Nozuko Blasich | HIV and Mycology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Nozuko Blasich | HIV and Mycology | Best Researcher Award

Quality Control Technologist, National Health Laboratory Service South Africa

Nozuko Blasich is a Clinical Pathology Medical Technologist specializing in laboratory diagnostics, quality control, and biomedical research. She holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Technology and is currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Science, focusing on fungal pathogens and their public health impact. Her research on cryptococcal meningitis has influenced World Health Organization (WHO) policies. She has published in high-impact journals, presented at international conferences, and serves as a peer reviewer. Passionate about improving diagnostic accuracy, she explores point-of-care tests for infectious diseases.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Nozuko Blasich earned her Master of Science in Biomedical Technology, with research focusing on cryptococcal meningitis, significantly contributing to global health policies. She is currently a PhD candidate in Biomedical Science, investigating fungal pathogens and their environmental prevalence. Her academic journey emphasizes microbiology, clinical diagnostics, and public health.

Experience 🧑‍🏫

She serves as a Quality Control Technologist at the National Health Laboratory Service, ensuring diagnostic accuracy and laboratory efficiency. With expertise in mycology, she has worked extensively on cryptococcal antigen screening and HIV diagnostics.

 Awards & Honors 🏆

She has received recognition for her contributions to medical mycology, including best researcher awards and grants for her impactful studies on fungal pathogens and diagnostic advancements.

Research Interests 🔬

Her research explores fungal infections, laboratory diagnostics, and point-of-care testing to enhance public health interventions. She investigates diagnostic methodologies, antimicrobial resistance, and epidemiology to improve early detection and treatment outcomes.

Publications 📚

  1. Evaluating the Accuracy of Multiple Rapid Diagnostic Tests for HIV Detection in Serum Samples Analysed During Point-of-Care Proficiency Testing Assessments (2025) – Nozuko P. Blasich, Jerom Okot, Artur Ramos, Mduduzi B. Buthelezi, Dumisani F. Shabangu, Mahlatse M. Maleka, Sarvashni Moodliar, Nqobile Ngoma, Tendesayi Kufa

 

  1. Retrospective Assessment of a National Reflex Cryptococcal Antigen Screening Program in South Africa Through Interlaboratory Comparison of Lateral Flow Assay Results (2022) – Nozuko P. Blasich, Lindi M. Coetzee, Charlotte Sriruttan, Daniel DeSanto, Gregory S. Greene, Deborah K. Glencross, Nelesh P. Govender

 

  1. Association of Semi-Quantitative Cryptococcal Antigen Results in Plasma with Subclinical Cryptococcal Meningitis and Mortality Among Patients with Advanced HIV Disease (2021) – Nozuko P. Blasich, Rachel M. Wake, Ivy Rukasha, Yvonne Prince, Nelesh P. Govender

 

  1. Cryptococcus neoformans: Diagnostic Dilemmas, Electron Microscopy and Capsular Variants (2018) – Nozuko P. Blasich, Monica Birkhead, Serisha D. Naicker, Ivy Rukasha, Juno Thomas, Charlotte Sriruttan, Shareef Abrahams, Grisselda S. Mavuso, Nelesh P. Govender

 

Anastasia Kovrizhina | Medicinal chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Anastasia Kovrizhina | Medicinal chemistry | Women Researcher Award

PhD Reseracher, Tomsk Polytechnic University Russia

Anastasia Kovrizhina is a Russian researcher specializing in organic chemistry and biotechnology. She holds a Ph.D. from National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, where she focuses on molecular modeling and the synthesis of biologically active compounds. Currently, she is a researcher at Tomsk Polytechnic University and serves as a scientist secretary. Her work includes the development of novel kinase inhibitors and fluorocarbon aza-heterocycles for anticancer treatments. She has been actively involved in international collaborations, including research internships at Montana State University, USA, and Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russia. With an h-index of 7, she has published extensively in high-impact journals and has presented at numerous international and national conferences. She has received multiple prestigious scholarships and awards, including the Baden-Württemberg State Scholarship and the Government Scholarship of the Russian Federation. Her expertise spans chemical synthesis, biological assays, computational chemistry, and quantum calculations.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Anastasia Kovrizhina earned her Ph.D. (2019-2023) in Organic Chemistry from National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, specializing in molecular modeling and drug synthesis. She completed her Master’s degree (2017-2019) in Biotechnology at the same institution, where she studied organic and applied chemistry. During her studies, she participated in an academic exchange at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany, where she took courses in bioinformatics, bioprocessing, and enzymology. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree (2013-2017) in Biotechnology from National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, with a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, and humanities. Her academic journey has been complemented by advanced training in computational chemistry, quantum calculations, and SAR/QSAR analysis. She has also gained international exposure through scholarships and research projects focused on innovative drug development. Her multidisciplinary education allows her to integrate experimental and computational approaches for pharmaceutical and medical applications.

