Divya Sharma | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Divya Sharma | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Amity University, Punjab | India

Dr. Divya Sharma is an accomplished researcher and academic in Computer Science and Engineering, specializing in information security, cyber vulnerabilities, and electronic medical image protection. She completed her B.Tech. in CSE from Shaheed Udham Singh College of Engineering & Technology, Mohali, followed by an M.Tech. in CSE from Rayat & Bahra Institute of Engineering & Biotechnology, Kharar, and earned her Ph.D. from Chitkara University in 2025 with a CGPA of 9.15. Over her career, she has contributed significantly to the field of cybersecurity, publishing research on electronic medical image security and hybrid edge-based steganography with three-layered cryptography, presented at conferences including ICOECA-2024, CUDC-2023, and ADSSS-2023. She has actively engaged in faculty development, attending programs on cyber vulnerabilities, emerging engineering trends, and ICT-based classroom communication. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Technology at Panjab University SSG Regional Center, Hoshiarpur. Dr. Sharma’s work has been recognized for its impact, with multiple papers cited in peer-reviewed venues, reflecting her growing scholarly influence. She has also participated in numerous short-term courses and industry training programs, enhancing her expertise in relational databases, VB.NET, and applied data science, contributing to both teaching excellence and research innovation.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications:

Sharma, D. (2024, April 18–19). Electronic medical images security and privacy techniques. In 4th International Conference on Expert Clouds and Applications (ICOECA-2024), RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru, India.

Sharma, D. (2024). Hybrid security of EMI using edge-based steganography and three-layered cryptography. In Applied Data Science and Smart Systems (pp. 278–290). CRC Press.

Sharma, D., & Prabha, C. (2023, May 5–6). Security and privacy aspects of electronic health records: A review. In 2023 International Conference on Advancement in Computation & Computer Technologies (ICACCT). IEEE.

Sharma, D., & Kawatra, R. (2022, July 29–30). Security techniques implementation on big data using steganography and cryptography. In ICT Analysis and Applications (pp. 279–302). Springer Nature Singapore.

Sharma, D. (2015, Sept 4–5). Implementing chi-square method and even mirroring for cryptography of speech signal using MATLAB. In 1st International Conference on Next Generation Computing Technologies (NGCT-2015) (pp. 394–397). IEEE.

Sharma, D. (2015, Dec 21–22). Steganography of speech signal into an image. In 2nd International Conference on Recent Advances in Engineering and Computational Sciences (RAECS-2015) (pp. 1–4). IEEE.

Kai Zhao | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Cell Biology Research Award

Dr. Kai Zhao | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Cell Biology Research Award

Dr. Kai Zhao | shandong first medical university | China

Kai Zhao is a dedicated biomedical scientist specializing in cell biology and translational medical research. Affiliated with the Central Hospital and Shandong First Medical University, Kai has focused on molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as osteosarcoma and neurodegeneration. Their expertise includes mitophagy regulation, exosomal gene biomarkers, and multi-omics analyses, aiming to discover novel therapeutic targets. Kai has contributed significantly to understanding how cellular degradation pathways influence disease progression, with published work in prominent journals. They hold key roles in both clinical and research settings, bridging basic science and patient care. Their collaborative work and innovative approach have garnered attention in the biomedical community, underscoring their role as a rising leader in cell biology research.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Education:

Kai Zhao completed their foundational studies in medicine at a prestigious medical university in China, followed by advanced graduate training focusing on cellular and molecular biology. Their education provided a strong grounding in clinical medicine combined with rigorous laboratory research skills. They further specialized through postgraduate work that integrated molecular biology techniques and omics technologies, developing expertise in the mechanisms of disease at a cellular level. This multidisciplinary education enabled Kai to pursue research at the interface of clinical practice and experimental biology. They have also completed specialized training in bone biomechanics and metabolism, as well as spinal surgery, enhancing their ability to conduct translational research. Continuous professional development through workshops, conferences, and collaborative projects complements their formal education, keeping them updated on cutting-edge scientific advances.

