purba Bardhaman
Coordinator, Refresher Course in Life Science, HRDC, The University of Burdwan
Expert, Selection Committee for CAS of College Teachers
Member, Advisory Committee, NSS Unit, Women’s College, Burdwan

Teaching Experience:

Total: 20 years
Specialization: Applied and Molecular Mycology and Plant Pathology

Areas of Research:

Plant-microbe interaction and crop productivity
Stress-induced augmentation in bioactive secondary metabolite production – proteomics and genomics

Research Projects:

Ongoing Research Project funded by WB DST & BT, Govt. of West Bengal

Research Publications:

Total Publications: 70 in international peer-reviewed journal

Publication:📝

Title: Establishing reference intervals for common hematology test parameters from apparently healthy geriatrics in Asella town, Southeast Ethiopia, 2020: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Hashim Harka, M., Siraj, Z., Dibaba, B., Tsegaye, A., Wordofa, M.
Journal: Frontiers in Medicine
Year: 2024
Volume: 11
Article ID: 1373283
Citations: 0

Title: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) risk factor analysis and prevalence prediction: a machine learning-based approach
Authors: Tran, V., Saad, T., Tesfaye, M., Ay, A., Taye, B.
Journal: BMC Infectious Diseases
Year: 2022
Volume: 22
Issue: 1
Article ID: 655
Citations: 8

Title: Machine learning-based risk factor analysis and prevalence prediction of intestinal parasitic infections using epidemiological survey data
Authors: Zafar, A., Attia, Z., Tesfaye, M., Ay, A., Taye, B.
Journal: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Year: 2022
Volume: 16
Issue: 6
Article ID: e0010517
Citations: 9

Title: A comparative study of hematological parameters between hypertensive and normotensive individuals in Harar, eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Sileshi, B., Urgessa, F., Wordofa, M.
Journal: PLoS ONE
Year: 2021
Volume: 16
Issue: 12
Article ID: e0260751
Citations: 7

Title: Intestinal helminthic infection and allergic disorders among school children enrolled in mass deworming program, Sululta, Ethiopia
Authors: Abera, D., Wordofa, M., Mesfin, A., Tsegaye, A., Taye, B.
Journal: Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology
Year: 2021
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Article ID: 43
Citations: 1

Title: Blood coagulation parameter abnormalities in hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Ethiopia
Authors: Araya, S., Mamo, M.A., Tsegay, Y.G., Cheru, M., Tamir, Z.
Journal: PLoS ONE
Year: 2021
Volume: 16
Issue: 6
Article ID: e0252939
Citations: 26

Title: The magnitude of hematological abnormalities among COVID-19 patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Araya, S., Wordofa, M., Mamo, M.A., Cheru, M., Tamir, Z.
Journal: Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare
Year: 2021
Volume: 14
Pages: 545–554
Citations: 17

Dr. Sepideh Pakpour | Microbiology Award | Women Researcher Award

Profile Summary

With a rich academic background spanning from a BSc in Food Science & Technology to a PhD in Biology from reputable institutions like McGill University and the University of British Columbia, I have cultivated expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, and omics technologies. As a postdoctoral fellow at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, I focused on infectious diseases and global health. My commitment to teaching is underscored by my interdisciplinary approach, employing innovative methodologies like the ‘flipped classroom’ to engage students. I’ve received awards for both teaching and scholarship, and my research, centered on the ‘One Health’ philosophy, has garnered recognition in high-impact journals and prestigious conferences. Through my scholarly and professional activities, I aim to advance knowledge and foster interdisciplinary collaboration in fields like microbiome research and indoor environment optimization.

Professional Profiles

Scopus Profile

🎓 Post-Secondary Education

Broad Institute of MIT Postdoctoral Fellow in Infectious Disease & Microbiome Duration: Sept. 2015 – Jan. 2018 Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Postdoctoral Fellow at Centre for Health and the Global Environment Duration: Sept. 2015 – Jan. 2018 University of British Columbia PhD in Biology Duration: Sept. 2011 – Dec. 2015 McGill University MSc in Food Science & Agricultural Chemistry Duration: Jan. 2008 – Feb. 2011 Shahid Beheshti University, BSc in Food Science & Technology Duration: Feb. 2001 – Jun. 2006

📜 Certifications & Training Courses

“Anti-Racist Teaching & Leadership (ARTL) – STEM Faculty Cohort”, UBC Applied Science, Vancouver, BC, Summer 2023, “Microplastic Detection and Analysis: Problem-Solving Workshop”, UBC Microplastics cluster, Vancouver, BC, 2022, “Non-Invasive Sample Collection Types for Infectious Disease Testing”, AACC 2022, Chicago, USA, 2022, “Toolbox Dialogue Workshop”, UBC Microplastics cluster, Vancouver, BC, 2022, “Virtual Design for Research Communications”, UBC Microplastics cluster, Vancouver, BC, 2022, “CV Workshop for APSC Faculty in the Professoriate Stream”, UBC, Kelowna, BC, 2022, “Classroom technology”, UBC, Kelowna, BC, 2021, “EDI in Engineering”, School of Engineering, UBC, Kelowna, BC, 2021, “Oxford Women’s Leadership Development Programme”, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford UK, Summer 2021 and more…

