Mrs. Sara Alcon Najera | Nursing | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Sara Alcon Najera | Nursing | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate. Paediatric nursing at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Spain.

Sara Alcón Nájera is a dedicated researcher and practitioner with over 15 years of experience in pediatric intensive care nursing. She is renowned for her compassionate approach to end-of-life and palliative care in pediatric settings. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. at a prestigious institution, Sara has contributed significantly to advancing family-centered care protocols and humanizing medical practices. Her work is well-recognized through publications in indexed journals, research grants, and awards, including the Medal of Civil Merit. She actively engages in leadership roles within scientific committees and professional organizations, reflecting her commitment to enhancing the quality of care and research. Sara’s research focuses on understanding the lived experiences of patients and families during critical moments, making her an advocate for empathy and connection in healthcare.

Professional Profile:

Education

Sara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Critical Care. Her academic journey has been marked by her commitment to excellence, as evidenced by her enrollment in a doctoral program focusing on phenomenological approaches to pediatric care. She has completed various certifications and training programs in humanization and compassionate care, equipping her with the theoretical and practical knowledge to address complex healthcare challenges. Her education has laid the foundation for her impactful research and professional achievements.

Professional Experience

Sara’s professional career spans over 15 years, primarily in pediatric intensive care units, where she has provided critical support to patients and their families. Her experience includes developing and implementing family-centered care protocols that have improved the quality of life for countless individuals. She has also served as a mentor and trainer, sharing her expertise with junior nurses and healthcare professionals. In addition to clinical practice, Sara has taken on leadership roles in scientific committees focused on humanization and pediatric care, further showcasing her dedication to improving healthcare standards. Her practical experience is complemented by her academic pursuits, making her a well-rounded professional in her field.

Research Interest

Sara’s research interests lie at the intersection of healthcare, phenomenology, and compassionate care. She focuses on exploring the lived experiences of families and patients during end-of-life care, particularly in pediatric settings. Her work aims to bridge the gap between medical interventions and human connection, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in healthcare. Sara is also interested in developing innovative care models that integrate family-centered approaches, ensuring that patients and their loved ones receive holistic support. Her research contributes to the broader discourse on humanizing healthcare and enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

Research Skills

Sara possesses a robust set of research skills that make her an asset to the academic and healthcare communities. She is proficient in qualitative research methodologies, particularly phenomenology, which she uses to explore complex human experiences. Her skills include data collection through in-depth interviews, thematic analysis, and the development of evidence-based care protocols. Sara is also adept at grant writing, having successfully secured funding for several research projects. Additionally, her ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and present her findings at conferences demonstrates her capacity to translate research into practice effectively.

Awards and Honors

Sara’s contributions to healthcare and research have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. She has received two research awards for her innovative work in pediatric care and the prestigious Medal of Civil Merit for her dedication to improving healthcare standards. Her achievements highlight her commitment to excellence and her impact on the field. Sara has also been acknowledged for her leadership roles in professional organizations, further validating her influence and expertise. These accolades reflect her unwavering dedication to advancing compassionate care and her significant contributions to the field of nursing and healthcare.

Conclusion

Sara Alcón Nájera is a distinguished professional whose work embodies the principles of empathy, compassion, and excellence. With a strong academic background, extensive clinical experience, and a commitment to research, she has made meaningful contributions to the field of pediatric care. Her focus on humanizing healthcare and enhancing the lived experiences of patients and families sets her apart as a leader in her field. Through her dedication to education, professional practice, and research, Sara continues to inspire others and drive positive change in healthcare. She is undoubtedly a deserving candidate for recognition and awards in her domain.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Alcón-Nájera, S., & González-Gil, M.T.
    • Title: Parent experiences of child loss in a paediatric intensive care unit on human connection and compassionate care | Experiencia de padres de niños que han fallecido en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos sobre la conexión humana y los cuidados compasivos
    • Year: 2024
  2. Nájera, S.A., & González-Gil, M.T.
    • Title: Parent Experiences of Child Loss and End-of-Life Care in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Protocol for a Qualitative Study
    • Journal: JMIR Research Protocols
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1
  3. Nájera, S.A.
    • Title: Reflections on sensitive research: research and care in populations in a situation of extreme vulnerability | Reflexiones sobre la investigación sensible: investigación y cuidado de las poblaciones en situación de extrema vulnerabilidad
    • Journal: Metas de Enfermeria
    • Year: 2022

Mariia Ivanova | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mariia Ivanova | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Division of Patology at IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, University of Milan, Italy 

Dr. Mariia Ivanova, MD, PhD, is a distinguished pathologist specializing in translational and molecular medicine. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, she holds advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Molecular and Translational Medicine from the University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy, where her research focused on proteomics and precision medicine for chronic glomerulonephritis. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Ivanova has contributed significantly to pathology through her roles as a researcher, educator, and clinician. Currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan, she also serves as an Associate Professor at Shupyk National Healthcare University in Kyiv. Her expertise spans surgical pathology, renal pathology, and biomarker discovery, supported by numerous publications in high-impact journals. An active participant in international conferences and recipient of prestigious awards, Dr. Ivanova’s work continues to advance the fields of diagnostic pathology and translational research.

