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.

Surya Nandan Meena | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

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Surya Nandan Meena | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Surya Nandan Meena, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India

Dr. Surya Nandan Meena is an accomplished researcher in natural product chemistry with over 7 years of postdoctoral experience. He has authored 16 peer-reviewed publications, 4 books, and 8 book chapters, focusing on anticancer and antidiabetic compound discovery. 🧬 His expertise spans LC-MS/MS, molecular docking, and mammalian cell assays. 🎓 A recipient of prestigious fellowships like the Dr. D.S. Kothari and SERB-DST, he has led international projects, mentored students, and contributed to multidisciplinary science globally. 🌱 Passionate about drug discovery and marine biotechnology, Dr. Meena actively serves on editorial boards and scientific societies worldwide.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Surya Nandan Meena is a dedicated scholar with a robust academic background in biotechnology and agriculture. He earned his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Goa University, India (Nov 2010 – April 2017), where he conducted extensive research in the field. Prior to that, he completed his M.Sc. in Plant Biotechnology from UAS Dharwad, India (July 2006 – April 2009), further refining his expertise in plant sciences 🌿. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture from MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan (July 2002 – June 2006) 🌾, laying a strong foundation for his future contributions to agricultural biotechnology.

Awards

Dr. Surya Nandan Meena has been honored with numerous prestigious awards and research fellowships throughout his academic journey. In 2019, he received the Kothari Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from UGC, India. He earned the Best Research Paper Appreciation Award from Anchrome Pvt. Ltd. in 2018 📜. In 2017, he was awarded the National Postdoctoral Fellowship by SERB-DST, India. His dedication was also recognized with the Senior Research Fellowship from DBT in 2013 and the Best Poster Presentation Award in 2012 🧪. Earlier, he secured the Junior Research Fellowship from DBT in 2009 and the JNU CEEB Fellowship in 2006 🎓.

Experience

Dr. Surya Nandan Meena brings a wealth of professional experience in biotechnology and marine research. Since Nov 2019, he has served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Pune University, conducting mammalian cell-based assays and characterizing bioactive seaweed compounds 🌊. Earlier, at the National Institute of Oceanography (2017–2019), he surveyed 35+ seaweed species and contributed to multiple publications 📚. As a Senior Research Fellow at ICAR-CCARI (2016–2017), he identified beneficial microbial strains 🌱 and developed plant growth formulations. His roles also included mentoring students, publishing in high-impact journals, and leading interdisciplinary research, reflecting his dedication to scientific innovation and collaboration 👨‍🔬.

Research Focus

Dr. Surya Nandan Meena’s research centers on natural product chemistry, sustainable bioresource utilization, and drug discovery. His work bridges the gap between marine and terrestrial natural compounds for therapeutic applications, especially targeting antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. With notable contributions in biocatalysis, phytochemistry, and biosynthetic pathways, Dr. Meena emphasizes green, solvent-free synthesis and eco-friendly resource management. He actively explores seaweed farming, plant-based compounds, and essential oils as potent sources for novel bioactives. His multidisciplinary approach contributes significantly to natural compound-based drug development and sustainable healthcare innovation.

Publication Top Notes

Natural resources conservation and advances for sustainability

Graphite catalyzed solvent free synthesis of dihydropyrimidin-2 (1H)-ones/thiones and their antidiabetic activity

Seaweed Farming: A Perspective of Sustainable Agriculture and Socio-economic Development

Advances in Biological Science Research: A Practical Approach

Biosynthesis of vanillic acid by Ochrobactrum anthropi and its applications

α-Glucosidase inhibition activity and in silico study of 2-(benzo [d][1, 3] dioxol-5-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one, a synthetic derivative of flavone

Quick Identification of Piperidine Alkaloid from Roots of Grewia nervosa and Their Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity

Antioxidant and antiglycemic properties of macroalgae, an underutilized blue economy bioresource in India

Evaluation of silver-doped indium oxide nanoparticles as in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors

New horizons in natural compound research

Biodegradation of seafood waste by seaweed-associated bacteria and application of seafood waste for ethanol production

Lior Zangi | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

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Lior Zangi | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Lior Zangi, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States

Prof. Lior Zangi is an Associate Professor of Cardiology and Genetics & Genomic Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY. He earned his Ph.D. in Immunology from the Weizmann Institute and completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. Renowned for his pioneering work in mRNA-based cardiovascular therapies, Prof. Zangi has received prestigious awards including the AHA Postdoctoral Fellowship and an endowed professorship in Cardiovascular Research. He is a founding board member of the Society for RNA Therapeutics and actively contributes to global scientific councils, manuscript reviews, and grant panels.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Prof. Lior Zangi 🎓 began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Biology from the Hebrew University, Givat-Ram, Jerusalem in 2000. He then earned his M.Sc. in Experimental and Developmental Medicine in 2003 from the Hebrew University Hadassah-Medical School under the guidance of Prof. Raphael Gorodetsky. In 2009, he completed his Ph.D. in Immunology at the Weizmann Institute of Science, mentored by Prof. Yair Reisner. 🌿 He continued his training as a postdoctoral fellow at Sheba Medical Center (2009–2010) under Prof. Benjamin Dekel and later at Harvard Medical School (2010–2014) with Professors Derrick Rossi and Kenneth Chien.

Awards

Prof. Lior Zangi 🌟 has earned numerous prestigious honors throughout his career. He received the ASH Travel Award in both 2008 and 2009 🧳, and in 2009, was granted a Postdoctoral Fellowship Award by the Israeli Budgeting Committee and Planning. In 2012, he was honored with both the ISSCR Travel Award and R&D Systems Travel Grant ✈️. His groundbreaking postdoctoral work earned him the AHA Fellowship Award in 2014 🫀. In 2017, he received the Mount Sinai Faculty Idea Prize 🧠, and in 2019, his research on mRNA therapy was recognized as highly influential 📜. In 2023, he was awarded the Endowed Chan Soon-Shiong Professorship in Cardiovascular Research 🏅.

Research Focus

Prof. Lior Zangi is a pioneering researcher in cardiovascular regenerative medicine, with a special focus on modified mRNA therapies, 🧬 stem cell biology, and 🫀 cardiac regeneration. His work centers on developing innovative strategies for repairing damaged heart tissue using modRNA, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and heart-on-chip technologies. Zangi’s groundbreaking research has contributed to advancements in treating conditions like myocardial infarction and Barth syndrome, and has broad implications for tissue engineering, 💉 protein replacement therapy, and immune modulation. His contributions are reshaping modern precision medicine and offering new hope for heart failure patients worldwide.

Publication Top Notes

Modeling the mitochondrial cardiomyopathy of Barth syndrome with induced pluripotent stem cell and heart-on-chip technologies

Modified mRNA directs the fate of heart progenitor cells and induces vascular regeneration after myocardial infarction

Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from G-CSF-mobilized human peripheral blood using fibrin microbeads

Direct imaging of immune rejection and memory induction by allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells

A HCN4+ cardiomyogenic progenitor derived from the first heart field and human pluripotent stem cells

Isolation and characterization of nontubular sca-1+ lin− multipotent stem/progenitor cells from adult mouse kidney

Pkm2 regulates cardiomyocyte cell cycle and promotes cardiac regeneration

mRNA-based protein replacement therapy for the heart

Altering sphingolipid metabolism attenuates cell death and inflammatory response after myocardial infarction