Paola Leone | Neuronal Cell Biology | Pioneer Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Dr. Paola Leone | Neuronal Cell Biology | Pioneer Researcher Award

Rowan-Virtua SOM and Virtua Health College of Medicine and Life Sciences of Rowan University | United States

Dr. Paola Leone is a neuroscientist and cell biologist whose work focuses on pediatric white matter diseases, mechanisms of myelination, and gene/cell‐based therapies to repair white matter pathology. After completing a doctoral degree in Neuroscience at the University of Padua (Italy), she undertook a post‑doctoral fellowship in Behavioral Neurobiology at Concordia University, Montreal, where early work included studies on dopamine receptors and opioid interaction in reward pathways. Over subsequent decades, her research has expanded to include using viral vector models, evaluating gene expression in glial and neuronal interactions, and metabolic demands in neurological disease models such as Alzheimer’s and leukodystrophies. According to institutional metrics, her department (Cell Biology at Rowan University) shows ~6,735 citations and an h‑index of 44 across roughly 176 articles (plus reviews and other contributions). Roan University These figures reflect both leadership in publications and influence in the neuroscience/cell biology community. Her scholarly contributions have significantly advanced understanding of neuron‑glia energetics, genetic regulation of myelination, and translational strategies for repair in white matter disease.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

  • “Blockade of D1 receptors by SCH 23390 antagonizes morphine- and amphetamine-induced place preference conditioning”

  • “5HT3 receptor antagonists block morphine and nicotine- but not amphetamine-induced reward”

  • “SCH 23390 blocks drug-conditioned place preference and place-aversion: anhedonia (lack of reward) or apathy (lack of motivation) after dopamine-receptor blockade?”

  • “Morphine-dopamine interaction: ventral tegmental morphine increases nucleus accumbens dopamine release as measured by in vivo microdialysis”

  • “Intrahippocampal injection of a HSV-1 vector expressing GluR6 induces spontaneous limbic seizures and CA1 and CA3 hyperexcitability”

  • “Differential involvement of ventral tegmental Mu, Delta and Kappa opioid receptors in modulation of basal mesolimbic dopamine release: In vivo microdialysis studies”

  • “Ventral mesencephalic & opioid are involved in modulation of basal mesolimbic dopamine neurotransmission: an anatomical localization study”

  • “Striatal tissue preparation facilitates early sampling in microdialysis and reveals an index of neuronal damage”

  • “Mesolimbic dopamine neurotransmission is increased by administration of µ-opioid receptor antagonists”

  • “Direct measurement of extracellular lactate in the human hippocampus during spontaneous seizures”

Nives Jonjić | Cancer Cell Biology | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Dr. Nives Jonjić | Cancer Cell Biology | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Nives Jonjić | Department of Pathology and Citology, CHC Rijeka | Croatia

Prof. Nives Jonjić, MD, is a Full Professor Emeritus at the Department of General Pathology and Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Croatia. With a distinguished academic and clinical career spanning decades, Prof. Jonjić has made significant contributions to oncologic and molecular pathology. Her work focuses on understanding molecular markers in tumor progression and their diagnostic and prognostic relevance. As a prolific researcher and author, she has published extensively in high-impact international journals and collaborated with leading experts in pathology and oncology. Known for her diagnostic precision and dedication to academic mentorship, she has guided numerous medical students, residents, and doctoral candidates. Her legacy includes groundbreaking studies on biomarkers like Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 and rare pathologic entities. Prof. Jonjić’s leadership and scientific rigor make her a prominent figure in Croatian medical science and a respected name in international pathology circles.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Academic and Clinical Experience
    Prof. Nives Jonjić is a Full Professor Emeritus in pathology with decades of clinical, academic, and research experience, making her a veteran in her field.

  2. Strong Research Track Record

    • Multiple first and co-authored papers in peer-reviewed journals such as Current Issues in Molecular Biology, Pathology Research and Practice, and Clinical Pathology.

