Ayaz Ahmed | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 31/01/202531/01/2025 by sciencefather

Ayaz Ahmed | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr Ayaz Ahmed, ICCBS – University of Karachi, Pakistan

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed 🧬🔬 is a Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor at the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), ICCBS, University of Karachi, Pakistan. With a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Dalian Medical University, China, and an M.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Karachi, his research focuses on microbial profiling, anti-biofilm agents, and infectious disease models. Dr. Ahmed has supervised numerous postgraduate students and received multiple international awards, including recognition from the American Society for Microbiology and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He also leads funded projects on combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens. 🌟

Publication Profile

google scholar

Qualifications

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Dalian Medical University, China (2012), and a Master’s in Microbiology from the University of Karachi, Pakistan (2006, First Division). 🧬🎓 His doctoral research focused on the “Microbial profiling of dental plaque/Biofilm from dental caries and periodontitis patients” and explored the effects of Lactobacillus species on S. mutans biofilm formation. 🦷🔬 With a strong academic foundation and research expertise in microbiology and molecular biology, Dr. Ayaz contributes significantly to the understanding of microbial interactions in dental health and disease. 🌟

Job Responsibilities

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed is a Principal Investigator at the Cell Biology Lab, where he oversees the Imaging Facility, maintaining high-end fluorescence and light microscopes. He supports students by assisting them in acquiring high-quality images for their theses and manuscripts. Dr. Ahmed also manages the National Animal Facility for Laboratory Animal Research and Care. He supervises routine animal house operations and collaborates with a veterinary doctor to maintain SPF rats, mice, and hamsters. He is responsible for establishing models for infectious diseases and memory deficits to evaluate the efficacy of natural compounds. Dr. Ahmed also conducts toxicological studies and trains students in ethical animal research practices. 🧬🔬🐁

Student Supervised

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed and his team of dedicated researchers have made significant strides in their exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies. Among the Ph.D. candidates, Zulfiqar Ahmed’s research on controlling salmonellosis through probiotics in poultry, Binte Zehra’s study on modulating the metastatic potential of NSCLC, and Jazib Shafiq’s investigation into gut dysbiosis and anxiety have all been awarded. Additionally, Afshan Shams, Yamina Usmani, and Shariqa Khuwaja are examining the potential of natural and synthetic compounds in combating oral cancer and other diseases. Several M. Phil. students are also contributing to research on antimicrobial resistance and cancer therapies. 🧪🔬🧫

Honors and Awards

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed has earned numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career. In 2024, he received the Award for Collaborative Scientific Achievement from the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Beijing. He also became an International Federation for Biosafety Association (IFBA) Certified Biological Waste Management Professional and Bio-risk Management Professional in 2023. Dr. Ahmed was selected as a Mentor for the ASM Future Leaders Mentoring Fellowship Program in 2023 and was awarded the Health Security Partner Grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2021. He has also earned prestigious travel awards and fellowships, including the American Society for Microbiology ID Fellowship and the Science and Technology Talent Award. 🏅🌍🦠

Completed Projects

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed has led multiple impactful research projects focused on combating multidrug-resistant microorganisms and improving public health. His research on the effect of synthetic and natural compounds on biofilm formation was funded by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) under project # HEC No: PD-IPFP/HRD/HEC/ 2013/1182. He also contributed to projects such as Personal Protective Equipment for Sindh Poultry Vaccine Center (funded by CRDF Global, USA), and oral pathogens related to dental caries (funded by ICCBS). Notably, his work on antimicrobial-resistant water contaminants, funded by the U.S.-Pakistan Centers for Advanced Studies in Water, aims to improve water quality. He further advanced research on antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents targeting Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumonia with funding from HEC. 💧🔬🦠

