Cara Lynne Schengrund | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Cara Lynne Schengrund | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Professor Emeritus at Penn State College of Medicine | United States

Prof. Cara Lynne Schengrund, Professor Emerita of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Penn State College of Medicine, is a renowned scientist whose career reflects a lifetime of impactful research and academic leadership. She completed her B.S. in Chemistry at Upsala College, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemistry at Seton Hall University, building a strong foundation in chemical and biochemical sciences. Her professional journey includes roles as a research associate at Columbia University and Penn State before progressing through faculty ranks to Professor and later Professor Emerita, where she also served in leadership roles such as Acting Department Chair and Chair of the University Faculty Senate. Prof. Cara Lynne Schengrund ’s research has focused on the biological role of glycosphingolipids and gangliosides, particularly their involvement in neuroblastomas, neural development, cholesterol metabolism, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and autism. Her laboratory pioneered the synthesis of multivalent oligosaccharide inhibitors that block pathogen interactions, with implications for combating cholera, HIV, and other infectious diseases. possesses advanced research skills in neurochemistry, glycobiology, and biochemical analysis, with demonstrated expertise in lipid raft biology, receptor-ligand interactions, and therapeutic target identification. Her scholarly impact is evidenced by 2,563 citations across 2,054 documents, 87 publications, and an h-index of 28, highlighting both the breadth and depth of her scientific contributions. Prof. Cara Lynne Schengrund has been honored with prestigious recognitions including the Distinguished Alumni Award from Upsala College and the YWCA Tribute to Women of Excellence, and she has been elected to leadership positions in professional societies while serving on NIH and VA scientific review committees. With an enduring commitment to mentoring and international collaboration, she continues to influence biomedical research, and her groundbreaking work in glycosphingolipids and neurobiology positions her as a leader whose contributions will continue to shape advances in medicine and science globally.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

  • Thompson, J. P., & Schengrund, C. L. (1997). Oligosaccharide-derivatized dendrimers: Inhibitors of the adherence of the cholera toxin B subunit and the heat labile enterotoxin of E. coli to GM1. Glycoconjugate Journal, 14(7), 837–845.

  • Kensinger, R. D., Yowler, B. C., Benesi, A. J., & Schengrund, C. L. (2004). Synthesis of novel, multivalent glycodendrimers as ligands for HIV-1 gp120. Bioconjugate Chemistry, 15(2), 349–358.

  • Petro, K. A., & Schengrund, C. L. (2009). Membrane raft disruption promotes axonogenesis in N2a neuroblastoma cells. Neurochemical Research, 34(1), 29–37.

  • Schengrund, C. L. (2015). Gangliosides: Glycosphingolipids essential for normal neural development and function. Trends in Biochemical Sciences, 40(7), 397–406. Schengrund, C. L. (2023). The yin and yang of ganglioside function in cancer. Cancers, 15(22), 5362.

Zikai Zhou | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zikai Zhou | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Ph.D at Inner Mongolia University | China

Dr. Zikai Zhou is a distinguished researcher in biochemistry and molecular biology, currently affiliated with Inner Mongolia University, with co-mentorship experience at the University of California, Davis, which has strengthened his international research exposure and collaborative network. His academic foundation includes advanced training in bioengineering and biochemistry, equipping him with a strong multidisciplinary approach to scientific challenges. Dr. Zikai Zhou’s professional experience reflects deep engagement with research in plant–pathogen interactions, soybean resistance to viral pathogens, molecular genetics, and plant stress tolerance mechanisms, areas that hold critical importance for global food security and sustainable agriculture. His research skills span molecular biology techniques, genetic engineering, biotechnology applications, and data analysis, allowing him to make significant contributions to understanding plant immunity and resistance pathways. He has authored impactful publications in reputed journals, including Plant Physiology and Plants which highlight his contributions to identifying resistance genes in soybean and exploring stress-responsive molecular mechanisms. These contributions are reflected in his growing academic recognition with 60 citations by 58 documents, 5 documents indexed, and an h-index of 4. His work demonstrates both depth and innovation, with practical applications for improving crop resilience under biotic and abiotic stresses. Though early in his career, Dr. Zikai Zhou’s trajectory suggests an exceptional potential for leadership in agricultural biotechnology and molecular biology research, supported by his international collaborations and strong publication record. His honors and achievements are evidenced by his impactful research outcomes rather than formal accolades alone, marking him as a promising researcher poised to contribute significantly to the scientific community. In conclusion, Dr. Zikai Zhou’s academic excellence, research productivity, and international outlook make him a deserving candidate for recognition, with strong future potential to drive advances in biochemistry, molecular biology, and global agricultural sustainability.

