Samar Al Nahhas | Immunology | Best Paper Award

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Prof. Dr. Samar Al Nahhas | Immunology | Best Paper Award

Prof. Dr. Samar Al Nahhas | Damascus University | Syria

Professor Samar Al Nahhas is a distinguished professor of Parasitology and Animal Biology at Damascus University with over three decades of academic and research experience. Her work focuses on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and immunology of parasitic diseases, including leishmaniasis, malaria, giardiasis, toxoplasmosis, and echinococcosis. She has published extensively in leading international journals and collaborated with institutions across Lebanon, Egypt, Italy, Algeria, and the UAE. As a mentor and academic leader, she has guided numerous students while contributing significantly to global parasitology research.

Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Samar Al Nahhas began her academic journey with a deep interest in Parasitology and Animal Biology, fields that would shape her career for over three decades. Her early training laid the foundation for expertise in the molecular and immunological aspects of parasitic diseases, with a strong focus on developing improved diagnostic and preventive strategies. She pursued higher education and research with dedication, eventually earning her PhD and establishing herself as a respected academic and researcher at Damascus University, Syria’s leading institution.

Professional Endeavors

Throughout her career, Prof. Al Nahhas has held prestigious academic roles, including serving as Head of the Department of Animal Biology at Damascus University (2000–2007). She has supervised and mentored numerous undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, shaping the next generation of scientists in parasitology and infectious diseases. Beyond teaching, she has actively contributed as a reviewer for international journals and served as an arbiter for postgraduate theses, ensuring high-quality scholarship in her field. Her collaborations with research institutions in Lebanon, Egypt, Italy, Algeria, and the UAE further highlight her role as a global academic leader.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Al Nahhas has devoted her research to the epidemiology, diagnosis, and immunology of parasitic diseases. She has conducted groundbreaking studies on leishmaniasis, malaria, giardiasis, toxoplasmosis, and echinococcosis, significantly enhancing public health approaches to these conditions. Her serodiagnostic research on leishmaniasis has compared various immunological methods, leading to improved diagnostic protocols. Additionally, her molecular characterization of Giardia species and genotypic analysis of Blastocystis have advanced understanding of parasite diversity and their impact on human health. By exploring parasite-host immune interactions, her work has provided vital insights into parasite development both in vitro and in vivo.

Impact and Influence

With a citation index of 373, Prof. Al Nahhas’ contributions have made a lasting impact on the global parasitology community. Her publications in high-impact journals such as Infection, Genetics and Evolution, Acta Tropica, Parasites & Vectors, PLOS One, and Scientific Reports have established her as a leading researcher. Her findings not only strengthen scientific understanding but also directly contribute to public health policies and diagnostic strategies in regions heavily affected by parasitic infections. By combining academic rigor with practical applications, her work has influenced both scientific research and clinical practice worldwide.

Research Skills

Prof. Al Nahhas demonstrates exceptional research skills in molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, and diagnostic epidemiology. She is adept at employing microscopy, serological testing, and molecular diagnostic techniques to unravel parasite biology and disease mechanisms. Her ability to design and execute interdisciplinary projects has allowed her to contribute meaningfully to collaborative studies across multiple countries. Moreover, her experience in guiding postgraduate research underscores her strength in both independent and team-based scientific inquiry.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Al Nahhas has earned recognition for her scholarly excellence through her publications and contributions to parasitology. She has been nominated for prestigious awards such as the Best Paper Award, underscoring her international academic reputation. Her role as a reviewer for leading journals and an arbiter for master’s and PhD theses reflects the trust placed in her expertise by the global research community.

Legacy and Future Contributions

The legacy of Prof. Al Nahhas lies in her pioneering research in parasitology, her role as a mentor to future scientists, and her dedication to advancing public health in regions where parasitic diseases remain a critical challenge. Looking ahead, she is poised to continue her contributions to molecular diagnostics, innovative preventive strategies, and international collaborations. Her future work is expected to further bridge scientific research with healthcare applications, ensuring that her impact endures for gene

Publications Top Notes

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis assemblages and sub-assemblages in symptomatic patients from Damascus city and its suburbs

Journal: Infection, Genetics and Evolution

Year: 2017

Giardia duodenalis in Damascus, Syria: Identification of Giardia genotypes in a sample of human fecal isolates using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analyzing method

Journal: Acta Tropica

Year: 2016

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in the central provinces of Hama and Edlib in Syria: Vector identification and parasite typing