    • A clear focus on oncologic pathology, including biomarkers (e.g., Nectin-2 and Nectin-4), angiogenesis, lymphomas, and myelomas.

  3. Mentorship and Academic Leadership
    She has played a key role in mentoring junior scientists, guiding doctoral research, and shaping curriculum and teaching in pathology at the University of Rijeka.

  4. Work on Rare and Challenging Diagnoses
    Her research includes diagnostic dilemmas and rare malignancies, showing depth and clinical relevance, such as CD20-negative B-cell lymphomas and extranodal Hodgkin lymphomas.

  5. Contribution to Women in Science
    As a senior female figure in medicine, her position as a full professor and mentor has made her a role model in advancing women’s participation in scientific leadership roles.

📉 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader International Visibility
    While her research is of high quality, greater engagement in global collaborative projects, EU-funded consortia, or as a keynote speaker in international forums could enhance her visibility outside Croatia.

  2. Higher Citation Metrics and Impact Index
    Although several of her publications are impactful, a few are recent and not yet widely cited. Participation in meta-analyses or review articles might help amplify her citation footprint.

  3. Digital and Social Research Presence
    A more proactive presence on platforms like ResearchGate, ORCID, or Google Scholar and involvement in open-access science movements could increase accessibility to her work.

🎓 Education:

Prof. Nives Jonjić completed her Medical Degree (MD) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, where she also pursued her postgraduate education and specialization in pathology. Her academic excellence was evident early in her medical training, leading to her progression into research and teaching. She earned her doctoral degree (PhD) with a focus on tumor biology and pathology. Over the years, she attended various advanced courses and workshops in Europe related to histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and oncologic diagnostics. Her commitment to continuous learning kept her updated with evolving trends in cancer research and molecular pathology. Through rigorous training and international collaborations, she established herself as a scholar deeply engaged with both clinical and experimental pathology. Her educational path reflects a deep integration of medical knowledge, critical inquiry, and a lifelong dedication to academic excellence.

🧪 Professional Experience:

Prof. Nives Jonjić has over 35 years of experience in academic medicine and pathology. Beginning as a junior lecturer and advancing through roles of Associate Professor and Full Professor, she served at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, where she also led the Department of General Pathology and Pathological Anatomy. Her clinical practice included diagnostic histopathology with subspecialty interests in hematopathology, soft tissue tumors, and gynecologic oncology. She played a key role in curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and postgraduate training. As an expert pathologist, she consulted on complex diagnostic cases nationally and internationally. Beyond clinical and teaching roles, she has been a principal investigator and co-investigator in multiple research projects and has evaluated numerous PhD theses. Her rich experience spans clinical excellence, research leadership, and educational mentorship, making her a pillar in Croatian medical academia.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Prof. Nives Jonjić has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career for her contributions to medical research, education, and clinical pathology. Among her honors are institutional recognition for excellence in teaching from the University of Rijeka, national awards for research contributions, and commendations from Croatian medical societies. She has also been invited to deliver keynote lectures at international conferences and served as a peer reviewer for esteemed pathology journals. Her election as Full Professor Emeritus reflects the high regard in which she is held by her peers and institution. Prof. Jonjić has been actively involved in academic boards and ethical committees and received acknowledgments for advancing women’s leadership in medicine. Her work continues to inspire future generations of medical researchers and clinicians, and her accolades affirm her dedication to science, education, and healthcare.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Jonjić’s research primarily focuses on tumor pathology, with special emphasis on the expression and role of molecular biomarkers such as Nectin-2, Nectin-4, osteopontin, and NF-κB in cancer progression, diagnosis, and prognosis. Her studies span various malignancies including squamous cell carcinomas, glial tumors, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. She is also engaged in investigating rare and diagnostically challenging pathological conditions, contributing to more accurate clinical-pathologic correlations. Her recent research has emphasized angiogenesis, immune profiling, and the tumor microenvironment. She employs advanced histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques to support translational applications in pathology. Through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, her work bridges laboratory findings with clinical decision-making. Her research is widely cited, reflecting its importance in improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment stratification in oncology. Prof. Jonjić’s academic leadership and focus on innovative diagnostic markers make her a central figure in Croatian cancer research.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🗣️ Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is Characterized by a Stronger Expression of Nectin-4 Compared to Nectin-2

