Dhanisha Sulekha Suresh | Cancer Research | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Dhanisha Sulekha Suresh | Cancer Research | Women Researcher Award

University of Alabama at Birmingham | India

Dr. Dhanisha Sulekha Suresh is a cancer biologist with strong expertise in tumor immunology, cancer metabolism, and translational oncology research. Her work focuses on understanding mechanisms of cancer progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance, with particular emphasis on pancreatic cancer and immune checkpoint modulation. She has made significant contributions to elucidating microbiome–cancer interactions, mucin signaling, apoptotic pathways, and inflammatory networks driving tumor growth. Her research integrates molecular biology, immunological signaling, and bioactive natural compounds to identify novel therapeutic strategies. She has authored numerous high-impact peer-reviewed publications in leading international journals, reflecting consistent scholarly productivity and scientific rigor. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary cancer research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and previously at the Regional Cancer Centre. Her profile demonstrates sustained excellence in cancer research with global relevance and translational impact.

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Featured Publications

Molecular principles of tissue invasion and metastasis

American Journal of Physiology – Cell Physiology, 2023 · 30 Citations

Potential role of cGAS/STING pathway in regulating cancer progression

Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, 2022 · 9 Citations

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

Rumeysa Çolak | Oncologyst | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rumeysa Çolak | Oncologyst | Best Researcher Award

Bakırköy Dr.Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital ,Turkey 🏆

Dr. Rumeysa Çolak is a dedicated Research Assistant at the Department of Medical Oncology, Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, she graduated from Inonu University Faculty of Medicine in July 2015. Passionate about medical research, Dr. Çolak’s professional interests focus on oncology, internal medicine, and the clinical application of various treatments. She is proficient in English and contributes to the medical community through case presentations, research articles, and poster presentations. Dr. Çolak has participated in multiple scientific events, particularly focusing on novel cancer treatments and the intersection between chronic diseases like diabetes and inflammatory bowel diseases. Her commitment to improving patient outcomes in complex cases has earned her respect in the field.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Rumeysa Çolak graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Inonu University in July 2015, with a strong foundation in medical science. Her dedication to advancing her knowledge and skills led her to further her education, earning her a role as a Research Assistant in 2022 at the Training and Research Hospital’s Medical Oncology Department. Alongside her medical degree, Dr. Çolak achieved a proficiency score of 65 on the YDS (Foreign Language Exam) in 2014, showcasing her ability to work in both Turkish and English-speaking environments. Her focus on oncology and medical research reflects her academic drive and desire to contribute to advancing healthcare in Turkey. Dr. Çolak’s comprehensive training in medical research, patient care, and specialized oncology practices supports her role as a valuable asset to the medical community.

Experience 🏢

Dr. Rumeysa Çolak’s professional journey began with her graduation from Inonu University Faculty of Medicine in 2015. Following her medical degree, she gained experience working in various clinical settings before securing her current position as a Research Assistant in the Medical Oncology Department at a renowned Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul. Since joining in 2022, Dr. Çolak has actively contributed to oncology research and patient care, particularly focusing on treatments for complex conditions such as advanced melanoma and metabolic diseases. She has been involved in scientific events, including case presentations and research articles, further solidifying her role in the medical community. Dr. Çolak’s expertise spans clinical research, patient management, and treatment protocols, with an emphasis on improving patient outcomes in challenging cases, such as liver failure with encephalopathy and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Rumeysa Çolak’s research focuses on advancing knowledge in oncology, particularly in the treatment of advanced melanoma and other complex diseases. Her work investigates innovative therapies such as nivolumab in patients with BRAF mutant advanced melanoma. In addition to her focus on oncology, Dr. Çolak’s research spans areas like inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), examining the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms in patients with inactive IBD and their impact on quality of life. She is also interested in diabetes and its comorbidities, having researched the use of statins in Type 2 diabetes patients. Through her research, Dr. Çolak aims to contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of diseases, the impact of treatments on patient outcomes, and ways to improve quality of life for patients with chronic conditions. Her ongoing work holds promise for the development of new strategies for managing complex medical conditions.

Awards 🏅

Dr. Rumeysa Çolak has been recognized for her dedication and contributions to medical research and clinical practice. Throughout her academic and professional journey, she has participated in several prestigious scientific events and conferences. One notable achievement includes her involvement in the 55th National Diabetes Metabolism and Nutritional Diseases Congress in Cyprus, where she presented a poster on statin use in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Additionally, Dr. Çolak’s research articles and case presentations have garnered attention in the medical community, contributing to the understanding of complex conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and melanoma treatment. While she has not yet received specific awards, Dr. Çolak’s commitment to advancing healthcare and her proactive involvement in scientific research position her as a rising star in the field of oncology and internal medicine.

Publications 📚

1. Association Between Baseline and Changes in Early Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio on Survival in Patients with Metastatic Bladder Carcinoma Treated with Immunotherapy

2. ‘Statin Use and Objectives of The Target in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: Is The Resistant in The Patient or The Physician?’

3. ‘Mutation in Complement Regulating Genes in Patients With Thrombotic Microangiopathic Resistant to Plasmapheresis Treatment’

4. ‘Assessment of Disease Activity by Fecal Occult Blood Test in Inflammatory Bowel Disease’

5. ‘Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Like Symptoms in Patients With Inactive Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Relation With Quality of Life’

6. ‘A Case of Aggressive Prolactinoma’s Masked by HOOK Effect in Postmenopausal Period’

7. ‘Liver Transplantation Data of 20 Years Experience of Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine’

8. ‘Rare Gastric Metastasis of Breast Cancer’

Conclusion 🏅

Dr. Rumeysa Çolak is an excellent candidate for the “Best Researcher Award” given her diverse research portfolio, proven expertise, and significant impact in her field. She has demonstrated remarkable dedication to advancing both scientific knowledge and practical applications in oncology and chronic disease management. Her ongoing contributions to medical research and her ability to address complex health issues through innovative approaches underscore her suitability for such a prestigious recognition. Therefore, Dr. Çolak’s work makes her a strong contender for this award, and she deserves recognition for her excellence in research.