Jonathan Ejie | Personalized Medicine | Best Research Article Award

Jonathan Ejie | Personalized Medicine | Best Research Article Award

Mr. Jonathan Ejie, UCSF, United States

Mr. Jonathan Ejie is an aspiring physician-scientist currently pursuing his M.D. at UCSF 🩺 (Class of 2026), following a B.S. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from UC Berkeley 💻. His research spans oncology, radiology, and AI in healthcare, with published work in Cancers (2025) and upcoming studies in Nature Communications 📊. Jonathan integrates data science 🧠 with clinical insights, contributing to health equity, quality improvement, and surgical education. A mentor, tutor, and award-winning leader 🏅, he co-founded the UCSF Futbol Club and serves underserved communities through advocacy and outreach.

Publication Profile 

Orcid

Education

Mr. Jonathan Ejie is an exceptional scholar whose educational journey bridges medicine and technology. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree at the prestigious University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) 🏥, with an expected graduation in 2026. Prior to this, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) 💻 from the University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 2022. His strong foundation in both engineering and clinical science equips him with a unique interdisciplinary perspective 🤖🩺, positioning him at the forefront of innovation in digital health and precision medicine.

Experience

Mr. Jonathan Ejie brings a blend of academic support and compassionate service to his professional journey. As an MCAT Physics Tutor at UCSF (2023), he guided 15+ students through complex physics concepts 📘⚛️. Earlier, at Contra Costa College (2019–2021), he tutored mathematics from Algebra to Calculus ➕📐. His volunteer work includes providing first aid at athletic events 🏃‍♂️🩹, teaching surgical skills to high school students at UCSF 🧵🧑‍⚕️, and serving as a Health Advocate at West County Health Center 💬🩺, helping underserved patients access vital community resources. His dedication reflects a strong commitment to both education and public health.

Awards

Mr. Jonathan Ejie has been recognized for his academic excellence and impactful contributions to medicine and research. In 2024, he was honored with the prestigious Sinkler Miller Medical Association Scholarship 🎖️, sponsored by Gilead, celebrating his commitment to health equity and academic distinction. He also received the UCSF School of Medicine Summer Explore Fellowship Grant 🌟, supporting his innovative pursuits in medical research. In May 2023, Jonathan earned the Inquiry Conference Travel and Dissemination Award ✈️📊, which enabled him to share his scholarly findings on a larger stage. These accolades reflect his rising potential and leadership in healthcare.

Research Focus 

Mr. Jonathan Ejie’s research focus lies at the intersection of oncology, health disparities, and medical data science. His standout work on the “Ongoing Failure to Deliver Guideline-Concordant Care for Patients with Pancreatic Cancer” 📉🩺 highlights critical inequities in healthcare delivery across race, geography, and insurance status. Combining his background in medicine 🧑‍⚕️ and computer science 💻, Jonathan leverages data analysis and machine learning 🤖📊 to drive systemic improvements in cancer care. His work reflects a commitment to equity, evidence-based medicine, and the pursuit of personalized, accessible treatment strategies for vulnerable cancer populations.

Publication Top Notes

  • Ongoing Failure to Deliver Guideline-Concordant Care for Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

Mario Romeo | Precision Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Mario Romeo | Precision Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mario Romeo, Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università degli Studi della Campania, LuigiVanvitelli, Italy

Dr. Mario Romeo is an accomplished medical doctor and researcher specializing in Digestive System Diseases. Graduating with top honors in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” 🎓, he also earned a specialization in Gastroenterology and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical and Experimental Medical Sciences. His research spans gut microbiota 🧫, liver disease 🏥, and metabolic dysfunction. A recipient of over 20 international awards 🏆, Dr. Romeo is widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in hepatology and gastroenterology. He actively contributes to scientific societies and fosters innovation in digestive health care.

Publication Profile 

Orcid

Education

Dr. Mario Romeo 🎓 began his academic journey with honors, earning his Diploma di Maturità Classica from Liceo Classico Gneo Nevio in June 2014 with a perfect score of 100/100 con lode 📜. He continued his excellence at the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” completing his Laurea in Medicina e Chirurgia in July 2020 with 110/110 con lode 🩺, presenting a thesis on sarcopenia in compensated liver cirrhosis. He further specialized in Digestive System Diseases, earning his diploma in January 2025 with 50/50 con lode 🌟. His thesis explored RPR as a non-invasive tool in liver disease prediction.