  2. 🧠 The Prognostic Significance of Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 Expression in Glial Tumors

  3. 💉 Anti-angiogenic Effect of Bortezomib Treatment in Multiple Myeloma Associated with Lower NF-κB and OPN Expression

  4. 🔬 Primary Nodal Unclassifiable CD20 Negative Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma With Dual IgK and TCR Gene Rearrangement

  5. 🦴 Angiogenesis and Osteopontin Expression in Paraskeletal Myeloma With Plasmablastic Morphology

  6. 🧪 Diagnostic Challenge of Soft Tissue Extranodal Hodgkin Lymphoma in Core-Needle Biopsy

  7. 💊 Lichen Planus Pigmentosus-like Reaction to Pirfenidone in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

  8. 🦷 Recurrent Adamantinoma With Fibrous Dysplasia-like Feature

  9. 💉 Adalimumab as a Risk Factor for Development of Melanocytic Lesions

  10. 🧬 Expression Profiles of Metallothionein-I/II and Megalin/LRP-2 in Uterine Cervical Lesions

🏁 Conclusion:

Prof. Nives Jonjić is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her scholarly contributions in pathology, especially tumor diagnostics and molecular markers, are significant and clinically relevant. Her work is anchored in academic integrity and mentorship, fostering the next generation of medical scientists. While global visibility could be enhanced, her regional impact, sustained productivity, and role as a senior academic make her a strong and deserving nominee.

 

Gonca Çelik | Developmental Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik | Developmental Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik , Karadeniz Technical University , Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik, born on April 18, 1984, is a distinguished academic with an extensive background in chemistry, particularly in organic chemistry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Teaching from Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in 2008. Later, she pursued a doctorate in Chemistry, specializing in Organic Chemistry, from KTU, completing her Ph.D. in 2017. With an h-index of 12, she has made significant contributions to scientific research, including 38 publications in SCI-Expanded indexed journals. Dr. Çelik is also recognized for her involvement in various research projects, particularly in enzyme inhibition, molecular docking studies, and the synthesis of bioactive compounds. Fluent in both Turkish and English, she actively collaborates internationally and has authored several impactful publications related to drug development and the synthesis of biologically active compounds, contributing to fields such as medicinal chemistry and biochemistry.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik is a highly accomplished researcher with a strong background in organic chemistry, particularly in drug development and biological evaluations. Her significant contributions to the field are reflected in her 38 publications in SCI-Expanded indexed journals. She has demonstrated expertise in synthesizing bioactive compounds, investigating their biological activities, and applying molecular modeling techniques, including molecular docking and ADMET studies. Her work on the synthesis of flavonol derivatives, which are potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2, underscores her impact on global health research. Dr. Çelik has also been an active participant in multiple national and international research projects, including Tubitak-funded projects, focusing on enzyme inhibition and molecular modeling for disease treatment. Her leadership in scientific research, combined with a solid academic background, positions her as a valuable contributor to scientific advancements.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Çelik’s research is impressive, there is room for greater visibility and dissemination of her findings to broader interdisciplinary audiences. Increased collaboration with researchers from other scientific fields, such as pharmacology and clinical medicine, could enhance the real-world application of her work, particularly in the development of drug therapies. Expanding her research focus to include more clinical trials or translational research could help bridge the gap between laboratory findings and practical medical applications. Additionally, increasing her involvement in scientific outreach or mentorship programs could further contribute to the development of the next generation of researchers in chemistry and pharmacology.

