Xingyu Chen | Cancer Biology | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Xingyu Chen | Cancer Biology | Young Scientist Award

Research Bioinformatician | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center | United States

Dr. Xingyu Chen is a research bioinformatician and computational oncologist specializing in sex chromosome genomics, cancer immunology, and precision medicine. His work has revealed the Loss of the Y Chromosome (LOY) as a causal driver of cancer immune evasion in men, demonstrating its role in tumor progression, immune dysfunction, and therapy resistance. He pioneered the development of the world’s first Sex Chromosome-Aware Genomic Large Language Model, integrating AI with genomic data to enhance cancer diagnostics and guide precision therapies. His research combines multi-omics analysis, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and deep-learning models to uncover mechanisms of tumor evolution, T-cell exhaustion, and sex-specific cancer vulnerabilities. Chen has contributed to high-impact publications in journals such as Nature, Oncogene, and International Journal of Molecular Sciences, with 800 citations, an h-index of 15, and multiple first/co-first author contributions, reflecting his influence in the field. His work extends to translational applications, including LOY-informed cellular therapies and radiogenomic predictive algorithms for bladder cancer, leading to patentable innovations. He has also mentored trainees, co-supervised projects, and collaborated with international institutions to advance integrative cancer genomics and AI-driven therapeutics. Overall, his research advances the understanding of male-biased cancer mechanisms and supports the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, bridging fundamental biology, computational modeling, and clinical applications to improve outcomes for men with cancer.

Featured Publications

Abdel-Hafiz, H. A., Schafer, J. M., Chen, X., Xiao, T., Gauntner, T. D., Li, Z., … et al. (2023). Y chromosome loss in cancer drives growth by evasion of adaptive immunity. Nature, 619(7970), 624–631.

Jin, Y., Wang, Z., He, D., Zhu, Y., Chen, X., & Cao, K. (2021). Identification of novel subtypes based on ssGSEA in immune‐related prognostic signature for tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Medicine, 10(23), 8693–8707.

Ayesha Ahmed | Cancer Biology | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Ayesha Ahmed | Cancer Biology | Research Excellence Award

Roosevelt University | United States

Ms. Ayesha Ahmed is an emerging pharmacist and pharmaceutical sciences researcher with a strong interdisciplinary foundation spanning clinical practice, pharmaceutical manufacturing, research coordination, and academic support. Her academic and professional journey reflects a commitment to advancing global healthcare through evidence-based practice, scientific inquiry, and collaborative learning. She has contributed to research projects that integrate stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and analytical evaluation, enabling the development of targeted research approaches within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Her scientific interests encompass drug formulation, regulatory science, clinical pharmacy, and translational research aimed at improving therapeutic outcomes. She has co-authored publications exploring corrosion-resistant polymer modifications for industrial applications, barriers and enablers influencing community pharmacists’ participation in deprescribing initiatives, and molecular insights into CRP interactomes related to cellular signaling and tumorigenicity. These works demonstrate her ability to engage with both laboratory-based and clinical-conceptual research, bridging basic science with healthcare practice. She possesses strong communication and instructional skills refined through academic tutoring roles, where she supported learners in developing scientific writing, analytical reasoning, and pharmacy-related competencies. Her international training exposure has strengthened her understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, regulatory frameworks, and quality-assurance practices within diverse healthcare systems. Motivated by a passion for patient-centered care, interdisciplinary research, and global health development, she continues to expand her expertise through advanced study in pharmaceutical sciences. She aims to contribute to innovations in drug development, clinical decision-making, and pharmacy practice through research that supports safety, effectiveness, and equitable access to healthcare.

Featured Publication

Gerhardt, A., Nanakaliy, D., Shah, H. D., Sarfaraz, S., Madigan, C., Downing, M., Elliott, R. P., Dipto, R., Vrapciu, B., Noetzel, J. W., et al. (2025). Evaluating the CRP interactome: Insights into possible novel roles in cellular signaling and tumorigenicity. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 47(12), Article 1003.

Elshazly, M., Wilkinson, J., Jawad, S., Ahmed, A., ElGeed, H., & Yusuff, K. B. (2025). Enablers and barriers to community pharmacists’ readiness to implement deprescribing of inappropriate medications for older adults in Qatar. PLOS ONE, 20(1), Article e0316363.

