Jessica Abene| Oncology| Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jessica Abene| Oncology| Best Researcher Award

Ms. University of Pennsylvania,  United States

Jessica Abene is a dedicated nursing professional with a passion for advancing healthcare through evidence-based research. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSN) from the University of Pennsylvania in 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Statistics and Data Science, as well as a PhD. Jessica is deeply engaged in research focused on improving patient care, particularly in oncology and eating disorders. She is an author of several publications, including systematic reviews on chemotherapy toxicities, food insecurity, and binge eating. Her expertise extends to clinical trials and the development of innovative healthcare solutions, such as a smart swaddle for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Jessica is committed to improving patient quality of life through her work as a graduate research assistant and peer reviewer.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

University of Pennsylvania Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSN), 2023. Master of Statistics and Data Science, In Process. Doctor of Philosophy, In Process

💼 Experience

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Pennsylvania, 2021-Present Jessica leads research on diet interventions to alleviate chemotherapy toxicities, coordinates data for clinical trials, and manages a systematic review on food insecurity and binge eating. Peer Reviewer, European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 2024-Present Evaluates submissions for scientific rigor, providing feedback to improve clarity and validity. Penn Nursing Innovation Accelerator Awardee, 2022 Led a team to develop a smart swaddle for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome, offering comfort and distress relief.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Best Review Paper, International Journal of Eating Disorders (2023) Recognized for outstanding scholarly work as an early career scholar. Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation Pilot Award ($5,000) Awarded for innovative healthcare research. Doctoral Student Organization Research Grant ($325) Provided funding to support academic research. Penn Nursing Innovation Accelerator Awardee ($2,500) Awarded for leading an innovation team developing a smart swaddle system. Eastern Nursing Research Society Annual Conference Abstract Presentation (2023) Presented impactful research findings.

🔬 Research Focus

Jessica’s research aims to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based interventions. She is particularly focused on the impact of diet on chemotherapy toxicities and quality of life, as well as the relationship between food insecurity and binge eating disorders. Additionally, she coordinates clinical trials and studies exploring the effects of lymphedema and fibrosis treatment. Her innovative work includes developing a smart swaddle system for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Jessica’s research seeks to create practical solutions for complex health challenges and contribute to enhancing patient care in diverse clinical settings.

🏆Conclusion 

Jessica Abene’s combination of rigorous academic training, innovative research, and leadership in healthcare makes her a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her systematic reviews, dedication to improving patient quality of life, and groundbreaking work in the intersection of healthcare and technology reflect her potential to make significant contributions to the nursing field. Continuing to expand her research network and engaging more broadly with the community will further enhance her already impressive career trajectory.

Publication

  • Dietary Interventions for Alleviating Chemotherapy Toxicities in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Abene, J. & Deng, J.
    Status: In process

 

  • Diet as an Adjunct Therapy in Reducing Chemotherapy Toxicities and Improving Patients’ Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Year: 2024
    Authors: Abene, J., Tyburski, S., Kral, T. V. E., Quinn, R., & Deng, J.
    Journal: Nutrition and Cancer, 1–19
    DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2024.2437833

 

  • Food Insecurity and Binge Eating: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Year: 2023
    Authors: Abene, J. A., Tong, J., Minuk, J., Lindenfeldar, G., Chen, Y., & Chao, A. M.
    Journal: The International Journal of Eating Disorders, 56(7), 1301–1322

 

  • Binge Eating Disorder and Eating Self-Efficacy in Adults Seeking Bariatric Surgery
    Year: 2022
    Authors: Chao, A. M., Abene, J., Allison, K. C., Pearl, R. L., Wadden, T. A., Williams, N. N., & Tronieri, J. S.
    Journal: Clinical Obesity, e12531
    DOI: 10.1111/cob.12531

 

  • The Importance of Student Nursing and Engineering Collaborations
    Year: 2022 (May 20)
    Authors: Leary, M., Abene, J.
    Journal: American Nurse

 

Fabiana Tortora | Cancer | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Fabiana Tortora | Cancer | Women Researcher Award 

Dr. Fabiana Tortora is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB-ABT), CNR, Naples, Italy. With expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry, her research focuses on protein interactors of long non-coding RNAs in bladder cancer and their therapeutic potential. She has presented at numerous international conferences and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Tortora’s work bridges molecular mechanisms and clinical applications, contributing to advancements in cancer research and environmental biochemistry.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Ph.D. in Biochemical and Biotechnological Sciences: University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (2019). Master’s Degree in Biology (LM-6): University of Naples “Federico II” (2016), graduated 110 cum laude. Undergraduate Training: Specialization in molecular biochemistry and precision medicine. Academic projects focused on antioxidant assays, DNA/RNA analysis, and apoptosis markers.

