Dr. Sara Uldry Júlio | Neurophysiology and Pain Research| Best Researcher Award

Dr at Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

Dr. Sara Uldry Júlio is a postdoctoral researcher at the Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. With dual citizenship in Switzerland and Portugal, she completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 2024, focusing on the physiology and pathophysiology of intra-epidermal evoked potentials. Her research contributes to spinal cord injury recovery, blending her technical expertise with clinical applications. Beyond research, Dr. Júlio has been an active medical technical assistant and has mentored students and interns. She is passionate about neurophysiology and has a strong record of international collaborations and scientific publications.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Júlio earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Zurich in 2024, researching intra-epidermal electrically evoked potentials. Before that, she completed a Master of Science in Biology, with a major in Neuroscience from ETH Zurich, Switzerland (2019), and conducted research in various renowned institutions like the City College of New York and Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown in Lisbon. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from ETH Zurich (2017) and graduated with an Abitur from the German School of Lisbon, Portugal (2013).

💼 Experience

Dr. Júlio has been a postdoctoral researcher at the Spinal Cord Injury Center since February 2024, continuing her groundbreaking research in spinal cord injury neurophysiology. She also worked as a medical technical assistant in the Neurophysiology department at Balgrist University Hospital since August 2020. Dr. Júlio’s early experience includes research assistant positions at the Institute of Molecular Systems Biology at ETH Zurich, the Spinal Cord Injury Center, and IES Ltd. She has participated in diverse research projects across Switzerland, Portugal, and the USA.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Júlio was awarded the University of Zurich Candoc Grant (2022-2023), which funded her Ph.D. research with 57,546 CHF. She has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and presented her work at prestigious international conferences, such as the European Pain Federation and the Zurich Neuroscience Center. Her research on intra-epidermal electrically evoked potentials has been widely recognized for its potential clinical applications in spinal disorders. Additionally, Dr. Júlio has supervised master’s students and interns, contributing significantly to academic leadership.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Júlio’s research is centered on neurophysiology, particularly intra-epidermal electrically evoked potentials and their application in spinal cord injury diagnostics and treatments. Her work investigates the nociceptive specificity and clinical applicability of these potentials in conditions like degenerative cervical myelopathy. Dr. Júlio’s interdisciplinary studies also include the neurophysiological underpinnings of pain perception and student attentional engagement using eye tracking and brain activity. She aims to bridge basic research with clinical applications in spinal cord disorders.

📜 Conclusion

Dr. Sara Uldry Júlio is a promising and accomplished researcher, whose work in neuroscience and spinal cord injury research has already garnered significant recognition. Her leadership, mentorship, and successful publication record make her an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the field of neurophysiology. Continued expansion of her independent research projects and teaching portfolio could further solidify her reputation as a leading scientist in the field.

Publications Top Notes

Intra-epidermal electrically evoked potentials are sensitive to detect degenerative cervical myelopathy suggesting their spinothalamic propagation
Authors: Júlio, S.U., Schneuwly, M., Scheuren, P.S., Hubli, M., Schubert, M.
Journal: Clinical Neurophysiology
Year: 2024
Cited by: 0

Intra-epidermal evoked potentials: A promising tool for spinal disorders?
Authors: Lütolf, R., Júlio, S.U., Schubert, M., Hubli, M.
Journal: Neurophysiologie Clinique
Year: 2022
Cited by: 4

Dr. Mona Navaei-Nigjeh | Neural tissue engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mona Navaei-Nigjeh Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iran

Mona Navaei-Nigjeh is a Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering specializing in tissue engineering at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. With a strong academic background, including a B.Sc. in Biology and an M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering, she has garnered multiple awards for her research excellence. Her work focuses on advanced cell culture, molecular biology, and regenerative medicine. Mona has extensive experience as a research assistant and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles. She is also a member of elite societies like the Iran’s National Elites Foundation and the Iranian Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🏆 Strengths for the Award:

Academic Excellence: Consistent top performance in her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. programs with outstanding grades.
Awards and Honors: Recognition as the best researcher and poster presenter in several prominent national scientific festivals and conferences.
Research Publications: Authored or co-authored over 20 publications in high-impact journals, with topics ranging from tissue engineering to molecular biology.
Technical Expertise: Proficient in advanced techniques such as 3D cell culture, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, and scaffold fabrication, which are critical for high-impact research in her field.
Professional Affiliations: Active membership in elite national and international research societies, which enhances her research network and collaboration opportunities.

📈 Areas for Improvement:

International Recognition: While she has been recognized nationally, gaining international research awards or invitations to global conferences would further strengthen her profile.
Leadership Roles: Taking on more leadership positions, such as principal investigator roles or heading research teams, could showcase her as an emerging leader in her field.

