JAMAL AL-ZAIN | Nuclear and Radiation physics | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. JAMAL AL-ZAIN | Nuclear and Radiation physics | Best Researcher Award

Sana’a University Yemen

Jamal Al-Zain is an Assistant Professor at Sana’a University, Yemen, specializing in nuclear science and technology. He holds a Ph.D. from Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Morocco, focusing on coupled neutronics and thermal-hydraulics simulation. With extensive experience in nuclear engineering, radiation physics, and computational modeling, he has contributed to research on reactor physics and radiotherapy dosimetry. His expertise spans neutron transport codes, Monte Carlo simulations, and reactor safety analysis. Dr. Al-Zain is an active reviewer for renowned journals in nuclear engineering and radiation sciences. He has received multiple awards for academic excellence and innovative research contributions.

Publication Profile

🎓 Education

 Ph.D. (2018-2022) – Nuclear Science and Technology, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Morocco. Research on coupled neutronics and thermal-hydraulics simulation for MNSR research reactors.. M.Sc. (2015-2017) – Physics of Matter and Nuclear Radiations, Abdelmalek Essaadi University. Focus on radiotherapy dosimetric precision using Monte Carlo-based GAMOS code. B.Sc. (2005-2008) – Physics, Sana’a University, Yemen. Specialization in physics and mathematics.

💼 Experience

 Assistant Professor (2022-Present) – Sana’a University, teaching nuclear engineering, medical physics, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Lecturer (2022-2023) – Department of Physics, Sana’a University, focusing on nuclear physics and thermal dynamics. Academic Examiner (2018-2021) – Committee member for master’s thesis evaluations at Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Morocco. Research Assistant (2011-2013) – Faculty of Science, Sana’a University, contributing to experimental physics research. High School Teacher (2009-2011) – Taught physics and mathematics in Yemen.

🏆 Awards and Honors

 2024 – Editorial Board Member for Innovative Research at the 4th International Chemists Awards. 2022 – Honored by the Yemeni Embassy in Rabat for Excellence in Scientific Research. 2009 – Recognized as a top physics student in Yemeni public universities. 2003 – Ranked among the top high school students in his district.

🔬 Research Focus

 Neutronics & Thermal-Hydraulics – Development of numerical simulation models for reactor safety analysis.  Monte Carlo Simulations – Application of OpenMC, MCNP6, and GAMOS for radiation transport and dosimetry. Nuclear Reactor Physics – Burnup calculations, neutron poisoning effects, and core performance studies. Medical Physics – Dosimetric modeling for precision radiotherapy treatments. Computational Physics – Advanced coding expertise in Python, FORTRAN, MATLAB, and nuclear simulation software.

🎯 Conclusion

Jamal Al-Zain is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his substantial contributions to nuclear science, impactful publications, and academic mentorship. Strengthening his research portfolio with patents, industry collaborations, and independent grants could further enhance his competitiveness.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Validation of BEAMnrc Monte Carlo model for a 12 MV photon beam
    Year: 2018
    Authors: M. Mohammed, T. El Bardouni, E. Chakir, M. Saeed, J. Al Zain, L. Mohamed
    Citation Count: 15

 

  • Title: Deterministic evaluation of safety parameters and neutron flux spectra in the MNSR research reactor using DRAGON-4 code
    Year: 2018
    Authors: J. Al Zain, O. El Hajjaji, T. El Bardouni, H. Boukhal
    Citation Count: 12

 

  • Title: Validation of DRAGON4/DONJON4 simulation methodology for a typical MNSR by calculating reactivity feedback coefficient and neutron flux
    Year: 2018
    Authors: J. Al Zain, O. El Hajjaji, T. El Bardouni, H. Boukhal, O. Jaï
    Citation Count: 10

 

  • Title: Validation of deterministic code DRAGON5 for the fuel depletion analysis of a PWR pin-cell benchmark
    Year: 2021
    Authors: J. Al Zain, O. El Hajjaji, T. El Bardouni, M. Lahdour
    Citation Count: 8

 

  • Title: Neutronic and burn‐up calculations of the (ThO2‐UO2) pin cell benchmark using DRAGON5 and MCNP6.2 codes with ENDF/B‐VIII.0 nuclear data library
    Year: 2021
    Authors: J. Al Zain, O. El Hajjaji, T. El Bardouni, M. Lahdour, T. El Ghalbzouri
    Citation Count: 8