🧑‍🏫 Experience

Postdoctoral Fellow: AIRC-funded project on bladder cancer, IGB-ABT, CNR (2023-2026). Research Grant Recipient: IBP Institute, CNR, Naples (2020-2022). Visiting Scientist: Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt (2021). Internship: University of Tübingen, Germany (2018); Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (2016). Expertise in cell cultures, protein purification, FACS, and PCR.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Ph.D. Excellence: University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (2019).  Awarded 2022 AIRC Postdoctoral Fellowship for cancer research. Recognized for outstanding research presentations at international conferences. Cum Laude distinction for Master’s degree in Biology.

🔬 Research Focus

Bladder Cancer: Investigating long non-coding RNAs (uc.8+) and their diagnostic/therapeutic potential. Molecular Biochemistry: Protein-DNA/RNA interactions and apoptosis mechanisms. Antioxidant Research: Protective effects of hydroxytyrosol in oxidative stress and mercury detoxification. Techniques: In silico docking, cell/tissue cultures, ROS assays, and enzymatic kinetics.

🏆Conclusion 

Dr. Tortora’s academic rigor, technical proficiency, and impactful research contributions make her a strong contender for the Women Researcher Award. Her work addresses critical biomedical challenges, such as cancer diagnostics and environmental toxicology, underscoring her relevance in both clinical and ecological contexts. By broadening her collaborations and enhancing publication impact, Dr. Tortora can further solidify her position as a leading researcher. She exemplifies excellence in research and is well-suited for recognition through this prestigious award.

📚Publications 

  • Prediction of Pesticide Interactions with Proteins Involved in Human Reproduction by Using a Virtual Screening Approach: A Case Study of Famoxadone Binding CRBP-III and Izumo
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Guerrera, V., Lettieri, G., Febbraio, F., Piscopo, M.

 

  • Emerging RNA-Based Therapeutic and Diagnostic Options: Recent Advances and Future Challenges in Genitourinary Cancers
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: Tortora, F., La Civita, E., Trivedi, P., Terracciano, D., Cimmino, A.

 

  • CD33 rs2455069 SNP: Correlation with Alzheimer’s Disease and Hypothesis of Functional Role
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Rendina, A., Angiolillo, A., Febbraio, F., Vitale, E.

 

  • Effects of long non-coding RNAs on androgen signaling pathways in genitourinary malignancies
    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Calin, G.A., Cimmino, A.

 

  • Liquid biopsy biomarkers in urine: A route towards molecular diagnosis and personalized medicine of bladder cancer
    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Ferro, M., La Civita, E., Liotti, A., Cimmino, A., Terracciano, D.

 

  • Novel insights into mercury effects on hemoglobin and membrane proteins in human erythrocytes
    • Year: 2020
    • Authors: Piscopo, M., Notariale, R., Tortora, F., Palumbo, G., Manna, C.

 

  • Hydroxytyrosol decreases phosphatidylserine exposure and inhibits suicidal death induced by lysophosphatidic acid in human erythrocytes
    • Year: 2019
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Notariale, R., Lang, F., Manna, C.

 

  • Phenol-rich feijoa sellowiana (Pineapple guava) extracts protect human red blood cells from mercury-induced cellular toxicity
    • Year: 2019
    • Authors: Tortora, F., Notariale, R., Maresca, V., Piscopo, M., Manna, C.

 

  • Comparative analysis of the effects of olive oil hydroxytyrosol and its 5-S-lipoyl conjugate in protecting human erythrocytes from mercury toxicity
    • Year: 2018
    • Authors: Officioso, A., Panzella, L., Tortora, F., Napolitano, A., Manna, C.