Amanda Gollo Bertollo | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Amanda Gollo Bertollo | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Santa Catarina | Brazil

Mrs. Amanda Gollo Bertollo is an accomplished biomedical and neuroscience researcher with extensive experience across molecular biology, genetics, and biomedicine. Currently, she serves as a Biology Expert at Turing, providing expert review and guidance on molecular biology and genetics tasks to ensure scientific accuracy in AI-driven projects. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in Neurosciences at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, focusing on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal and gut-brain axes in the biological interaction pathways of depression. Her research portfolio spans neuroscience, psychiatric disorders, and molecular mechanisms underlying mental health conditions.Previously, Mrs. Bertollo completed her Master’s in Biomedical Sciences at the Federal University of Fronteira Sul, where she conducted advanced research, authored, and critically reviewed scientific publications. She has also gained hands-on clinical and teaching experience as a Portuguese Writing Specialist at Outlier, a Personal English Teacher, and an English Instructor at Wizard Idiomas, developing personalized curricula and evaluating the accuracy of academic and creative content. Her practical biomedical training includes supervised internships in neurology at Western Regional Hospital and at the Family Health Center, where she contributed to patient care and clinical research activities. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Federal University of Fronteira Sul, providing a strong foundation in patient care, biomedical research, and clinical practice. Additionally, she is pursuing undergraduate studies in Computer Science, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach bridging computational methods with biological and clinical research.Mrs. Bertollo has authored and contributed to numerous influential publications, including “Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal and gut-brain axes in biological interaction pathway of the depression,” “Neurobiological Relationships Between Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Mood Disorders,” and “Biological rhythms and psychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 individuals: a cross-sectional multicentric study.” Her work further explores topics such as the impact of melatonin on cytokine storms and purinergic receptor modulation for COVID-19 prognosis, dementia and depression connections with amyloid β protein, early life stress and major depressive disorder, depressive-like behaviors influenced by Centella asiatica extracts, neurobiological mechanisms in the kynurenine pathway, peripheral biomarkers predicting COVID-19 prognosis, and the role of ABO blood type and metabolic markers in COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Through her multidisciplinary research, Mrs. Bertollo has made substantial contributions to the understanding of neurobiological pathways, psychiatric disorders, and the clinical implications of metabolic and immunological biomarkers, establishing herself as a rising expert in neurosciences and biomedical sciences.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Bertollo, A. G., Santos, C. F., Bagatini, M. D., & Ignácio, Z. M. Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal and gut-brain axes in biological interaction pathway of the depression. Frontiers in Neuroscience.

Bertollo, A. G., Mocelin, R., & Ignácio, Z. M. Pharmacogenetics and the response to antidepressants in major depressive disorder. Pharmaceuticals.

Mattia-Maximiano, B. C., Mioranza-Koppe, M., Silva, R. H., Arent, C. O., Amboni, G., Pedro, L. C., Bertollo, A. G., Dellazeri Cortez, A., de Medeiros, J., Pedrotti Moreira, F., et al. Biological rhythms and psychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 individuals: a cross-sectional multicentric study. Biological Rhythm Research.

Bertollo, A. G., Puntel, C. F., da Silva, B. V., Martins, M., Bagatini, M. D., & Ignácio, Z. M. Neurobiological relationships between neurodevelopmental disorders and mood disorders. Brain Sciences.

Bertollo, A. G., Mingoti, M. E. D., & Ignácio, Z. M. Neurobiological mechanisms in the kynurenine pathway and major depressive disorder. Reviews in the Neurosciences.

Bertollo, A. G., da Silva, B. V., Martins, M., Bagatini, M. D., & Ignácio, Z. M. Neurobiological relationships between neurodevelopmental disorders and mood disorders.

Matlou Mokgotho | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University | South Africa

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho is a distinguished biochemist and academic leader with over two decades of experience in higher education, research, and community development. Currently a Senior Lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, he has previously served as Professor and Head of Department of Biochemistry at the University of Limpopo. His expertise spans molecular biology, proteomics, bioenergetics, enzymology, and mammalian cell cultures. Beyond academia, Dr. Mokgotho has actively contributed to community health awareness initiatives, youth leadership, and ethical oversight in research and professional bodies. His leadership, research excellence, and dedication to mentorship continue to inspire future scientists in South Africa.

Publication Profile 

Orcid

Education 

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry from the University of Limpopo, conferred. He earned his Master of Science in Biochemistry his Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry  both from the University of the North. He also completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Microbiology at the same institution. His academic foundation was laid at Seshigo High School, where he obtained his Senior Certificate. This strong educational background provided him with the knowledge and skills to excel in biochemical sciences and academic leadership.

Experience 

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho career spans roles from tutor to senior lecturer, professor, and department head. He began lecturing in Biochemistry at the University of the North before joining the University of Limpopo, where he advanced to Professor and Head of Department. His teaching portfolio covers biochemistry, molecular biology, proteomics, cell culture, and bioenergetics. He also served as CEO of Milestevens Development and Properties, showcasing leadership in management. Currently, he is Senior Lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology and a module critical reader at UNISA. His responsibilities include teaching, research coordination, and academic mentorship.

Awards and Honors 

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho has been recognized for his academic, community, and leadership contributions. He received certificates for AIDS Awareness campaigns and laboratory assistance during his early career, highlighting his dedication to education and health promotion. His leadership in youth and church organizations earned him certificates of moral leadership and community service, while his active role in HIV/AIDS awareness workshops reflected his commitment to social impact. As a council member of the South African Dental Technician Council, he contributed to professional ethics and governance. These accolades underscore his commitment to advancing science, leadership, and community development.

Research Focus 

Prof. Dr. Matlou Mokgotho research focuses on biochemistry, molecular biology, and proteomics, with a special interest in bioenergetics, protein structure-function relationships, and mammalian cell cultures. His work bridges fundamental and applied science, exploring enzymology, molecular mechanisms, and the applications of cell cultures in medical research. He has also contributed to developing experimental methodologies and training students in proposal writing, research principles, and dissertation development. His commitment to advancing biochemistry is reflected in his integration of teaching, research, and community engagement, with a strong emphasis on preparing students for careers in molecular science and addressing health challenges through biotechnological approaches.

Publication Top Notes