Experience 🧑‍🏫

Anastasia Kovrizhina is currently a researcher at Tomsk Polytechnic University, specializing in the synthesis of biologically active compounds. She also serves as a scientist secretary at the School of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and is an active member of the Council of Young Scientists. She has undertaken research internships at the Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry (2020) and Montana State University, USA (2019), where she collaborated on immunology and organic chemistry projects. Her work includes grant-funded research on kinase inhibitors, fluorocarbon aza-heterocycles, and polymer scaffolds for cardiovascular applications. She has supervised undergraduate and master’s students and has taught courses in professional English and organic chemistry. Her expertise includes molecular modeling, chemical synthesis, and computational chemistry. She has contributed to multiple research projects under the Russian Science Foundation and has been instrumental in developing innovative drug delivery systems for anticancer treatments.

 Awards & Honors 🏆

Anastasia Kovrizhina has received several prestigious awards, including the First Degree Diploma (2024) for her research on indenoquinoxalinone oxime (IQ-1). She won the 5th All-Russian Research Competition (2020) for her work on indenoquinoxaline derivatives. She was honored with the 3rd Degree Medal for “Achievements for Tomsk Polytechnic University” and the BAYHOST Scholarship for studying German (2020). She received the Baden-Württemberg State Scholarship (2018-2019) and the Russian Government Scholarship (2018-2019). Her participation in international conferences has been recognized with numerous accolades. She has also secured multiple research grants, including the Russian Science Foundation grants for developing kinase inhibitors and fluorocarbon aza-heterocycles as anticancer agents. Her scientific contributions to drug discovery and pharmaceutical chemistry have positioned her as a promising young researcher in her field.

Research Interests 🔬

Anastasia Kovrizhina’s research focuses on the synthesis and molecular modeling of biologically active compounds, particularly kinase inhibitors and fluorocarbon aza-heterocycles for anticancer treatments. She has pioneered the development of JNK kinase inhibitors based on indenoquinoxaline scaffolds, which have potential anti-inflammatory applications. Her work has demonstrated that IQ-1 salts enhance the efficacy of cerebral ischemia treatment. She has conducted pharmacokinetic studies on IQ-1 absorption in the gastrointestinal tract to optimize drug formulation. Her expertise extends to computational chemistry, quantum calculations, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. She is also involved in developing supramolecular complexes for innovative drug delivery. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates synthetic chemistry, computational modeling, and biological assays to advance pharmaceutical research. She has contributed significantly to drug design, molecular docking studies, and the synthesis of novel heterocyclic compounds for targeted therapies.

Publications 📚

  1. Title: 6,8-Dibromo-11H-indeno[1,2-b]quinolin-11-one
    Year: 2024
    Author: Anastasia R. Kovrizhina, Dauren Tolegen, Dmitry I. Pavlov, Andrei S. Potapov, Andrei I. Khlebnikov
    Citations: Not available
    Article: Molbank

 

  1. Title: Evaluation of Nitric Oxide-Donating Properties of 11H-indeno[1,2-b]quinoxalin-11-one Oxime (IQ-1) by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
    Year: 2024
    Author: Viacheslav V. Andrianov, Igor A. Schepetkin, Leah V. Bazan, Khalil L. Gainutdinov, Anastasia R. Kovrizhina, Dmitriy N. Atochin, Andrei I. Khlebnikov
    Citations: Not available
    Article: Molecules

 

  1. Title: Dose proportionality and bioavailability of quinoxaline-based JNK inhibitor after single oral and intravenous administration in rats
    Year: 2024
    Author: Galina A. Frelikh, Elena A. Yanovskaya, Alexander P. Lakeev, Galina A. Chernysheva, Vera I. Smolyakova, Anastasia R. Kovrizhina
    Citations: Not available
    Article: Xenobiotica

 

  1. Title: Neuroprotective Effects of Tryptanthrin-6-Oxime in a Rat Model of Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia
    Year: 2023
    Author: Mark Plotnikov, Galina A. Chernysheva, Vera I. Smol’yakova, Oleg I. Aliev, Anna M. Anishchenko, Olga A. Ulyakhina, Eugene S. Trofimova, Anastasia A. Ligacheva, Nina D. Anfinogenova, Anton Osipenko et al.
    Citations: Not available
    Article: Pharmaceuticals

 

