Eman El-Wakil | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eman El-Wakil | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eman El-Wakil , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Egypt

Dr. Eman Sayed Shabrawy El-Wakil is an Associate Professor and Consultant of Medical Parasitology at the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Egypt. Born on November 21, 1985, she has been deeply engaged in research and diagnostics of parasitic diseases, particularly focusing on molecular characterization, novel therapeutics, and gut microbiota-parasite interaction. With multiple peer-reviewed publications, she contributes to advancing parasitological science both in Egypt and internationally. She earned her M.D. in Medical Parasitology from Cairo University, and her scholarly reputation is supported by memberships and indexed profiles on ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ORCID. Dr. El-Wakil’s work has received notable accolades, including the prestigious TBRI award for the best doctoral research. She is also a reviewer for multiple journals and collaborates on multidisciplinary research tackling emerging parasitic threats. Her vision integrates research, education, and public health improvement through evidence-based parasitology.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Eman Sayed Shabrawy El-Wakil stands out as a prominent figure in Medical Parasitology, with an impressive track record in research, publication, and applied therapeutics. Her strengths include:

  • Robust Research Output: With over 12 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals between 2023–2025, her work addresses critical parasitic diseases like Cryptosporidiosis, Trichinellosis, Toxoplasmosis, and Entamoeba infections.

  • Innovative Methodologies: She has pioneered green synthesis, nanoparticle-based therapies, in silico modeling, and immunomodulatory strategies, showcasing her multidimensional expertise.

  • Academic Leadership: As an Associate Professor and Consultant at TBRI, she contributes to teaching, mentoring, and national public health research priorities.

  • International Recognition: Indexed in Scopus, Google Scholar, ORCID, and Web of Science, and recipient of the TBRI Award for the best doctoral research in 2021.

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engaged in research across nanomedicine, pharmacology, microbiota-parasite interactions, and immunotherapy.

🔍 Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. El-Wakil’s profile is distinguished, some areas can be enhanced to strengthen her global impact:

  • Increased Global Engagement: Participation in more international collaborative projects, conferences, and consortia would amplify the reach of her research.

  • Grant Acquisition: Pursuing competitive research funding (e.g., WHO, NIH, EU Horizon) would facilitate larger-scale studies and clinical applications.

  • Patents and Translational Outputs: Exploring patenting opportunities for her innovative therapeutic agents could position her as a translational research leader.

🎓 Education:

Dr. El-Wakil earned her Master’s (M.Sc.) in Medical Parasitology with Excellent distinction in May 2015, and her Doctorate (M.D.) in Medical Parasitology in May 2018 from the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. Her educational path is marked by excellence in theoretical and applied parasitology, encompassing key disciplines like Molecular Parasitology, Immunology, and Medical Parasitology. Her M.D. thesis, titled “Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Free-Living Amoebae from Water Sources in Egypt”, reflected her early interest in environmental parasitology and public health. The academic structure of her doctoral program integrated critical courses in host-parasite interactions and advanced diagnostic techniques, equipping her with both field and laboratory expertise. Her education established a strong foundation for a career defined by innovation, critical thinking, and translational research in parasitic diseases.

💼 Experience:

Currently serving as an Associate Professor and Consultant at TBRI’s Parasitology Department, Dr. El-Wakil brings over a decade of expertise in diagnostics, molecular biology, and experimental parasitology. She operates within the Immunology and Drug Evaluation Division, where she contributes to therapeutic investigations and drug repurposing studies targeting helminths and protozoa. Her consultancy role extends to research mentorship, scientific reviews, and diagnostic innovations for parasitic infections in Egypt. She also works closely with governmental and academic institutions under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Her leadership roles in various inter-institutional projects have propelled the institute’s visibility in parasitology. She also manages collaborations involving nanotechnology, bioinformatics, and herbal medicine as potential parasitic treatments. Dr. El-Wakil exemplifies a blend of academic rigor and applied science, aligning her role with national health priorities and global research trends.