 

 

Orit Jacobson Weiss | Radiochemistry | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Orit Jacobson Weiss | Radiochemistry | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Orit Jacobson is a distinguished molecular imaging expert specializing in radiopharmaceutical development. Currently a Staff Scientist and Head of the Radiopharmaceutical Development Group at the Molecular Imaging Branch, NCI/NIH, she has over two decades of expertise in nuclear medicine, chemistry, and imaging. Her career spans significant leadership roles, including VP of R&D at Actithera, Inc., and groundbreaking contributions at NIH. With a prolific research portfolio and numerous patents, Dr. Jacobson is a recognized leader in radiopharmaceutical innovations and molecular imaging for oncology and theranostics.

Profile

Orcid

Scholar

🎓 Education

Postdoc (2008-2011): Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, NIH, USA. Ph.D. (2003-2008): Nuclear Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University, Israel; Thesis on molecular imaging using PET. B.Sc. (1999-2002): Chemistry and Biology, Hebrew University, Israel. Dr. Jacobson’s academic journey emphasizes multidisciplinary excellence in chemistry, biology, and nuclear medicine.

💼 Experience 

NCI/NIH (2023-present): Staff Scientist, Head of Radiopharmaceutical Development. Actithera, Inc. (2021-2023): VP of R&D. NIBIB/NIH (2016-2021): Staff Scientist, Molecular Tracer Core Facility. Hadassah Hebrew University (2011-2013): Head of Chemistry/Radiochemistry Group. Dr. Jacobson’s career integrates leadership, innovation, and translational research.

🏆 Awards and Honors 

Travel Awards: WMIC (2015), ISRS (2009). Research Excellence: Fellows Award, NIH (2014). Academic Scholarships: Israel Academic Women Organization (2007).
Dr. Jacobson’s accolades reflect her outstanding contributions to molecular imaging and radiopharmaceutical sciences.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Jacobson’s work centers on radiopharmaceutical innovation, including CXCR4-targeted imaging, theranostics, and Evans Blue-based tracers. Her research advances oncology diagnostics, targeted radiotherapy, and translational imaging technologies, with a focus on improving cancer detection and treatment efficacy.

🏆Conclusion 

Dr. Jacobson is a distinguished researcher whose contributions to nuclear medicine and molecular imaging have advanced scientific knowledge and practical applications. Her expertise, leadership, and dedication to innovation make her an excellent candidate for the Women Researcher Award, celebrating her accomplishments and inspiring future generations of women scientists.

Publication:

  • Fluorine-18 radiochemistry, labeling strategies and synthetic routes
    Year: 2015
    Authors: O. Jacobson, D.O. Kiesewetter, X. Chen
    Citations: 588

 

  • Toxic reactive oxygen species enhanced synergistic combination therapy by self‐assembled metal‐phenolic network nanoparticles
    Year: 2018
    Authors: Y. Dai, Z. Yang, S. Cheng, Z. Wang, R. Zhang, G. Zhu, Z. Wang, B.C. Yung, et al.
    Citations: 380

 

  • Biomineralization-inspired synthesis of copper sulfide–ferritin nanocages as cancer theranostics
    Year: 2016
    Authors: Z. Wang, P. Huang, O. Jacobson, Z. Wang, Y. Liu, L. Lin, J. Lin, N. Lu, H. Zhang, et al.
    Citations: 379

 

  • Sequential drug release and enhanced photothermal and photoacoustic effect of hybrid reduced graphene oxide-loaded ultrasmall gold nanorod vesicles for cancer therapy
    Year: 2015
    Authors: J. Song, X. Yang, O. Jacobson, L. Lin, P. Huang, G. Niu, Q. Ma, X. Chen
    Citations: 369

 

  • Ultrasmall Gold Nanorod Vesicles with Enhanced Tumor Accumulation and Fast Excretion from the Body for Cancer Therapy
    Year: 2015
    Authors: J. Song, X. Yang, O. Jacobson, P. Huang, X. Sun, L. Lin, X. Yan, G. Niu, Q. Ma, et al.
    Citations: 304

 

  • Albumin/vaccine nanocomplexes that assemble in vivo for combination cancer immunotherapy
    Year: 2017
    Authors: G. Zhu, G.M. Lynn, O. Jacobson, K. Chen, Y. Liu, H. Zhang, Y. Ma, F. Zhang, et al.
    Citations: 301

 

