Frédérique Pasquali | Microbial Cell Biology | Women Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Dr. Frédérique Pasquali | Microbial Cell Biology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Frédérique Pasquali | Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna | Italy

Dr. Frédérique Pasquali is a Junior Assistant Professor at the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna. She is an expert in microbial food safety and molecular microbiology, with a focus on the genetic and environmental dynamics of foodborne pathogens. Her research integrates metagenomics, antimicrobial resistance monitoring, and source attribution modeling to advance microbial traceability and public health surveillance. She has made notable contributions through high-impact publications and interdisciplinary collaborations with international institutions and organizations, including EFSA. Dr. Pasquali is known for her leadership within academic programs, particularly in food risk management, and her active involvement in European scientific panels. Her career reflects a commitment to scientific excellence and the promotion of food safety in both research and policy settings.

Publication profile:

scopus

 🌟Strengths for the Award :

  • Outstanding Research Portfolio: Dr. Pasquali has an impressive publication record in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Scientific Reports, and Frontiers in Microbiology, showcasing deep expertise in microbial genomics, antimicrobial resistance, and source attribution.

  • Relevance and Innovation: Her recent work on sewage metagenomics offers innovative tools for source-attributed surveillance—a timely and impactful contribution to public health and environmental monitoring.

  • Leadership & Academic Involvement: As a Vice-representative of a master’s program in food risk management, she demonstrates strong educational leadership. Her selection to the EFSA reserve list of experts further emphasizes her scientific authority at the European level.

  • Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Work: Active in international consortia and multidisciplinary studies, she bridges the gap between microbial science, risk management, and policy implementation.

  • Recognition & Achievements: Her best poster award at the 34th EAEVE conference and national habilitation for associate professor signify peer recognition and potential for academic advancement.

🔧Areas for Improvement :

  • Visibility as Principal Investigator: While she contributes significantly to consortium papers, increased PI-level leadership in grants and first/last authorships could further solidify her independence as a researcher.

  • Mentorship Documentation: While involved in education, more formal documentation or evidence of mentoring early-career researchers, especially women in STEM, would strengthen her nomination for a gender-focused award.

  • Policy Impact Metrics: While aligned with EFSA, showcasing more direct outcomes or influence on policy would highlight broader societal impacts of her work.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Pasquali earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology in March 2000 from the University of Bologna, where she continued her studies to complete a PhD in Molecular Microbiology in April 2005. Her doctoral work laid the foundation for her expertise in bacterial genomics and microbial ecology. Following her PhD, she pursued postdoctoral research in microbial foodborne traceability, finishing in September 2009. Her academic journey has been deeply rooted in the University of Bologna, one of Europe’s most historic institutions, where she developed a robust understanding of microbial interactions, food safety, and biotechnology. Throughout her education, she engaged in interdisciplinary work that combined microbiology, bioinformatics, and public health. Her academic credentials reflect a long-standing dedication to research and a commitment to solving real-world challenges in food microbiology and safety.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Pasquali currently serves as Junior Assistant Professor at the University of Bologna, where she plays a key role in teaching and research. Since 2025, she has been Vice-Representative of the Curriculum of Risk Management in the Master’s program in Food Safety and Food Risk Management. Her professional experience spans more than 20 years, including extensive work on microbial source attribution, antimicrobial resistance, and metagenomics. She has collaborated on several European-level research initiatives and actively contributes to EFSA panels and committees. Her previous roles include postdoctoral research in microbial traceability, contributing to national and international food safety surveillance strategies. Her work bridges science and policy, enabling data-driven decision-making in food safety. She also plays an active mentorship role, fostering the next generation of microbiologists. Her combination of teaching, research, and policy advisory experience positions her as a respected leader in her field.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Frédérique Pasquali has been recognized with multiple awards and honors throughout her career. In 2021, she received the Best Poster Award at the 34th European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) conference held at the University of Turin. In 2017, she obtained the National Scientific Qualification for Associate Professor (07/H2 – SSD MVET02/B) in Italy, marking her academic excellence and eligibility for advanced faculty positions. In 2023, she was listed in the EFSA/E/2023/01 reserve pool for experts eligible to serve on EFSA Scientific Panels and the Scientific Committee. As of 2024, she continues to serve on the EFSA reserve list, reinforcing her status as a recognized authority in food safety and risk analysis. These accolades reflect her continued dedication to high-quality research and public health protection through science-based risk management.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Pasquali’s research focuses on the microbial ecology and genomics of foodborne pathogens, with a special interest in antimicrobial resistance and microbial traceability. She utilizes metagenomic time-series analysis to distinguish environmental, human, and seasonal microbial profiles, aiding in accurate source attribution. Her work contributes to developing early-warning systems for foodborne outbreaks by integrating big data with network modeling. She is particularly interested in the genomic evolution of pathogens like Salmonella Typhimurium and Klebsiella, including their resistomes and persistence in food processing environments. Her contributions to One Health approaches link microbial data with public health and environmental surveillance. She actively collaborates with EFSA and international research teams to bridge gaps between research and policy, aiming to improve food safety, antimicrobial stewardship, and surveillance methodologies.

