M. Imad Damaj | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. M. Imad Damaj, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States

Prof. Dr. M. Imad Damaj is a distinguished pharmacologist specializing in pain, neuropathy, and drug dependence. A professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), he co-directs the Translational Research Initiative for Pain and Neuropathy. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Paris XI, he has made significant contributions to neuropharmacology and drug addiction research. An award-winning educator, he has received the VCU Award of Excellence and is a National Academy of Inventors inductee. His extensive work includes NIH study sections, journal editorial roles, and mentoring future scientists.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Dr. M. Imad Damaj began his academic journey with a B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of St-Joseph (French Faculty of Medicine) in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1985. He then pursued an M.S. in Hospital Pharmacy (DESS) at the School of Pharmacy, University of Paris VI, France, in 1986. His passion for pharmacology led him to earn a Ph.D. in 1991 from the University of Paris XI, under the mentorship of Dr. Christian Jacquot. His dissertation focused on the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic evaluation of COR3224, a novel antidepressant agent, in rats, contributing valuable insights to the field.

Experience

Prof. Dr. M. Imad Damaj has an extensive background in training and research. He began as a Hospital Pharmacist at the Pediatric Parenteral Nutrition Unit, Necker Pediatric Hospital, Paris (1985-1986) and later became a Pharmacy Resident at Ste-Anne Neuropsychiatric Hospital (1986-1987). His academic journey included a predoctoral fellowship at the University of Paris XI (1987-1991) and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia (1991-1993). Since 1994, he has been actively involved in teaching at Virginia Commonwealth University, covering pharmacology, drug dependence, and pain control, mentoring students in pharmacy, dentistry, and medical sciences.

Awards

Prof. Dr. M. Imad Damaj has received numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his career. In 1990, he earned the SARGET Laboratories Award for his research on antidepressants in rat brains. He received postdoctoral travel awards from ASPET (1992) and CPDD (1993). Recognized as an Outstanding Young Investigator in 1995, he continued to receive accolades, including multiple NIDA Travel Awards (1996, 1999) and the College de France Award (2001). At VCU, he was named Professor of the Year (2014) and won multiple teaching awards. In 2023, he was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors.

Professional Activity

Prof. Dr. M. Imad Damaj has been actively engaged in professional activities, serving as an ad hoc reviewer for esteemed journals such as Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, British Journal of Pharmacology, and Neurochemistry International. Since 1993, he has contributed as a judge for the Virginia Junior Academy of Sciences and Virginia Academy of Sciences. He has also participated in educational outreach, including the Mini-Med School of Virginia. From 2002-2018, he was on the Editorial Advisory Board for JPET, and in 2021, he became Associate Editor for Frontiers in Pain Research.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Mohamad Imad Damaj is a distinguished researcher in neuropharmacology , with a strong focus on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and their role in addiction, pain, and neuropsychiatric disorders. His work explores the mechanisms of nicotine addiction , opioid withdrawal , and neuropathic pain , employing advanced mouse models to investigate behavioral and molecular responses. He has contributed significantly to understanding novel pharmacological interventions , including PPARα agonists and α7 nicotinic receptor modulators. His research has broad implications for pain management, substance use disorders, and neuroprotection.

Publication Top Notes

Characterization of a novel oronasal-restricted nicotine vaping self-administration model in mice

New PPARα Agonist A190-Loaded Microemulsion for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Sulfonium Moieties as Ammonium Bioisosteres: Novel Ligands for the Alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor

Identification of ethanol analgesia quantitative trait loci and candidate genes in BXD recombinant inbred mouse lines

Upregulation of the neuropeptide receptor calcitonin receptor-like in the spinal cord via MLL2 in a mouse model of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy

Voluntary nicotine consumption and reward in a subset of diversity outbred founder strains

Activation of α7 nicotinic receptors attenuated hyperalgesia and anxiety induced by palatable obesogenic diet withdrawal

Proteomic analysis of dorsal root ganglia in a mouse model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain

Characterization and validation of a spontaneous acute and protracted oxycodone withdrawal model in male and female mice

The potential effect of α7 nicotinic receptors modulation on palatable food-induced dependence-like behaviors

Isabel Cristina Céspedes | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr Isabel Cristina Céspedes, Escola Paulista de Medicina – UNIFESP, Brazil

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Isabel Cristina Céspedes is a prominent researcher with a focus on genetics, neuroscience, and psychobiology. She obtained her Ph.D. in Morphofunctional Sciences from the University of São Paulo in 2007, specializing in stress-related brain responses in rodents. With postdoctoral work at UNIFESP and extensive teaching experience at universities like USP and UNIP, she explores topics such as substance abuse, epigenetics, and transfusion medicine. She has contributed to numerous publications in journals like Behavioural Brain Research and The Journal of Neuroscience. Her ongoing research investigates the effects of blood transfusions and addiction disorders.

Educational Background

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Isabel Cristina Céspedes has a distinguished academic background, holding a Ph.D. in Morphofunctional Sciences from the University of São Paulo, specializing in neurobiological responses to stress

. Her postdoctoral research at the Federal University of São Paulo deepened her expertise in genetic and molecular neurobiology

. With a passion for understanding the intricate mechanisms of stress at the molecular level, Dr. Céspedes has contributed significantly to the field, advancing knowledge in neurobiology and stress-related disorders. Her work continues to inspire and shape research in neuroscience and molecular biology

Leadership in Academia

Dr. Céspedes is an active educator, researcher, and mentor at prestigious institutions such as UNIFESP and USP, where she has made significant contributions to the academic community

. With her dedication to higher education, she holds several administrative and leadership roles, guiding academic programs and playing a pivotal part in various committees

. Her work reflects a passion for both academic excellence and student mentorship, and her leadership has helped shape the educational landscape at these esteemed institutions

. Through her efforts, Dr. Céspedes continues to inspire and shape future scholars and professionals

Research Projects

Dr. Céspedes is conducting pioneering research on the epigenetic effects of blood transfusions, aiming to enhance clinical practices and improve patient outcomes. By examining how transfusions influence gene expression, their work is providing valuable insights into patient health and long-term recovery. Dr. Céspedes’ research contributes to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved, which could lead to more personalized medical treatments and better management of transfusion-related complications. This groundbreaking work is opening new avenues in both clinical and genetic research, offering potential advancements in healthcare.

Research Focus

Dr. Isabel Cristina Céspedes focuses on neuroscience, particularly in the areas of neuroplasticity, anxiety, stress responses, and neurogenesis. Her research investigates how environmental factors, such as chronic stress and psychological interventions, affect the brain’s defensive responses, Fos immunoreactivity, and hippocampal neurogenesis. She has also explored the effects of substances like alcohol on brain function, including how they alter locomotion and neurocircuitry associated with reward and anxiety. Additionally, Dr. Céspedes contributes to studies on hormonal regulation, particularly cortisol, and its implications for mental health. Her work spans animal models, psychological interventions, and neurobiological mechanisms.