🏅 Honors and Awards:

Dr. El-Wakil was honored with the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute Award in 2021 for the best research derived from a doctoral dissertation—an acknowledgment of her innovation in parasitological research. This award recognized her pioneering work on free-living amoebae and her methodological precision. In addition to institutional awards, her research has been showcased in multiple open-access international journals, and she frequently receives commendations for excellence in experimental design and publication impact. Her work on novel anti-parasitic agents and immunotherapeutic approaches has attracted attention in scientific forums. She has also contributed to multi-author reviews on global health topics such as SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, highlighting her versatility as a researcher. Her awards reflect both her depth of knowledge and the real-world applicability of her research in enhancing public health outcomes.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. El-Wakil’s research concentrates on the epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies for parasitic infections. Her work integrates natural product pharmacology, nanotechnology-based delivery systems, and immune modulation therapies. Her investigations cover a broad spectrum of parasites, from protozoa like Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba, to helminths such as Trichinella spiralis. Recent research includes green synthesis of nanoparticles, bioinformatics-based molecular docking, and gut microbiota-parasite interactions. A recurring theme in her research is the repurposing of existing drugs for parasitic treatment, evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. She also explores the interplay between host immunity and parasitic infection using molecular signaling pathways such as P2X7 receptors. Her focus on translational parasitology bridges basic research and therapeutic innovation, providing insights into both endemic and emerging infections in Egypt and beyond.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🍊 Green Synthesis of Chitosan/Silver Nanoparticles Using Citrus paradisi Extract and Its Potential Anti-Cryptosporidiosis Effect

  2. 🧬 Microbiota-Parasite Interaction: Implication of Secretory Immunoglobulin A and P2X7 Receptor Signaling

  3. 🌿 Repurposing Drugs to Treat Trichinellosis: In Vitro Analysis of Nifedipine and Chrysanthemum coronarium Extract

  4. 🧪 Prevalence and Molecular Identification of Entamoeba Species Complex in Egyptians

  5. 📊 Mapping Gut Parasitism Patterns in a Cohort of Egyptians

  6. 🍃 Annona Muricata Leaf as an Anti-Cryptosporidial Agent: In Silico and In Vivo Study

  7. 🌼 Prophylactic and Therapeutic Effects of Kaempferol on Experimental Trichinella Spiralis

  8. 💊 Surfactant Vesicles for Enhanced Antitoxoplasmic Effect of Norfloxacin

  9. 🧾 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines from A to Z: A Review of the Current Challenges

  10. 💉 Albendazole and Berberine Nanoparticles in Experimental Trichinellosis

  11. 🌿 Therapeutic Efficacy of Silymarin on Intestinal and Muscular Phases of Trichinellosis

  12. 🧫 Trichinella spiralis Antigens for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Immunotherapeutic and Prophylactic Potential

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Eman S. El-Wakil demonstrates excellence in research productivity, scientific innovation, and professional engagement. Her contributions to parasitology—especially in the field of therapeutic innovation using natural compounds and nanoparticles—mark her as an emerging leader in her field. Given her academic rigor, publication record, and commitment to tackling parasitic diseases of global health concern, she is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Sabarinath Neerukonda | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sabarinath Neerukonda | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sabarinath Neerukonda , US Food and Drug Administration , United States

