Sherin Devaskar | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Sherin Devaskar | Gene Regulation Epigenetics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sherin Devaskar | UCLA | United States

Dr. Sherin U. Devaskar is a Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics at UCLA and the Executive Director of the Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute. Renowned for her work in neonatology and developmental biology, Dr. Devaskar has committed her scientific career to unraveling how intrauterine environments influence neonatal and long-term offspring outcomes. Her research spans cellular, molecular, genetic, epigenetic, and physiological mechanisms, specifically focusing on placental biology and metabolic programming. As a leader in her field, she combines clinical excellence with groundbreaking research, translating findings into improvements in pediatric care. She has been recognized nationally for her academic contributions, holding memberships in elite institutions like the National Academy of Medicine. Dr. Devaskar’s research has had a significant impact on public health, particularly in understanding how early life exposures affect lifelong health trajectories. Her translational work bridges laboratory insights with population-based outcomes, making her a respected authority in developmental and environmental health research.

Publication Profiles: 

Scopus
Google Scholar

Education:

Dr. Sherin Devaskar began her medical training at Madras Medical College, India, where she earned her M.B.B.S./M.D. in Medicine. She pursued an Internship in Pediatrics (PL1) at the Institute of Child Health, Madras, completing. Seeking advanced clinical training, she moved to the United States and completed a Residency in Pediatrics (PL1 & PL2) at Wayne State Affiliated Hospitals, Detroit, MI. This strong foundation in both Indian and American medical systems gave her a global perspective in pediatrics. Over time, she augmented her clinical training with postdoctoral research and academic development, evolving into a globally recognized expert in neonatal and pediatric medicine. Her education laid the groundwork for a lifelong pursuit of excellence in child health and developmental research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across medicine, epidemiology, nutrition, and molecular biology.

Experience:

Dr. Devaskar has more than four decades of experience in pediatric medicine, specializing in neonatology and developmental biology. She currently holds the title of Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics at UCLA and serves as the Executive Director of both the Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute and the Neonatal Research Center. Throughout her career, she has bridged clinical practice with scientific inquiry, directing major NIH-funded projects and mentoring the next generation of physician-scientists. Her work spans bench-to-bedside research on maternal-fetal health, metabolic programming, and placental function. She has held leadership roles in various pediatric research networks and has served on advisory boards for national health agencies. Her professional experience is distinguished not just by volume but also by the interdisciplinary and translational nature of her work. Dr. Devaskar is also a committed educator, having trained countless medical students, residents, and fellows who now contribute meaningfully to pediatric research and care worldwide.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Sherin Devaskar’s pioneering contributions to pediatric medicine and research have earned her numerous prestigious awards. Most notably, she received the American Pediatric Society John Howland Award, the highest honor in academic pediatrics, recognizing her lifetime achievements in research, education, and leadership. She was honored with the Outstanding Scientific Accomplishments Award by the ATMA Association. Her election to the National Academy of Medicine further highlights her stature among the leading medical scientists in the world. These accolades reflect her sustained commitment to advancing pediatric health through rigorous science, innovation, and mentorship. In addition to these national honors, she is regularly invited to speak at international conferences, review NIH grants, and contribute to influential scientific panels. Her recognition underscores a career dedicated not only to scientific discovery but also to improving the lives of children globally through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Research Focus:

Dr. Devaskar’s research centers on the impact of intrauterine and early-life exposures on fetal and neonatal development, with an emphasis on placental biology, metabolic imprinting, and epigenetic regulation. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, environmental health, physiology, and neonatology, making her a leader in unraveling how prenatal environments shape long-term health outcomes. She has investigated the effects of air pollutants, nutritional mismatches, and oxidative stress on pregnancy outcomes and infant development. Her studies incorporate animal models, human cohorts, and placental tissue analyses to uncover biomarkers and molecular pathways that could be targeted for interventions. Notably, she explores placental resilience, especially under extreme stressors like COVID-19 or urban pollution. Dr. Devaskar’s work has direct translational relevance, offering insight into preventative strategies and therapeutic solutions for adverse pregnancy outcomes, pre-eclampsia, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Her research is frequently published in top-tier journals and is influential in shaping maternal-child health policies.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. Diet, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnancy: A Los Angeles pregnancy cohort

  2. Pediatric subspecialty workforce: what is needed to secure its vitality and survival?

  3. Does Amsterdam criteria applied to largely unsubmitted term placentas with favorable fetal outcomes show significant maternal clinicopathologic correlation?

