Hareesh Nair | Drug Discovery and Development | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Hareesh Nair | Drug Discovery and Development | Outstanding Scientist Award

Texas Tech University Health Science Center | United States

Dr. Hareesh B. Nair, Ph.D., is a distinguished biochemist and translational scientist whose career spans academia, biotechnology innovation, and advanced research leadership. He completed his academic training in life sciences and biochemistry in India, followed by specialized research fellowships in oxidative lipidomics and hormonal carcinogenesis at leading U.S. institutions. These early experiences laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to understanding disease mechanisms and developing targeted therapeutic solutions.Dr. Nair’s professional journey reflects a rare blend of deep scientific expertise and strategic research leadership. Over the course of his career, he has held progressive roles ranging from instructor and assistant professor to senior scientist, director, and senior director of translational research and external innovation. His contributions at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute significantly advanced the fields of breast cancer biology, hormonal carcinogenesis, melanoma signaling pathways, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and targeted drug delivery. His work also includes pioneering estrogen-dependent cancer research, mechanistic studies on aromatase pathways, development of innovative cancer detection strategies, and creation of non-human primate models for reproductive disorders.At Evestra, Inc., Dr. Nair led multidisciplinary teams driving the translational development of oncology and women’s health therapeutics. He spearheaded multiple preclinical programs, established strategic collaborations, guided biomarker discovery, contributed to regulatory submissions, and supported business development through scientific due diligence. His leadership also resulted in the advancement of first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutic candidates, expansion of oncology pipelines, and successful acquisition of non-dilutive federal funding. His contributions include numerous publications, patents, and project management of large-scale contraceptive development initiatives supported by major global health foundations.In his current academic role at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, Dr. Nair is establishing a cutting-edge research laboratory at the chemistry–biology interface. His group focuses on identifying novel drug targets, decoding disease mechanisms, and transforming molecular insights into preclinical therapeutic strategies for cancers and other complex diseases. He remains deeply engaged in collaborative clinical and translational research, particularly in gynecologic oncology, triple-negative breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. His expertise also extends to long-acting contraceptive technologies, anti-HIV formulations, and experimental therapeutics for endometriosis and uterine fibroids.Beyond research, Dr. Nair has served extensively as a scientific review officer, facilitating numerous peer-review panels for federal biomedical research programs. His work has been recognized through multiple competitive honors, travel awards, and scientific achievement distinctions. With a strong commitment to innovation, mentorship, and multidisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Hareesh B. Nair continues to shape the future of translational medicine through impactful research, strategic leadership, and unwavering dedication to improving patient health outcomes.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Aller, E. J., Nair, H. B., Vadlamudi, R. K., & Viswanadhapalli, S. (2025). Significance of midkine signaling in women’s cancers: novel biomarker and therapeutic target. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(10), 4809.

Blankenship, L., Pratap, U. P., Yang, X., Liu, Z., Altwegg, K. A., Santhamma, B., … Lai, Z. (2022). Inhibition of LIFR blocks adiposity‑driven endometrioid endometrial cancer growth. Cancers, 14(21), 5400.

Nair, H. B., Ford, A., Dick, E. J., Jr., Hill, R. H., Jr., & VandeBerg, J. L. (2014). Modeling sunscreen‑mediated melanoma prevention in the laboratory opossum (Monodelphis domestica). Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 27(5), 822‑830.

Nickisch, K., Nair, H. B., Kesavaram, N., Das, B., Garfield, R., Shi, S. Q., … Edwards, D. P. (2013). Synthesis and antiprogestational properties of novel 17‑fluorinated steroids. Steroids, 78(9), 895‑902.

Bhaskaran, S., Dileep, K. V., Deepa, S. S., Sadasivan, C., Klausner, M., Krishnegowda, N. K., … Nair, H. B. (2013). Gossypin as a novel selective dual inhibitor of V‑RAF murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 and cyclin‑dependent kinase 4 for melanoma. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 12(4), 567‑576.

