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

 

JAYAPRAKASH BEHERA| Medicinal chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Mr. JAYAPRAKASH BEHERA| Medicinal chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Research scholar, CSIR-IIIM JAMMU, India

Jayaprakash Behera, an emerging researcher in Chemistry and Materials Science, holds a PhD from CSIR-IIIM Jammu under AcSIR. He is currently a Project Associate for CSIR Aroma Mission Phase-III. With a background in Polymer Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, he has worked on various research projects at prestigious institutions like IIT Guwahati and IIT Delhi. His innovative research has earned him multiple national and international accolades, including world records and recognition for contributions in scientific development.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education 

PhD: CSIR – IIIM Jammu (continuing). M.Phil. Polymer Chemistry & Material Science, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (2020). M.Sc. Organic Chemistry, Galgotias University (2017). B.Sc. Chemistry, BJB Autonomous College, Utkal University (2013)

💼 Experience 

Jayaprakash has served as Project Associate for CSIR Aroma Mission Phase-III (2023–present) and Phase-II (2021–2023). He worked as JRF in a DST-funded project at Malaviya National Institute of Technology (2017-2019) and undertook major and minor projects at IIT Delhi and IIT Guwahati. He has also contributed significantly to national and international exhibitions and research projects on medicinal and nano-based products.

🏆 Awards & Honors 

Jayaprakash has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam National Star Award, Young Scientist Award, City Excellence Award, Global Icon Award, and Rabindranath Tagore Hall of Fame Award. He is also a five-time world record holder, recognized by the London Book of World Records, USA Book of World Records, and more. Additionally, he has received accolades for his innovative ideas and contributions from CSIR and other organizations.

🔬 Research Focus 

Jayaprakash’s research revolves around Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, and Nanotechnology, focusing on skin and hair-related solutions, nanoparticle seed coatings, and medicinal products. His work includes nano formulations for agricultural use, innovative medicinal soaps for skin issues, and skin and hair care solutions. He has authored multiple international articles and patents on his discoveries, contributing to the advancement of green chemistry and sustainable material science.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Nano boron nitride laminated poly (ethyl methacrylate)/poly (vinyl alcohol) composite films imprinted with silver nanoparticles as gas barrier and bacteria resistant packaging
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: J Behera, S Patra, S Nazrul, SK Sharma, D Kumar, MK Verma, AK Katare, …
    • Citations: 2

 

  1. Bioassay-guided fractionations of Cannabis sativa extract and HPLC-assisted purifications of anti-proliferative active fractions lead to the isolation of 16 known and …
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Y Nalli, S Bharti, T Amin, R Singh, J Behera, SS Bhayye, YP Bharitkar, …
    • Citations: 2

 

  1. Correction: Bioassay-guided fractionations of Cannabis sativa extract and HPLC-assisted purifications of anti-proliferative active fractions lead to the isolation of 16 known …
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Y Nalli, S Bharti, T Amin, R Singh, J Behera, SS Bhayye, YP Bharitkar, …

 

  1. Phytochemical investigation of anti-proliferative active fractions of Cannabis sativa leads to isolate a new Compound Canniprene A and other bioactive compounds through …
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: Y Nalli, S Bharti, T Amin, R Singh, J Behera, A Goswami, MK Verma

Monika Kopeć | medical chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Monika Kopeć | medical chemistry | Young Scientist Award

👨‍🏫Profile Summary

In 2018, I earned a doctorate in chemical science from the Faculty of Chemistry at Lodz University of Technology, specializing in the study of biological systems using spectroscopic techniques. Additionally, I completed a master’s program in logistics with a focus on supply chain management. With nine years of experience in chemistry, including managing research projects, I have honed my skills in team collaboration and project management. I have also undertaken various courses and workshops to enhance my expertise, including those in self-motivation, effective learning, and commercializing research. Now, I aim to further expand my knowledge and skills in research techniques and seek opportunities in leading chemical or logistics companies.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educational Qualifications 📚

Postgraduate Studies in Data Analysis and Data Mining University of Lodz, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science October 2021 – June 2022 PhD Studies in Chemistry Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry October 2013 – September 2018 Dissertation awarded by the Council of the Chemical Faculty of Lodz University of Technology Postgraduate Studies in Forensic Biology University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology October 2014 – March 2016 Masters Studies in Logistics with Major in Supply Chain Management University of Lodz, Faculty of Management October 2012 – July 2014 Masters Studies in Chemistry with Major in Medical Chemistry Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry March 2012 – July 2013 Engineering Studies in Chemistry with Major in Chemical Analysis in Environmental Control and Quality Engineering Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry October 2008 – January 2012 Biologically-Chemical Profile High Comprehensive School S. Żeromskiego in Ozorków September 2005 – June 2008

Work Experience 💼

Lecturer Lodz University of Technology October 2019 – Present Responsibilities include experimental analysis, conducting classes, and research documentation. Postdoctoral Fellowship Jagiellonian University in Krakow January 2023 – February 2023 Engineering and Technical Specialist Lodz University of Technology May 2019 – December 2021 Duties involved equipment preparation, chemical reagent management, and ordering. Assistant Lodz University of Technology October 2018 – October 2019 Conducted experimental analysis, classes, and research documentation. Chemist Lodz University of Technology October 2015 – November 2018 Prepared reagents, conducted spectroscopy measurements, and provided technical support. PhD Student Lodz University of Technology October 2013 – September 2018 Conducted measurements using spectroscopy techniques. Apprenticeships Institute of Polymer and Dye Engineering in Zgierz District Police Headquarters in Zgierz July 2011 – August 2011 / July 2010 – August 2010 Hostess Cursor S.A. Sales & Marketing Services August 2009 – September 2009 Trainee District Police Headquarters in Zgierz June 2008 – September 2008

