Nagendra Verma | Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nagendra Verma | Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Research specialist| St. Cloud State University | United States

Dr. Nagendra Verma is a highly accomplished biomedical scientist specializing in cellular and molecular biology, molecular oncology, and regenerative medicine, with over a decade of international research experience. His work focuses on the therapeutic and regulatory roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and microRNAs in ocular and cancer biology, particularly exploring their applications in corneal wound healing, stem cell regulation, and STAT3-dependent cancer inhibition. Dr. Verma has authored 11 research publications, cited 104 times by 95 documents, achieving an h-index of 7. His research demonstrates a strong command of molecular diagnostics, genomics, and biophysical methodologies, contributing to significant advancements in understanding disease mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic interventions. He has collaborated extensively within interdisciplinary academic and industrial environments, reflecting his ability to integrate scientific innovation with translational potential. As an active member of global scientific societies such as ARVO, RAPS, and AAMI, Dr. Verma also serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for numerous international journals, including Scientific Reports, Cells, and Molecular Vision. His contributions extend beyond research through mentoring students, presenting at international conferences, and earning recognition for excellence in scientific investigation. Dr. Verma’s work continues to bridge molecular insights with therapeutic innovation, emphasizing precision, collaboration, and impactful discovery in biomedical science.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Verma, N., Franchitto, M., Zonfrilli, A., Cialfi, S., Palermo, R., & Talora, C. (2019). DNA damage stress: Cui prodest? International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(5), 1073.

  • Verma, N., Khare, D., Poe, A. J., Amador, C., Ghiam, S., Fealy, A., Ebrahimi, S., Shadrokh, O., Song, X.-Y., Santiskulvong, C., et al. (2023). MicroRNA and protein cargos of human limbal epithelial cell-derived exosomes and their regulatory roles in limbal stromal cells of diabetic and non-diabetic corneas. Cells, 12.

  • Verma, N., Arora, S., Singh, A. K., & Kumar, A. (2025). Extracellular vesicle-associated miRNAs in cornea health and disease: Diagnostic potential and therapeutic implications. Targets, 3(32).

  • Verma, N., Arora, S., Singh, A. K., & Ahmed, J. (2025). Unlocking the potential of exosomes (extracellular vesicles): Drug delivery advancements and therapeutics in ocular diseases. RSC Pharmaceutics, 1(97).

  • Verma, N., & Arora, S. (2025). Navigating the global regulatory landscape for exosome-based therapeutics: Challenges, strategies, and future directions. Pharmaceutics, 17(990).

  • Arora, S., & Verma, N. (2024). Advancing organic electronics through the lens of ionic liquids and polymerized ionic liquids: A review. RSC Applied Polymers.

  • Arora, S., & Verma, N. (2024). Exosomal microRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in corneal diseases. Molecular Vision, 30, 92–106.

  • De Blasio, C., Verma, N., Moretti, M., Cialfi, S., Zonfrilli, A., Franchitto, M., Truglio, F., De Smaele, E., Ichijo, H., Naguro, I., Screpanti, I., & Talora, C. (2021). Functional cooperation between ASK1 and p21(Waf1/Cip1) in the balance of cell-cycle arrest, cell death, and tumorigenesis of stressed keratinocytes. Cell Death Discovery, 7(1), 75.

  • De Blasio, C., Zonfrilli, A., Franchitto, M., Mariano, G., Cialfi, S., Verma, N., Checquolo, S., Bellavia, D., Palermo, R., Benelli, D., Screpanti, I., & Talora, C. (2019). PLK1 targets NOTCH1 during DNA damage and mitotic progression. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 294(47), 17941–17950.

  • Yue, P., Zhu, Y., Brotherton-Pleiss, C., Fu, W., Verma, N., Chen, J., Nakamura, K., Chen, W., Chen, Y., Alonso-Valenteen, F., Mikhael, S., Medina-Kauwe, L., Kershaw, K. M., Celeridad, M., Pan, S., Limpert, A. S., Sheffler, D. J., Cosford, N. D. P., Shiao, S. L., & Turkson, J. (2022). Novel potent azetidine-based compounds irreversibly inhibit STAT3 activation and induce antitumor response against human breast tumor growth in vivo. Cancer Letters, 534, 215613.