Budrys, N. M., Nair, H. B., Liu, Y. G., Kirma, N. B., Binkley, P. A., Kumar, S., … Tekmal, R. R. (2012). Increased expression of macrophage colony‑stimulating factor and its receptor in patients with endometriosis. Fertility and Sterility, 97(5), 1159‑1165.e1.

Wuting Lu | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Wuting Lu | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wuting Lu at Jiangxi Academy of Sciences | China

Dr. Wuting Lu is a dedicated researcher specializing in immunotoxicology, neurobiology, and aquatic toxicology. With a strong academic background and diverse research experience, Dr. Lu has contributed significantly to understanding environmental toxicants and their effects on immunity and neurodevelopment using zebrafish models. He has participated in multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, focusing on mechanisms of high-risk autism genes and their impact on the gut-immune-brain axis. His work has resulted in several high-impact journal publications, advancing knowledge in environmental safety, immunology, and neurobiology. Currently, he serves as Assistant Research Fellow at the Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences.

Publication Profile 

Orcid

Education 

Dr. Wuting Lu completed his Ph.D. in Biology at Nanchang University, where his research explored immunotoxicity and neurodevelopmental effects of environmental pollutants. He earned his M.S. in Neurobiology, also from Nanchang University, focusing on molecular and cellular mechanisms in the nervous system. His academic journey began with a B.S. in Aquaculture at Dalian Ocean University, providing him with a strong foundation in aquatic biology and toxicology. This multidisciplinary training enabled him to integrate environmental science, immunology, and neuroscience into his research, developing expertise in both experimental techniques and advanced molecular analysis approaches for investigating complex biological interactions.

Experience 

Dr. Wuting Lu professional career includes roles in academic research and laboratory management. He currently serves as Assistant Research Fellow at the Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, where he investigates immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity mechanisms. Before this, he worked as a Laboratory Technician at Jinggangshan University, gaining hands-on experience in molecular biology, immunology, and laboratory safety management. He has actively participated in several National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, contributing to studies on autism gene regulation, microglial activation, and the gut-immune-brain axis. His multidisciplinary experience spans aquatic toxicology, neurobiology, immunology, and transcriptomic analysis, bridging fundamental research with environmental health concerns.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Wuting Lu has received recognition for his research contributions through participation in multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, including studies on the high-risk autism gene CHD8 and its effects on microglial activation and the gut-immune-brain axis. His publications in leading journals, such as Fish & Shellfish Immunology and Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, highlight his impactful work on immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and antioxidant mechanisms in aquatic organisms. While early in his independent research career, his achievements demonstrate excellence in experimental design, molecular analysis, and scientific communication, positioning him as a promising researcher in environmental health and neuroimmunology fields.

Research Focus 

Dr. Wuting Lu research focuses on immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and environmental safety, particularly investigating the effects of environmental toxicants on immune and nervous system development using zebrafish as a model organism. He explores molecular mechanisms underlying pollutant-induced oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and neurodevelopmental impairments. Additionally, he studies the regulatory roles of genes, such as CHD8, in microglial activation and the gut-immune-brain axis, linking environmental exposures to autism spectrum disorders. His work integrates toxicology, transcriptomics, and neuroimmunology to elucidate pathways of toxicity, identify potential biomarkers, and provide insights into environmental risk assessment, contributing to public health and ecological sustainability research.

Publication Top Notes

Immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity induced by natural borneol and synthetic borneol in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Immunotoxicity and transcriptome analysis of zebrafish embryos exposure to Nitazoxanide

Conclusion

Overall, Dr. Wuting Lu exhibits a strong research trajectory with impactful publications, interdisciplinary expertise, and contributions to nationally funded projects. His work in environmental toxicology, neurobiology, and molecular mechanisms aligns well with the objectives of the Best Researcher Award. With continued focus on independent project leadership and global collaboration, Dr. Lu has the potential not only to be a strong award candidate but also to emerge as a leading researcher in his field.