  • Tumor‐specific drug release and reactive oxygen species generation for cancer chemo/chemodynamic combination therapy
    Year: 2019
    Authors: S. Wang, Z. Wang, G. Yu, Z. Zhou, O. Jacobson, Y. Liu, Y. Ma, F. Zhang, et al.
    Citations: 279

 

  • Supramolecular polymer-based nanomedicine: high therapeutic performance and negligible long-term immunotoxicity
    Year: 2018
    Authors: G. Yu, X. Zhao, J. Zhou, Z. Mao, X. Huang, Z. Wang, B. Hua, Y. Liu, F. Zhang, et al.
    Citations: 257

 

  • Enhanced antitumor efficacy by a cascade of reactive oxygen species generation and drug release
    Year: 2019
    Authors: S. Wang, G. Yu, Z. Wang, O. Jacobson, L.S. Lin, W. Yang, H. Deng, Z. He, Y. Liu, et al.
    Citations: 252

 

  • Intertwining DNA-RNA nanocapsules loaded with tumor neoantigens as synergistic nanovaccines for cancer immunotherapy
    Year: 2017
    Authors: G. Zhu, L. Mei, H.D. Vishwasrao, O. Jacobson, Z. Wang, Y. Liu, B.C. Yung, X. Fu, et al.
    Citations: 238

 

Rosa Elia Ortega Pelayo | Nuclear |Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Rosa Elia Ortega Pelayo | Nuclear | Best Researcher Award

Rosa Elia Ortega Pelayo is a Research Scientist at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) with a MASc in Mechanics and Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor’s in Mechatronics Engineering from ITESM University. At CNL, she focuses on machine learning applications in nuclear systems, developing computer models, and designing control systems. Rosa excels in project management, compliance, and mentoring. She has previously worked on oxide film formation and aluminum casting, and has strong programming skills in C++, Python, and R. She is recognized for her detail-oriented approach and problem-solving abilities.

Publication profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

MASc in Mechanics and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, ON (Sept. 2010 – Nov. 2012). Bachelor in Mechatronics Engineering, ITESM University, Guadalajara, Mexico (Aug. 2005 – May 2010). Best Marks of the 2010 Mechatronics Class. Outstanding Performance on CENEVAL Graduation Test

💼 Professional Experience

Nov. 2013 – Present: Research Scientist and Engineer, Fluids Engineering Branch, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Chalk River, ON Investigating ML techniques on reactor data Developing computer models for nuclear systems Designing and testing control systems Project management and compliance with safety regulations Mentoring junior staff and writing research proposals. Dec. 2012 – Oct. 2013: Research Assistant, Mechanics and Mechatronics Department, University of Waterloo, ON Research on oxide film formation and characterization. Sep. 2010 – Nov. 2012: MASc Student Researcher, Aluminum Fusion Casting Project, University of Waterloo/Novelis Global Technology Center, Kingston, ON Designed testing procedures and control systems, Conducted metallographic analysis. Jan. 2012 – Apr. 2012: Teacher Assistant, University of Waterloo, ON, Planned tutorials and lab exercises, Provided guidance and feedback to students. Jan. 2010 – May 2010: Latin America Education Researcher, ITESM University, Guadalajara, Mexico Collected and analyzed data Presented reports to directors of engineering graduate programs

🛠️ Skills and Expertise

Proficient in Microsoft Office, Solid Edge, Solid Works, C++, Matlab, LabView, Python, and R, Experience with passive cooling systems and nuclear research, Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management skills, Comfortable in both team and individual work environments

🏅 Academic Awards

Best Marks in Mechatronics Class, ITESM University (May 2010), Outstanding Performance on CENEVAL Graduation Test (March 2010)

 

Publication top notes

  1. Title: Structural integrity assessment of CANDU pressure tubes using Sobol indices for global sensitivity analysis
    Authors: Ortega Pelayo, R.E., El Bouzidi, S., Trottier, A., Forgues, F., Pfeiffer, S.
    Journal: Nuclear Engineering and Design
    Year: 2024
    Volume: 428, Article 113499

 

  1. Title: A computational framework for probabilistic structural assessments of reactor components requiring complex code workflows
    Authors: El Bouzidi, S., Forgues, F., Ortega Pelayo, R.E., Trottier, A., Pfeiffer, S.
    Journal: Nuclear Engineering and Design
    Year: 2024
    Volume: 418, Article 112884