Drosos Kourounis | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Mr. Drosos Kourounis | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Drosos Kourounis | Hellenic Pasteur Institute| Greece

Drosos Kourounis is a seasoned biomedical scientist based at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece. With a strong foundation in molecular biology, his career has spanned from research on parasitic protozoa to developing air purification technologies for public health. His journey began with a BSc and MSc in Biology from the University of Athens, focusing on Leishmania molecular mechanisms. He progressively transitioned into applied research and pharmaceutical quality control, currently serving as the QA/QC Manager at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute. Alongside his scientific duties, he has actively participated in several national seminars and certifications in ISO standards and laboratory quality systems. His contributions to publications, including work on UV-C air disinfection and pathogen bioaerosols, show his commitment to translational science and public health safety. Kourounis’s multidisciplinary skills, research impact, and quality-driven mindset make him a standout figure in the field of biomedical research.

Publication Profile:

Ocrid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Diverse Research Portfolio: Dr. Kourounis combines basic molecular biology research (e.g., Leishmania donovani protein characterization) with applied public health innovations, such as UVC air filtration devices.

  2. Peer-Reviewed Publications: Multiple first- and co-author publications in reputable journals like International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Clinical Research and Reviews highlight his consistent research productivity.

  3. Quality & Regulatory Expertise: His role as QA/QC Manager and extensive ISO training show strong competence in scientific quality assurance, a rare but highly valuable skill in biomedical research.

  4. Public Health Impact: His work on airborne microbial bioaerosols reduction is highly relevant to healthcare, particularly in post-pandemic times.

  5. Academic Excellence: Achieved a 10/10 thesis grade for MSc research and has shown continued academic engagement and scientific rigor.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. More International Collaborations: While his current network is strong locally, expanding his collaborations globally would increase visibility and cross-disciplinary impact.

  2. Greater Research Specialization: A more narrowly defined focus could strengthen academic identity and make his profile stand out further among specialized researchers.

  3. Funding and Grants: No mention of securing independent grants or fellowships, which are key indicators of research independence and innovation leadership.

🎓 Education:

Drosos Kourounis holds both a Bachelor of Science (2013) and Master of Science (2017) in Biology from the University of Athens, Greece. His MSc focused on molecular parasitology, specifically the cloning and characterization of a secreted nexin-like protein from Leishmania donovani, which earned him a perfect thesis score (10/10). Complementing his formal education, Kourounis has pursued multiple professional certifications in laboratory quality systems, including ISO 17025 and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation seminars, conducted by institutions like TUV HELLAS and HellasLab. In 2021, he also completed certified training in laboratory animal science at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, showing his commitment to ethical and regulatory compliance in biomedical research. His training portfolio demonstrates a keen interest in continuous education and the application of scientific standards in both academic and industrial environments. His educational journey reflects a balance between foundational science and regulatory excellence.

💼 Experience:

Drosos Kourounis has over 7 years of cumulative experience in biomedical research and quality control. He is currently the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Manager at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute (since January 2023), where he oversees pharmaceutical QC processes. Previously, he served as Senior QC Analyst (2022) and QC Analyst (2019–2021) at the same institution. His earlier roles include Scientific Collaborator at MEGALAB S.A. and Research Assistant at the Intracellular Parasitism group in the Hellenic Pasteur Institute. During his research tenure, he contributed to molecular studies on Leishmania donovani and the development of innovative air disinfection systems. He is recognized for his dual role as a scientist and regulatory professional, combining rigorous lab work with compliance to ISO standards. His professional trajectory showcases a steady progression toward leadership in quality control, along with consistent scientific contributions to public health and infectious disease research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Drosos Kourounis’s research lies at the intersection of molecular parasitology, bioaerosol control, and public health technology. His academic work began with the cloning and analysis of Leishmania donovani proteins, contributing to the understanding of host-parasite interactions. Transitioning from pure biology, his focus expanded to the development of innovative air disinfection technologies, including UV-C integrated filtration systems aimed at mitigating microbial exposure in clinical and public environments. This shift highlights a commitment to translational research that addresses real-world problems, such as hospital-acquired infections and airborne pathogen control. His contributions are evident in publications across molecular sciences and applied electromagnetics. Moreover, he incorporates quality assurance principles into his scientific work, ensuring research reproducibility and compliance with international standards.

📚 Publication Top Notes: 

  • 🧬 Cloning and molecular characterization of the secreted nexin-like protein LdPIBPnex, from the protozoon Leishmania donovani

  • 🌬️ Substantial Reduction of Airborne Microbial Bioaerosols by Using a Novel Combination of Air Filtration and UV Irradiation Technology in Areas of Public Interest

  • 🧫 Characterization of the First Secreted Sorting Nexin Identified in the Leishmania Protists

  • 🏥 A Study on the Reduction of Airborne Microbial Bioaerosols at Indoor Air of Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit by Using Novel Air Filtration and UV Irradiation Technology

  • 😷 Design and Analysis of a Protecting Breathing Device (VITER) Disinfecting Air with an Integrated UVC Radiation Mechanism

 

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Drosos Kourounis demonstrates exceptional dedication to biomedical research, quality assurance, and innovation in public health safety. His dual focus on molecular parasitology and technological solutions for microbial air control showcases both scientific depth and societal impact. With a growing publication record and leadership role in a premier research institute, he is well-positioned for recognition. Enhancing global visibility and grant acquisition could elevate his profile further. Overall, he is highly suitable and deserving of serious consideration for the Best Researcher Award.