 

 

 

Donald Mykles | Marine Biology | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Prof. Donald Mykles | Marine Biology | Distinguished Scientist Award 

Colorado State University | United States

Dr. Donald L. Mykles is a renowned biologist recognized for his pioneering research in comparative physiology, molecular biology, and developmental regulation in invertebrates. His scientific contributions have significantly advanced understanding of protein degradation mechanisms in animals and plants, particularly the roles of calcium- and ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent pathways in muscle, neuronal, and plant systems. His studies on crustacean muscle biology have elucidated biochemical distinctions between fast and slow fiber types and their adaptive transitions during development. Dr. Mykles has also made important discoveries in the hormonal regulation of molting and limb regeneration in decapod crustaceans, focusing on the signaling mechanisms controlling ecdysteroid synthesis. As a distinguished scholar and educator, he has been widely recognized for excellence in teaching, mentoring, and academic leadership, contributing extensively to graduate and honors education. His election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science underscores his sustained impact on biological research and education. With over 3,936 citations from 1,949 documents, 102 publications, and an h-index of 38, Dr. Mykles has demonstrated a profound and lasting influence on the fields of cell and developmental biology. Through an integrative approach combining cellular, molecular, and physiological analyses, he has deepened the scientific community’s understanding of proteolytic systems and developmental control in both animal and plant models, establishing himself as a leading figure in integrative and comparative biology.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Mykles, D. L. (1977). The ultrastructure of the posterior midgut caecum of Pachygrapsus crassipes (Decapoda, Brachyura) adapted to low salinity. Tissue and Cell, 9(4), 681–691.

  • Mykles, D. L., & Ahearn, G. A. (1978). Changes in fluid transport across the perfused midgut of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, during the molt cycle. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 61(4), 643–645.

  • Mykles, D. L. (1979). Ultrastructure of alimentary epithelia of lobsters, Homarus americanus and H. gammarus, and crab, Cancer magister. Zoomorphology, 92(3), 201–215.

  • Mykles, D. L. (1980). The mechanism of fluid absorption at ecdysis in the American lobster, Homarus americanus. Journal of Experimental Biology, 84, 89–101.

  • Holliday, C. W., Mykles, D. L., Terwilliger, R. C., & Dangott, L. J. (1980). Fluid secretion by the midgut caeca of the crab, Cancer magister. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 67(2), 259–263.

  • Mykles, D. L. (1981). Ionic requirements of transepithelial potential difference and net water flux in the perfused midgut of the American lobster, Homarus americanus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 69(2), 317–320.

  • Mykles, D. L., & Skinner, D. M. (1981). Preferential loss of thin filaments during molt-induced atrophy in crab claw muscle. Journal of Ultrastructure Research, 75(3), 314–325.

  • Mykles, D. L., & Skinner, D. M. (1982). Crustacean muscles: Atrophy and regeneration during molting. In B. M. Twarog, R. J. C. Levine, & M. M. Dewey (Eds.), Basic biology of muscles: A comparative approach (pp. 337–357). Raven Press. (Society of General Physiology Series, Vol. 37).

  • Mykles, D. L., & Skinner, D. M. (1982). Molt-cycle associated changes in calcium-dependent proteinase activity that degrades actin and myosin in crustacean muscle. Developmental Biology, 92(2), 386–397.

  • Mykles, D. L., & Skinner, D. M. (1983). Ca²⁺-dependent proteolytic activity in crab claw muscle: Effects of inhibitors and specificity for myofibrillar proteins. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 258(17), 10474–10480.