Dr. Sabarinath Neerukonda is a Staff Scientist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, specializing in viral immunology and microbiology. He earned his Ph.D. in Viral Immunology from the University of Delaware in 2018 and has since contributed significantly to the study of viral pathogens, particularly influenza and coronaviruses. His work has been pivotal in developing experimental reagents and tools for studying viral entry mechanisms, immune responses, and vaccine efficacy. His innovative approaches have played a vital role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to high-throughput screening for antibodies and entry inhibitors. Dr. Neerukonda is actively engaged in research on tick-borne infectious diseases, continuing to push the boundaries of viral immunology with significant global impact. He is recognized for his expertise in viral entry, immune evasion, and host-pathogen interactions.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Sabarinath Neerukonda demonstrates exceptional expertise in viral immunology, microbiology, and cell biology. His innovative work on developing cell lines and pseudovirus neutralization protocols for coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, NL63, 229E, HKU1) and influenza A has made significant contributions to the global fight against infectious diseases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. His high-throughput screening tools for antibodies and entry inhibitors have been widely used for vaccine and therapeutic evaluations worldwide. His ongoing research on tick-borne diseases and viral entry mechanisms further showcases his ability to tackle complex scientific challenges. Additionally, his involvement in major projects like Operation Warp Speed and his recognition in the scientific community, with 26 publications and a citation index of 15, highlight his dedication to advancing research for public health.

Areas for Improvements:

While Dr. Neerukonda has shown outstanding achievements in developing experimental reagents and assays, expanding his research to broader infectious disease areas or focusing on long-term impacts of viral immunity could further solidify his role in global health research. Additionally, increasing the visibility of his research through additional outreach or public health collaborations might amplify the influence of his work on a wider scale.

Education:

Dr. Sabarinath Neerukonda obtained his Ph.D. in Viral Immunology from the University of Delaware in 2018. During his doctoral research, he focused on the interaction of viruses with host immune systems, particularly examining viral entry mechanisms and host cell biology. His academic journey laid the foundation for his deep expertise in viral immunology, cell biology, and microbiology. He has also participated in postdoctoral research in various viral pathogenesis areas, which allowed him to contribute substantially to the scientific understanding of influenza, coronaviruses, and tick-borne diseases. Dr. Neerukonda’s strong academic background coupled with his professional experience at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration makes him a leader in the field of virology and a valuable asset in the global fight against infectious diseases.

Experience:

Dr. Sabarinath Neerukonda has been a Staff Scientist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2018, where his work has primarily focused on viral immunology, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of assays for influenza and coronavirus research. He played an instrumental role in Operation Warp Speed, assessing the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies and serum from vaccine recipients against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Dr. Neerukonda also led the development of critical experimental reagents and cell lines used worldwide for high-throughput screening of immune responses. His research has spanned coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, NL63, 229E, HKU1) and influenza A, advancing global understanding of viral entry, immune evasion, and vaccine efficacy. Additionally, he is currently exploring tick-borne infectious diseases. With over 26 published articles in high-impact journals and numerous collaborations with prestigious universities, Dr. Neerukonda continues to drive innovation in viral immunology.

Research Focus:

Dr. Sabarinath Neerukonda’s research focuses on understanding viral entry mechanisms, immune evasion strategies, and host-pathogen interactions, with a particular emphasis on coronaviruses, influenza, and tick-borne diseases. He has contributed significantly to the field of viral immunology by investigating the entry pathways and receptor/protease requirements of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, NL63, 229E, and HKU1. He has established novel cell lines and pseudovirus neutralization assays critical for high-throughput screening of immune responses against these viruses. His work has been vital in supporting vaccine development, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Neerukonda’s ongoing research into tick-borne infectious diseases aims to uncover novel insights into host-pathogen interactions, which are essential for developing effective vaccines and therapeutic strategies. His work on the molecular characterization of viral infections has been instrumental in advancing both fundamental research and applied science for global health challenges.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. “Characterization of Spike S1/S2 Processing and Entry Pathways of Lentiviral Pseudoviruses Bearing Seasonal Human Coronaviruses NL63, 229E, and HKU1 Spikes” 🦠🔬

  2. “COVID-19-Induced Vascular Coagulopathy” 🩸🧬

Conclusion:

Dr. Sabarinath Neerukonda is highly deserving of the “Best Researcher Award” for his profound contributions to viral immunology, particularly his development of key tools for studying coronavirus and influenza viruses. His expertise, continuous innovation, and impact during the COVID-19 pandemic position him as a leader in the field of virology, making him an excellent candidate for this prestigious award.