👨‍🏫 Teaching

In my teaching philosophy, I emphasize interdisciplinary and interactive approaches, aiming to prepare students for global thinking, creativity, and collaboration. I integrate cutting-edge research findings with course material to inspire keen, enthusiastic, and successful students. I employ the M.U.S.I.C. model to keep students engaged and motivated, and I implement a ‘flipped classroom’ strategy across various course levels, tailoring the approach to suit different student cohorts. My commitment to enhancing the learning experience is reflected in ongoing adjustments and innovations to optimize student comprehension and engagement.

🏆 Awards and Distinctions

(a) Awards for Teaching Faculty Emerging Academic School of Engineering, UBC Dates: April 2021 and 2022 (b) Awards for Scholarship NSERC Young Investigator Award NSERC (National) Date: 2020 Fungal Ecology 2014 Annual Review & Research in Biology 2013 Applied Science Nominee for Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Scholars Award Date: September 2019 Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, Travel Grant to Attend Step-Up workshop Simon Fraser University (National) Date: May 2018 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Travel Grant Award to Attend Microbiomes of the Built Environment Meeting International Date: Oct. 2016 Sloan Travel Award for MoBE Early Career Workshop International Date: April 2016 Nominated for Canada 150 Research Chairs competition UBC, Okanagan Date: 2018 (c) Awards for Service, (d) Other Awards

🤝 Service to the Community

(a) Memberships on Scholarly Societies Affiliated Research Member, Interior Health, Kelowna, BC, Canada Duration: 2018 – Present Affiliated Research Member, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA Duration: 2018 – 2020 (b) Memberships on Other Societies Member of International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate Duration: 2018 – Present (f) Reviewer Journals: Microbial Biotechnology, Associate Editorial Board Duration: Jan 2022 – Present Microbial Biotechnology, Editorial Board Duration: Sep. 2020 – Dec. 2021 PNAS Frontiers in Fungal Biotechnology The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific mSystems Gut Microbes Frontiers in Microbiology Scientific Reports Bioinformatics Environmental Biotechnology Covid (New Journal) Microorganisms Textile Research Journal The FASEB Journal British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research American Journal of Plant Sciences British Biotechnology Journal Agency: CIHR reviewer for COVID-19 Rapid Research Funding Opportunity Date: 2020 (g) External Examiner PhD Comprehensive Exam External Examiner, Harvard University Date: Jan. 2022 Student: Ms. Marina Chen Supervisor: Dr. Jack Spengler (i) Other Service to the Community Canada Biomedical Research Fund and BiosciencesDate: 2023 NFRF – T Expert Panel Member Duration: 2022 – 2023 NFRF – E Reviewer Duration: 2022 – 2023 Kelowna Secondary School (KSS) Engineering Academy: Environmental Engineering Course Role: Co-Instructor Duration: 2020 – 2021 Knowledge and Technology Translation Role: Academic Lead Outcome: Collaborative initiative with various UBC faculties to implement protective intraoral stents for healthcare personnel, aimed at minimizing post-radiation oral complications.

Sample Success Stories:

Negin’s Academic Achievements: Negin demonstrated exceptional progress in her PhD studies, receiving prestigious scholarships such as NSERC-CGS-D, UBC MURPH Graduate Scholar Award, and more. She showcased her research at renowned events like the Harvard Probiotics Symposium and UBC Microbiome Research Network’s Symposium. With 6 publications in esteemed journals like Science and Microbiome, Negin’s scholarly contributions have been significant and impactful. Joud’s Journey in Biomedical Engineering: Joud’s journey began as a first-year engineering student, where she discovered her passion for biomedical engineering during an APSC 183 course. Throughout her undergraduate studies at UBC, Joud received several awards and scholarships, including the Outstanding International Student Award. Under the mentorship of her supervisor, she conducted a successful Capstone project and later pursued a MASc, where she actively contributes to research and organizational roles, promoting knowledge exchange in her field. Rita’s Remarkable Research Contributions: Rita joined the team as a Master’s student and has already made significant strides, publishing journal articles and conference papers while having more under review. Through her MASc studies, Rita secured a prestigious internship with an international industrial partner, enhancing her research experience. Recognized for her research and soft skills, Rita’s achievements include ranking first in the Three Minute Thesis competition and being selected as Lead Student Representative by the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ). Faizan’s Career Progression: Faizan began as an Undergraduate Research Assistant and continued to excel, publishing manuscripts and receiving accolades like the Best Poster Award. Upon completing his MASc, Faizan secured a position as a bioinformatics scientist at Jumpcode Genomics, attributing his success to the guidance and mentorship received during his time with the team.