Professional Profile : 

Education:

Dr. Mariia Ivanova’s educational journey is marked by significant academic achievements. She completed her MD at Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2010, graduating cum laude. Her pursuit of specialized education continued with a Ph.D. in Anatomical Pathology, awarded by the same university in 2013, where her thesis focused on the immune phenotyping of the tubulointerstitial component in glomerulonephritis. Following this, she expanded her expertise with a 2nd-level Master’s Degree in Nephropathology from the University Milano-Bicocca, Italy, in 2016. Dr. Ivanova further advanced her academic career with a Ph.D. in Molecular and Translational Medicine from the University Milano-Bicocca (2020). Her doctoral research, titled “Advanced Proteomics MALDI-MSI Imaging in Chronic Glomerulonephritis: From Diagnostics to Precision Medicine,” explored cutting-edge technologies in diagnostics and precision medicine. These academic milestones reflect her strong foundation in pathology, nephrology, and molecular medicine.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Mariia Ivanova has extensive professional experience in the field of nephropathology and molecular medicine. Currently, she serves as a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Nephrology at the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. Throughout her career, Dr. Ivanova has worked in various academic and clinical research settings, specializing in kidney pathology, proteomics, and advanced diagnostic technologies. She has held positions at prestigious institutions, where she has led interdisciplinary research projects on renal diseases such as chronic glomerulonephritis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dr. Ivanova is renowned for her work in applying MALDI-MSI imaging to investigate the molecular pathogenesis of renal disorders. Her professional experience also includes teaching and mentoring students, as well as collaborating with clinicians to bridge research findings into practical applications. She has contributed to numerous international publications, shaping the future of precision diagnostics in renal medicine.

Research Interest:

Dr. Mariia Ivanova’s research interests lie at the intersection of nephropathology, molecular medicine, and precision diagnostics. Her work primarily focuses on the application of advanced proteomic techniques, particularly MALDI-MSI imaging, to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic glomerulonephritis and other renal diseases. Dr. Ivanova is deeply invested in improving the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic methods, aiming to develop precision medicine approaches that can tailor treatments based on individual patient profiles. Her research also explores the immune phenotyping of kidney diseases, aiming to better understand the immune system’s role in kidney damage and regeneration. Furthermore, she has contributed to the study of chronic kidney disease (CKD) biomarkers and the pathophysiological mechanisms that drive disease progression. Dr. Ivanova’s interdisciplinary approach combines insights from anatomical pathology, proteomics, and clinical nephrology, with the goal of improving both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in renal medicine.

Award and Honor:

Dr. Mariia Ivanova has received several prestigious awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of nephropathology and molecular medicine. She was honored with the Best Young Researcher Award at the International Conference on Renal Diseases for her innovative work on proteomic biomarkers in chronic glomerulonephritis. Dr. Ivanova also received the Excellence in Research Award from the European Society of Nephrology, acknowledging her groundbreaking research in precision diagnostics for kidney diseases. Her work on the application of MALDI-MSI imaging for kidney pathology has earned her accolades from major medical and scientific organizations, including the Proteomics Society and the International Society of Nephrology. Additionally, she was recognized for her excellence in interdisciplinary research, receiving the Interdisciplinary Research Leadership Award from her institution. Dr. Ivanova’s contributions have been pivotal in advancing both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in kidney disease management.

Conclusion:

Dr. Mariia Ivanova is a distinguished researcher whose work has made significant contributions to the fields of nephropathology, precision medicine, and renal disease diagnostics. Her interdisciplinary approach, which combines proteomics, immune phenotyping, and molecular imaging, has paved the way for new insights into the molecular mechanisms of kidney diseases, particularly chronic glomerulonephritis. Through her innovative research, Dr. Ivanova is advancing the field of renal pathology by improving diagnostic precision and facilitating the development of tailored treatment strategies for patients. Her dedication to understanding the complex interplay between the immune system and kidney function has profound implications for enhancing disease management and therapeutic outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). With a commitment to bridging the gap between basic science and clinical application, Dr. Ivanova’s work continues to inspire advancements in nephrology and molecular medicine, shaping the future of kidney disease diagnosis and treatment.