Education:

Dr. Gonca Çelik’s educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Teaching from Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in 2008. She then pursued postgraduate studies, enrolling directly in the doctoral program in Chemistry at KTU, where she specialized in Organic Chemistry, completing her Ph.D. in 2017. Her doctoral research focused on developing bioactive organic compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Dr. Çelik has also gained international exposure during her Master’s studies, spending time at Clausthal University of Technology in Germany in 2014, which broadened her academic perspective and research experience. Over the years, her educational background and research expertise have provided a solid foundation for her ongoing contributions to the field of organic chemistry, particularly in medicinal chemistry, enzyme inhibition, and molecular docking studies. This strong academic base supports her continued success as an academic and researcher in the field of chemistry.

Experience:

Dr. Gonca Çelik’s academic and professional journey spans over a decade. She began her career as a Research Assistant at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in 2010, where she worked until 2017. During her time at KTU, she contributed to several research projects in the field of chemistry, including organic synthesis and biological evaluation of compounds. Her academic work has led her to publish multiple papers in international and national journals. In 2014, she expanded her research horizons by spending time as a Master Student at Clausthal University of Technology in Germany, further strengthening her academic profile. Dr. Çelik has also been involved in various Tubitak and KTU-supported research projects, particularly focusing on enzyme inhibition, molecular docking, and bioactive compound synthesis. She has held roles in multiple projects, such as the synthesis of flavonol derivatives for drug development and the study of antimicrobial and anticancer properties of organic compounds.

Research Focus:

Dr. Gonca Çelik’s primary research interests lie in the field of organic chemistry, with a particular focus on bioactive compound synthesis, enzyme inhibition, and molecular docking studies. Her research aims to discover and develop novel organic molecules with potential therapeutic applications, especially in drug development for diseases such as COVID-19. She has worked extensively on synthesizing flavonol derivatives and other bioactive compounds, investigating their enzyme inhibition efficiencies and biological activities. Dr. Çelik’s work in molecular modeling and computational studies (e.g., ADMET and molecular docking) complements her experimental research, helping to predict the behavior of synthesized compounds at the molecular level. Her research has contributed to the development of potential inhibitors for viruses and other diseases, highlighting her interdisciplinary approach that bridges chemistry and pharmacology. She has been involved in several national and international projects, contributing to the scientific community through her publications and innovative research efforts.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies of Flavonol-3-O-β-D-glycoside as a Potential Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (3CLpro) in Drug Development for COVID-19 🧬💊
  2. Synthesis, structural, spectroscopic (NMR, FT-IR and UV–Vis), NLO, in silico (ADMET and molecular docking) and DFT investigations of a flavonol derivative 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-fluoro-3-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one 🧪🔬
  3. Antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiviral effects, and spectroscopic characterization of metabolites produced by fusarium oxysporum yp9b 🦠💉
  4. Biological activity, and volatile and phenolic compounds from five Lamiaceae species 🌱🧴
  5. Synthesis, spectroscopic, and photophysicochemical behavior of Zn(II) and Mg(II) phthalocyanine–chalcone conjugates ⚙️🧑‍🔬
  6. New chalcone-3-O-glycoside derivatives: Synthesis and characterization 🧪🔬
  7. Synthesis and characterization of some new pyrazolines and their inhibitory potencies against carbonic anhydrases 🧫💥

Conclusion:

Dr. Gonca Çelik’s academic achievements, extensive publication record, and leadership in research make her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her work has made substantial contributions to drug development, specifically in the context of COVID-19 treatment, enzyme inhibition, and molecular modeling. With a solid foundation in chemistry and a forward-looking approach to interdisciplinary research, she continues to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Enhancing her outreach efforts and fostering collaborations with clinical researchers will further amplify the impact of her work on global health. Therefore, Dr. Çelik’s research excellence, combined with her potential for future advancements, makes her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.