Awards

Dr. Mario Romeo 🏅 has received numerous prestigious scholarships and awards in recognition of his excellence in hepatology and gastroenterology. Highlights include competitive fellowships like the AISF MasterClass 2022 🎓 and UEG Clinical Visiting Fellowship 2025 🌍. He has earned multiple travel grants ✈️ and best presentation prizes 🏆 at top events such as UEG Week, FISMAD, EASL, and ESCI for groundbreaking research on liver diseases, MAFLD, gut microbiota, and non-invasive biomarkers. His multidisciplinary “CoCoNut” protocol 🍏 also gained international acclaim. These accolades affirm his dynamic role in advancing liver research and patient care through innovation and collaboration.

Research Focus 

Dr. Mario Romeo’s research focus lies predominantly in Hepatology and Gastroenterology, with a strong emphasis on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), liver cirrhosis, and gut-liver axis dynamics 🧬🍽️. His work explores non-invasive biomarkers, body composition, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota 🧫, highlighting their roles in disease progression and clinical outcomes. He also investigates multidisciplinary management strategies combining nutritional, psychological, and pharmacological interventions 🥗🧠💊. Dr. Romeo contributes significantly to understanding liver-related complications like sarcopenia, dysgeusia, and hepatocellular carcinoma 🎯. His innovative, patient-centered research enhances predictive diagnostics and therapeutic approaches in chronic liver diseases.

Publication Top Notes

  • Spleen Area Affects the Performance of the Platelet Count–Based Non-invasive Tools in Predicting First Hepatic Decompensation in Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Cirrhosis
  • Nutritional and Psychological Support as a Multidisciplinary Coordinated Approach in the Management of Chronic Liver Disease: A Scoping Review
  • Letter: Different Risk of Acute Variceal Bleeding According to the Liver Disease Aetiology in Decompensated Cirrhosis Patients Receiving Carvedilol‐Based Primary Prophylaxis—May Insulin Resistance Unloose This Gordian Knot?
  • Exploring the Classic and Novel Pathogenetic Insights of Plastic Exposure in the Genesis and Progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
  • The Role of the Gut–Biliary–Liver Axis in Primary Hepatobiliary Liver Cancers: From Molecular Insights to Clinical Applications
  • Primary biliary cholangitis, Celiac Disease, and MASLD: the triumvirate of steatosis. How should we manage this triple overlap?
  • Clinical Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Human Cancer: Is It Time to Update the Diagnostic and Predictive Models in Managing Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)?
  • FLAME: Training and Validating a Newly Conceived Model Incorporating Alpha-Glutathione-S-Transferase Serum Levels for Predicting Advanced Hepatic Fibrosis and Acute Cardiovascular Events in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
  • Dysgeusia in MASLD-related advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD): a silent driver towards the “Bermuda” triangle of malnutrition-sarcopenia-frailty severely affecting prognosis
  • Vanek’s Tumour as a Rare Cause of Dyspeptic Syndrome in a Patient with Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A Case Report
  • Systemic Oxidative Stress Correlates with Sarcopenia and Pruritus Severity in Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): Two Independent Relationships Simultaneously Impacting the Quality of Life—Is the Low Absorption of Cholestasis-Promoted Vitamin D a Puzzle Piece?
  • Prediction of Clinical Trajectory in HCV-Related ACLD after SVR: Role of Liver Stiffness in a 5-Years Prospective Study

Zhi-Ming Shao | Precision Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Zhi-Ming Shao | Precision Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zhi-Ming Shao, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, China

Prof. Zhi-Ming Shao is a distinguished surgical oncologist and global leader in breast cancer research. A graduate of Shanghai Medical University, he chairs the Department of Breast Surgery at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and directs its Breast Cancer Institute. With extensive postdoctoral experience in the U.S. and over 30 years of academic excellence, Prof. Shao has received numerous national honors, including the Chang Jiang Scholar and China’s Most Beautiful Doctor Award. His groundbreaking research, published in top journals like Nature Genetics and Cancer Cell, has significantly advanced precision oncology and breast cancer therapy worldwide.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Zhi-Ming Shao began his medical journey at Shanghai Medical University, where he earned his Bachelor of Medicine (1980–1985). Driven by a passion for cancer treatment, he pursued a Residency in Surgical Oncology (1985–1990) at the prestigious Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. During this period, he also completed his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) through a Postgraduate Course in Surgical Oncology (1987–1990) at Shanghai Medical University. His comprehensive education laid a strong foundation for his distinguished career in oncology, combining clinical expertise with academic excellence.

