Alexia Barbarossa | Medicinal chemistry | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Alexia Barbarossa | Medicinal chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Researcher | Jadavpur University, India

Dr. Alexia Barbarossa, Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, is an Italian researcher with expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, and pharmaceutical chemistry. She currently serves as a Research Fellow at the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” and actively contributes to innovative drug repositioning, antimicrobial synergy, and bioactive compound research. Alongside her academic work, she engages in science communication, guest editing, and peer reviewing for several international journals. Dr. Barbarossa is known for her contributions to pharmaceutical microbiology, teaching, and thesis supervision.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education 

Alexia earned her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” (2019–2023), focusing on drug repositioning in anticancer and antimicrobial therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology from the University of Calabria, with a thesis on corticosurrenal carcinoma cell models. Her academic path is enriched by training in molecular biology, safety in labs, DNA forensic analysis, and research entrepreneurship, alongside certifications in English (B2 level) and interdisciplinary innovation workshops.

💼 Experience 

Dr. Barbarossa has worked as a Research Fellow, Scientific Communicator, and Thesis Co-supervisor. She participated in regional and national research programs on functional polymers and hybrid enzyme-material devices. She has provided teaching support and lectures at various academic levels including Master’s and PhD courses. With experience ranging from microbiological analysis to pharmaceutical innovation, her roles span peer tutoring, technical-teaching support, guest editing, and scientific writing. Her lab internships and pharmacy traineeship further enrich her hands-on pharmaceutical knowledge.

🏆 Awards & Honors 

Alexia received the Best Poster Presentation Award at Fun4Heritage 2019 for her work on fosfomycin analogues. She has also served as Guest Editor for journals like Antibiotics and Microorganisms, edited special issues on drug repositioning and antimicrobial synergy, and was appointed as an Expert in Microbiology for academic teaching. She co-supervised multiple award-worthy theses and actively participated in certified workshops related to entrepreneurship, sustainability, agrifood systems, and lab safety, showcasing her excellence in research and education.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Barbarossa’s research centers on drug repositioning, antimicrobial synergy, biofilm studies, and the biological evaluation of natural/semi-synthetic substances. Her interdisciplinary work spans microbiology, cell biology, molecular diagnostics, and pharmaceutical innovation. She investigates essential oils and repurposed drugs (e.g., sertraline, melatonin) for antimicrobial and antitumor activity. She’s engaged in developing functional biomaterials and hybrid devices while exploring cosmetic microbiology and nutraceutical sciences, contributing to pharmaceutical sciences through publications, teaching, and international collaborations.

Conclusion

Dr. Alexia Barbarossa is a highly suitable and competitive candidate for the Young Scientist Award in Microbiology. Her combined expertise in microbial cultures, antimicrobial synergy, and drug repositioning, along with her scientific output and academic engagement, make her a promising young researcher. Strengthening international ties and developing independent research leadership would further elevate her candidacy.

Publication

Enhanced antibacterial efficacy of new benzothiazole phthalimide hybrid compounds/methyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes compared to the free forms: Insights into the possible mode of action

  • Authors: Alessia C. Carocci, Alexia Barbarossa, Antonio Rosato, Adriana Trapani, Antonio Carrieri

  • Journal: International Journal of Pharmaceutics

  • Year: 2025

Antibiofilm Effects of Plant Extracts Against Staphylococcus aureus

  • Authors: Alexia Barbarossa, Antonio Rosato, Roberta Tardugno, Giuseppe Fracchiolla, Alessia C. Carocci

  • Journal: Microorganisms

  • Year: 2025

Efficacy of Willow Herb (Epilobium angustifolium L. and E. parviflorum Schreb.) Crude and Purified Extracts and Oenothein B Against Prostatic Pathogens

  • Authors: Alexia Barbarossa, Antonio Rosato, Alessia C. Carocci, Filippo Maggi, Giovanni Caprioli

  • Journal: Antibiotics

  • Year: 2025

 

Abdulwasiu Ibrahim | Drug Discovery | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Abdulwasiu Ibrahim | Drug Discovery | Young Scientist Award

Research Fellow, Drosophila Research and Training Centre Nigeria

Abdulwasiu Ibrahim is a biochemist specializing in cancer biology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. He is affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His expertise spans drug discovery, precision medicine, pharmacogenomics, and toxicogenomics. Proficient in computational biology, he applies computer-aided drug design, immunoinformatics, and biochemical analytics to research. His technical skills include gel electrophoresis, ELISA, PCR, and spectroscopy. He has a strong background in statistical analysis using GraphPad Prism and Microsoft Excel, with foundational knowledge of Python. He has extensive research experience in genetic profiling and biological drug delivery. Currently, he is a Research Fellow at the Drosophila Research and Training Centre and a Research Associate at the Institute of Bioinformatics and Molecular Therapeutics. He has received multiple conference fellowships and published several high-impact research papers. His work contributes to advancing cancer treatment and precision medicine using bioinformatics and molecular biology approaches.

