Sola Ogunmodede | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Sola Ogunmodede | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sola Ogunmodede, Helix Biogen Institute, Nigeria

Olusola Peter Ogunmodede is a microbiologist and researcher at Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso, Nigeria, specializing in medical mycology, fungal genomics, and bioinformatics diagnostics. He earned his MSc in Microbiology from the University of Lagos, where he investigated Neurospora crassa’s growth and mating patterns, and a B.Tech from LAUTECH, where he focused on bioactive fungal metabolites. He is passionate about addressing global health threats through innovative, cost-effective diagnostic tools, especially in resource-limited settings. Olusola has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications, including studies on peptide-based diagnostics for cholera and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and has led or contributed to antimicrobial and genomic research projects. In addition to his research, he teaches bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques to students and professionals. Through community outreach on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and youth mentorship, he combines scientific excellence with civic engagement, making him a rising star in biomedical research.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Contributions: With published works in Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, and In Silico Research in Biomedicine, Mr. Ogunmodede has co-authored impactful studies in infectious disease diagnostics, fungal bioactive compounds, and computational biology.

  2. Interdisciplinary Research: His projects span medical mycology, bioinformatics, environmental microbiology, and biotechnology, showing adaptability and scientific depth.

  3. Leadership Experience: Progressed from Assistant Project Manager to Project Manager at Helix Biogen Institute, evidencing strong organizational and scientific leadership capabilities.

  4. Community and Teaching Involvement: Demonstrated commitment to science communication, mentorship, and community service—notably in NTD awareness and prison outreach.

  5. Technical Expertise: Competent in bioinformatics, NGS, GC-MS, PCR, and fungal metabolite extraction—skills relevant to modern microbiological research.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Independent Research Leadership: While collaborative efforts are commendable, initiating and leading first-author research or grant-funded projects would further strengthen his academic identity.

  2. Global Collaborations: Expanding international partnerships or postdoctoral research exposure could enhance visibility and diversify methodologies.

  3. Data Science Fluency: Building advanced skills in AI-based diagnostics, big data genomics, or machine learning would broaden his research scope.

  4. Publication Frequency: While the quality of his publications is notable, maintaining consistency in publication output across more years would support a long-term scholarly trajectory.

🎓 Education:

Olusola Peter Ogunmodede holds an MSc in Microbiology from the University of Lagos, where he explored carbon utilization and genetic typing of Neurospora crassa. His B.Tech in Microbiology was awarded by Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), where his research focused on endophytic fungal metabolites and their bioactive compounds using GC-MS. His academic path began with a National Diploma (ND) in Science Laboratory Technology from Federal Polytechnic Bida, with an applied project on aquaculture pond development. Each stage of his education has built a layered expertise in microbial physiology, antimicrobial studies, and bioanalytical techniques. His academic work has consistently integrated field relevance with lab-based precision, culminating in strong publications and practical applications in diagnostics, antimicrobial discovery, and environmental sustainability. His diverse educational background underpins a research philosophy rooted in innovation, interdisciplinary knowledge, and public health impact.

💼 Experience:

Olusola Peter Ogunmodede is currently a Project Manager at Helix Biogen Institute, where he leads diagnostic development projects for cholera, CCHF, and H5N1, manages timelines, trains researchers in bioinformatics, and oversees biodegradability studies. Previously, he served as an Assistant Project Manager, executing similar responsibilities. He also has a background in secondary school teaching, where he taught Biology, Agricultural Science, and Technical Drawing, reflecting his ability to engage at all levels of education. His research experience includes peptide-centric diagnostic design, fungal metabolite analysis, biogas generation, and environmental biodegradation testing. He’s proficient in both traditional microbiology techniques and modern molecular tools like PCR, sequencing, and in silico modeling. Additionally, he’s an Instructor at Helix Biogen, teaching NGS, Sanger sequencing, and basic bioinformatics. His strong balance of project leadership, lab research, and academic teaching makes him a versatile and highly effective researcher.