📚 Publication Titles Top Notes:

  1. 🧫 Time-series sewage metagenomics distinguishes seasonal, human-derived and environmental microbial communities potentially allowing source-attributed surveillance (Nat Commun, 2024)

  2. 🧬 Genomic features of Klebsiella isolates from artisanal ready-to-eat food production facilities (Sci Rep, 2023)

  3. 🐔 The resistome of commensal Escherichia coli isolated from broiler carcasses “produced without the use of antibiotics” (Poultry Science, 2022)

  4. 🦠 The spatiotemporal dynamics and microevolution events that favored the success of the highly clonal multidrug-resistant monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium circulating in Europe (Front Microbiol, 2021)

  5. 🕸 Network Approach to Source Attribution of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium and Its Monophasic Variant (Front Microbiol, 2020)

✅Conclusion :

Dr. Frédérique Pasquali is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her work is scientifically rigorous, socially relevant, and internationally recognized. She embodies the spirit of this award through her contributions to food safety, her role in shaping future professionals, and her presence in European scientific governance. With continued support and visibility, she is poised to make even greater contributions to science and public health.

 

Xiaoyan Wang | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Paper Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Ms. Xiaoyan Wang | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Paper Award

Ms. Xiaoyan Wang | Fudan University | China

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang is a dedicated cardiologist and postdoctoral fellow at Fudan University with a strong background in both clinical practice and cardiovascular research. With over a decade of academic training and medical experience, she has built expertise in ventricular remodeling, percutaneous coronary interventions, and immune responses in heart diseases. Under the mentorship of esteemed scholars such as Dr. Yunzeng Zou and Academician Yaling Han, she has published extensively in high-impact journals, reflecting her commitment to scientific advancement. Dr. Wang is currently a scholar in Harvard Medical School’s Global Clinical Scholars Research Training program and also serves as a section editor for the AME Clinical Trials Review. She actively contributes to academic communities, notably by organizing the “Excellent Academic Research Communication Club.” Her work bridges translational medicine and clinical application, aiming to improve cardiovascular patient outcomes through innovative, evidence-based approaches.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Academic Credentials: Dr. Wang has earned her PhD from the prestigious Fudan University and is currently in the Harvard Medical School’s Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program, signaling a top-tier academic and global research profile.

  2. Dual Research Strength in Basic and Clinical Sciences: She demonstrates an exceptional ability to bridge molecular mechanisms (e.g., immune pathways, cGAS-STING, miRNAs, circular RNAs) with clinical relevance (e.g., myocardial infarction prognosis, anemia impact in PCI), making her work highly translational.

  3. High-Impact Publications: First-author or co-first-author in peer-reviewed journals such as Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, Angiology, and Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, with publications tackling cutting-edge cardiovascular topics.

  4. Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Focus: Contributions across institutions and disciplines—partnering with bioinformaticians, clinicians, and molecular scientists—demonstrate strong collaboration skills.

  5. Recognition & Editorial Role: Multiple awards (CPSF Fellowship, Super Postdoc at Fudan) and an editorial position at AME Clinical Trials Review show leadership and peer acknowledgment.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. More First-Author Lead on Recent Papers: Although she holds strong co-first authorships and collaborative contributions, maintaining or increasing sole first-author outputs on impactful papers would further strengthen individual scholarly identity.

  2. Increased International Conference Visibility: While she has presented at JCS, continued or expanded visibility in global cardiovascular congresses (e.g., AHA, ESC, ACC) would enhance recognition.

  3. Grant Leadership: Future grant applications as a principal investigator (rather than team member) could affirm her leadership in project design and execution.