Journal: Parasites and Vectors

Year: 2015

Sarcoptes-World Molecular Network (Sarcoptes-WMN): Integrating research on scabies

Journal: International Journal of Infectious Diseases

Year: 2011

Reply from the author

Journal: Saudi Medical Journal

Year: 2009

Serodiagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Syrian Arab Republic

Journal: Saudi Medical Journal

Year: 2009

Assessment of the direct agglutination test, fast agglutination screening test, and rK39 dipstick test for the sero-diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in Syria

Journal: Saudi Medical Journal

Year: 2008

Contribution study of visceral leishmaniasis in Syria

Journal: Saudi Medical Journal

Year: 2005

Visceral leishmaniasis in the Syrian Arab Republic: Early detection using rK39

Journal: Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal

Year: 2003

 

Conclusion

Professor Samar Al Nahhas exemplifies excellence in parasitology and infectious disease research through her extensive studies on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and immunology of parasitic infections. Her prolific publications, international collaborations, and mentorship of emerging researchers highlight her leadership and impact in the field. By advancing diagnostic tools and preventive strategies, she has made significant contributions to public health. Her dedication, expertise, and global recognition make her a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

Abraham Teunissen | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Abraham Teunissen | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abraham Teunissen, Icahn school of medicine, United States.

Dr. Abraham J. P. Teunissen 🎓 is an Assistant Professor at the Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, New York 🗽. He leads groundbreaking research in nanomedicine, radiochemistry, and immunotherapy 🧬. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Engineering, he has authored high-impact studies and holds key patents. Dr. Teunissen mentors future scientists 👨‍🔬👩‍🔬 and champions diversity and inclusion. His work on trained immunity and advanced imaging technologies is shaping the future of personalized medicine 🌟.

🌟 Professional Profile

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Abraham J. P. Teunissen, Ph.D., embarked on his academic journey at Fontys University of Applied Science, earning a B.ASc in Organic Chemistry in 2011, where he developed supramolecular polymers for improved hemodialysis. He continued at Eindhoven University of Technology, securing an M.Sc. in Molecular Engineering (2013) and completing a Ph.D. (2017) focused on competing interactions in chemical reaction networks. His early research on biomimetic systems and chemical networks laid the foundation for a distinguished career in biomedical sciences.

🏢Professional Endeavors 

Dr. Teunissen’s professional journey showcases a trajectory of growth and leadership. He held appointments at the prestigious Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, progressing from Postdoctoral Scientist (2017) to Instructor (2019), and ultimately to Assistant Professor (2022). He also serves as the Director of Radiochemistry at the Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute. Beyond academia, he consulted for Trained Therapeutix Discovery, driving translational innovation from 2019 to 2021.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus On Immunology 

Dr. Teunissen has made notable contributions to nanomedicine, immunology, and molecular imaging. His research lab develops novel nanotherapies and imaging probes to modulate and monitor the immune system in various diseases — including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and organ transplantation. His team’s work spans small and large animal models, advancing therapeutic strategies with clinical relevance. His radiochemistry facility supports diverse collaborations, innovating nanoparticle tracking and immune monitoring using immuno-PET technology.

🌎Impact and Influence 

The outcomes of Dr. Teunissen’s research have wide-reaching impacts. His lab’s pioneering work on trained immunity modulation has driven forward collaborations, clinical translation efforts, and even the founding of a biotech company, Trained Therapeutix Discovery. His immuno-PET technologies enhance understanding of disease mechanisms and inform therapeutic interventions, demonstrating translational significance from bench to bedside.

📚Academic Cites and High-Impact Publications 

Dr. Teunissen’s work has appeared in leading journals such as Cell, Nature Biomedical Engineering, Nature Nanotechnology, and Science Translational Medicine. His high citation count reflects the significance of his research, especially in trained immunity, nanomedicine, and molecular imaging fields. These citations highlight his contributions to both fundamental science and applied biomedical research.

🏆Awards and Honors 

While specific individual awards were not detailed, Dr. Teunissen’s achievements include serving as an ad-hoc NIH and American Cancer Society grant reviewer, organizing major scientific symposia, and designing graduate-level coursework. His leadership roles — like incident commander and scientific advisory organizer — reflect high institutional trust and professional recognition.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Dr. Teunissen’s legacy is rooted in scientific excellence, mentorship, and innovation. With an active lab mentoring a diverse group of postdocs, graduate, and premedical students, he is shaping the next generation of biomedical engineers and nanomedicine scientists. His future contributions are expected to further bridge fundamental science and clinical application, aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes for major diseases through immune modulation and advanced molecular imaging. His strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and education ensures a lasting positive impact on both science and society.

