Ayaz Ahmed | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Ayaz Ahmed | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr Ayaz Ahmed, ICCBS – University of Karachi, Pakistan

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed 🧬🔬 is a Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor at the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), ICCBS, University of Karachi, Pakistan. With a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Dalian Medical University, China, and an M.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Karachi, his research focuses on microbial profiling, anti-biofilm agents, and infectious disease models. Dr. Ahmed has supervised numerous postgraduate students and received multiple international awards, including recognition from the American Society for Microbiology and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He also leads funded projects on combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens. 🌟

Publication Profile

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Qualifications

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Dalian Medical University, China (2012), and a Master’s in Microbiology from the University of Karachi, Pakistan (2006, First Division). 🧬🎓 His doctoral research focused on the “Microbial profiling of dental plaque/Biofilm from dental caries and periodontitis patients” and explored the effects of Lactobacillus species on S. mutans biofilm formation. 🦷🔬 With a strong academic foundation and research expertise in microbiology and molecular biology, Dr. Ayaz contributes significantly to the understanding of microbial interactions in dental health and disease. 🌟

Job Responsibilities

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed is a Principal Investigator at the Cell Biology Lab, where he oversees the Imaging Facility, maintaining high-end fluorescence and light microscopes. He supports students by assisting them in acquiring high-quality images for their theses and manuscripts. Dr. Ahmed also manages the National Animal Facility for Laboratory Animal Research and Care. He supervises routine animal house operations and collaborates with a veterinary doctor to maintain SPF rats, mice, and hamsters. He is responsible for establishing models for infectious diseases and memory deficits to evaluate the efficacy of natural compounds. Dr. Ahmed also conducts toxicological studies and trains students in ethical animal research practices. 🧬🔬🐁

Student Supervised

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed and his team of dedicated researchers have made significant strides in their exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies. Among the Ph.D. candidates, Zulfiqar Ahmed’s research on controlling salmonellosis through probiotics in poultry, Binte Zehra’s study on modulating the metastatic potential of NSCLC, and Jazib Shafiq’s investigation into gut dysbiosis and anxiety have all been awarded. Additionally, Afshan Shams, Yamina Usmani, and Shariqa Khuwaja are examining the potential of natural and synthetic compounds in combating oral cancer and other diseases. Several M. Phil. students are also contributing to research on antimicrobial resistance and cancer therapies. 🧪🔬🧫

Honors and Awards

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed has earned numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career. In 2024, he received the Award for Collaborative Scientific Achievement from the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Beijing. He also became an International Federation for Biosafety Association (IFBA) Certified Biological Waste Management Professional and Bio-risk Management Professional in 2023. Dr. Ahmed was selected as a Mentor for the ASM Future Leaders Mentoring Fellowship Program in 2023 and was awarded the Health Security Partner Grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2021. He has also earned prestigious travel awards and fellowships, including the American Society for Microbiology ID Fellowship and the Science and Technology Talent Award. 🏅🌍🦠

Completed Projects

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed has led multiple impactful research projects focused on combating multidrug-resistant microorganisms and improving public health. His research on the effect of synthetic and natural compounds on biofilm formation was funded by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) under project # HEC No: PD-IPFP/HRD/HEC/ 2013/1182. He also contributed to projects such as Personal Protective Equipment for Sindh Poultry Vaccine Center (funded by CRDF Global, USA), and oral pathogens related to dental caries (funded by ICCBS). Notably, his work on antimicrobial-resistant water contaminants, funded by the U.S.-Pakistan Centers for Advanced Studies in Water, aims to improve water quality. He further advanced research on antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents targeting Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumonia with funding from HEC. 💧🔬🦠

Professional Experience

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed has had a distinguished career in academia and research. Since June 2017, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi. Prior to this, he worked as a Senior Research Officer at the same institution from November 2013 to June 2017. Dr. Ahmed also pursued Post-Doctoral training in Behavioral Sciences at Hunan Drug Safety Evaluation in Changsha, China, from January 2016 to February 2017. His earlier roles include Assistant Professor on Interim Placement, Research Officer in Avian Influenza Vaccine Production, and a research intern in the National Internship Program. 🧪📚

Professional Membership

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed is an active member of several prestigious professional organizations, contributing significantly to the fields of microbiology and infectious diseases. His memberships include the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) 🦠, the Pakistan Biological Safety Association (PBSA) 🧫, and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) 🌍. Additionally, he is a member of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) 🎗️ and the Medical Microbiology & Infectious Disease Society of Pakistan (MMIDSP) 🇵🇰. These memberships reflect his commitment to advancing research and innovation in microbiology, infectious diseases, and cancer research.

