Susana Gonzalez | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Susana Gonzalez | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Susana Gonzalez | Clemente Estable Biological Research Institute | Uruguay

Dr. Susana González, born in Montevideo, Uruguay, is a distinguished conservation geneticist and biodiversity expert. With a career spanning over two decades, she has become a leading figure in South American deer conservation and taxonomy. Married with two children, Dr. González balances academic excellence with leadership roles in global conservation bodies. She currently works at the Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE) and serves as Chair of the Deer Specialist Group under the IUCN. A prolific author and academic, her research integrates molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, and conservation strategies. Through her extensive fieldwork and international collaborations, she has played a pivotal role in preserving endangered species such as the Pampas deer and marsh deer. Her leadership and dedication to ecological science have earned her recognition across the scientific community and prestigious awards such as the Whitley Award. She continues to inspire efforts in biodiversity preservation and sustainable wildlife management.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid
Scopus

Education:

Dr. Susana González received her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences PEDECIBA at the Universidad de la República Oriental del Uruguay. Her doctoral work laid the foundation for a career focused on conservation genetics, molecular biology, and wildlife ecology. During her studies, she developed expertise in genetic analysis techniques and population genetics, which she later applied to endangered mammalian species in South America. Her academic formation at Uruguay’s top research institutions was complemented by training and collaborative research abroad, particularly in conservation biology. Dr. González’s education has been pivotal in enabling her interdisciplinary work, which bridges zoology, evolutionary biology, and conservation science. Her commitment to lifelong learning is also evident in her continued engagement with global research networks and academic mentorship. She is also actively engaged in postdoctoral education through her affiliations with international academic platforms and scientific bodies such as the IUCN and Columbia University.

Experience:

Dr. González has over 25 years of experience in biodiversity conservation and molecular genetics. She has served as Chair of the IUCN Deer Specialist Group, leading global strategies for deer conservation. She was Adjunct Professor at Columbia University and the Universidad de la República, mentoring students and collaborating on conservation projects. At IIBCE in Montevideo, she leads impactful research in conservation genetics. Her work focuses on endangered species such as Ozotoceros bezoarticus (Pampas deer) and Blastocerus dichotomus (marsh deer), using advanced genetic tools for species identification, population monitoring, and evolutionary studies. Her leadership extends to national and international research collaborations and public policy advisory roles. She has participated in fieldwork across Uruguay and the Río de la Plata basin and is known for integrating non-invasive techniques into species monitoring. Her institutional collaborations and mentorship continue to shape wildlife conservation in Latin America.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Susana González has earned prestigious accolades for her scientific contributions. She received the Uruguayan Veterinary Medicine Committee Annual Award for her research on genetic diversity in captive populations. Her international recognition peaked when she was awarded the Whitley Award by the Garfield Weston Foundation, one of the most significant honors in conservation science, for her work on the Pampas deer. This award acknowledged her innovative use of molecular genetics to protect endangered species and highlighted her success in translating scientific research into conservation policy and public awareness. Additionally, her academic and professional reputation has earned her key roles in global conservation bodies such as the IUCN and several research grants. Through her international collaborations, Dr. González continues to be a voice for Latin American biodiversity on the global stage. Her accolades not only affirm her scientific excellence but also her enduring commitment to environmental stewardship.

Research Focus:

Dr. González’s research lies at the intersection of molecular genetics, conservation biology, and evolutionary ecology, with a specific focus on South American cervids. Her work is centered on species such as the Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus), marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), and various brocket deer species (Mazama spp.). She uses cutting-edge genetic tools—including non-invasive sampling, mitochondrial DNA analysis, and high-resolution melting techniques—to study phylogeography, species delimitation, and population structure. Her goal is to understand how genetic diversity, habitat fragmentation, and demographic changes impact endangered species. Dr. González’s research contributes directly to conservation policy, management plans, and the legal protection of species. As Chair of the IUCN Deer Specialist Group, she also works to align field research with global biodiversity frameworks. Her collaborations span multiple countries, integrating local knowledge with global expertise to support long-term conservation efforts and enhance the ecological resilience of Latin American ecosystems.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Conservation genetics of the endangered Pampas deer – Molecular Ecology