  1. Title: Novel Tryptanthrin Derivatives with Selectivity as c–Jun N–Terminal Kinase (JNK) 3 Inhibitors
    Year: 2023
    Author: Igor A. Schepetkin, Oleksander S. Karpenko, Anastasia R. Kovrizhina, Liliya N. Kirpotina, Andrei I. Khlebnikov, Stepan I. Chekal, Alevtyna V. Radudik, Maryna O. Shybinska, Mark T. Quinn
    Citations: Not available
    Article: Molecules

 

  1. Title: Quantification of a promising JNK inhibitor and nitrovasodilator IQ-1 and its major metabolite in rat plasma by LC–MS/MS
    Year: 2022
    Author: Alexander P. Lakeev, Galina A. Frelikh, Elena A. Yanovskaya, Anastasia R. Kovrizhina, Vladimir V. Udut
    Citations: Not available
    Article: Bioanalysis

 

  1. Title: Poly(ϵ-caprolactone) Scaffolds Doped with c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Inhibitors Modulate Phagocyte Activation
    Year: 2019
    Author: K.S. Stankevich, I.A. Schepetkin, S.I. Goreninskii, A.K. Lavrinenko, E.N. Bolbasov, A.R. Kovrizhina, L.N. Kirpotina, V.D. Filimonov, A.I. Khlebnikov, S.I. Tverdokhlebov et al.
    Citations: Not available
    Article: ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering

 

Neeraj Kumar Pandey | Pharmaceutical Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Neeraj Kumar Pandey | Pharmaceutical Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Guru kashi university, India

Neeraj Kumar Pandey is a dedicated pharmacist from Singahi, Sahatwar, Ballia, India, with a strong passion for healthcare and pharmaceutical sciences. He holds a Diploma in Pharmacy from Guru Kashi University, where he excelled academically. With hands-on experience in hospital training and roles as a campus ambassador, NSS volunteer, and journal reviewer, he actively contributes to the healthcare sector. Neeraj has published multiple books and research articles, highlighting his expertise in pharmaceutical education. His skills include pharmaceutical dispensing, patient counseling, and content development. He has received several awards, including the International Icon Award 2024.

 

Publication Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Neeraj Kumar Pandey completed his high school and intermediate education under the UP Board with outstanding scores. He pursued a Diploma in Pharmacy from Guru Kashi University, achieving top marks in both years. Additionally, he completed software development training, enhancing his technical proficiency. His academic journey reflects his commitment to excellence in pharmaceutical sciences.

💼 Experience

Neeraj has gained practical experience through hospital training at SDH Talwandi Sabo and worked as Nikshay Mitra, contributing to tuberculosis eradication. He serves as a campus ambassador for PW Skills & MyGov and is an active NSS volunteer. Additionally, he reviews research articles for UGC Care List Journals, demonstrating his engagement with academic and professional communities. His diverse experience strengthens his expertise in pharmacy and healthcare.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Neeraj has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the SBI Student of the Year Award 2013, Certificate of Merit, Award of Appreciation, Award of Excellence, and the International Icon Award 2024. His achievements highlight his dedication to academic excellence and contributions to healthcare and research. These accolades reflect his commitment to professional growth and leadership in the pharmaceutical sector.

🔬 Research Focus

Neeraj’s research interests span various pharmaceutical fields, including drug dispensing, patient care, and psychopharmacology. His publications cover topics such as psychosomatic disorders and erectile dysfunction in young men. He has also authored books on pharmaceutical chemistry, human anatomy, and medical ethics, emphasizing his deep engagement with research and education. His work aims to bridge knowledge gaps in pharmacy and healthcare.

Publication Top Notes

  • Mind Body Nexus: Bridging Gaps in Psychosomatic Disorders Treatment and Assessment for Holistic Care
    Goya Journal, 2024-02-24 | Journal article
    Contributors: Neeraj Kumar Pandey, Devinder Maheswary

 

  • Cognite: Pharmaceutical Chemistry
    Notion Press Media Pvt. Ltd., 2024-02-02 | Book
    Contributors: Neeraj Kumar Pandey, Inderjeet Kaur

 

  • Atharva: A Medicinal Plants Handbook
    Notion Press Media Pvt. Ltd., 2024-01-19 | Book
    Contributors: Neeraj Kumar Pandey, S. Pargat Singh

 

  • Pharmaceutical Practical Handbook
    Notion Press Media Pvt. Ltd., 2024-01-10 | Book
    Contributors: Neeraj Kumar Pandey, Dr. Devinder Kumar Maheshwari

 

Chen Wai Wong | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Wai Wong | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, UCSI University Malaysia

Dr. Wong Chen Wai is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Malaysia. With a background in Biotechnology, he specializes in enzyme and food biotechnology, teaching subjects related to biochemistry, biotechnology, and biosensors. He has made significant contributions to both academia and industry through research and teaching. He has supervised numerous Ph.D. and MSc students, leading various cutting-edge research projects. 🌱👨‍🏫

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Wong holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Tertiary Teaching (2021), a Ph.D. in Enzyme and Food Biotechnology (2009), and a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (2001), all from esteemed Malaysian institutions. His academic journey has honed his expertise in biotechnology and applied sciences.