Awatef Sassi | Drug Discovery and Development | Women Researcher Award

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Awatef Sassi | Drug Discovery and Development | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Awatef Sassi, Faculty of medicine of sousse, Tunisia

Dr. Awatef Sassi 🧬🔬 is a distinguished postdoctoral researcher at the Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, specializing in cardiovascular and metabolic research. She earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (2018) from the Faculty of Science of Bizerte, following a Master’s in Vascular Diseases Biology (2011) and a Medical Biotechnology degree (2008). Dr. Sassi has contributed significantly to scientific advancements, securing a patent on anti-hypertensive properties of Rosmarinus officinalis and publishing in high-impact journals. She is actively involved in mentoring medical theses and conducting innovative research in biophysics and applied toxicology. 🌿📊

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Awatef Sassi is a distinguished scholar in biological sciences 🧬, biotechnology 🏥, and vascular diseases ❤️. With a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences 🎓, a Master’s in Vascular Disease Biology, and a Medical Biotechnology degree, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to scientific research 🔬. Her extensive expertise spans innovative biotechnological applications and advancements in vascular health, contributing significantly to the medical and scientific communities. Dr. Sassi’s dedication to excellence and groundbreaking research continues to shape the future of biotechnology and vascular medicine, making her a respected figure in the field 🌟.

Experience 

Dr. Awatef Sassi’s postdoctoral research at the Faculty of Medicine in Sousse 🏥 has focused on cardio-pulmonary interactions 💓💨 and biophysics ⚛️, making significant contributions to biomedical sciences. As a dedicated mentor, she has supervised multiple medical theses 📚, showcasing her leadership in academia. Her patented innovation 🏅 on the antihypertensive activity of Rosmarinus officinalis 🌿 (TN 2023/0143) highlights groundbreaking research with potential clinical impact in hypertension treatment 💊. Through her pioneering work, Dr. Sassi continues to advance medical science, bridging research and practical healthcare solutions for improved cardiovascular health ❤️.

Professional Development

Dr. Awatef Sassi is a dedicated educator and researcher 🎓🔬, with extensive experience as a lecturer in analytical chemistry ⚗️. Her involvement in postgraduate training 📚 has strengthened expertise in HPLC/UPLC 💉, mass spectrometry 🧪, and data analysis (SPSS) 📊. Through her teaching and mentorship, she equips students and researchers with essential analytical and computational skills, fostering scientific excellence. Dr. Sassi’s commitment to professional development ensures that future scientists gain hands-on experience in advanced laboratory techniques, making a lasting impact in biotechnology, pharmacology, and medical sciences 🏥🌿.

Research Focus

Dr. Awatef Sassi’s research primarily focuses on phytomedicine 🌿, clinical nutrition 🥗, cardiovascular health ❤️, and pharmaceutical sciences 💊. Her work explores the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants like Rosmarinus officinalis and Nitraria retusa for conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and lipid disorders. Additionally, she has contributed to cardiovascular interventions 🏥, dermatological formulations, and transfusion medicine 🩸. Her studies include randomized clinical trials, pilot studies, and formulation research, highlighting her interdisciplinary approach to natural product-based therapy and clinical pharmacology. Her work significantly impacts personalized medicine, preventive healthcare, and alternative treatment strategies.

Publication Top Notes

The Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L Infusion Supplementation on Blood Pressure Among Healthy Volunteers and Grade 1 Hypertensive Patients

Antiobesity and Hypolipidemic Potential of Nitraria retusa Extract in Overweight/Obese Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

Exploring the Effects of Short-Term Daily Intake of Nitraria retusa Tea on Lipid Profile: A Pre-Post, Uncontrolled Pilot Study in Both Healthy and Overweight/Obese Adults

Distal radial approach versus conventional radial approach: a comparative study of feasibility and safety

Formulation and evaluation of topical halofuginone gel using a novel <I>ex vivo</i> model

RHD genotyping and its implication in transfusion practice