🔬 Research Focus:

Olusola Peter Ogunmodede’s research centers around the bioactive potential of fungi, molecular diagnostics, and antimicrobial resistance. He is especially interested in the use of fungal metabolites as alternatives to synthetic antimicrobials, and the genetic and physiological profiling of fungi in relation to infectious diseases. His work bridges wet-lab and computational techniques, applying bioinformatics for designing peptide-based diagnostics for diseasesvsuch as cholera, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and yaws. He also investigates the biodegradability of medical materials, promoting sustainability in biomedical innovation. Olusola’s MSc work on Neurospora crassa and undergraduate research on endophytic fungi laid the foundation for his continued exploration into fungal biodiversity and its applications. His recent projects employ computational tools to develop point-of-care diagnostic kits, targeting low-resource environments where fast, accurate diagnostics are critical. His goal is to integrate genomic science and public health interventions for disease surveillance and control in tropical regions.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Computational Modeling and Validation of Predicted Diagnostic Peptides for Crimean–Congo’s Disease – Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 2025

  2. 🧪 Innovative Biomarker Design for Cholera Diagnosis through Bioinformatics Analysis – In Silico Research in Biomedicine, 2025

  3. 🍄 Synthesis of Endophytic Fungi Metabolites, Antimicrobial Potentials, and Detection of their Bioactive Molecules Using GC-MS – Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research, 2022

  4. 🦠 Molecular Characterization, Antimicrobial and Larvicidal Potentials of Fungi from Soil Samples of LAUTECH Botanical Garden – Archive of Science & Technology, 2020

🧾 Conclusion:

Olusola Peter Ogunmodede is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award in view of his technical versatility, impactful publications, leadership in diagnostic tool development, and community engagement. With further investment in independent research leadership and global exposure, he stands out as a promising and emerging scholar in medical microbiology and bioinformatics.

ASLI CEYLAN | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Signal Transduction Award

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Prof. Dr. ASLI CEYLAN | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Signal Transduction Award

Prof. Dr. ASLI CEYLAN , Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University , Turkey

Dr. Aslı F. Ceylan is an accomplished pharmacologist and academic with a strong foundation in medical pharmacology and translational research. Born in Ankara, Turkey, in 1977, she has dedicated over two decades to advancing our understanding of cellular signaling pathways in disease states. After earning her degrees from Ankara University, she completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Wyoming, where she began her international research journey. Currently serving at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University School of Medicine, she contributes to both research and education. Fluent in Turkish, English, and Spanish, Dr. Ceylan bridges global scientific collaborations. Her work spans oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular mechanisms in cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. She is a prolific author and recipient of several international fellowships and project grants. Dr. Ceylan stands out as a dedicated scientist whose work contributes meaningfully to the field of signal transduction and molecular pharmacology.

Publication profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research in Signal Transduction Pathways
    Dr. Ceylan’s body of work demonstrates a consistent and high-impact focus on key signal transduction pathways—including NLRP3 inflammasome activation, mitophagy, ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy—across cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological disease models.

  2. International Research Recognition
    She has held prestigious fellowships from NIH, the American Heart Association, and INBRE, contributing to globally relevant research while collaborating with international teams, especially in the U.S. and Europe.

  3. Strong Translational Relevance
    Her research links molecular mechanisms to potential therapies, such as her exploration of aldose reductase inhibitors, natural antioxidants, and neuroprotective compounds (e.g., rosemary extracts), bridging the gap between basic science and clinical relevance.

  4. Consistent Publication Record
    Dr. Ceylan has co-authored over a dozen peer-reviewed publications in the past three years alone, with topics directly tied to signal transduction, and published in reputable journals (e.g., Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, JACC: Basic to Translational Science).

  5. Leadership and Mentorship
    As a Principal Investigator for NIH-funded thematic research projects and an academic at a medical university, she demonstrates strong leadership, mentoring capabilities, and a sustained contribution to the scientific community.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Greater Focus on Human Clinical Studies
    While her animal model work is comprehensive, integrating more human cell or clinical data would increase the translational applicability of her research.

  2. Expanded Thematic Clarity in Signal Transduction
    Some of her recent works, while impactful, focus broadly on pharmacological effects of natural compounds. More thematic emphasis on specific intracellular signaling cascades (e.g., MAPK, PI3K/Akt, or JAK/STAT) could strengthen her profile specifically for a signal transduction-focused award.

  3. Visibility in Global Scientific Forums
    Increased participation as a speaker, panelist, or chair in international conferences focused on signal transduction would enhance her global academic footprint.