Experience

Prof. Zhi-Ming Shao has undergone extensive professional training and leadership roles in oncology. He began as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (1990–1991) at Wake Forest University, followed by a role as Research Associate (1991–1995) at the University of Maryland Cancer Center. Returning to China, he became Associate Professor (1996–1998) and then Professor (1998–present) at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Since 2000, he has chaired the Department of Breast Surgery and became Director of the Breast Cancer Institute (2019–present). He also served as Chairman of the 8th Asian Breast Cancer Association (2010–2012) and is now Honorary Chairman of the China Anti-Cancer Association.

Awards

Prof. Zhi-Ming Shao has received numerous prestigious honors and awards throughout his career. In 1998, he was named one of the first batch of distinguished professors of the Chang Jiang Scholars Program. He was awarded the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars in 2001 and recognized as a Young and Middle-aged Expert with Outstanding Contributions by the Ministry of Health of China in 2004. His accomplishments include the National Prize of Science and Technology Progress (Grade II) in 2005, the National May Day Labor Medal in 2008, and the Chinese Physician Prize in 2020. He was also honored with the 2023 China’s Most Beautiful Doctor Award.

Research Focus

Prof. Zhi-Ming Shao’s research focuses on breast cancer, particularly in the areas of pathogenesis and treatment strategies. His work explores novel therapeutic approaches, such as targeting specific pathways involved in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and HER2-positive breast cancer, as well as developing targeted imaging agents for improved diagnosis. Prof. Shao has contributed significantly to understanding the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer progression and therapy resistance. His studies involve investigating genetic markers, tumor microenvironment interactions, and new treatment combinations. Overall, his research aims to improve clinical outcomes for breast cancer patients, especially in advanced or resistant cases.

Publication Top Notes

Breast cancer: pathogenesis and treatments

Metformin sensitizes triple-negative breast cancer to histone deacetylase inhibitors by targeting FGFR4

LINC01235 Promotes Clonal Evolution through DNA Replication Licensing-Induced Chromosomal Instability in Breast Cancer

Pilot Study of Nectin-4–Targeted PET Imaging Agent 68Ga-FZ-NR-1 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer from Bench to First-in-Human

Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant SHR-A1811 with or without pyrotinib in women with locally advanced or early HER2-positive breast cancer: a randomized, open-label, phase II trial

The DRAP1/DR1 Repressor Complex Increases mTOR Activity to Promote Progression and Confer Everolimus Sensitivity in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

O-GlcNAcylation of MORC2 at threonine 556 by OGT couples TGF-β signaling to breast cancer progression

Symptoms Related to Brachial Plexus Neuropathy After Supraclavicular Irradiation and Boost in Breast Cancer

Prognostic value of metabolic signature on 18F-FDGuptake in breast cancer patients after radiotherapy

TEM8 marks neovasculogenic tumor-initiating cells in triple-negative breast cancer

Dr. ANTHOULA LAZARIS| Precision Medicine|Best Researcher Award

Dr. ANTHOULA LAZARIS, Precision Medicine,Best Researcher Award

Dr. ANTHOULA LAZARIS, at MCGILL UNIV. HEALTH CTR,Canada

PROFILE

scopus

📚 Early Academic Pursuits :

Anthoula Lazaris began her academic journey with a B.Sc. in Microbiology and Immunology from McGill University (1983-1986), where she developed a solid foundation in the biological sciences. She continued at McGill, earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Faculty of Medicine (1988-1992). Her postdoctoral studies took her to Leiden, The Netherlands, where she further honed her expertise in Medical Biochemistry (1992-1994). This robust educational background laid the groundwork for her illustrious career in academia and biotechnology.

🏢Professional Endeavors :

Lazaris has accumulated over 30 years of combined experience in academia and industry, holding management and senior-level positions. Currently, she is a scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), focusing on metastatic and metabolic diseases with an emphasis on translational research. Her career highlights include:

  • Liver Disease Biobank: In 2011, Lazaris established a Liver Disease Biobank in collaboration with Dr. P Metrakos, collecting biospecimens from patients with liver-related diseases.
  • Quebec Extracellular Vesicle Consortium: She spearheaded this consortium with Drs. Rak and Olivier, demonstrating her leadership in collaborative research initiatives.
  • CIHR Training Grant: Lazaris co-wrote and secured a substantial CIHR training grant for the Goodman Cancer Centre, illustrating her proficiency in obtaining competitive funding.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus :

Lazaris’s research contributions span several critical areas:

  • Metastatic Disease: She focuses on colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM), investigating molecular mechanisms to predict therapeutic responses and developing new biomarkers.
  • Translational Research: Her work bridges basic and clinical research, aiming to translate findings into precision therapies for cancer patients. Notably, her research on predictors of therapeutic responses to antiangiogenic agents has been groundbreaking.
  • Liver Diseases: Lazaris’s research also covers hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinomas, and NAFLD/NASH, contributing to the broader understanding of these conditions.