Research Focus

Dr. Ayaz Ayaz Ahmed research focus primarily revolves around microbiology, particularly in the fields of gut microbiota analysis, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm formation. His studies often investigate the interactions between microorganisms and the human or animal host, such as comparing gut microbe profiles between healthy individuals and those with conditions like hyperthyroidism and liver cirrhosis. Additionally, Dr. Ahmed explores innovative therapeutic approaches, including the development of antimicrobial agents, such as nanoparticles conjugated with antibiotics to combat biofilm-forming pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. His work has significant implications for medical microbiology and the treatment of infectious diseases. 🦠🔬

Publication Top Notes

Gut microbe analysis between hyperthyroid and healthy individuals

Phylogenetic and biological characterization of Newcastle disease virus isolates from Pakistan

Biofilm inhibitory effect of chlorhexidine conjugated gold nanoparticles against Klebsiella pneumoniae

Comparison of the gut microbe profiles and numbers between patients with liver cirrhosis and healthy individuals

Rifampicin conjugated silver nanoparticles: a new arena for development of antibiofilm potential against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae

Effect of Lactobacillus species on Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation.

Comparison of oral microbiota in orthodontic patients and healthy individuals

Synthesis and Chemosensing of Nitrofurazone using Olive oil based Silver Nanoparticles (O-AgNPs)

Isolation of dihydrobenzofuran derivatives from ethnomedicinal species Polygonum barbatum as anticancer compounds

Prof. Rasha Azzam|Drug Discovery and Development|Best Researcher Award

Prof. Rasha Azzam|Drug Discovery and Development |Best Researcher Award

Prof. Rasha Azzam at Helwan University,Egypt

PROFILE  

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Prof. Rasha A. Azzam’s academic journey began with her outstanding performance in chemistry at Helwan University, Egypt, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Chemistry in 1993. Her excellence in academia was recognized early on, as she graduated with class honors and was placed on the Dean’s List. Driven by her passion for organic chemistry, she pursued a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Organic Chemistry at Helwan University, completing it in 1996. Her academic curiosity and dedication led her to further her studies internationally, earning a prestigious Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 2003 from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. Her diverse educational background laid the foundation for a career defined by groundbreaking research and academic excellence.

Professional Endeavors 🧑‍🔬

Prof. Azzam’s professional career spans over two decades of teaching, research, and leadership in various prestigious academic institutions across the globe. She is currently a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Faculty of Science, Helwan University, where she has been contributing since 2021. Prior to this, she held the position of Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry at the same institution from 2016 to 2021, demonstrating her upward trajectory in academia.

Her teaching and research influence extended beyond Egypt. She has held positions as an Associate Professor at Taibah University in Saudi Arabia, Nigerian Turkish Nile University in Nigeria, and the American University in Nigeria, where she was a co-founder of the Petroleum Chemistry Program. Additionally, she has served as a Visiting Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024, further showcasing her international academic reach.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Prof. Azzam’s research focuses on organic and medicinal chemistry, with a particular emphasis on green synthesis, nanomaterials, and antiviral agents. One of her key research interests is the development of new methods for synthesizing compounds with potential anticancer and antimicrobial properties. Her recent project, “Synthesis of new sulfa derivatives under ultrasonic irradiation as potential anticancer/antimicrobial agents,” funded by Helwan University in 2021, highlights her innovative approach to organic synthesis.

Prof. Azzam’s work also explores environmentally friendly technologies, as demonstrated by her research on “green technology based on nanoporous biodegradable polymeric membranes” for wastewater treatment, funded by the Academy of Scientific Research Technology (ASRT). She has also conducted pioneering work on nanomaterials and their applications in industrial processes, such as her research on thermoplastic elastomers based on petrochemicals and the development of anti-COVID-19 agents incorporated into nanofibrous mats.

Her research output is extensive, and she has presented several projects on global platforms, including her work on antiviral therapeutic agents and nanomaterials. Her research contributions are shaping the future of organic chemistry, particularly in the domains of green chemistry and medical applications.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Prof. Azzam’s excellence in research and community service has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. In 2023, she received the prestigious Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Scientific Award for her contributions to scientific production that serves community development within the framework of sustainable development goals. In the same year, she was honored with Helwan University’s Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award in Basic and Applied Sciences.