  4. Exploring the long-term impacts of neonatal hypoglycemia to determine a safe threshold for glucose concentrations

  5. Hepatic and Pancreatic Cellular Response to Early Life Nutritional Mismatch

  6. Ambient exposure to fine particulate matter with oxidative potential affects oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnancy

  7. Placental Privilege: Evidence of organ resilience in severe COVID-19 in pregnancy

  8. Omega-3 reverses the metabolic and epigenetically regulated placental phenotype acquired from preconceptional and peri-conceptional exposure to air pollutants

  9. Urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites and their association with oxidative stress among pregnant women in Los Angeles

  10. Circulating extracellular vesicular microRNA signatures in early gestation show an association with subsequent clinical features of pre-eclampsia

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Sherin U. Devaskar is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a remarkable blend of research excellence, leadership, and clinical relevance. Her contributions to understanding fetal and placental programming, particularly in the context of environmental exposures and metabolic health, have advanced the field in both depth and scope. Her dedication to interdisciplinary methods and translational science positions her as a thought leader in pediatric and perinatal research. Although greater global engagement and public science dissemination could enhance the reach of her work, these are growth areas rather than gaps. The breadth of her expertise, combined with her history of academic leadership and award-winning research, make her not only deserving of this recognition but also a role model for future generations of physician-scientists. Recognizing Dr. Devaskar with this award would honor a career built on scientific rigor, innovation, and a lifelong commitment to improving child and maternal health worldwide.

Shuxin Han | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Shuxin Han | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shuxin Han | Xinjiang University | China

Dr. Shuxin Han is a distinguished molecular biologist and professor at Xinjiang University, widely recognized for his pioneering work in hepatobiliary and metabolic biology. With a research career spanning over two decades, Dr. Han has made major contributions to understanding how Kruppel-like factors, especially KLF15, regulate endobiotic and xenobiotic metabolism, impacting drug detoxification and metabolic disease mechanisms. He earned his Ph.D. from Kent State University and has held prestigious positions at Harvard Medical School and Case Western Reserve University. His groundbreaking studies have been published in high-impact journals like Nature Metabolism and Nature Communications, with several articles naming him as first or corresponding author. In addition to research, Dr. Han serves as a reviewer for top-tier journals in pharmacology, hepatology, and clinical science. He is also an academic leader, currently shaping the next generation of scientific talent and metabolic disease research in China.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Shuxin Han began his academic journey in Animal Sciences, earning a bachelor’s degree from Anhui Agricultural University (1994–1998). He advanced to a research assistant role at Peking University (1999–2000), where he deepened his scientific foundation. He then moved to the U.S. to pursue a Master’s in Biology at Temple University (2000–2003), followed by a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Kent State University (2004–2009), focusing on metabolic biology and gene regulation. This progression from general animal sciences to highly specialized molecular biology reflects a systematic and deep commitment to biomedical research. His strong academic preparation laid the foundation for a research career investigating how transcriptional regulators impact health and disease. Dr. Han’s training spans world-class institutions across both China and the United States, equipping him with diverse scientific perspectives and techniques.

Experience:

Dr. Shuxin Han has accumulated rich research and academic experience over nearly 30 years. His early career included a pivotal research assistant role at Peking University, followed by advanced training in biology and molecular biology at Temple and Kent State Universities. He completed prestigious postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School (2009–2012) and Case Western Reserve University (2012–2015), where he later became a Senior Research Associate (2015–2019). He returned to China in 2019 as a Researcher at the University of Science and Technology of China First Affiliated Hospital, simultaneously engaging in academic duties at the university until 2023. Currently, he serves as a Professor and Academic Leader at Xinjiang University. Throughout his career, Dr. Han has built strong international collaborations, led research groups, and guided innovative projects in metabolic biology, demonstrating his leadership, research excellence, and academic mentorship capabilities.