🏆Accolades and Recognition :

Throughout her career, Lazaris has received numerous accolades:

  • Scientific American Award: In 2002, she was recognized in the category of Research Leader in Chemical and Materials for her work on transgenic animals producing spider silk.
  • Genome Canada White Paper: She spearheaded the writing of a white paper on “Disease Mechanisms,” which was integrated into Genome Quebec’s strategic plan.
  • Scientific Publications: Her research has been published in prestigious journals like Nature and Science, highlighting her contributions to molecular biology and oncology.

🌍Impact and Influence :

Lazaris’s work has had a profound impact on both the scientific community and public health:

  • Innovations in Biotechnology: She was part of the team that demonstrated the first expression of soluble spider silk, which can be spun into fibers with remarkable mechanical properties.
  • Transgenic Research Network: As the Executive Director of the Quebec Transgenic Research Network, Lazaris unified the capabilities of researchers across Quebec, securing significant funding and fostering collaborative research.
  • Cloned Animals: She was part of the team that generated the world’s first cloned goat and Canada’s first large transgenic animal, showcasing her pioneering contributions to genetic engineering.

🌟Legacy and Future Contributions :

Anthoula Lazaris’s legacy is marked by her pioneering research, leadership in collaborative scientific endeavors, and significant contributions to translational medicine. Her work continues to influence the fields of molecular biology, biotechnology, and cancer research. Looking forward, Lazaris is expected to further her contributions to personalized medicine, leveraging her extensive experience and innovative approach to address pressing challenges in healthcare. Her dedication to translational research and collaborative spirit ensures that her impact will be felt for years to come.

🎓Publication 

Predictive biomarker discovery in cancer using a unique AI model based on set theory

Hepatic stellate cell stearoyl co-A desaturase activates leukotriene B4 receptor 2 – β-catenin cascade to promote liver tumorigenesis

    • Authors :Sinha, S., Aizawa, S., Nakano, Y., Guccione, E., Tsukamoto, H.
    • Journal   :Nature Communications
    • Year       : 2023

Targeting Liver Metastases to Potentiate Immunotherapy in MS-Stable Colorectal Cancer—A Review of the Literature

  • Authors  :, Zlotnik, O., Krzywon, L., Bloom, J., Lazaris, A., Metrakos, P.
  • Journal    :Cancers
  • Year         :  2023

Isolation of extracellular vesicles from human plasma samples: The importance of controls

  • Authors  :Tsamchoe, M., Petrillo, S., Lazaris, A., Metrakos, P.
  • Journal   : Biotechnology Journal
  • Year        :   2023

A Retrospective Study on the Role of Metformin in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases

  • Authors  :Rada, M., Krzywon, L., Petrillo, S., Lazaris, A., Metrakos, P.
  • Journal   : Biotechnology 
  • Year        :  2023

Assist Prof Dr.Francesco Asnica, Personalized Medicine,Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr.Francesco Asnica,Personalized Medicine ,Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr.Francesco Asnica, at Department CIBIO, University of TrentDepartment CIBIO, University of Trento,Italy

Author Profile

 

Education

  • Ph.D. in Information Technology – Transdisciplinary Programme in Computational Biology (cum laude), University of Trento, Italy (May 2019)
    • Thesis: “A phylogenetic framework for large-scale analysis of microbial communities”
    • Supervisors: Prof. Enrico Blanzieri and Prof. Nicola Segata
  • Master of Science in Computer Science, University of Trento, Italy (October 2014)
    • Thesis: “PhyloPhlAn2 and GraPhlAn: novel reconstruction and visualization tools for large-scale whole-genome phylogenomics”
    • Supervisors: Prof. Enrico Blanzieri and Prof. Nicola Segata
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of Trento, Italy (March 2012)
    • Thesis: “Installazione e Test di Estensioni Grafiche Real-time per Debian GNU/Linux”
    • Supervisor: Prof. Luca Abeni

Awards and Honors

  • Highly Cited Researcher 2023 & 2022 in Cross-Field by Clarivate™
  • Member of the Gruppo 2003 per la Ricerca Scientifica since 2023
  • Euregio Young Researcher Award 2022 (Second Place)
  • Co-recipient of the X PRÊMIO 2019 – Prêmio Octavio Frias de Oliveira
  • Doctor Darwin Prize 2017