Monica Carvajal-Yepes | Crop Diversity | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Monica Carvajal-Yepes | Crop Diversity | Best Researcher Award

Team Leader | Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT | Colombia

Dr. Monica Carvajal-Yepes is a distinguished Colombian biologist and virologist leading innovative research at the intersection of plant health, genomics, and biodiversity conservation. As Team Leader of the Digital Genebank within the Genetic Resources Program at the Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT, her work focuses on establishing genomics-based digital platforms to enhance the conservation and utilization of global crop diversity. Her research has significantly advanced the understanding of plant virus diversity, evolution, and epidemiology, particularly in cassava and bean crops, through the application of high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics. Dr. Carvajal-Yepes played a pivotal role in developing the global surveillance framework for early detection and response to crop disease outbreaks, published in Science, and has contributed to numerous international collaborations, including the DivSeek initiative and the OneCGIAR Plant Health Initiative. She has authored and co-authored over 20 scientific publications, which have collectively received more than 690 citations from around 600 documents, reflecting an h-index of 10. Her scientific contributions encompass high-impact studies addressing viral genomics, pathogen diagnostics, and the sustainable management of transboundary pests. Through her leadership in integrating genomics, data science, and agricultural sustainability, she continues to foster global efforts in safeguarding food security and strengthening resilience in agricultural systems.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications


2025. Non-destructive prediction of nitrogen, iron and zinc content in diverse common bean seeds from a genebank using near-infrared spectroscopy. Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences. [Open access].

2025. Implications of high throughput sequencing of plant viruses in biosecurity – a decade of progress? Peer Community Journal. [Open access].

Pouria Mazinani | Biomechanics | Young Researcher Award

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Dr. Pouria Mazinani | Biomechanics | Young Researcher Award

PhD | University of Catania | Iran

Dr. Pouria Mazinani is a multidisciplinary researcher and project manager whose expertise spans mechanical and civil engineering, biomechanics, and computational modeling. His research primarily focuses on biomechanics of the cornea, shell structures, and finite element simulations, with particular emphasis on shear wave elastography, corneal elasticity assessment, and parametric optimization. Dr. Mazinani has contributed significantly to the understanding of viscous fingering phenomena in porous media, advancing insights into fluid displacement and injection velocity effects within oil and gas reservoirs. His studies integrate advanced computational tools such as ABAQUS, ANSYS, COMSOL, Python, and MATLAB, bridging theoretical modeling with experimental validation. With publications in leading journals including Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Mechanics Research Communications, and Mathematics and Mechanics of Solids, his work has earned 13 citations across 13 documents and 5 documents with an h-index of 2. Beyond his research, Dr. Mazinani has demonstrated strong leadership as a project manager in the engineering industry, overseeing inspection and quality control projects and ensuring adherence to international standards. His broad technical background, combined with expertise in computational structural mechanics, quality assurance systems (ISO standards), and project management, reflects a versatile and innovative approach to engineering research and practice.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Zare Vamerzani, B., Zadehkabir, A., Saffari, H., Hosseinalipoor, S. M., & Mazinani, P. (2021). Experimental analysis of fluid displacement and viscous fingering instability in fractured porous medium: Effect of injection rate. Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, 43(9).

  • Mazinani, P., Cardillo, C., & Mosaddegh, P. (2025). Evaluating corneal biomechanics using shear wave elastography and finite element modeling: Sensitivity analysis and parametric optimization. Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics, 37(1), 12.

  • Zadehkabir, A., Mazinani, P., Zare Vamerzani, B., Cardillo, C., & Saffari, H. (2025). Experimental study of fluid displacement and viscous fingering in fractured porous media: Effect of viscosity ratio. Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics, 37(2), 29.

  • Mazinani, P., Setayeshnasab, H., & Murcia Terranova, L. (2025). Evaluating corneal biomechanics using intraocular pressure methods and finite element modeling: Parameters study and parametric optimization. Zeitschrift für angewandte Mathematik und Physik, 76(6), 220.

  • Mazinani, P., & Murcia Terranova, L. (2025). Finite element simulation for finding shear wave velocity on the canine cornea and sensitivity analysis for IOP parameter. Mechanics Research Communications, 104558.

  • Mazinani, P., & Cardillo, C. (2025). Shear wave velocity and finite element modeling for understanding keratoconus biomechanics: Comparison with healthy cornea. Mathematics and Mechanics of Solids, 10812865251347512.