Research Focus:

Dr. Shuxin Han’s research centers on the molecular regulation of metabolism, particularly focusing on the hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal systems. His work has elucidated the critical role of the Kruppel-like factor (KLF) family, especially KLF15, in controlling endobiotic and xenobiotic metabolism (EXM). These pathways govern how the body metabolizes both internal compounds and external substances like drugs. Dr. Han’s studies have shown that KLF15 acts as a master regulator, influencing drug resistance, liver injury, and metabolic homeostasis. His discoveries offer new insight into personalized medicine and treatment for metabolic disorders and drug-related toxicities. With numerous first-author and corresponding-author publications in journals such as Nature Metabolism, Nature Communications, and Drug Metabolism and Disposition, his work has significantly impacted both fundamental science and clinical applications. He is also active in peer-reviewing for top-tier journals and is recognized for his leadership in translational research.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Unveiling KLF15 as the Key Regulator of Cyclosporine A Metabolism and Adverse Effects – Drug Metabolism and Disposition, 2025

  2. Distribution and Functional Significance of KLF15 in Mouse Cerebellum – Molecular Brain, 2025

  3. Personalized Statin Therapy: Targeting Metabolic Processes – Heliyon, 2025

  4. Current Status and New Directions for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Diagnosis – Liver Research, 2024

  5. KLF15-Cyp3a11 Axis Regulates Rifampicin-Induced Liver Injury – Drug Metabolism and Disposition, 2024

  6. Advancing Drug Delivery and Bioengineering in Liver Research – Bioengineering and Translational Medicine, 2024

  7. Advances in IL-7 Research on Tumor Therapy – Pharmaceuticals, 2024 (Co-author)

  8. Pathogenic Mechanisms in Alcoholic Liver Disease – Journal of Translational Medicine, 2023

  9. Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Effects on iPSC-Derived Cardiac Myocytes – Biomolecules, 2022

  10. Interactions Between Intestinal Flora and Bile Acids – International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022 (Corresponding author)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Shuxin Han is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His pioneering work on KLF15 and metabolic regulation has reshaped fundamental understanding in the field of hepatobiliary biology and pharmacology. His academic background, research productivity, international experience, and editorial service all reflect a well-rounded and impactful scientist. While there is room to increase clinical translation and international engagement, the depth, originality, and consistency of his research make him a strong contender for this recognition. Honoring Dr. Han with this award would acknowledge a career dedicated to scientific advancement with substantial implications for human health and drug therapy.

Nabil Alshurafa | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Nabil Alshurafa | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Nabil Alshurafa, Northwestern University, United States

Dr. Nabil Alshurafa is a tenured Associate Professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in the Department of Preventive Medicine. A recognized expert in wearable health technology and artificial intelligence, his work bridges computer science and preventive health. With a strong foundation in AI, embedded systems, and wireless health, Dr. Alshurafa is known for pioneering research that transforms how chronic conditions are monitored remotely. He has held prestigious fellowships, serves on influential editorial boards, and contributes actively to global conferences. Passionate about advancing digital health, his interdisciplinary approach fosters innovation in non-invasive health monitoring technologies. His body of work, including over 100 peer-reviewed publications and several with high citation metrics, has significantly shaped mobile and wearable health sensing technologies. Known for collaborative leadership and visionary research, he continues to inspire advancements in AI-driven healthcare.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research Focus:
    Dr. Alshurafa is a pioneer in AI-powered wearable health technologies, focusing on practical, non-invasive solutions for chronic disease management, nutrition monitoring, and human activity recognition.

  2. High-Impact Publications:
    His publications are well-cited, including several landmark works like “Deep learning in human activity recognition…” and “NeckSense…” that demonstrate translational value in digital health and mobile sensing.

  3. Prestigious Roles & Affiliations:
    Editorial roles with ACM IMWUT, IEEE, and Nature Digital Medicine, along with organizational roles in IEEE PerCom, underscore his peer recognition and leadership in the field.

  4. Award-Winning Work:
    His research has received Best Paper Awards and has been presented at highly selective conferences with acceptance rates as low as 10–25%.

  5. Interdisciplinary Impact:
    His work intersects computer science, biomedical engineering, and preventive medicine, which is critical in tackling modern healthcare challenges through integrated technology.

  6. Real-World Applications:
    Tools like WANDA, NeckSense, and smart bedsheets reflect direct applicability to patient care and wellness monitoring.

🔧 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Global Visibility:
    While his national recognition is strong, increasing presence in international healthcare policy and standards bodies could elevate his global influence.

  2. Cross-Sector Translation:
    Although academically impactful, more visible industry collaborations or commercial deployments (e.g., FDA-approved products or spin-offs) would enhance the translational credibility of his work.

  3. Public Engagement:
    Expanding outreach through public talks, tech-for-health summits, or popular science channels would help bring his innovations closer to everyday users and clinicians.