Fellowships & Scholarships

  • Travel Grant for BITS 2018
  • Summer School Grant for the Second European Summer School on Nutrigenomics 2016
  • Travel Scholarship for ISMB/ECCB 2015

Invited Talks

Dr. Asnicar has delivered numerous invited talks at prestigious conferences and symposiums, including:

  • 9th Central European Congress of Life Sciences Eurobiotech 2024
  • 10th International Human Microbiome Consortium Congress 2024
  • IBS Days 2024
  • DF/HCC Microbiome Symposium Workshop 2024
  • 6th HCMPH Annual Symposium – Microbiome and Cancer 2024

Organized Workshops

  • Workshop on Data Standards, Interoperability, and Model Organisms in Microbiome Research (2023)
  • Workshop on Establishing Consensus for Microbiome Analysis Standards (2023)

🎓Publication Top Noted:

Paper Title : QIIME 2: reproducible, interactive, scalable, and extensible microbiome data science. PeerJ

  • Authors: Evan Bolyen, Jai Ram Rideout, Matthew R Dillon, Nicholas A Bokulich, Christian Abnet, Gabriel A Al-Ghalith, H Alexander, EJ Alm, M Arumugam, F Asnicar, Y Bai, JE Bisanz, K Bittinger, A Brejnrod, CJ Brislawn, CT Brown, BJ Callahan, AM Caraballo-Rodríguez, J Chase, JG Caporaso
  • Journal:Inc
  • Year: 2018
Paper Title : Microbiome connections with host metabolism and habitual diet from 1,098 deeply phenotyped individuals
    • Authors :  Francesco Asnicar, Sarah E Berry, Ana M Valdes, Long H Nguyen, Gianmarco Piccinno, David A Drew, Emily Leeming, Rachel Gibson, Caroline Le Roy, Haya Al Khatib, Lucy Francis, Mohsen Mazidi, Olatz Mompeo, Mireia Valles-Colomer, Adrian Tett, Francesco Beghini, Leonard Dubois, Davide Bazzani, Andrew Maltez Thomas, Chloe Mirzayi, Asya Khleborodova, Sehyun Oh, Rachel Hine, Christopher Bonnett, Joan Capdevila, Serge Danzanvilliers, Francesca Giordano, Ludwig Geistlinger, Levi Waldron, Richard Davies, George Hadjigeorgiou, Jonathan Wolf, José M Ordovás, Christopher Gardner, Paul W Franks, Andrew T Chan, Curtis Huttenhower, Tim D Spector, Nicola Segata
    • Journal:Nature medicine
    • Year: 2021
Paper Title :Human postprandial responses to food and potential for precision nutrition
  • Authors: Sarah E Berry, Ana M Valdes, David A Drew, Francesco Asnicar, Mohsen Mazidi, Jonathan Wolf, Joan Capdevila, George Hadjigeorgiou, Richard Davies, Haya Al Khatib, Christopher Bonnett, Sajaysurya Ganesh, Elco Bakker, Deborah Hart, Massimo Mangino, Jordi Merino, Inbar Linenberg, Patrick Wyatt, Jose M Ordovas, Christopher D Gardner, Linda M Delahanty, Andrew T Chan, Nicola Segata, Paul W Franks, Tim D Spector
  • Journal:Nature medicine
  • Year:2020
Paper Title :Strain-level microbial epidemiology and population genomics from shotgun metagenomics
  • Authors: Matthias Scholz, Doyle V Ward, Edoardo Pasolli, Thomas Tolio, Moreno Zolfo, Francesco Asnicar, Duy Tin Truong, Adrian Tett, Ardythe L Morrow, Nicola Segata
  • Journal:Nature methods
  • Year: 2016

Paper Title :Ketogenic diet and ketone bodies enhance the anticancer effects of PD-1 blockade

  • Authors: Gladys Ferrere, Maryam Tidjani Alou, Peng Liu, Anne-Gaëlle Goubet, Marine Fidelle, Oliver Kepp, Sylvère Durand, Valerio Iebba, Aurélie Fluckiger, Romain Daillère, Cassandra Thelemaque, Claudia Grajeda-Iglesias, Carolina Alves Costa Silva, Fanny Aprahamian, Déborah Lefevre, Liwei Zhao, Bernhard Ryffel, Emeline Colomba, Monica Arnedos, Damien Drubay, Conrad Rauber, Didier Raoult, Francesco Asnicar, Tim Spector, Nicola Segata, Lisa Derosa, Guido Kroemer, Laurence Zitvogel
  • Journal: JCI insight
  • Year: 2021