She has also been recognized for her mentoring and supervision of students, receiving Best Master Thesis Awards for two of her master’s students, Rasha Essam (2020) and Heba Elboshi (2023). Her commitment to advancing research was further acknowledged when she received the Research Excellence Awards for her students, Rokia Ramadan (2019) and Rasha Essam (2020). Additionally, Prof. Azzam was awarded a Silver Medal from the Academy of Scientific Research Technology (ASRT) in 2018 for her outstanding contributions to science.

Her impact extends internationally, with her receiving the Outstanding Faculty Member Award from the American University in Nigeria in 2007, and a research scholarship from the Catholic University of Leuven in 2001.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Prof. Azzam’s influence is felt not only through her research but also through her active participation in the scientific community. She serves as a Review Editor for Organic Chemistry on the Editorial Board of Frontiers in Chemistry and as an editor for the Journal of Chemistry and The Scientific World Journal, both published by Hindawi. She is also a grant evaluator for the Fulbright Binational Scholarship Program, where she helps assess the next generation of academic leaders.

Her commitment to education and community service is reflected in her involvement in organizing training workshops for high school teachers and instructing lab sessions for the AUN Community School. Prof. Azzam is also a member of the Egyptian Society for Basic Sciences, where she contributes to the development of the scientific community in Egypt.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Prof. Rasha A. Azzam’s legacy is built on her unwavering dedication to advancing organic chemistry, fostering academic excellence, and mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her research has laid the groundwork for significant developments in green chemistry, nanomaterials, and medicinal chemistry. With her continued focus on innovative solutions for pressing global challenges, such as wastewater treatment and the development of antiviral agents, she is poised to make even more impactful contributions in the years to come.

🎓Publication 

In the pursuit of novel therapeutic agents: synthesis, anticancer evaluation, and physicochemical insights of novel pyrimidine-based 2-aminobenzothiazole derivatives

  • Authors   :Toka I. Ismail; Nashwa El-Khazragy; Rasha A. Azzam
  • Journal    :RSC Advances
  • Year         :2024

Novel High-Performance Functionalized and Grafted Bio-Based Chitosan Adsorbents for the Efficient and Selective Removal of Toxic Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water

  • Authors   :Mohammad Monir; Rasha E. Elsayed; Rasha Azzam; Tarek M. Madkour
  • Journal    :Polymers
  • Year         :2024

Crystal structure of 4-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-1,2-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one

  • Authors   :Heba A. Elboshi; Rasha A. Azzam; Galal H. Elgemeie; Peter G. Jones
  • Journal    :Acta Crystallographica Section E Crystallographic Communications
  • Year         :2024

Synthesis of New Guanidine Benzothiazole Derivative and Its Application as Eco-Friendly Corrosion Inhibitor

  • Authors   : Abdel-karim, Amal M.; Azzam, Rasha A.; Shehata, Omnia S.; Adly, Mohamed A.; El-Shamy, Omnia A. A.; El-Mahdy, Gamal A.
  • Journal    :Chemistry
  • Year         :2023

Crystal structure of 2-{[5-(methylsulfanyl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methyl}benzo[d]thiazole

  • Authors   : Rasha A. Azzam; Galal H. Elgemeie; Heba A. Elboshi; Peter G. Jones
  • Journal    :Crystallographica Section E Crystallographic Communications
  • Year         :2023

Dr. Rajendra Rohokale|Drug Discovery and Development| Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rajendra Rohokale| Drug Discovery and Development ,Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rajendra Rohokale at university of florida,United States

PROFILE  

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🎓Early Academic Pursuits :

Dr. Rajendra Shankarrao Rohokale embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in the sciences, earning his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from New Arts, Science, and Commerce College, Ahmednagar, affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India. His academic pursuit continued with a Master of Science in Organic Chemistry from the same university, where he honed his skills in synthetic organic chemistry, laying the groundwork for his future research endeavors.

During his postgraduate studies, Dr. Rohokale demonstrated a profound interest in organic chemistry, particularly in the areas of synthetic carbohydrate chemistry and glycoscience. His early academic years were marked by a commitment to exploring the complexities of organic compounds, setting the stage for his later achievements in the field.

💼Professional Endeavors :

Dr. Rohokale’s professional journey is characterized by significant contributions to the field of synthetic organic chemistry, with a focus on carbohydrate chemistry, glycoscience, and photoredox catalysis. After completing his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the Department of Chemistry, Savitribai Phule Pune University, he joined the University of Florida as a Research Assistant Professor. Under the mentorship of Prof. Zhongwu Guo, a prominent figure in carbohydrate chemistry, Dr. Rohokale’s work primarily involved the synthesis of complex carbohydrates and their conjugates for therapeutic applications.