Publications Top Noted:

  • Spatially Resolved Molecular Characterization of Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasms (NIFTPs) with Papillary-like Nuclear Features
    Published: December 6, 2024, International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms252313115
    Contributors: Vanna Denti, Angela Greco, Antonio Maria Alviano, Giulia Capitoli, Nicole Monza, Andrew Smith, Daniela Pilla, Alice Maggioni, Mariia Ivanova, Konstantinos Venetis, et al.
    Focus: A proteomic signature associated with RAS-mutant lesions in NIFTPs.
  • Rituximab Administration to Treat Nephrotic Syndrome in Children: 2-Year Follow-Up
    Published: November 13, 2024, Biomedicines
    DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12112600
    Contributors: Dmytro Ivanov, Lutz T. Weber, Elena Levtchenko, Liudmyla Vakulenko, Mariia Ivanova, Iryna Zavalna, Yelizaveta Lagodych, Ninel Boiko
    Focus: Long-term follow-up on rituximab treatment for nephrotic syndrome in children.
  • Functional Renal Reserve: Clinical Implementation
    Published: November 1, 2024, Book
    DOI: 10.30890/978-3-98924-063-6.2025
    Contributors: Dmytro Ivanov, Anatolyi Gozhenko, Mariia Ivanova
    Focus: Clinical insights into functional renal reserve.
  • Rehabilitation for Functioning and Quality of Life in Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Scoping Review
    Published: July 2024, Current Oncology
    DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31080322
    Contributors: Lorenzo Lippi, Alessandro de Sire, Vittorio Aprile, Dario Calafiore, Arianna Folli, Fjorelo Refati, Andrea Balduit, Mariia Ivanova, Konstantinos Venetis, et al.
    Focus: Scoping review on rehabilitation strategies in mesothelioma patients.
  • Early Breast Cancer Risk Assessment: Integrating Histopathology with Artificial Intelligence
    Published: May 23, 2024, Cancers
    DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111981
    Contributors: Mariia Ivanova, Carlo Pescia, Dario Trapani, Konstantinos Venetis, Chiara Frascarelli, Eltjona Mane, Giulia Cursano, Elham Sajjadi, Cristian Scatena, Bruna Cerbelli et al.
    Focus: Combining histopathology with AI for early breast cancer risk assessment.
  • Standardized Pathology Report for HER2 Testing in Compliance with 2023 ASCO/CAP Updates and 2023 ESMO Consensus Statements on HER2-Low Breast Cancer
    Published: January 2024, Virchows Archiv
    DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03656-w
    Contributors: Mariia Ivanova, Francesca Maria Porta, Marianna D’Ercole, Carlo Pescia, Elham Sajjadi, Giulia Cursano, Elisa De Camilli, Oriana Pala, Giovanni Mazzarol, Konstantinos Venetis et al.
    Focus: HER2 testing in breast cancer with updated guidelines.
  • Clinicopathological Features and Survival Outcomes of Luminal-Like Breast Tumors with Estrogen Receptor Loss at Metastatic Recurrence: A Case-Control Study
    Published: December 2023, European Journal of Cancer
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113397
    Contributors: Stefania Morganti, Antonio Marra, Sara Gandini, Liliana Ascione, Mariia Ivanova, Konstantinos Venetis, Elham Sajjadi, Paola Zagami, Federica Giugliano, Beatrice Taurelli Salimbeni et al.
    Focus: Analysis of luminal-like breast cancer with estrogen receptor loss at recurrence.

Sandhini Agarwal | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sandhini Agarwal | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Medical Student at Valley Vein Health Center, Georgetown University School of Medicine, United States.

🌍Sandhini Agarwal is a medical student at Georgetown University, with extensive experience in clinical settings, research, and leadership. She has worked as a research assistant at UChicago Medicine and Stanford Medicine, focusing on neural network-based systems, pediatric cardiology, and thyroid cancer. Her clinical experience spans pediatrics, ambulatory care, and community health outreach. Additionally, she has held leadership roles in organizations such as Georgetown Street Medicine and the Phoenix Biology RSO at UChicago. She has also been an active volunteer with Street Life Ministries and has received numerous academic awards.