📘 Education:

Dr. Aslı F. Ceylan completed her entire academic training in Pharmacology at the prestigious Ankara University Faculty of Pharmacy. She earned her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Pharmacy in 1998, followed by a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Pharmacology in 2001. Her strong interest in cellular mechanisms and drug interactions led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Pharmacology, which she successfully completed in 2007. Her doctoral research was further enhanced by a research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) during 2004-2005, providing her hands-on experience in internationally recognized labs. This rigorous academic journey solidified her expertise in pharmacological mechanisms and preclinical modeling. Her academic training was consistently supported by competitive scholarships from the Turkish Scientific and Research Council (TÜBİTAK). Dr. Ceylan’s academic path reflects a deep commitment to understanding complex cellular systems and contributes significantly to her current role as a leader in molecular pharmacology and signal transduction.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Aslı F. Ceylan is currently a faculty member at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University School of Medicine, where she serves in the Department of Medical Pharmacology. She has extensive academic and research experience spanning over 20 years. Her postdoctoral research at the University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy (2008–2009) focused on cardiovascular research, where she worked on signal transduction pathways involved in heart failure and metabolic disease. She also held a Principal Investigator (PI) role in NIH-funded INBRE research projects in the U.S. from 2011 to 2020. Dr. Ceylan has consistently contributed to multi-disciplinary research projects and collaborative studies, mentoring young researchers and postgraduate students. She has a solid background in oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular apoptosis. Her translational approach, blending basic science with therapeutic innovation, aligns perfectly with the goals of signal transduction research. Her international exposure and consistent academic productivity make her a valuable asset to any scientific initiative.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Aslı F. Ceylan has earned numerous national and international fellowships and honors throughout her career. She was awarded the Postdoctoral Fellowship by the American Heart Association and the University of Wyoming in 2008, which significantly propelled her research on cardiovascular signaling. She also received a Ph.D. research fellowship from the NIH (2004–2005), supporting her studies in cell signaling and oxidative stress. Domestically, she was funded by TÜBİTAK (Turkish Scientific and Research Council) for both her master’s and Ph.D. degrees. Most notably, she served as Principal Investigator for NIH INBRE Thematic Research Projects from 2011 to 2020, underlining her leadership and innovation in biomedical research. These accolades reflect her ongoing commitment to excellence in pharmacological science and her impact on the field of signal transduction, particularly in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Her strong track record of competitive funding and recognition underscores her eligibility for the Signal Transduction Award.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Ceylan’s research is centered on signal transduction pathways involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, mitophagy, and ferroptosis. Her work delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases, diabetic complications, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer, with a particular focus on mitochondrial function and cellular defense systems. She employs both in vivo and in vitro models to study how specific pharmacological agents modulate pathways like NLRP3 inflammasome activation, aldose reductase inhibition, and autophagy. Additionally, her recent research explores the therapeutic potential of natural compounds such as carnosol, carnosic acid, and rosemary extract in modulating redox balance and apoptotic pathways. Her interdisciplinary approach links natural product pharmacology with molecular signaling, making her contributions relevant across multiple domains. The translational value of her research, aiming to bridge the gap between bench and bedside, aligns directly with the core objectives of signal transduction studies and reinforces her eligibility for this distinguished award.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of endothelin receptor A obliterates cardiac aging via mitophagy and ferroptosis (2024)

  2. 🧫 Tackling chronic wound healing using nanomaterials: Advancements and future perspectives (2023)

  3. 🧪 Dual-acting aldose reductase inhibitor impedes oxidative stress in diabetic rat tissues (2023)

  4. 👁️ Cemtirestat induces ocular defense against glycotoxic stress in diabetic rats (2023)

  5. 🍷 NLRP3 inhibition protects against ethanol-induced cardiotoxicity in FBXL2-dependent manner (2023)

  6. 💉 Oxytocin and enalapril reduce epidural fibrosis post-laminectomy in rats (2023)

  7. 🧠 Calcium dobesilate therapy in cerebral hypoxia/reperfusion injury in rats (2023)

  8. 🧬 Beclin1 deficiency attenuates alcohol-induced cardiac dysfunction via ferroptosis inhibition (2022)

  9. 💓 Parkin insufficiency exacerbates cardiac remodeling through mitochondrial Ca2+ overload (2022)

  10. ❤️‍🩹 Beclin 1 haplosufficiency compromises stem-cell cardioprotection post-MI (2022)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Aslı F. Ceylan is a highly qualified, internationally active, and academically productive researcher whose expertise lies in elucidating molecular mechanisms of disease through signal transduction pathways. Her deep involvement in studies on oxidative stress, mitochondrial dynamics, inflammation, and natural product pharmacology positions her as a valuable contributor to the advancement of molecular medicine.

Given her research output, grant leadership, and commitment to translational science, she is highly suitable for the Signal Transduction Award. Her work not only contributes to the understanding of intracellular signaling but also bridges basic research with therapeutic potential, making her a standout candidate for this recognition.