Before his tenure at the University of Florida, Dr. Rohokale held a prestigious SERB National Post-doctoral Fellowship at the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, where he worked under the guidance of Dr. C. V. Ramana. His research during this period focused on the applications of iridium-catalyzed reactions and photoredox catalysis in organic chemistry, contributing to the development of new methodologies in the field.

Dr. Rohokale’s professional experience also includes an international collaboration during the Indigo Program-2012, where he worked on visible light photoredox-catalysis with Prof. Burkhard Koenig at the University of Regensburg, Germany. This collaboration further enriched his research profile, leading to innovative contributions in organic synthesis.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus :

Dr. Rohokale has made significant contributions to the fields of synthetic organic chemistry, carbohydrate chemistry, and photoredox catalysis. His research primarily focuses on developing practical and efficient methods for the chemical and chemoenzymatic synthesis of complex oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. These include glycoproteins and glycolipids, which are applied to studying related biological and medical problems, such as the functions of glycans and their relationships with diseases.

One of Dr. Rohokale’s notable research contributions is in the area of glycolipids synthesis. His work on glycosylated liposomes for targeted drug delivery and vaccination has potential applications in diagnosing and treating human diseases, including cancer and bacterial infections. His research also extends to the synthesis of biologically relevant molecules, such as GSLs, and their use as probes to explore disease mechanisms.

🏅Accolades and Recognition :

Dr. Rohokale’s academic and research excellence has been recognized through various awards and honors. He was selected for the prestigious SERB National Post-doctoral Fellowship in 2017, acknowledging his potential to contribute to scientific research in India. His selection as a Post-doctoral Fellow at the University of Florida in 2019 further underscores his expertise in carbohydrate chemistry and organic synthesis.

Additionally, Dr. Rohokale has been an active peer reviewer for several high-impact journals, including Chemical Communication and Organic Chemistry Frontiers, published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, and The Journal of Carbohydrate Chemistry, published by the American Chemical Society. His role as a reviewer highlights his standing in the scientific community and his commitment to advancing research in his field.

🌍Impact and Influence :

Dr. Rohokale’s research has had a profound impact on the field of synthetic organic chemistry, particularly in the areas of carbohydrate chemistry and photoredox catalysis. His work on the synthesis of complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates has implications for medical science, particularly in understanding the role of glycans in diseases and developing new diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches.

His innovative methodologies in organic synthesis have influenced researchers globally, contributing to the development of new strategies for synthesizing biologically relevant molecules. His collaboration with international institutions, including his work in Germany and the USA, has further extended his influence, making him a respected figure in his field.

🌟Legacy and Future Contributions :

As Dr. Rohokale continues his research at the University of Florida, his legacy in synthetic organic chemistry and carbohydrate research is expected to grow. His contributions to the development of new synthetic methods and their applications in medical science position him as a leading researcher with the potential to make groundbreaking discoveries in the future

🎓Publication 

Diastereoselective 1,3-dipolar intramolecular nitrone olefin cycloaddition (INOC) reaction of a sugar-derived allyl alcohol: Synthesis of functionalized aminocyclopentitols

  • Authors   :Rajendra Rohokale
  • Journal    :
    Carbohydrate Research
  • Year         :2024

Bifunctional glycosphingolipid (GSL) probes to investigate GSL-interacting proteins in cell membranes

  • Authors :Sayan Kundu; Rajendra Rohokale; Chuwei Lin; Sixue Chen; Shayak Biswas; Zhongwu Guo
    • Journal   :
      Journal of Lipid Research
    • Year       : 2024

Monophosphoryl Lipid A-Rhamnose Conjugates as a New Class of Vaccine Adjuvants

  •  Authors  :Rajendra Rohokale; Jiatong Guo; Zhongwu Guo
  • Journal    :
    Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

    Year         :  2024

Development in the Concept of Bacterial Polysaccharide Repeating Unit-Based Antibacterial Conjugate Vaccines

  • Authors  :: Rajendra Rohokale; Zhongwu Guo
  • Journal   :
    ACS Infectious Diseases
  • Year        :   2023

Structural characterization and analysis of different epimers of neutral glycosphingolipid LcGg4 by ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry

  • Authors  :Gao, T.; Lott, A.A.; Huang, F.; Rohokale, R.; Li, Q.; Olivos, H.J.; Chen, S.; Guo, Z.
  • Journal   :
    Analyst
  • Year        :  2022