🎓 Education :

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang holds a Ph.D. from Fudan University’s Zhongshan Hospital (2016–2019), where she conducted fundamental research on ventricular remodeling under Dr. Yunzeng Zou’s mentorship, supported by prestigious national fellowships. She earned her Master’s degree from Dalian Medical University (2013–2016), focusing on clinical research in percutaneous coronary intervention, under Academician Yaling Han. Her academic foundation was laid with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from Fujian Medical University (2007–2012). Currently, she is advancing her research and clinical skills in the prestigious Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program at Harvard Medical School (2024–2025), blending in-person and online modules. Her multi-tiered education reflects a deep integration of basic science, translational medicine, and clinical practice in cardiovascular health, equipping her to lead high-impact research and patient care initiatives.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Wang is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Fudan University (since 09/2023), working under Prof. Yunzeng Zou. She is also the organizer of the Excellent Academic Research Communication Club, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue. From 07/2022 to 07/2023, she served as a cardiologist at Shanghai Jiaotong University’s Ruijin Hospital, and from 2019 to 2022, as a resident in internal medicine at Zhongshan Hospital. In 2024, she began contributing as a section editor for AME Clinical Trials Review, enhancing the quality and visibility of clinical trial research. Her experience spans clinical cardiology, postdoctoral research, editorial responsibilities, and academic leadership. These roles have solidified her ability to translate scientific knowledge into medical practice, particularly in the cardiovascular field.

🏆 Awards & Honors:

Dr. Wang has received numerous accolades recognizing her academic excellence and research impact. In 2023, she was awarded both the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (CPSF) and the prestigious Super Postdoctoral Fellowship of Fudan University, underscoring her leadership in postdoctoral research. Her communication and writing skills were acknowledged with the Third Prize in the 8th “Buchang Cup” Young Physician Essay Contest (2019). She also presented Late Breaking Cohort Studies at the Japanese Circulation Society (JCS) Annual Meeting 2019, reflecting international recognition of her scientific contributions. These honors reflect her potential as a rising leader in cardiovascular medicine and support her suitability for the Best Paper Award.

🔬 Research Focus :

Dr. Wang’s research focuses on cardiovascular disease mechanisms, particularly immune system regulation, ventricular remodeling, and the molecular basis of heart failure. Her Ph.D. and postdoctoral studies have addressed the cGAS-STING pathway, miRNA biomarkers, circular RNAs, and inflammation-related signaling in cardiovascular dysfunction. She has also explored clinical prognostic models, such as CHA2DS2-VASc scoring, and interventions including left atrial appendage occlusion and shock wave therapy for ischemic cardiomyopathy. Her dual interest in basic science and clinical outcomes allows her to design translational research that bridges laboratory findings and therapeutic advancements. With a strong publication record and ongoing involvement in global research training at Harvard Medical School, her work aims to inform precision medicine strategies in cardiology.

📚 Publication Titles Top Notes:

  1. 🧠 The immune system in cardiovascular diseases: from basic mechanisms to therapeutic implications

  2. 🔗 The connection of immune response and cGAS-STING pathway in cardiovascular disease

  3. 🐭 Left ventricular response in hypertrophy-to-failure transition: roles of Akt, β-arrestin-2, and CaMKII

  4. 💉 Circulating miRNAs in hypertension: diagnostic value and bioinformatics analysis

  5. 🧪 Galectin-3 inhibition improves endothelial progenitor function via autophagy suppression

  6. 🔄 Circular RNA in cardiovascular disease

📌 Conclusion:

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang is highly suitable for the Research for Best Paper Award. Her profile reflects a rare and valuable integration of basic cardiovascular science and clinical innovation, with high-impact, well-cited publications and ongoing international training. Her trajectory, marked by excellence, discipline, and collaborative leadership, meets and exceeds the criteria for this award.

An Dai Tran | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Mr. An Dai Tran | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. An Dai Tran, Walailak University, Vietnam

Dr. An Dai Tran is a dedicated medical doctor and emerging public health researcher from Vietnam, currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Walailak University, Thailand. He works at the CDC Dong Thap, focusing on vaccination programs and infectious disease control, including dengue fever, COVID-19, and measles. With several years of hands-on experience in clinical trials and epidemiological research, Dr. Tran has made significant contributions to community health. His published work on vaccination adherence among minority groups in Vietnam has had real-world impact on public health campaigns. Additionally, he has co-developed innovative tools for behavioral science and contributed to machine learning applications in mental health. Collaborating with global institutions such as the University of Queensland and the Pasteur Institute, Dr. Tran’s work reflects a commitment to translational research, public health equity, and data-driven health interventions. His profile is marked by scientific rigor, international collaboration, and service to underserved populations.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Interdisciplinary Research Excellence
    Dr. Tran’s research spans infectious diseases, vaccination behavior, and digital mental health—demonstrating versatility and innovation in addressing modern public health challenges.

  2. Practical and Policy-Relevant Impact
    His work on vaccination adherence in minority communities has real-world implications for national health policy and outreach programs, especially in underserved populations.

  3. Strong Clinical Trial Experience
    He has held critical roles in major vaccine trials (COVID-19 and hand-foot-mouth disease), showing competence in trial design, blinding, and coordination—essential for translational health research.