  2. Morphometric differentiation & new subspecies of Pampas deer – Journal of Mammalogy

  3. Latin American deer diversity & conservation – Ecoscience

  4. Phylogeography of endangered marsh deer – Conservation Genetics

  5. The Globalization of Conservation: A View from the South – Science

  6. Evolutionary history of South American deer – Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution

  7. Identification of Mazama bororo via non-invasive genetics – Molecular Ecology Resources

  8. Evolution of the red brocket deer complex – Cytogenetic and Genome Research

  9. Social patterns of the Neotropical Pampas deer – Springer Plus

  10. New primer set for mammal ID from feces – Conservation Genetic Resources

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Susana González’s research portfolio, global leadership, and dedication to the conservation of endangered species position her as a top-tier candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work represents an ideal combination of scientific innovation, field-based conservation, and policy relevance. She has significantly advanced knowledge on species delimitation, genetic diversity, and population dynamics of Neotropical deer, while influencing national and international conservation agendas. Her collaborations, recognition through prestigious awards, and long-standing academic roles underscore her commitment to excellence. While areas like digital outreach and interdisciplinary expansion present room for development, these do not detract from her remarkable impact. Awarding her this recognition would not only honor her individual achievements but also shine a spotlight on the vital importance of biodiversity conservation in South America. Dr. González exemplifies what the Best Researcher Award should represent: rigor, relevance, responsibility, and real-world impact.

Moara Lemos | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Moara Lemos | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Moara Lemos, UFRJ/CENABIO, Brazil

Dr. Moara Lemos is a Brazilian parasitologist and structural biologist known for her expertise in protozoology, especially focusing on trypanosomatids. Born in Carmo do Rio Claro, Brazil, she earned her PhD in Microbiology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Her work bridges advanced imaging technologies, such as cryo-electron tomography, with molecular parasitology, exploring host-parasite interactions in fish and amphibians. Currently based at Institut Pasteur and UFRJ, she leads cutting-edge projects in cellular ultrastructure, nanobiotechnology, and the molecular characterization of parasites. She has received multiple research scholarships and international recognition through high-impact publications and awards. A highly collaborative scientist, Dr. Lemos has contributed significantly to parasitology, cryo-microscopy, and biomedicine, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Expertise in Parasitology and Cell Biology

    • Specialized in protozoology, with deep research in Trypanosoma species affecting both aquatic vertebrates and humans.

    • Combines taxonomy, ultrastructure, phylogeny, and host-parasite interactions, contributing significantly to neglected areas in parasitology.

  2. Cutting-edge Methodological Proficiency

    • Strong command over electron microscopy, including cryo-electron tomography, FIB-SEM, and correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM).

    • Her techniques are pivotal in advancing the 3D visualization of cellular and viral structures, which is particularly impactful in infectious disease research.

  3. Translational Research Impact

    • Active participation in COVID-19-related structural virology, aiming to guide vaccine and therapeutic development.

    • Current projects focus on flagellar biogenesis, nanobiomaterials, and telepathology, integrating basic science with clinical relevance.

  4. Collaborative and International Research Network

    • Collaboration with prestigious institutions such as the Institut Pasteur, João Lobo Antunes Institute, EMBO, and CBPF.

    • Involved in multidisciplinary teams with researchers like Dorit Hanein and Philippe Bastin, increasing the credibility and reach of her research.

  5. Recognized Scientific Output

    • Publications in high-impact journals like Nature Communications, Journal of Cell Biology, *

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

While her qualifications are substantial, a few areas could further elevate her candidacy:

  1. Greater Independent Leadership on High-Profile Projects

    • While she is a co-author on several collaborative works, leading more first-author or corresponding-author publications in top-tier journals would further establish her scientific independence.

  2. Increased Outreach or Policy Engagement

    • Expanding her influence beyond academic research—e.g., contributing to national or international policy on parasitic diseases, public health, or biodiversity conservation—could broaden impact.

  3. Clearer Documentation of Teaching/Mentorship Impact

    • While the CV lists student supervision (MSc, PhD), a dedicated summary on mentorship outcomes (e.g., students’ careers, theses supervised) would strengthen the case.