Profile : Scopus

Fuetured Publications:

  • Zhou, Z., Bao, Z., Miao, D., Zhou, Y., Niu, N., & Wuriyanghan, H. (2025). High basal expression and dual stress responsiveness of soybean (Glycine max) resistance gene SRC4. Plants, 14(18), 2820.

  • Yan, T., Zhou, Z. K., Wang, R., Bao, D. R., Li, S. S., Li, A. G., Yu, R., & Wuriyanghan, H. (2022). A cluster of atypical resistance genes in soybean confers broad-spectrum antiviral activity. Plant Physiology, 189(4), 1956–1970.

  • Zhou, Z., (2024). Development of an NLR-ID toolkit and identification of novel disease-resistance genes in soybean. Plants.

Abdul Bari | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Abdul Bari | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Young Scientist Award

Lecturer at Helmand University | Afghanistan 

Mr. Abdul Bari Hejran is a young scientist from Afghanistan with a strong academic foundation in genetics, molecular biology, and virology, actively contributing to research and teaching in these fields. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Helmand University and later pursued a Master’s degree in Virology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, where he specialized in phytovirology, viral pathogenesis, and systematic virology. His Master’s dissertation focused on the molecular epidemiology and interspecies transmission of Influenza D Virus in livestock and wild mammals, leading to the successful isolation of a novel viral strain in Kazakhstan, contributing important insights to One Health strategies and zoonotic disease prevention. Professionally, Mr. Abdul Bari Hejran has served as a lecturer at Helmand University, Arakozia Institute of Higher Education, and Bost Institute of Health Sciences, while also teaching English at Al-Azhar English Language Institute and guiding students in Kankor examination preparation. His research interests lie in viral infections, molecular epidemiology, zoonotic diseases, and public health, with plans to pursue doctoral studies focusing on viral pathogenesis and host–virus interactions. He is proficient in a wide range of research skills including RT-PCR, sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, metagenomics, and data analysis using R and SPSS, complemented by strong computer, programming, and bioinformatics expertise. He has published 35 academic and research articles, presented at international conferences, and contributed to public health research such as the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of hepatitis B. Among his awards and honors are certificates for outstanding academic performance, certifications in student-centered learning, renewable energy, and English language teaching from institutions like the British Council and the Ministry of Higher Education. In conclusion, Mr. Abdul Bari Hejran’s academic achievements, teaching experience, research contributions, and international collaborations highlight his potential as a future leader in molecular biology and virology, with the ability to contribute significantly to scientific advancement and global health research.

Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Hamidi, H., Hejran, A. B., Sarwari, A., & Edigeevna, S. G. (2024). The effect of outcome-based education on behavior of students. European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, 2(2), 764–773.

Alimyar, O., Nahiz, A., Monib, A. W., Baseer, A. Q., Hassand, M. H., Kakar, U. M., … Hejran, A. B. (2024). Coffea plant (caffeine): Examining its impact on physical and mental health. European Journal of Medical and Health Research, 2(2), 143–154.

Baseer, A. Q., Niazi, P., Monib, A. W., Hassand, M. H., Hejran, A. B., Sarwari, A., … (2024). Lifecycle transitions in plant development: Ripening, senescence, & cell death. Journal of Pharma Insights and Research, 2(2), 169–179.

Hejran, A. B., Ashrafi, H., Baseer, A. Q., Sarwari, A., Monib, A. W., Hassand, M. H., … (2024). The importance of hyaluronic acid in biological systems. European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, 2(2), 730–743.

Hejran, A. B., Alimyar, O., Afghan, R., & Niazi, P. (2024). Exploring the multifaceted role of viruses in sustaining biodiversity: Mechanisms, implications, and contributions to ecosystem stability. Scientia. Technology, Science and Society, 1(2), 35–49.