💼 Experience

Dr. Wong has held key academic positions at UCSI University, including Associate Professor (2019–present) and Head of Biotechnology (2019–2022). He has also worked as an Application Chemist and Engineer in the industry before pursuing his academic career. His teaching spans various subjects in biotechnology, and he has supervised many graduate and postgraduate students.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Wong’s achievements include recognition for excellence in research and teaching, with a strong focus on biotechnological innovations. He has been awarded various fellowships and honors for his contributions to education and research.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Wong’s research focuses on the development of bioplastics, biofuels, enzyme technology, and the use of natural extracts in biotechnology. His current research includes the sustainable use of agricultural waste and biorefinery technologies.

Conclusion

Dr. Wong’s distinguished academic and research career, marked by his leadership in biotechnology and contributions to sustainable biotechnological solutions, makes him highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. While opportunities for expanding his interdisciplinary collaborations exist, his current body of work and mentorship in shaping future leaders in biotechnology makes him a standout researcher in his field.

Publication Top Notes

  • Title: Effect of enzymatic processing, inlet temperature, and maltodextrin concentration on the rheological and physicochemical properties of spray‐dried banana (Musa acuminata) powder
    Year: 2018
    Authors: CW Wong, CY Teoh, CE Putri
    Citation: Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 18

 

  • Title: Inhibitory effect of Malaysian coastal plants on banana (Musa acuminata Colla “Lakatan”), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) polyphenol oxidase
    Year: 2021
    Authors: WY Lim, YW Cheng, LB Lian, EWC Chan, CW Wong
    Citation: Journal of Food Science and Technology, 58, 4178-4184

 

  • Title: Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn.: An overview of its botany, uses, reproductive biology, pharmacological properties, and industrial potentials
    Year: 2022
    Authors: EWC Chan, SW Yeong, CW Wong, OYM Soo, ACY Phua, YK Ng
    Citation: Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, 10(20), 1-7

 

  • Title: Inhibitory Effect of Onion Extract on Cassava Leaf (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Polyphenol Oxidase
    Year: 2014
    Authors: CW Wong, PLA Lee
    Citation: International Food Research Journal, 21(2), 755-758

 

  • Title: Hydrophobic bioactive constituents of cinnamon bark as inhibitors of polyphenol oxidase from Musa acuminata ‘Mas’ peel
    Year: 2022
    Authors: ZZ Siew, EWC Chan, CW Wong
    Citation: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 45, 102504

 

  • Title: Effects of inlet temperature and carrier concentration on spray-dried ‘cempedak’ (Artocarpus integer) fruit powder and its reconstitution properties
    Year: 2021
    Authors: LP Pui, R Karim, YA Yusof, CW Wong, HM Ghazali
    Citation: Acta Scientiarum Polonorum, Technologia Alimentaria, 20(2), 135-148

 

  • Title: Tyrosinase inhibiting extracts from coastal plants as potential additives in skin whitening formulations
    Year: 2021
    Authors: WY Lim, EWC Chan, CW Phan, CW Wong
    Citation: Current Applied Science and Technology, 21, 481-494

 

  • Title: Role of scutellarin in human cancer—A review
    Year: 2019
    Authors: EWC Chan, CSS Lim, WY Lim, ZJ Loong, CW Wong
    Citation: Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 9(1), 142-146

 

  • Title: Deep eutectic solvents for batteries and fuel cells: biosubstitution, advantages, challenges, and future directions
    Year: 2023
    Authors: Y Hariyanto, YK Ng, ZZ Siew, CY Soon, AC Fisher, L Kloyer, CW Wong, et al.
    Citation: Energy & Fuels, 37(23), 18395-18407

 

  • Title: Pomolic acid: A short review on its chemistry, plant sources, pharmacological properties, and patents
    Year: 2023
    Authors: EWC Chan, YK Ng, CSS Lim, VS Anggraeni, ZZ Siew, CW Wong, et al.
    Citation: Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 13(5), 058-065

 