  4. Visibility in International Conferences as Speaker

    • More keynote/plenary presentations or chairing roles at major international meetings would reinforce her leadership in the field.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Lemos holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), where she also completed a Master’s degree in Zoology. She earned her PhD in Science (Microbiology) from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), with a dissertation on the taxonomy and host-parasite interactions of trypanosomes in Brazilian fish. Her postgraduate journey continued with multiple postdoctoral fellowships at institutions like the Institut Pasteur (France), CBPF (Brazil), and UFRJ, specializing in parasitology, biotechnology, and cryo-electron microscopy. She also pursued extensive complementary training in microscopy, cryo-ET, and molecular biology through EMBO and SBMM courses. Her education reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation combining zoology, microbiology, biotechnology, and imaging technologies—crucial for investigating infectious diseases at a cellular and molecular level.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Lemos holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), where she also completed a Master’s degree in Zoology. She earned her PhD in Science (Microbiology) from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), with a dissertation on the taxonomy and host-parasite interactions of trypanosomes in Brazilian fish. Her postgraduate journey continued with multiple postdoctoral fellowships at institutions like the Institut Pasteur (France), CBPF (Brazil), and UFRJ, specializing in parasitology, biotechnology, and cryo-electron microscopy. She also pursued extensive complementary training in microscopy, cryo-ET, and molecular biology through EMBO and SBMM courses. Her education reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation combining zoology, microbiology, biotechnology, and imaging technologies—crucial for investigating infectious diseases at a cellular and molecular level.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Moara Lemos has received numerous accolades throughout her career. She won the Best Poster Presentation at the Institut Pasteur and the VIII International Symposium of Fish Parasites, along with the Best Oral Presentation Award at Sembio 2007. She was also recognized at the IV Annual Meeting of the National Institute of Science and Technology in Structural Biology and Bioimaging (INBEB). She has been a scholarship holder from multiple funding bodies, including CNPq, CAPES, FAPERJ, and FAPEMIG, for her postgraduate and postdoctoral research. In addition, she contributed to groundbreaking studies published in Nature Communications, Journal of Cell Biology, and American Journal of Human Genetics, earning visibility in high-impact journals. These honors highlight her impactful contributions to biomedical research, particularly in parasitology and cryo-structural biology.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Lemos focuses on parasitic protozoa, especially trypanosomes, examining their ultrastructure, taxonomy, host-parasite dynamics, and intraflagellar transport mechanisms. She employs advanced imaging technologies, including cryo-electron tomography, to study the 3D cellular architecture of infectious organisms like Trypanosoma cruzi. Her research expands to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, developing cryo-microscopy workflows to analyze virus-antibody interactions. She also explores nanobiomaterials’ interactions with eukaryotic cells, combining cell biology, structural biology, and electron microscopy. Current projects include implementing telemicroscopy in Brazil’s public health system (SUS) and developing AI tools for pathology imaging. Her goal is not only to advance scientific knowledge but also to translate findings into public health and ecological conservation strategies. Dr. Lemos’ integrative and technological approach to biology makes her research highly innovative and socially relevant.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📘 Advances, challenges, and applications of cryo‐electron tomography workflows for three‐dimensional cellular imaging of infectious pathogens – Journal of Microscopy (2025)

  2. 🧪 Novel ACE2 nanoparticles universally block SARS-CoV-2 variants in the human respiratory tract – bioRxiv (2022)

  3. 🔬 Morphological control enables nanometer-scale dissection of cell-cell signaling complexes – Nature Communications (2022)

  4. 🧬 Timing and original features of flagellum assembly in trypanosomes during development in the tsetse fly – Parasites & Vectors (2020)

  5. 🐸 Caracterização morfológica e morfométrica dos tripanossomas de anuros do Centro-Oeste brasileiro – Revista Brasileira de Zoociências (2019)

  6. 🧫 Biallelic Mutations in LRRC56…Cause Mucociliary Clearance and Laterality Defects – American Journal of Human Genetics (2018)

  7. 🧭 Bidirectional intraflagellar transport is restricted to two sets of microtubule doublets in the trypanosome flagellum – Journal of Cell Biology (2018)

  8. 📗 Contribuição ao estudo da biologia dos Tripanossomas de Anuros neotropicais – Thesis, UFJF (2017)

🏁 Conclusion: 

Dr. Moara Lemos demonstrates a rare combination of technical excellence, innovative research, international collaboration, and consistent productivity in fields that have both scientific importance and global health relevance. Her research in trypanosome biology, electron microscopy, and pathogen-cell interaction is critical for both basic science and applied biomedical research.