Azhar Mehmood | Cancer Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Azhar Mehmood | Cancer Genetics
| Best Researcher Award

Rawalpindi Medical University | Pakistan

Dr. Azhar Mehmood is a biochemistry and molecular biology researcher whose work spans cancer genetics, DNA damage response pathways, exosomal biomarker discovery, and infectious disease molecular diagnostics. His research contributions include extensive investigation of breast, gastric, thyroid, and head and neck cancers, with a strong emphasis on genetic polymorphisms, pathway deregulation, epigenetic mechanisms, and survival-associated molecular markers. He has explored the prognostic significance of DDR pathway genes, including ATM, ATR, Chk1, and SIRT3/FOXO3a/SOD2 regulatory axes, and conducted SNP-based risk analyses for various malignancies. His work on exosomal microRNAs—such as miR-19a/b, miR-144-3p, miR-4262, and the miR-17-92a cluster—has advanced understanding of their diagnostic and therapeutic potential in breast and brain tumors. His research background also includes contributions to molecular profiling of HCV persistence, viral immunology, and transfusion-transmitted infections. He has applied molecular techniques such as qPCR, LORD-qPCR, IHC, ELISA, genotyping, exosome characterization, and multiple biochemical assays to uncover disease mechanisms and improve diagnostic precision. His publications collectively highlight a strong focus on cancer risk assessment, biomarker identification, and translational molecular research aimed at supporting early detection, targeted therapy development, and improved patient outcomes across multiple cancer types.

Featured Publications

Haris, M. S., Hussain, M. Z., Mehmood, A., Kayani, M. A., & Mahjabeen, I. (2025). hsa-miR-144-3p and hsa-miR-4262 are exosomal biomarkers and function as tumor suppressors in HCMV positive brain tumor. Future Oncology. https://doi.org/10.1080/14796694.2025.2569097

Mehmood, A., Mahjabeen, I., Reed, S., Errington, R. J., Umar, M., Pervaiz, F., & Kayani, M. A. (2025). Association of DDR pathway proteins and breast cancer risk in a Pakistani population. Future Oncology. https://doi.org/10.1080/14796694.2025.2581508

Dr. Saleheh Jahani | Cancer | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Saleheh Jahani | Cancer | Best Researcher Award

 

🌟 Profile Summary

 

An orderly and committed physician with over 7 years of experience in team management. Demonstrates serious attention to detail, well-developed time management skills, exceptional organization and focus. Possesses strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and clinical expertise. Eager to learn and contribute to research.

 

🌐 Professional Profiles

Work Experience

Visiting Scholar University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA September 2023 – Present Boarding Clinic Reza Boarding Clinic Medicine, Tehran, IranNovember 2021 – August 2023 Addiction Therapist Omidvaran Drug Abuse Treatment Center, Tehran, Iran November 2020 – November 2021 (Part-time) Family Medicine South Tehran Health Center, Tehran, Iran February 2018 – April 2020 Cosmetic Doctor Sigma Beauty Clinic, Tehran, Iran February 2018 – February 2019 Tasks: Filler and Botox injection, mesotherapy, and skincare. Family Medicine Rey Health Center, Rey, Tehran, Iran December 2017 – January 2018 Family Medicine Sagzabad Rural Health Center, Buin-Zahra, Qazvin, Iran January 2016 – November 2017

Educational Background

Doctorate of Medicine Islamic Azad University Shahrood Branch Faculty of Medicine, Shahrud, Semnan, Iran 2006 – 2015 GPA: B Associate in Experimental Science Sama High School, Lahijan, Gilan, Iran 2004 – 2005 GPA: A Diploma in Experimental Science Sama High School, Lahijan, Gilan, Iran 2001 – 2004 GPA: A

Courses and Certificates

Various courses in laboratory techniques, statistics, and bioinformatics.

Honors

Ranked 54th in the provincial biology olympiad in high school, 2002. Selected to participate in the Provincial Chemistry Olympiad in high school, 2003.

📚Top Noted Publication

Mesenchymal stem cells and ovarian cancer: Is there promising news?

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, September 2023.

 

The Role of microRNA-185 in the Pathogenesis of Human Diseases: A Focus on Cancer

Pathology-Research and Practice, August 2023. (Corresponding author)

 

Astaxanthin as an anticancer agent against breast cancer: an in vivo and in vitro investigation

Scientific Reports, Under approval, August 2023.

 

The role of CDH1 gene in the incidence of hereditary gastric cancer

Tobacco Regulatory Science (TRS), July 2022.

 

Comparison of spinal anesthesia with general anesthesia in cesarean section surgery in terms of postoperative complications and maternal satisfaction in Shahroud city hospitals

 

Medical graduation thesis, September 2015.