Publication Profile

Oricd

🎓 Education

Master of Science in Biochemistry (Cancer Research and Molecular Biology) – University of Ibadan, Nigeria (2022–2024) Thesis: Interactive Toxicity of 2-Acetylaminoflourene and Diethylnitrosamine in Drosophila melanogaster. Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Second Class Upper-Honours) – Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria (2015–2019)
Thesis: Analgesic Activity of n-Hexane Extract of Castor Seed on Formalin-Induced Pain in Albino Rats.

💼 Experience

Research Fellow – Drosophila Research and Training Centre (2022–Present) Designed and conducted Drosophila experiments, supervised students, and managed lab operations.. Research Associate (Volunteer) – Institute of Bioinformatics and Molecular Therapeutics (2022–Present) Developed computational models for drug discovery, performed molecular docking, and trained interns. Post-Graduate Research Assistant – University of Ibadan (2022–2024) Conducted molecular analysis of cancer markers and supervised undergraduate projects. Research Assistant – Drosophila Laboratory, University of Ibadan (2021–2022) Taught students Drosophila research techniques and performed oxidative stress biomarker analysis. Undergraduate Research Assistant – Usmanu Danfodiyo University (2019–2020) Conducted phytochemical screening, biochemical analysis, and systematic reviews. Tutorial Teacher – Nigerian Society of Biochemistry Students (2019) Taught biochemistry, pharmacology, and molecular biology to undergraduate students.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Conference Fellowships: 11th & 10th Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) (2022, 2021) 2nd Drug Discovery Africa International Conference (DDA) (2022) 2nd Conference of Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network (NBGN) (2021) 7th Unibadan Conference of Basic Medical Sciences (2021). Virtual Chair Award – Midwest Drosophila Conference (2022). Pre-Conference Workshops: Genotyping with TaqMan and Real-Time PCR Bioinformatics and Genome-Wide Association Studies Summer School: Hands-on training in bioinformatics and drug discovery. Best Paper Presentation: Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Conference (2021) Recognized for contributions to Drosophila biomedical research and computational drug design.

🔍 Research Focus

Cancer Biology & Genomics: Investigating genetic markers and molecular pathways in cancer progression. Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics: Computational modeling of biomolecules and genome-wide association studies. Drug Discovery & Design: Using in silico techniques to identify potential drug candidates for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Precision Medicine & Genetic Profiling: Exploring personalized treatment approaches through pharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenomics & Toxicogenomics: Studying drug responses and toxic effects at the genetic level. Biological Drug Delivery: Developing targeted therapies using nanoformulations and bioactive compounds. Computational Biology: Expertise in homology modeling, molecular docking, virtual screening, and molecular dynamics simulations. Laboratory Techniques: Skilled in gel electrophoresis, ELISA, PCR, spectrophotometry, and tissue imaging.

Publication Top Notes

  • Computational Investigation of Polo-like Kinase 1 (PLK1): Inhibitive Potential of Benzimidazole-Carbonamide Derivatives for Cancer Treatment
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Ipinloju, N.; Balogun, T.A.; Ibrahim, A.; Adeyemo, M.A.; Esan, T.O.; Emmanuel, A.V.; Bello, K.A.; Omiyeniyi, G.D.; Oyeneyin, O.E.
    • Citation: Physical Chemistry Research
    • Link: DOI: 10.22036/pcr.2023.377616.2331

 

  • Identification of Phytochemicals with Inhibitory Potential Against Beta-lactamase Enzymes via Computer-aided Approach
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Nwokebu, G.C.; Adesina, A.B.; Isibor, C.N.; Aigbepue, S.A.; Egbo, C.C.; Pureaziba, N.; Isaac, O.O.; Owolade, A.J.-J.; Alabere, H.O.; Iwuagwu, M.O.
    • Citation: Bioorganic Chemistry
    • Link: DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107238

 