  • Title: Anti-quorum sensing and antibiotic enhancement of allylpyrocatechol and methyl gallate
    Year: 2021
    Authors: CSS Lim, EWC Chan, CW Wong, JBL Tan, VS Anggraeni, ZJ Loong, et al.
    Citation: Jurnal Teknologi, 83(3), 101-106

 

  • Title: Thermostable Deep Eutectic Solvents for Thermochemical Reactions: Novel Stability Indicators
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Y Hariyanto, CW Wong, AC Fisher, L Kloyer, EWC Chan
    Citation: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 12(17), 6774-6785

 

  • Title: Swelling behavior and methylene blue absorption of carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels prepared from Malaysian agricultural wastes by electron beam irradiation
    Year: 2020
    Authors: EWC Chan, CMY Huang, P CHIA, CSS Lim, ZJ Loong, M Talib, CW Wong, et al.
    Citation: Cell Chem Technol, 54(5-6), 421-428

 

Wei Quan Pang | Plant Tissue Culture | Young Scientist Award

 Mr. Wei Quan Pang |Plant Tissue Culture| Young Scientist Award

 Mr. Universiti Sains Malaysia MalUniversiti Sains Malaysia,  Malaysia.

👩‍🔬 Pang Wei Quan is a diligent and outcome-oriented Biotechnology professional with a robust academic foundation and practical expertise in various domains, including plant tissue culture, animal cell culture, microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry.

 

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

 

Education 📚🎓

Master of Science in Biotechnology Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Gelugor, Penang2022 – Present Expected Graduation Date: May 2024Specialization: Plant Tissue Culture Key Achievements: Successfully micro propagated a rare white strawberry variety using plant tissue culture techniques. Achieved rapid fruit production within three months through hydroponic indoor farming. Conducted biochemical and DNA molecular analyses to support research projects. Conducted extensive research on non-native crop adaptation. Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons.) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Gelugor, Penang Graduated in October 2021Grade: 3.64 / Second Class (Upper)Major: Biotechnology Minor: Psychology Key Highlights: Gained a strong foundation in biotechnology and psychology.

Work Experience📚

  • Internship
    • INFORMM, USM, Gelugor, Penang
    • Aug 2020 – Sept 2020
    • Completed a 6-week internship in an institute specialized in research in molecular medicine.

 Objective📖

To leverage my contributions to the field of science, particularly in the advancement of plant science, and be recognized for my impactful work at the International Young Scientist Awards.

 Volunteering / Leadership Experience

Volunteer Penang International Science Fair 2017Treasurer10th Annual Book Festival Librarian Unit, USM Tionghua Language SocietyAcademic Season 2017/2018Head of Librarian Unit USM Tionghua Language Society, Academic Season 2018/2019Head of Programme Department11th Annual Book Festival Librarian Unit of USM Tionghua Language Society, Academic Season 2018/2019Executive Committee USM Tionghua Language Society, Academic Season 2019/2020Student Advisor12th Annual Book Festival Librarian Unit of USM Tionghua Language Society, Academic Season 2019/2020U-Voice National Singing Competition, Academic Season 2019/2020

 Industry Related skills

🌱 Plant Tissue Culture Proficient in sterile culture techniques, micropropagation, and tissue culture media preparation.💧 Hydroponic Indoor Farming Knowledgeable in hydroponic system setup, plant growth optimization, and nutrient management.🧫 Animal Cell Culture Hands-on experience in cell culture techniques for anticancer research projects.🔬 Biochemical Analyses Skilled in protein extraction and enzyme assays.🧬 Molecular Biology Experienced in DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and gene expression analysis.📊 Research Methodology Strong knowledge of experimental design, data collection, and analysis. 🔍 Laboratory Management Organized and maintained laboratory equipment and supplies. 📝 Project Management Demonstrated the ability to plan, execute, and oversee research projects. 💬 Communication Excellent written and verbal communication skills for scientific reporting and team collaboration. 🛠️ Problem-Solving Proven ability to troubleshoot experiments and find creative solutions.

Publications Top Notes 📝

  • Effect of graphene oxide nanoparticles on in vitro growth of Fragaria x ananassa (Cameron Highlands white Strawberry) and evaluation of genetic stability using DAMD and ISSR markers
    • Authors: Pang, W.Q., Lai, C.S., Mad’ Atari, M.F., …, Yoong, I.C.K., Subramaniam, S.
    • Journal: Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 204
    • Page: 108104

 

  • Establishment of an efficient micropropagation protocol for Cameron Highlands White Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) using light emitting diodes (LEDs) system
    • Authors: Pang, W.Q., Tan, S.T., Mad’ Atari, M.F., Yoong, I.C.K., Subramaniam, S.
    • Journal: South African Journal of Botany
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 157
    • Pages: 189–200