📚Publications Top Notes

  • Development of Methods for the Determination of pKa Values
    📰 Analytical Chemistry Insights | 📑 483 citations | 📅 2013

  • Investigating Supramolecular Systems Using Förster Resonance Energy Transfer
    📰 Chemical Society Reviews | 📑 159 citations | 📅 2018

  • Trained Immunity-Promoting Nanobiologic Therapy Suppresses Tumor Growth and Potentiates Checkpoint Inhibition
    📰 Cell | 📑 145 citations | 📅 2020

  • Efficacy and Safety Assessment of a TRAF6-Targeted Nanoimmunotherapy in Atherosclerotic Mice and Non-Human Primates
    📰 Nature Biomedical Engineering | 📑 128 citations | 📅 2018

  • End Groups of Functionalized Siloxane Oligomers Direct Block-Copolymeric or Liquid-Crystalline Self-Assembly Behavior
    📰 Journal of the American Chemical Society | 📑 110 citations | 📅 2016

  • Tumor Targeting by αvβ3-Integrin-Specific Lipid Nanoparticles Occurs via Phagocyte Hitchhiking
    📰 ACS Nano | 📑 93 citations | 📅 2020

  • Directing the Self‐Assembly Behaviour of Porphyrin‐Based Supramolecular Systems
    📰 Chemistry – A European Journal | 📑 82 citations | 📅 2017

  • Imaging-Assisted Nanoimmunotherapy for Atherosclerosis in Multiple Species
    📰 Science Translational Medicine | 📑 68 citations | 📅 2019

  • Prosaposin Mediates Inflammation in Atherosclerosis
    📰 Science Translational Medicine | 📑 65 citations | 📅 2021

  • Nuclear Imaging Approaches Facilitating Nanomedicine Translation
    📰 Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews | 📑 63 citations | 📅 2020

  • Probing Myeloid Cell Dynamics in Ischaemic Heart Disease by Nanotracer Hot-Spot Imaging
    📰 Nature Nanotechnology | 📑 61 citations | 📅 2020

  • Mechanically Induced Gelation of a Kinetically Trapped Supramolecular Polymer
    📰 Macromolecules | 📑 52 citations | 📅 2014

  • Imaging Cardiovascular and Lung Macrophages with the Positron Emission Tomography Sensor 64Cu-Macrin in Mice, Rabbits, and Pigs
    📰 Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging | 📑 44 citations | 📅 2020

  • Resolving Sepsis-Induced Immunoparalysis via Trained Immunity by Targeting Interleukin-4 to Myeloid Cells
    📰 Nature Biomedical Engineering | 📑 37 citations | 📅 2023

  • A Modular Approach Toward Producing Nanotherapeutics Targeting the Innate Immune System
    📰 Science Advances | 📑 35 citations | 📅 2021

  • An Iterative Sparse Deconvolution Method for Simultaneous Multicolor 19F‐MRI of Multiple Contrast Agents
    📰 Magnetic Resonance in Medicine | 📑 30 citations | 📅 2020

 

Ekta Nagar | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Ekta Nagar | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Ekta Nagar, CSIR-Institue of Genomics and Integrative Biology, India.

Ekta Nagar is a dedicated research scholar at CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), working under the mentorship of Dr. Naveen Arora. Her research focuses on immunotoxicology, particularly examining how diesel exhaust impacts lung health and immune responses. With multiple first-author publications in esteemed journals, she has presented her findings at international conferences, earning accolades like the UCB-ICAAI Young Scientist Award. Currently, she is pioneering nanoparticle-based immunotherapies for food allergies, showcasing her commitment to translational research. 🧪🌍

🌟 Professional Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Ekta Nagar’s academic foundation reflects unwavering dedication and excellence. She was the school topper and Gold Medalist in Class XII (90%) under the CBSE Board. Pursuing her passion for life sciences, she completed her B.Sc. in Zoology (Hons.) from Gargi College, University of Delhi, securing a commendable 73.43%. Her pursuit of deeper knowledge led her to obtain a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi. Currently, she is a Ph.D. scholar in Biological Sciences at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), under the mentorship of Dr. Naveen Arora, with her pre-thesis submitted in March 2025. 🧬📘