  • Insight into the Corrosion Inhibiting Potential and Anticancer Activity of 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-N’-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbohydrazide via Computational Approaches
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Oluwatoba Emmanuel Oyeneyin; Abdulwasiu Ibrahim; Nureni Ipinloju; Adeniyi John Ademoyegun; Nathanael Damilare Ojo
    • Citation: Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics
    • Link: DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2260491

 

  • Plant-derived Extracellular Vesicles as Potential Smart Nano Drug Delivery Systems for Antioxidant Vitamins C and E in Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Amina Jiyah; Suleiman Alhaji Muhammad; Abdulwasiu Ibrahim; Ibrahim Bulama; Abdullahi Ibrahim; Abdullahi Yahya Abbas; Mustapha Umar Imam; Yusuf Saidu; Lawal Suleiman Bilbis
    • Citation: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
    • Link: DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2024.105618

 

  • Identification of Potential Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Inhibitors from Vitis Vinifera: A Case Study of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: Sofela, S.O.; Ibrahim, A.; Bodun, D.S.; Nwankwo, D.O.; Mafimisebi, M.; Abdulrasheed, B.; Balogun, T.; Opeyemi, I.
    • Citation: Research Square
    • Link: DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3342491/v1

 

  • Quantum Evaluation and Therapeutic Activity of (E)-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-(3-oxo-3-phenylprop-1-en-1-yl) phenoxy)acetamide and Its Modified Derivatives Against EGFR and VEGFR-2 in the Treatment of Triple-negative Cancer via In Silico Approach
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: Ipinloju, N.; Ibrahim, A.; da Costa, R.A.; Adigun, T.B.; Olubode, S.O.; Abayomi, K.J.; Aiyelabegan, A.O.; Esan, T.O.; Muhammad, S.A.; Oyeneyin, O.E.
    • Citation: Journal of Molecular Modeling
    • Link: DOI: 10.1007/s00894-023-05543-2

 

  • Discovery of Potential Phytochemicals from Carica Papaya Targeting BRCA-1 in Breast Cancer Treatment
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: Abdulwasiu Ibrahim; Nureni Ipinloju; Abdulsamad Omotayo Aiyelabegan; Abdulbaki Adio Alfa-Ibrahim; Suleiman Alhaji Muhammad; Oluwatoba Emmanuel Oyeneyin
    • Citation: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    • Link: DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04473-2

 

  • Discovery of Small Molecule PARKIN Activator from Antipsychotic/Anti-neuropsychiatric Drugs as Therapeutics for PD: An In Silico Repurposing Approach
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: Abdulwasiu Ibrahim; Nureni Ipinloju; Nkechi Hope Atasie; Rahmotallah Mosunmola Babalola; Suleiman Alhaji Muhammad; Oluwatoba Emmanuel Oyeneyin
    • Citation: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
    • Link: DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04376-2

 

  • Computational Evaluation of Azadirachta Indica-Derived Bioactive Compounds as Potential Inhibitors of NLRP3 in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: Ishabiyi FO; Ogidi J; Olukade BA; Amorha CC; El-Sharkawy LY; Okolo CC; Adeniyi TM; Atasie NH; Ibrahim A.; Balogun TA
    • Citation: Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (JAD)
    • Link: DOI: 10.3233/jad-221020

 

  • Discovery of Small Molecule PARKIN Activator as Therapeutics for PD: An In-silico Repurposing Approach
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Abdulwasiu Ibrahim; Nureni Ipinloju; Suleiman Alhaji Muhammad; Oluwatoba Emmanuel Oyeneyin; Nkechi Hope Atasie
    • Citation: Preprint
    • Link: DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2035291/v1

 

  • Antioxidant-Rich Nutraceutical as a Therapeutic Strategy for Sickle Cell Disease

 

Antonios Kousaxidis | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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 Mr. Antonios Kousaxidis | Medicinal Chemistry |Best Researcher Award

 Mr at School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

A seasoned educator and researcher with extensive experience in physics, holding positions from Assistant to Associate Professor at IAU, Urmia, and Urmia University of Technology. Specialized in teaching a range of undergraduate to Ph.D. courses including Quantum Mechanics, Laser Physics, and Nonlinear Dynamical Systems. Proficient in Maple and Matlab programming with a strong background in finite element method analysis. Led impactful research projects in chaotic systems, cancer treatment, and national security, earning multiple awards including the Kharazmi Scientific Festival Second Prize. A recognized leader in academia with a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and education.