🔬 Scholarly and Professional Activities

(a) Areas of Special Interest and Accomplishments: Conducting transformative research focusing on connections influencing individual comfort and ecosystems. Expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, omics technologies, aerobiology, and nanotechnology. Rooted in the ‘One Health’ philosophy, emphasizing the interconnection of individual health, built environments, and ecosystems. Projects include optimizing indoor spaces for well-being, population-based diagnostics, and exploring the human microbiome’s role in health and disease. Notable publications in high-impact journals like Science, Microbiome, Cell Host & Microbe, and ACS Nano. (b) Research Grants (Competitive and Non-Competitive): Secured numerous competitive grants totaling millions of dollars from agencies like NSERC, MITACS, and Bioeconomy International. Projects cover a wide range of topics including antimicrobial materials, indoor environment optimization, and human microbiome research. (d) Invited Presentations: Delivered invited talks at prestigious institutions and conferences nationally and internationally, showcasing expertise in human microbiome research, indoor environments, and personalized medicine. (e) Other Presentations: Supervised and presented alongside Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) at conferences, contributing to various research projects. (f) Training and Certifications: Undertook specialized training in thesis and dissertation writing, health, safety, and environment, leadership skills, and ISO standards. (g) Conference Participation: Organized and participated in key conferences and workshops, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange in fields like cloud computing, microbiome bioinformatics, and image-guided therapeutics.

📚Top Noted Publication

Gut microbiota and cardiovascular disease: opportunities and challenges
- Authors: N Kazemian, M Mahmoudi, F Halperin, JC Wu, S Pakpour
- Journal: Microbiome
- Volume: 8
- Pages: 1-17
- Year: 2020
- Citations: 252

Proximal colon–derived O-glycosylated mucus encapsulates and modulates the microbiota
- Authors: K Bergstrom, X Shan, D Casero, A Batushansky, V Lagishetty, JP Jacobs, …
- Journal: Science
- Volume: 370
- Issue: 6515
- Pages: 467-472
- Year: 2020
- Citations: 148

Determination of nanoparticles using UV-Vis spectra
- Authors: S Behzadi, F Ghasemi, M Ghalkhani, AA Ashkarran, SM Akbari, …
- Journal: Nanoscale
- Volume: 7
- Issue: 12
- Pages: 5134-5139
- Year: 2015
- Citations: 54

Relationships of fungal spore concentrations in the air and meteorological factors
- Authors: S Pakpour, DW Li, J Klironomos
- Journal: Fungal Ecology
- Volume: 13
- Pages: 130-134
- Year: 2015
- Citations: 52

Dose Effects of Orally Administered Spirulina Suspension on Colonic Microbiota in Healthy Mice
- Authors: J Hu, Y Li, S Pakpour, S Wang, Z Pan, J Liu, Q Wei, J She, H Cang, …
- Journal: Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
- Volume: 9
- Pages: 243
- Year: 2019
- Citations: 45

Identifying predictive features of Clostridium difficile infection recurrence before, during, and after primary antibiotic treatment
- Authors: S Pakpour, A Bhanvadia, R Zhu, A Amarnani, SM Gibbons, T Gurry, …
- Journal: Microbiome
- Volume: 5
- Pages: 1-10
- Year: 2017
- Citations: 38

Effect of fungal deterioration on physical and mechanical properties of hemp and flax natural fiber composites
- Authors: B Crawford, S Pakpour, N Kazemian, J Klironomos, K Stoeffler, D Rho, …
- Journal: Materials
- Volume: 10
- Issue: 11
- Pages: 1252
- Year: 2017
- Citations: 38

Fecal microbiota transplantation during and post-COVID-19 pandemic
- Authors: N Kazemian, D Kao, S Pakpour
- Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- Volume: 22
- Issue: 6
- Pages: 3004
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 37

Environmental factors influencing fungal growth on gypsum boards and their structural biodeterioration: A university campus case study
- Authors: N Kazemian, S Pakpour, AS Milani, J Klironomos
- Journal: PLoS One
- Volume: 14
- Issue: 8
- Pages: e0220556
- Year: 2019
- Citations: 35

Frequency of antibiotic resistance in a swine facility 2.5 years after a ban on antibiotics
- Authors: S Pakpour, S Jabaji, MR Chénier
- Journal: Microbial ecology
- Volume: 63
- Pages: 41-50
- Year: 2012
- Citations: 33

Sikha Dutta | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award