  4. Broader Health Diversity Applications:
    More research could be targeted toward underserved populations or global health settings, showcasing scalability and equity of the solutions.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Nabil Alshurafa began his academic journey at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 2003 with summa cum laude honors. He further pursued graduate education at UCLA, receiving his Master of Science in Computer Science in 2010 with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence. His graduate work laid the foundation for his future contributions in AI-powered healthcare. To gain applied research experience, he joined UCLA’s Wireless Health Institute from 2013 to 2015 as a Wireless Health Fellow. This multidisciplinary training equipped him with expertise in sensor technology, machine learning, and biomedical systems. The academic rigor and technological immersion at UCLA played a pivotal role in shaping his research direction—particularly in remote health monitoring and ubiquitous computing, which have become the hallmarks of his career.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Alshurafa’s career spans academia, research, and editorial leadership. Since 2022, he has served as a tenured Associate Professor at Northwestern University, where he leads innovative projects in wearable computing and health analytics. His prior fellowship at UCLA’s Wireless Health Institute (2013–2015) was instrumental in honing his applied skills in biomedical sensing and embedded AI systems. He has contributed to multiple high-impact research studies, demonstrating leadership in both collaborative and solo research environments. Beyond teaching and mentoring, Dr. Alshurafa plays a key role in global health informatics networks, serving on editorial boards such as ACM IMWUT, PLOS ONE, and Nature Digital Medicine. His industry engagement is evident from his organizational roles at IEEE PerCom, where he has served as Industry Track Chair and Sponsorship Chair. These roles reflect his commitment to bridging academia with real-world technological solutions in preventive and mobile health.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Alshurafa has been recognized for his academic excellence and leadership in health informatics. He is a member of ACM and has held key editorial positions in ACM Interactive, Mobile, Wearable, and Ubiquitous Computing (IMWUT). His roles with IEEE PerCom as Industry Track Chair (2018) and Sponsorship Chair (2019) highlight his prominence in mobile health computing communities. His research has been distinguished with honors such as Best Paper Award at the IEEE International Conference on Wearable and Implantable Body Sensor Networks (BSN). Additionally, several of his publications have been widely cited, underscoring his influence in the field. His editorial board memberships across journals like PLOS ONE, IEEE Biomedical Health Informatics, and Nature Digital Medicine showcase peer recognition of his expertise. Collectively, these accolades reflect a sustained and impactful contribution to health technologies and interdisciplinary research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Nabil Alshurafa’s research centers on AI-driven wearable technologies for remote health monitoring and behavioral health sensing. He focuses on building unobtrusive, sensor-based systems that can track physiological signals and behaviors such as eating, physical activity, and sleep in real-world environments. By integrating machine learning with low-power embedded systems, he develops scalable tools for chronic disease management, including heart failure and diabetes. His work leverages signal processing, stochastic modeling, and deep learning to transform raw sensor data into clinically actionable insights. A key contribution is his development of NeckSense, a multi-sensor necklace for detecting eating behaviors, and WANDA, an end-to-end health monitoring system. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, he also explores nutrition sensing, exergaming, and rehabilitation technologies. His ultimate goal is to enable proactive, personalized healthcare solutions that reduce the burden on patients and providers alike while enhancing wellness through smart, wearable ecosystems.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

  1. 🕷️ Artificial Spider: Eight-legged arachnid and autonomous learning of locomotion

  2. ❤️ WANDA: An end-to-end remote health monitoring and analytics system for heart failure patients

  3. 🔋 Opportunistic hierarchical classification for power optimization in wearable movement monitoring systems

  4. 🩺 Dynamic task optimization in remote diabetes monitoring systems

  5. 😴 Inconspicuous on-bed respiratory rate monitoring

  6. 🛏️ A dense pressure sensitive bedsheet design for unobtrusive sleep posture monitoring

  7. 👕 Improving accuracy in E-Textiles as a platform for pervasive sensing

  8. 🚶 Robust human intensity-varying activity recognition using Stochastic Approximation in wearable sensors

  9. 🏋️ On-bed monitoring for range of motion exercises with a pressure sensitive bedsheet

  10. 🎮 MET calculations from on-body accelerometers for exergaming movements

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Nabil Alshurafa stands out as an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work embodies the intersection of innovation, application, and societal benefit. He has demonstrated leadership in both research productivity and community contribution, with a track record that is not only prolific but also highly relevant to the future of preventive and digital healthcare. His pioneering systems in wearable health monitoring have the potential to transform how health is tracked and managed in real time, offering personalized insights and clinical utility.