Trainings and Workshops 🎓

AFM Modes Training: Contact, tapping, ScanAsyst, Resonance Enhanced AFM-IR, Tapping AFM-IR, and Micro View Dates: 05.12.2022 – 09.12.2022 Laboratory Procedures Training: Operation and proper use of equipment such as the CO2 incubator Memmert ICO150med, laboratory centrifuge MPW 260R with cooling, and laminar chamber II safety class ESCO AIRSTREAM type AC2-4EB Dates: 4.10.2022 – 6.10.2022 Techniques Training: SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, and visualization of protein gels using Comassie and Stain-Free methods Usage of the Mini-Protean Tetra Cell, Trans-Blot Turbo, and ChemiDoc MP systems Dates: 4.10.2022 – 6.10.2022 Microscope and Imaging Software Training: Use of the Leica DMiL LED inverted microscope, Leica FLEXACAM C1 camera, and Leica LAS X software Quick Reading and Effective Learning Methods Course Commercialization of Research and Establishing Cooperation with Industry Workshop Team Coaching Workshop: Motivating Members to Achieve Common Goals Zetasizer and Nanosight Analyzers Training for Particle Size Measurements Training on the Use of Nanomaterials in Nanomedicine and Bionanotechnology Self-Motivation and Team Motivation Workshop

Projects 🚀

Raman Imaging of Human Cancerous Tissue and Cell Cultures (2016) Function: Project Manager Identification of Tumor Changes Based on Imaging and Raman Spectroscopy (2019) Function: Project Contractor Raman Imaging and Endospectroscopy in Oncological Omic Studies (2020 – 2022) Function: Project Contractor Analysis of Angiogenesis Process in Human Breast Tissue Using Raman Spectroscopy (2020 – 2021) Function: Project Manager Influence of Sugars on Metabolism of Lung Cancer Cells (2022) Function: Project Manager The Triangle: Carotenoids-Retinoids-Cytochromes in Cancer Progression (2022 – Present) Function: Project Contractor

Awards 🏆

  • Various Scholarships and Rector’s Scholarships during PhD Studies (2014 – 2018)
  • Platinum Medal at International Warsaw Invention Show (2019)
  • Award of the Rector of the Medical University of Lodz (2019)
  • Award for Scientific Achievements in Spectroscopic Identification of Cancer Changes (2019)
  • Award Supporting Scientific Excellence under the “Initiative of Excellence – Research University” Program (2020, 2021)

📚Top Noted Publication

  1. Title: Revision of Commonly Accepted Warburg Mechanism of Cancer Development: Redox-Sensitive Mitochondrial Cytochromes in Breast and Brain Cancers by Raman Imaging
    • Authors: H. Abramczyk, J. Surmacki, B. Brozek-Pluska, M. Kopec
    • Journal: Cancers
    • DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112599
    • Publication Date: Unknown

 

  1. Title: Raman imaging and statistical methods for analysis various type of human brain tumors and breast cancers
    • Authors: M. Kopec, J. Surmacki, M. Błaszczyk, M. Radek, H. Abramczyk
    • Journal: Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.120091
    • Publication Date: 2021

 

  1. Title: The role of pro- and antiangiogenic factors in angiogenesis process by Raman spectroscopy
    • Authors: M. Kopec, H. Abramczyk
    • Journal: Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.120667
    • Publication Date: 2021

 

  1. Title: Double face of cytochrome c in cancers by Raman imaging
    • Authors: H. Abramczyk, B. Brożek-Płuska, M. Kopeć
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • DOI: Link
    • Publication Date: 2022

 

  1. Title: Analysis of eggs depending on the hens’ breeding systems by Raman spectroscopy

 

  1. Title: Decoding Breast Cancer Metabolism: Hunting BRCA Mutations by Raman Spectroscopy
    • Authors: M. Kopec, B. Romanowska-Pietrasiak, H. Abramczyk
    • Journal: Photochem
    • DOI: 10.3390/photochem2030048
    • Publication Date: 2022

 

  1. Title: Hyperglycemia and cancer in human lung carcinoma by means of Raman spectroscopy and imaging
    • Authors: M. Kopec, K. Beton, K. Jarczewska, H. Abramczyk
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21483-y
    • Publication Date: 2022

 

  1. Title: Hemoglobin and cytochrome c. reinterpreting the origins of oxygenation and oxidation in erythrocytes and in vivo cancer lung cells
    • Authors: H. Abramczyk, J.M. Surmacki, M. Kopeć, K. Jarczewska, B. Romanowska-Pietrasiak
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41858-z
    • Publication Date: 2023

 

  1. Title: Raman imaging and chemometric methods in human normal bronchial and cancer lung cells: Raman biomarkers of lipid reprogramming

 

  1. Title: The role of glucose and fructose on lipid droplet metabolism in human normal bronchial and cancer lung cells by Raman spectroscopy