💼 Professional Endeavors

Ekta has carved a multifaceted professional path combining academic rigor and translational research. She currently serves as a Project Research Scientist-I for a project titled Development of Immunotherapeutic Regimen with Nanoparticle-Conjugated Food Allergen for Mitigation of Allergic Responses (2023-2026). Her professional engagements span immunology, respiratory inflammation, redox biology, and nanoparticle-mediated therapeutics, showcasing a robust interdisciplinary approach. ⚗️🧪

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus On Immunology 

With a strong inclination towards allergy and immunology, Ekta has explored cockroach allergen-induced inflammation, diesel exhaust-induced respiratory disorders, and the mechanistic pathways involving redox homeostasis, NF-κB, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Her research delves into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of lung injury, identifying potential therapeutic interventions involving antioxidants like glutathione and agents such as resveratrol. She has further explored immunotherapy using T-cell peptides and nano-conjugated allergens, contributing significantly to translational biomedical research. 🧫🧠

🌍 Impact and Influence

Ekta’s work on diesel exhaust exposure and respiratory impairment has garnered global attention. She has presented her findings at prestigious international conferences including the Keystone Symposia (USA), European Respiratory Society (Portugal), and EAACI (Spain), where she also received an international travel award. Her cutting-edge presentations have enriched global dialogues on environmental health and pediatric susceptibility to pollutants. 🌐🌱

🏆 Awards and Honors

Ekta’s excellence is widely recognized:

  • SERB-DST Travel Grant Awardee, European College of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Spain 🛫

  • UCB-ICAAI Young Scientist Award, ICAAI Conference, Delhi 🧪

  • School Topper and Gold Medalist, Class XII CBSE 🥇

  • Vice President, Albatross Society, Gargi College 🌿

  • GATE Qualified, March 2021 🎓

📚 Academic Citations

Ekta has authored and co-authored over 10 high-impact publications, many as a contributing first author, in reputed journals such as Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Science of The Total Environment, Molecular Immunology, and Toxicology. Her contributions are frequently cited in the fields of immunotoxicology, environmental health, and molecular biology, underlining her growing scholarly influence. 📖🧾

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong academic background, a record of impactful research, and international recognition, Ekta Nagar is poised to become a leading voice in environmental immunology and allergy research. Her ongoing focus on nanoparticle-based therapeutics, epigenetic regulators, and environmental impact on neonatal health highlights her commitment to solving real-world problems. Ekta aspires to bridge the gap between bench science and clinical applications, leaving a lasting legacy in respiratory and immunological health. 🚀🌟

📚Publications Top Notes

🧬 Per a 5-derived T-cell peptides modulate NF-κB signalling to ameliorate allergic inflammation systemically in murine model of cockroach allergic hyper-reactivity
Year: 2022
Citations: 5
Journal: Clinical and Experimental Immunology

🧪 Resveratrol mitigates miR-212-3p mediated progression of diesel exhaust-induced pulmonary fibrosis by regulating SIRT1/FoxO3
Year: 2023
Citations: 3
Journal: Science of The Total Environment

🌫️ Diesel exhaust exposure impairs recovery of lung epithelial and cellular damage in murine model
Year: 2023
Citations: 2
Journal: Molecular Immunology

🔥 NLRP3/GSDMD mediated pyroptosis induces lung inflammation susceptibility in diesel exhaust exposed mouse strains
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
Journal: Gene

🫁 Cockroach allergen exposure alters redox homeostasis and mediates airway inflammation
Year: 2025
Journal: Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology

🛡️ Glutathione Attenuates Diesel Exhaust-Induced Lung epithelial Injury via NF-κB/Nrf2/GPX-4 Mediated Ferroptosis
Year: 2025
Journal: Toxicology

🔬 Diesel Exhaust Promotes Mitochondrial Dysfunction via PINK/PARKIN-Dependent Mitophagy in Mice Lungs
Year: 2025
Citations: Under process
Journal: Under process

👶 Parental diesel exhaust exposure is associated with neonatal respiratory impairment and increased disease susceptibility
Year: 2025
Journal: Under process

🧠 Diesel exhaust exposure activates miR-133-3p involved in the hippo signalling with cancer pathway
Year: 2025
Journal: Environmental Molecular Mutagenesis

🌱 T-cell epitopes ameliorated the allergic response in kidney bean allergen mouse model and protects epithelial barrier
Year: 2025
Journal: Clinical and Experimental Immunology