Professional Experience

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed has had a distinguished career in academia and research. Since June 2017, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi. Prior to this, he worked as a Senior Research Officer at the same institution from November 2013 to June 2017. Dr. Ahmed also pursued Post-Doctoral training in Behavioral Sciences at Hunan Drug Safety Evaluation in Changsha, China, from January 2016 to February 2017. His earlier roles include Assistant Professor on Interim Placement, Research Officer in Avian Influenza Vaccine Production, and a research intern in the National Internship Program. 🧪📚

Professional Membership

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed is an active member of several prestigious professional organizations, contributing significantly to the fields of microbiology and infectious diseases. His memberships include the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) 🦠, the Pakistan Biological Safety Association (PBSA) 🧫, and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) 🌍. Additionally, he is a member of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) 🎗️ and the Medical Microbiology & Infectious Disease Society of Pakistan (MMIDSP) 🇵🇰. These memberships reflect his commitment to advancing research and innovation in microbiology, infectious diseases, and cancer research.

Research Focus

Dr. Ayaz Ayaz Ahmed research focus primarily revolves around microbiology, particularly in the fields of gut microbiota analysis, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm formation. His studies often investigate the interactions between microorganisms and the human or animal host, such as comparing gut microbe profiles between healthy individuals and those with conditions like hyperthyroidism and liver cirrhosis. Additionally, Dr. Ahmed explores innovative therapeutic approaches, including the development of antimicrobial agents, such as nanoparticles conjugated with antibiotics to combat biofilm-forming pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. His work has significant implications for medical microbiology and the treatment of infectious diseases. 🦠🔬

Publication Top Notes

Gut microbe analysis between hyperthyroid and healthy individuals

Phylogenetic and biological characterization of Newcastle disease virus isolates from Pakistan

Bioﬁlm inhibitory effect of chlorhexidine conjugated gold nanoparticles against Klebsiella pneumoniae

Comparison of the gut microbe profiles and numbers between patients with liver cirrhosis and healthy individuals

Rifampicin conjugated silver nanoparticles: a new arena for development of antibiofilm potential against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae

Effect of Lactobacillus species on Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation.

Comparison of oral microbiota in orthodontic patients and healthy individuals

Synthesis and Chemosensing of Nitrofurazone using Olive oil based Silver Nanoparticles (O-AgNPs)

Isolation of dihydrobenzofuran derivatives from ethnomedicinal species Polygonum barbatum as anticancer compounds

Roxana Matran | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 23/01/202523/01/2025 by sciencefather

Roxana Matran | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Roxana Matran, UMF “Carol Davila”, Romania

Dr. Roxana Matran is a distinguished pediatric gastroenterologist and academic with a Ph.D. from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (2017) 🎓. An Assistant Professor at the same university since 2019, she excels in teaching and research on pediatric pulmonology and gastroenterology. Her clinical expertise at “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Hospital for Children includes contributions to groundbreaking clinical trials on inflammatory bowel diseases 🏥🔬. A dedicated volunteer with MD Caravana cu Medici 🤝, she brings healthcare to underserved communities. Dr. Matran’s active membership in ESPGHAN and advisory roles showcase her impactful influence in public health policy 🌍✨.

Publication Profile

orcid

Educational Backgrounds

Assist. Prof. Dr. Roxana Matran embarked on her academic journey at the prestigious Central School in Bucharest, where she specialized in Mathematics-Informatics with bilingual French instruction (📘✏️). She continued her education at “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in 2009 (🎓🩺). Driven by her passion for medicine, she pursued a Ph.D. at the same university, completing her thesis on factors contributing to pulmonary disease in cystic fibrosis between 2013 and 2017 (📄🫁). Her dedication and expertise in the medical field have solidified her reputation as a leading academic and researcher in Bucharest (🌟🏥).