Dana Hassouneh | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Dana Hassouneh | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dana Hassouneh , King Hussein Cancer Center , Jordan

Dana Hassouneh is a dedicated Clinical Pharmacist from Amman, Jordan, with extensive experience working in hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies. Passionate about patient-centered care, Dana is committed to enhancing medication therapies while continuously expanding her medical knowledge. Dana’s professional expertise includes inpatient pharmacy, chemotherapy, patient counseling, and drug interactions. As a co-investigator in research, she is also deeply involved in improving healthcare outcomes, particularly in oncology. Dana’s strong communication, organizational, and counseling skills have made her a valuable asset in the healthcare field. She is an advocate for educating patients and healthcare professionals to ensure proper medication use and adherence to prescribed therapies.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award 💪

Dana Hassouneh exhibits a strong commitment to patient-centered care and advanced research in the field of clinical pharmacy, particularly in oncology and infectious diseases. Her contributions as a co-investigator in high-impact research, such as the study on microbiological profiles and resistance patterns in pediatric cancer patients, reflect her deep analytical skills and her dedication to improving patient outcomes. Dana’s ability to bridge the gap between clinical practice and research is a standout feature, making her an invaluable asset to the medical community. Her research at the King Hussein Cancer Center, which includes investigating community-acquired pneumonia in cancer patients, demonstrates her ability to approach complex medical problems with a scientific mindset and her willingness to engage in meaningful work to advance healthcare.

Areas for Improvements 🌱

While Dana’s expertise is remarkable, there is always room to expand her research focus and broaden her collaborative network. Increasing her involvement in multi-center, international research collaborations could offer her exposure to a wider variety of data and perspectives, further strengthening her research abilities. Moreover, refining advanced statistical analysis skills and gaining additional training in emerging research methodologies could contribute to more robust and innovative findings. Dana could also consider focusing on improving interdisciplinary collaborations, especially between clinical pharmacy, microbiology, and oncology to enhance her ability to address multifaceted medical challenges.

Education 🎓

Dana graduated from the University of Jordan with a Clinical Pharmacist degree in 2021, achieving an impressive 3.69/4 GPA. Prior to this, she completed her IGCSE studies at Global International School, where she earned a remarkable score of 97.6/100. Throughout her academic journey, Dana has demonstrated exceptional skills in pharmacology and therapeutic practices, laying the foundation for her successful career as a clinical pharmacist. Her education has enabled her to integrate evidence-based medicine into her practice while developing the skills necessary for medication therapy management and patient education. Dana’s academic excellence continues to influence her ongoing professional growth, furthering her ability to contribute to the medical field and improve patient outcomes.

Experience 💼

Dana’s career began at Luqman Al-Hakeem Pharmacy, where she gained valuable patient interaction skills while dispensing medications and offering counseling. Later, as a clinical pharmacist at the King Hussein Cancer Center, Dana worked both in inpatient and chemotherapy pharmacies, ensuring safe medication therapy for cancer patients. Her role involved educating healthcare professionals about drug interactions and alternative therapies. Dana’s research experience as a co-investigator has also been significant, analyzing patient outcomes for those with community-acquired pneumonia. She has also trained at various healthcare settings such as Jordan University Hospital and Jordanian Royal Medical Services, enhancing her knowledge of patient medication management and adherence. This diverse experience has honed Dana’s clinical expertise and strengthened her passion for improving patient care and outcomes.

Research Focus 🔬

Dana’s research primarily focuses on improving patient outcomes through medication therapy management and investigating disease-specific therapies. Her recent work as a co-investigator at King Hussein Cancer Center involves studying the characteristics and outcomes of patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Dana is deeply engaged in the process of manuscript writing and data analysis, with a focus on oncology and infectious diseases. She has also contributed to research regarding microbiological profiles and resistance patterns in pediatric cancer patients. Her research aims to provide evidence-based solutions that can enhance treatment protocols, reduce medication errors, and optimize healthcare delivery for cancer patients. Dana’s work contributes to bridging the gap between clinical practice and research, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care based on up-to-date scientific evidence.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Microbiological Profiles and Resistance Patterns in Pediatrics With Cancer: An 8‐Year Study at a Comprehensive Cancer Center in Jordan – Cancer Reports (2025-03)

Conclusion 🎯

Dana Hassouneh’s blend of clinical practice and research expertise makes her an excellent candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her strengths in patient education, counseling, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams position her as an emerging leader in the field. As she continues to develop her research focus and expands her skill set, Dana is poised to contribute significantly to advancements in clinical pharmacy and oncology research. Her passion, diligence, and commitment to improving patient care are undeniable, making her a valuable asset to the healthcare field.