Educational Background 🎓

B.Sc. in Biology Tehran University, Tehran, Iran 2005-2009 GPA: 16.39/20. M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering (Tissue Engineering)
Tehran University, Tehran, Iran 2010-2012 GPA: 19.06/20. Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering (Tissue Engineering) Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ongoing GPA: 18.94/20

Honors and Achievements 🏅

Member of Iran’s National Elites Foundation (INEF). Member of the Iranian Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society (ITERMS). Best Researcher Award, Avicenna Student Festival, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 2016. Best Poster Awards, various congresses (2015-2016). Outstanding Researcher and Graduate Student, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, 2012. Top Student Awards in B.Sc. and M.Sc. at University of Tehran

Work Experience 💼

Research Assistant Tehran University of Medical Sciences (2 years). Scientific and Executive Role Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (6 years). Scientific Activity Brain and Spinal Injury Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (1 year)

Research Experience 🔬

M.Sc. Thesis: “3D Culture of Differentiated Human Endometrial Stem Cells into Neurons”. Ph.D. Thesis: “Effect of Co-Transplantation of Encapsulated Pancreatic Islets with Mesenchymal Stem Cells within Hydrogel as a Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus in Adult Rats”

Workshops 🛠️

Elisa Technique, Flow Cytometry, Real-time PCR
The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (2016)

Technical Experience 🧪

Cellular Biology: Culturing various stem cells and cell lines. Molecular Biology: DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR, Real-time PCR. Immunology: Immunocytochemistry, Flow Cytometry. Microscopy: Stereo, Fluorescence, and Light Microscopy. Histology: Sample preparation for microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Biochemistry: ELISA, Enzymatic Assays. Tissue Engineering: Fabrication of 3D scaffolds using Electrospinning, Freeze Drying, and Self-assembly

Publication Top Notes

Antibacterial properties of a bacterial cellulose CQD-TiO2 nanocomposite
- Authors: S. Malmir, A. Karbalaei, M. Pourmadadi, J. Hamedi, F. Yazdian, M. Navaee
- Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers
- Year: 2020
- Citations: 137

Preparation of pH-sensitive chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposite for drug delivery application: Emphasis on ameliorating restrictions
- Authors: S.E. Gerami, M. Pourmadadi, H. Fatoorehchi, F. Yazdian, H. Rashedi, …
- Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 116

Ameliorating quercetin constraints in cancer therapy with pH-responsive agarose-polyvinylpyrrolidone-hydroxyapatite nanocomposite encapsulated in double nanoemulsion
- Authors: A. Samadi, M. Pourmadadi, F. Yazdian, H. Rashedi, M. Navaei-Nigjeh
- Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 91

Antiapoptotic effects of cerium oxide and yttrium oxide nanoparticles in isolated rat pancreatic islets
- Authors: A. Hosseini, M. Baeeri, M. Rahimifard, M. Navaei-Nigjeh, A. Mohammadirad, …
- Journal: Human & Experimental Toxicology
- Year: 2013
- Citations: 83

Improvement of isolated rat pancreatic islets function by combination of cerium oxide nanoparticles/sodium selenite through reduction of oxidative stress
- Authors: N. Pourkhalili, A. Hosseini, A. Nili-Ahmadabadi, M. Rahimifard, …
- Journal: Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods
- Year: 2012
- Citations: 77

Protective effects of cerium oxide and yttrium oxide nanoparticles on reduction of oxidative stress induced by sub-acute exposure to diazinon in the rat pancreas
- Authors: M.R. Khaksar, M. Rahimifard, M. Baeeri, F. Maqbool, M. Navaei-Nigjeh, …
- Journal: Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology
- Year: 2017
- Citations: 71

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone coated nanoporous γ-Alumina as a pH-sensitive carrier for controlled release of quercetin
- Authors: E. Nematollahi, M. Pourmadadi, F. Yazdian, H. Fatoorehchi, H. Rashedi, …
- Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 68

PVA based nanofiber containing CQDs modified with silica NPs and silk fibroin accelerates wound healing in a rat model
- Authors: S. Abolghasemzade, M. Pourmadadi, H. Rashedi, F. Yazdian, S. Kianbakht, …
- Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry B
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 68

The synthesis and characterization of double nanoemulsion for targeted Co-Delivery of 5-fluorouracil and curcumin using pH-sensitive agarose/chitosan nanocarrier
- Authors: M. Pourmadadi, M. Ahmadi, M. Abdouss, F. Yazdian, H. Rashedi, …
- Journal: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 67

Chitosan/agarose/graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposite as an efficient pH-sensitive drug delivery system for anticancer curcumin releasing
- Authors: M. Rajabzadeh-Khosroshahi, M. Pourmadadi, F. Yazdian, H. Rashedi, …
- Journal: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 66

✅ Conclusion:

Mona Navaei-Nigjeh’s profile demonstrates excellence in academic research, consistent recognition, and contributions to the field of tissue engineering. Her research output and technical skills make her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Further international exposure and leadership roles would make her even more competitive for prestigious global awards.

Sara Uldry Júlio | Neurophysiology and Pain Research| Best Researcher Award