Profile

  1. Scopus

🎓 Education:

Master’s Degree in Medicinal Chemistry: (9.85/10) from Departments of Chemistry, Medicine, Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece. Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry: (7.76/10) from Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.

Personal Skills:

Synthetic Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry: Training in synthetic organic chemistry and biochemistry applied to drug design, with experience in several areas of synthetic methodology using retrosynthetic approaches. Metal-Based Coupling Reactions: Excellent knowledge and practice of metal-based coupling reactions in modern organic chemistry. Synthetic Routes Optimization: Training in synthetic routes optimization using one-pot reactions during master’s thesis. Analytical Methods: Proficient in NMR, IR, UV, and mass spectrometry for identifying organic compounds. Small Molecule Synthesis: Synthesis of small molecule organic compounds and isolation by recrystallization. Purification and Separation: Excellent knowledge and practice in chromatographic methods like column, preparative, and thin-layer chromatography for purifying and separating organic compounds. Biochemical Protocols: Good practice in using biochemical protocols for enzyme kinetics experiments. Drug Discovery Programs: Extensive experience in drug discovery programs, structure-based drug design, molecular docking, and SAR estimation models using in silico methods (Discovery Studio, Chimera, LigandScout, PyMOL, OpenBabel, ADMET). Scientific Manuscripts: Proficient in writing and preparing scientific manuscripts.

💻 Software Skills:

Office Suite (ECDL degree) – Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, etc. Calculative and predictive programs like MestReNova, Topspin DataAnalysis, ChemDraw Ultra, MedChem Designer, and BioLoom.

Research Focus:

A. Kousaxidis primarily focuses on the design and synthesis of novel compounds with therapeutic potential, particularly targeting enzymes such as aldose reductase (ALR2) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). The research also encompasses antimicrobial agents, lipoxygenase inhibitors, and therapeutic strategies for conditions like diabetes mellitus and sepsis.

Publications Top Notes 📝

  • A Molecular Hybridization Approach for the Design of Selective Aldose Reductase (ALR2) Inhibitors and Exploration of Their Activities Against Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)
    • Authors: Kousaxidis, A., Petrou, A., Rouvim, P., Nicolaou, I., Geronikaki, A.
    • Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 1271
    • Article Number: 134116
    • Citations: 3
    • Summary: This study presents a hybridization approach to develop selective ALR2 inhibitors and investigates their potential activities against PTP1B, highlighting their dual therapeutic potential.

 

  • Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Evaluation of Indazole Carboxamides of N-Substituted Pyrrole Derivatives as Soybean Lipoxygenase Inhibitors
    • Authors: Lavrentaki, V., Kousaxidis, A., Theodosis-Nobelos, P., Koutsopoulos, K., Nicolaou, I.
    • Journal: Molecular Diversity
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2
    • Summary: This paper discusses the synthesis and evaluation of novel indazole carboxamides, demonstrating significant inhibitory activity against soybean lipoxygenase.

 

  • N-Derivatives of (Z)-Methyl 3-(4-Oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)methyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylates as Antimicrobial Agents—In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation
    • Authors: Petrou, A., Geronikaki, A., Kartsev, V., Nicolaou, I., Vizirianakis, I.S.
    • Journal: Pharmaceuticals
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 16
    • Issue: 1
    • Article Number: 131
    • Citations: 4
    • Summary: This open-access article evaluates the antimicrobial activity of new N-derivatives, supported by both in silico and in vitro methods.

 

  • Non-acidic Bifunctional Benzothiazole-Based Thiazolidinones with Antimicrobial and Aldose Reductase Inhibitory Activity as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Sepsis
    • Authors: Kousaxidis, A., Kovacikova, L., Nicolaou, I., Stefek, M., Geronikaki, A.
    • Journal: Medicinal Chemistry Research
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 30
    • Issue: 10
    • Pages: 1837-1848
    • Citations: 13
    • Summary: This research explores benzothiazole-based thiazolidinones with dual activity, suggesting a promising approach for treating sepsis.

 

  • Aldose Reductase and Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitors as a Promising Therapeutic Approach for Diabetes Mellitus
    • Authors: Kousaxidis, A., Petrou, A., Lavrentaki, V., Nicolaou, I., Geronikaki, A.
    • Journal: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 207
    • Article Number: 112742
    • Citations: 39
    • Summary: This review highlights the potential of targeting ALR2 and PTP1B as a therapeutic strategy for diabetes, emphasizing recent advances and future perspectives.