Work Experiance

Assist. Prof. Dr. Roxana Matran is a distinguished pediatric gastroenterologist and academic based in Bucharest. She serves as a member of the Advisory Committee on Post-Vaccination Adverse Reactions, analyzing vaccine-related health concerns (💉📊). She is also a sub-investigator in pivotal clinical trials, including studies on Vedolizumab and Adalimumab for pediatric Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (🔬📑). Dr. Matran volunteers with Caravana cu Medici, offering medical consultations in underserved Romanian villages (🚑🤝). As an Assistant Professor at “Carol Davila” University, she teaches fifth-year medical students and conducts extensive research (📚👩‍🔬). Her work at “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Hospital focuses on consultations, rounds, and clinical studies (🏥👶).

Membership

Assist. Prof. Dr. Roxana Matran is an active member of esteemed professional organizations in her field. Since June 2019, she has been a Full Member of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), contributing to advancements in pediatric healthcare across Europe (🌍👶🩺). Additionally, she has been a dedicated member of the Romanian Society of Pediatrics since July 2016, working to promote excellence in pediatric medicine and research in her home country (🇷🇴📚💉). Her involvement in these societies underscores her commitment to improving children’s health and staying at the forefront of medical advancements (🌟🔬).

Conference and Seminars

Assist. Prof. Dr. Roxana Matran has an extensive track record of participation in prestigious medical events and specialized training programs worldwide. In 2024, she is set to attend the 5th Liver Transplant School in Brussels (25–28 September) and the ESPGHAN Mastercourse in Parenteral Nutrition in Linz, Austria (4–6 March). Her prior engagements include the ESPGHAN IBD Masterclass in Helsinki, Finland (2022) and the International Symposium on Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Edinburgh, Scotland (2022). Over the years, she has honed her expertise in pediatric gastroenterology, nutrition, and pulmonology, attending courses in Italy 🇮🇹, Austria 🇦🇹, France 🇫🇷, and Greece 🇬🇷, and even completing a post-graduate program online 🌐.

Community Impact

Assist. Prof. Dr. Roxana Matran is deeply committed to serving underserved communities, demonstrating her passion for equitable healthcare access. She actively volunteers with MD Caravana cu Medici, a noble initiative providing essential medical consultations in impoverished Romanian villages 🏡. Through this work, Dr. Matran brings her expertise in pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition to those who need it most, offering care, guidance, and hope 🌟. Her dedication to improving public health goes beyond the clinic, reflecting a strong sense of compassion and responsibility toward marginalized populations 🤝. Dr. Matran’s efforts exemplify the true spirit of community service and medical care ❤️.

Clinical Expertise

Assist. Prof. Dr. Roxana Matran has made significant contributions to pediatric gastroenterology through her clinical practice, research, and involvement in clinical trials. As a pediatric gastroenterologist at “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Hospital for Children 🏥, she seamlessly combines patient care with groundbreaking research. Dr. Matran has actively contributed as a subinvestigator for leading pharmaceutical companies, including Takeda Pharmaceuticals (VedolizumabSC-3003) and AbbVie (Adalimumab), advancing therapies for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease 🔬. She also researches post-vaccination adverse reactions as a member of the Advisory Committee at the Ministry of Health, ensuring better health outcomes for children globally 💉.

Research Focus

Dr. Roxana Elena Smădeanu’s research focus primarily revolves around pediatric health, with a special emphasis on diagnosing and managing complex diseases such as cystic fibrosis, intestinal tuberculosis, and respiratory conditions in children. Her work includes exploring microbiota’s role in functional abdominal pain disorders, respiratory symptomatology associated with COVID-19 in pediatric patients, and rare genetic syndromes like Menke-Hennekam syndrome. Additionally, her research delves into diagnostic methods like sweat conductivity in cystic fibrosis. This body of work aligns with clinical and laboratory research aimed at improving pediatric healthcare and diagnostics. 🧑‍🔬🩺👶

Publication Top Notes

Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Use in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease—Reports from a Romanian Center

Anti TNF-a Use in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Reports from a Romanian Center

Quality of Life of Pediatric Patients with Chronic Intestinal, Liver, and Pancreatic Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Menke–Hennekam Syndrome: A Literature Review and a New Case Report