  4. Collaborative Global Network
    Dr. Tran has established collaborations with renowned institutions such as the University of Queensland and the Pasteur Institute, boosting the credibility and scalability of his research.

  5. Innovation in Mental Health Analytics
    His application of AI and machine learning to post-COVID mental health challenges shows forward-thinking research methodology with future potential.

  6. Published and Cited
    With publications in peer-reviewed journals like Jornal de Pediatria and Journal of Human, Earth, and Future, and a growing citation index, he is building a solid academic foundation.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Indexing and Citations
    While promising, most of his current publications are in emerging or interdisciplinary journals. Publishing in higher-impact, SCI-indexed journals could enhance academic visibility.

  2. Editorial and Peer Review Roles
    Taking on editorial appointments or peer-review duties would strengthen his professional profile and leadership in research.

  3. Mentorship and Teaching Contribution
    Engaging in formal mentorship or academic teaching roles would reflect his potential as a knowledge disseminator and academic influencer.

  4. Expanded Public Health Policy Impact
    Future work that integrates direct contributions to policy development or national programs would further validate his applied research strengths.

🎓 Education:

Dr. An Dai Tran holds a medical degree and is currently completing a Master’s in Public Health at the School of Public Health, Walailak University, Thailand. He was awarded a full scholarship for his postgraduate studies in recognition of his academic excellence and commitment to public health. His education bridges clinical medicine with population-level health sciences, equipping him with multidisciplinary expertise to tackle emerging global health challenges. At Walailak University, Dr. Tran has deepened his knowledge in epidemiology, biostatistics, global health policy, and digital health technologies. His academic training is complemented by a strong foundation in research methodology and ethics, allowing him to conduct high-impact studies and clinical trials. His exposure to both theoretical and practical facets of public health, along with mentorship from international experts, positions him as a future leader in healthcare innovation, with special focus on vaccine-preventable diseases and mental health research in Southeast Asia.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Tran brings valuable on-ground experience through his work at the CDC Dong Thap in Vietnam, where he has led and supported various national vaccination campaigns and infectious disease monitoring systems. He has been actively involved in both the operational and research aspects of public health interventions. His clinical trial roles include coordinating blinded and double-blinded studies on COVID-19 and hand-foot-mouth vaccines. Notably, he served as a research coordinator in large-scale, placebo-controlled trials with rigorous ethical and methodological frameworks. His consultancy record includes four projects in collaboration with governmental and academic institutions, such as the University of Queensland (E-Dengue Project) and the Pasteur Institute (Vietnam-based vaccine research). Dr. Tran’s experience spans public health research, disease surveillance, behavioral analysis, and machine learning for mental health prediction. His combined roles as physician, coordinator, and academic researcher highlight his versatility, responsibility, and drive for impactful health innovations that reach marginalized communities.

🧠 Research Focus:

Dr. Tran’s research lies at the intersection of infectious diseases, vaccination behavior, and digital mental health. His primary interest is understanding the behavioral and sociocultural factors affecting vaccine uptake, particularly among ethnic minority populations. His first-author publication on this topic has already contributed to improved regional strategies for vaccine delivery. Expanding into digital health, Dr. Tran has co-developed psychological assessment tools and applied machine learning to detect mental health issues in post-COVID patients. His work in computational psychiatry includes Reddit-based community sentiment analysis and comparative modeling for long COVID mental health prediction. By merging AI with public health, he aims to enhance early detection and intervention systems. His approach reflects a holistic vision—bridging clinical practice, community outreach, and technology—with a commitment to healthcare equity. Dr. Tran’s research is not only academically sound but also practically applicable, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for health and well-being.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Parental predictors of childhood vaccination adherence in border areas of Southern Vietnam – Jornal de Pediatria.

  2. 🏃‍♂️ Initial Construction of the Exercise Maintenance Motivation Scale: A Mixed Method Study – Journal of Human, Earth, and Future.

  3. 🤖 An Analysis of Machine Learning for Detecting Depression, Anxiety, and Stress of Recovered COVID-19 Patients – Journal of Human, Earth, and Future.

  4. 🧠 Exploring Mental Stress Expressions in Online Communities: A Subreddit Analysis – Journal of Human, Earth, and Future.

  5. 🧪 Mental health and long COVID status prediction among recovered COVID-19 patients: A comparison of machine learning methods – Journal of Human, Earth, and Future.

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. An Dai Tran is a highly promising early-career researcher whose interdisciplinary work in public health is both scientifically rigorous and socially impactful. His blend of clinical trial expertise, digital health innovation, and public health behavior research makes him an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While there is room to grow in areas like journal prestige and academic leadership, his current trajectory, achievements, and commitment to health equity clearly demonstrate award-worthy excellence.