Experience:

Kai Zhao has extensive experience working at the Central Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, where they contribute both clinically and in research. Their experience includes investigating molecular pathways in osteosarcoma and neurodegenerative models using cell lines such as SH-SY5Y. Kai has led projects applying multi-omics data to identify exosomal gene biomarkers and therapeutic targets like mifepristone. Their role in the Spinal Surgery Department and Bone Biomechanics Laboratory has provided hands-on clinical insight, informing their research on bone and spinal disorders. Kai collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, combining clinical knowledge with molecular techniques. Their publication record reflects proficiency in advanced methodologies such as mitophagy analysis, molecular degradation pathways, and biomarker discovery. Kai also mentors junior researchers and participates in academic dissemination through publications and conferences, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to advancing cell biology research.

Research Focus:

Kai Zhao’s research centers on the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving disease, with an emphasis on mitophagy, exosomal biomarkers, and multi-omics analyses. They investigate how cellular quality control systems, such as the PINK1-mediated mitophagy pathway, contribute to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer progression, specifically osteosarcoma. By combining genomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic data, Kai aims to identify novel gene biomarkers within exosomes that can serve as diagnostic or therapeutic targets. One highlighted therapeutic candidate from their work is mifepristone, revealed through integrative multi-omics to be effective against osteosarcoma. Their research integrates cellular biology with clinical insights, particularly in bone metabolism and spinal diseases, aiming for translational impact. Overall, Kai’s focus is on uncovering how disruptions in cellular degradation and intercellular communication contribute to disease, leveraging multi-disciplinary approaches to develop targeted therapies.

Publication Top Notes:

    • Exosomal Gene Biomarkers in Osteosarcoma: Mifepristone as a Targeted Therapeutic Revealed by Multi‐Omics Analysis

    • IRGM promotes the PINK1-mediated mitophagy through the degradation of Mitofilin in SH-SY5Y cells

Conclusion:

Kai Zhao is a promising and capable researcher whose work directly contributes to cutting-edge cell biology, particularly in disease mechanisms. Their multi-omics and cellular degradation studies mark them as an excellent candidate for the Cell Biology Research Award.

Leandro Rodriguez-Viera | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Leandro Rodriguez-Viera | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Leandro Rodriguez-Viera | Universisdad de Cadiz | Spain

Dr. Leandro Rodríguez Viera is a marine biologist with dual Ph.D. degrees from the University of Havana (Cuba) and the University of Cádiz (Spain), specializing in digestive physiology and trophic ecology of marine organisms. With over 15 years of experience in biological and aquaculture research, he has significantly contributed to the understanding of nutrient metabolism and predation dynamics in marine ecosystems. His scientific trajectory is defined by interdisciplinary work combining enzymology, nutrition, and biodiversity. Dr. Rodríguez Viera has published extensively in high-impact journals and collaborates with research teams across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He is also a co-recipient of the prestigious Cuban Academy of Sciences National Prize. His dedication to marine biology is evident through his active role in identifying invasive species and documenting marine biodiversity. His contributions enhance conservation efforts, sustainable aquaculture, and the ecological management of tropical marine environments.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

Scopus

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Leandro Rodríguez Viera’s educational journey began with a Bachelor in Biology from the University of Havana in 2008, followed by a Master’s degree in Marine Biology and Aquaculture in 2010 from the same institution. He earned a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Havana in 2018, with research focused on digestive enzymology and metabolism in crustaceans. In parallel, he completed a second Ph.D., Cum Laude, from the University of Cádiz in Spain in 2017, strengthening his expertise in marine physiology and aquaculture. His academic training combines a strong foundation in molecular biology, comparative physiology, and aquatic animal nutrition, positioning him as a multidisciplinary expert in marine life sciences. This robust educational background underpins his successful career in scientific research and publications in diverse fields such as marine biodiversity, gelatinous zooplankton, and digestive physiology in aquatic species.