Profile👤

Education 🎓

🎓Sandhini Agarwal attended the University of Chicago, where she earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a minor in Health and Society, graduating cum laude with a GPA of 3.88/4.0. During her time at UChicago, she was consistently recognized for her academic excellence, making the Dean’s List from 2021 to 2022 and earning the Clinical Excellence Scholars Track recognition. She also received multiple awards during high school, including the Senior Book Award in Biology and the Faculty Cup Nominee. Sandhini is currently pursuing her medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine, Class of 2028. Her academic focus continues to center around biology, medicine, and public health, with a particular interest in addressing health disparities and improving healthcare access for underserved communities. Sandhini’s academic achievements reflect her commitment to excellence and her determination to make a meaningful impact in the medical field.

Experience💼

🩺Sandhini Agarwal has extensive clinical and research experience that spans multiple prestigious institutions. She is currently involved in clinical work at Georgetown Med, including shadowing Dr. Sejal Bavishi in pediatric outpatient clinics and assisting with physical exams. She also plays a key role in community health initiatives through Hoya Clinic and Learn2Derm, where she educates underserved children on skincare. Prior to Georgetown, Sandhini gained valuable experience at UChicago Medicine, conducting patient interviews as a research assistant for the Hospitalist Project. She also worked at Valley Vein Health Center as a patient care coordinator, conducting surveys and researching Ozempic’s impact on lymphedema. In addition to her clinical roles, Sandhini has participated in research at institutions such as Stanford, where she worked on developing neural network-based systems for medical imaging, and at Harvard Medicine, where she researched thyroid cancer pathways. Her experiences in both clinical care and research have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare.👨‍🔬🌍

Awards and Honors 🏆

Sandhini Agarwal has received several prestigious awards for her academic and extracurricular achievements. At the University of Chicago, she earned a spot on the Dean’s List from 2021 to 2022 and participated in the Clinical Excellence Scholars Track, recognizing her academic prowess and commitment to clinical excellence. In high school, she received multiple honors, including the Senior Book Award in Biology and the Faculty Cup Nominee. Sandhini was also recognized as a National AP Scholar for her high AP scores and received the Katen Metcalf Scholar award in 2021. She was honored with the Aspirations Award by the National Center for Women & Information Technology in 2018 and won several medals in the National Spanish Exam, including Gold in 2017. Sandhini’s accomplishments reflect her strong academic background and her commitment to leadership, service, and excellence in healthcare.

Research Interests 🔬

🔬Sandhini Agarwal’s research focuses on the intersection of biology, medicine, and technology, with a particular interest in pediatric cardiology, endocrinology, and neuroimaging. At UChicago Medicine, she researched FoxF1 expression in the second heart field and its role in cardiomyocyte differentiation and heart development. This work contributed to the understanding of heart disease and its underlying mechanisms. She also worked on analyzing thyroid cancer pathways at Harvard Medicine, focusing on the diagnosis-to-treatment process for thyroid cancer patients. Sandhini’s research experience extends to neural networks for medical imaging at Stanford, where she developed a system to segment brain parenchymal metastatic lesions using radiological data. In addition, she contributed to cardiovascular drug discovery at UChicago, analyzing genomic data and supporting the HeartBioPortal database. Sandhini’s research aims to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes, with a particular focus on improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment pathways, and patient care, especially in underserved populations.🌿🧪

Conclusion 🔚 

Sandhini Agarwal is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. Her dedication to both research and clinical practice, combined with her leadership in social initiatives, demonstrates a holistic approach to the field of medicine. Her achievements indicate a future leader in healthcare and research, and her continued contributions promise even greater impacts in the years to come.

Publications Top Notes 📚

A Holistic Approach to Undesired Content Detection in the Real World

Authors: Markov, T., Zhang, C., Agarwal, S., Jiang, A., Weng, L.

Citations: 35

Year: 2023

Training language models to follow instructions with human feedback

Authors: Ouyang, L., Wu, J., Jiang, X., Leike, J., Lowe, R.

Citations: 3,339

Year: 2022

Learning Transferable Visual Models From Natural Language Supervision

Authors: Radford, A., Kim, J.W., Hallacy, C., Krueger, G., Sutskever, I.

Citations: 9,325

Year: 2021

Language models are few-shot learners

Authors: Brown, T.B., Mann, B., Ryder, N., Sutskever, I., Amodei, D.

Citations: 15,410

Year: 2020

Recursive routing networks: Learning to compose modules for language understanding

Authors: Cases, I., Rosenbaum, C., Riemer, M., Potts, C., Karttunen, L.

Citations: 11

Year: 2019