Experience:

Dr. Rodríguez Viera has over 15 years of research experience in marine biology, aquaculture, and marine ecology. He began his career focusing on the digestive physiology of the spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), contributing to fundamental knowledge and diet development for aquaculture. His career spans collaborative projects with institutions like the University of Cádiz, ICMAN-CSIC, and international teams across Europe and the Caribbean. Dr. Rodríguez Viera has led or co-led several projects on nutrient digestion, enzymatic adaptations, and jellyfish–predator interactions. He is an active contributor to taxonomic, ecological, and metabolic studies involving fish, crustaceans, cnidarians, and tunicates. As a prolific author, he has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and guides. His interdisciplinary approach and regional focus on the Caribbean and Atlantic ecosystems make him a key scientific resource in marine trophic ecology, biodiversity documentation, and environmental monitoring programs.

Awards and Honors:

In 2019, Dr. Leandro Rodríguez Viera was honored with the National Prize of the Cuban Academy of Sciences for his contributions to digestive metabolism in the spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), which directly influenced aquaculture diet formulation. This prestigious award recognized his team’s work spanning universities in Cuba, Spain, and research institutes like ICMAN-CSIC. His earlier works also garnered significant academic citations, demonstrating influence in biochemical, nutritional, and ecological fields. Additionally, his publications in PLoS One, Journal of Experimental Biology, Aquaculture, and Marine Biology have earned wide recognition. Dr. Rodríguez Viera’s research continues to be integral to understanding digestive enzyme dynamics, invasive species spread, and marine food web interactions. His multidisciplinary reach, innovative methodologies, and cross-border collaborations underscore his impact, making him a strong candidate for international recognition and research awards.

Research Focus:

Dr. Rodríguez Viera’s research centers on marine trophic ecology, with a special focus on nutritional physiology, digestion, and gelatinous zooplankton interactions. His pioneering studies on Panulirus argus laid the groundwork for aquaculture diets tailored to digestive enzyme profiles. In recent years, he has explored predator–prey relationships among jellyfish, sea anemones, and fish, contributing to the knowledge of underexplored ecological roles in gelatinous food webs. He is also engaged in biodiversity documentation, especially of cnidarians and tunicates in Cuban and Caribbean waters. His integrative approach combines biochemical assays, molecular analysis, ecological fieldwork, and taxonomic identification. His ongoing projects address species invasions, climate-induced bleaching, and nutrient assimilation in marine organisms. This work supports sustainable marine resource use and enhances our understanding of tropical marine ecosystems, biodiversity threats, and aquaculture development.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1.  One-carbon nutrients and genistein as nutritional programming effectors in juvenile gilthead seabream – Aquaculture (2025)

  2.  Diversity of ctenophores from the Cuban Exclusive Economic Zone – Marine Biology Research (2025)

  3. Review of benthic cnidarians as underappreciated gelatinous predators – Marine Biology (2025)

  4.  Novel predation of Scyphozoans by sea anemone Condylactis giganteaDiversity (2025)

  5.  First Atlantic record of genus Timoides in Cuban Caribbean waters – Thalassas (2025)

  6.  Ichthyofauna of Ensenada de la Siguanea: Guide to common mangrove and seagrass fishes – Rev. Invest. Mar. (2024)

  7.  First occurrence of invasive jellyfish Phyllorhiza punctata in the Dominican Republic – Bulletin of Marine Science (2024)

  8.  Opportunistic predation on hydromedusae by butterflyfish and crustaceans – Discover Oceans (2024)

  9.  Diversity of pelagic tunicates (Appendicularia & Thaliacea) from Cuba: A review – Marine Biodiversity (2024)

  10.  Asymmetrical bleaching of upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea in Cuba – Marine Biodiversity (2024)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Leandro Rodríguez Viera is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award based on his significant contributions to marine biology, digestive physiology, and aquaculture. His dual doctoral qualifications, cross-institutional collaborations, and publication impact reflect a strong and sustained commitment to scientific excellence. With a research trajectory that spans fundamental science to applied marine ecology, Dr. Rodríguez Viera exemplifies the qualities of an innovative and impactful researcher. With continued focus on academic leadership and broader outreach, he is well-positioned to further advance scientific frontiers and make lasting contributions to marine science and aquaculture development.