Alaka Sahoo | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Young Researcher Award

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Mrs. Alaka Sahoo | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Young Researcher Award

Mrs. Alaka Sahoo, Siksha’O’ Anusandhan University, India

Dr. Alaka Sahoo is a dedicated young researcher in the field of Biotechnology with a focus on translational and clinical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Odisha, with a CGPA of 8.90. With over 17 publications, including 11 research articles and 3 high-impact reviews, Dr. Sahoo has significantly contributed to oral disease therapeutics and antimicrobial studies. She demonstrates expertise in multi-omics analysis, drug discovery, and natural product-based therapy. A recipient of prestigious awards such as the Lalchand Women Entrepreneurs Award (2024), she is also a life member of reputed organizations like the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. Her innovative approach to disease management using phytochemicals and peptides sets her apart as a rising talent in biomedical research.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

Scopus

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Strong Publication Record:

    • 17 publications including 11 original research, 3 reviews, and 2 book chapters, showcasing depth and breadth.

    • 7 papers as first or corresponding author—indicating independent research capability.

    • Research in high-impact journals like Frontiers in Microbiology, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Nanomaterials, and Chemistry & Biodiversity.

  2. Innovative & Multidisciplinary Research:

    • Integrates multi-omics, computational modeling, clinical dermatology, and natural products.

    • Focus on oral inflammatory diseases, antimicrobial peptides, and drug delivery systems.

  3. Academic Excellence & Research Training:

    • Ph.D. with 8.90 CGPA, and M.Sc. with 87.07% marks.

    • Expertise in BSL-2+ lab work, PCR, ELISA, microbial culture, and molecular docking.

  4. Awards & Recognition:

    • Lalchand Women Entrepreneurs Award (2024).

    • MSME-Idea Hackathon Innovation Award, Govt. of India.

  5. Global and National Engagement:

    • Life member of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (UK).

    • Demonstrates leadership in science entrepreneurship and women in research.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Expanded International Collaboration:

    • Building long-term research partnerships with international labs could increase global visibility.

  2. Patent/Technology Transfer Efforts:

    • While publications are strong, translating research into patents or commercial products will further strengthen applied impact.

  3. Focused Project Leadership:

    • Leading large interdisciplinary projects or acquiring independent grants will showcase funding leadership.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo has pursued a progressive academic path in Biotechnology. She earned her Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed University, Odisha, completing her research with a notable 8.90 CGPA. Her thesis focused on “Therapeutic Opportunities for Oral Lichen Planus: An Integrated Multi-Omics Approach to Drug Discovery” under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Maitreyee Panda. Prior to this, she completed her M.Sc. in Biotechnology (87.07%) from the College of Basic Science and Humanities, OUAT, Bhubaneswar in 2018 and a B.Sc. in Biotechnology with distinction (75%) from Ramadevi Women’s College, Utkal University in 2016. Her academic journey showcases a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of biosciences.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo brings rich hands-on research experience in clinical and experimental biotechnology. She is skilled in BSL-2+ lab practices, molecular techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, microbial culture, ELISA-based diagnostics, and bioinformatics. Her doctoral work integrated multi-omics and computational biology to study inflammatory oral diseases, and her postdoctoral research spans drug delivery and antimicrobial drug discovery. As first or corresponding author in 7 out of 17 publications, she has led collaborative studies with both national and international partners. Dr. Sahoo’s cross-disciplinary knowledge in microbiology, pharmacology, and nanomedicine enhances her problem-solving abilities, making her a versatile researcher. Her ability to bridge clinical dermatology with biotechnology research positions her as an impactful contributor in both healthcare and academic environments.

🏆 Awards & Honors:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo has received notable accolades for her innovation and leadership in science. In 2024, she was awarded the Lalchand Women Entrepreneurs Award by the Odisha Corporate Foundation, recognizing her outstanding contributions in biotech innovation. She also earned the MSME-Idea Hackathon 3.0 (Women) Innovation Award by the Government of India, honoring her practical scientific advancements with societal impact. These awards reflect her dedication to translational research and her vision to develop cost-effective, natural therapies. Dr. Sahoo is also a life member of two esteemed organizations: the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (UK) and Bioclues Innovation, Research and Development (India). Her achievements signify her rising prominence in the field and her commitment to addressing public health challenges through integrative research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo’s research focuses on oral inflammatory diseases, natural product therapeutics, and insect-derived peptides as alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. Her Ph.D. thesis explored multi-omics approaches for drug discovery in Oral Lichen Planus, integrating in vitro, in silico, and clinical data. Her work spans immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory drug screening, and nanodrug delivery systems, with cross-functional expertise in dermatology, pharmacology, and microbiology. She combines computational modeling, molecular docking, and wet-lab validation to develop target-specific therapies. Her studies on biofilm inhibition, antifungal peptides, and phytosteroids hold promise for tackling antimicrobial resistance. Through collaborations across academia and healthcare, she aims to translate her lab findings into clinically viable solutions. Her contributions to systematic reviews and molecular simulations further demonstrate her analytical rigor and commitment to evidence-based research.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📘 Experimental and clinical trial investigations of phytoextracts in Oral Lichen Planus: A systematic review – J Ethnopharmacol (2022)

  2. 🐞 Insect-derived antimicrobial peptides as novel anti-biofilm agents: A systematic review – Front. Microbiol. (2021)

  3. 💊 Ultraflexible liposome nanocargo for dermal drug delivery – Nanomaterials (2021)

  4. 🌿 Phytochemicals for Oral Lichen Planus: A multi-omics and experimental study – Chem Biodivers (2025)

  5. ⚗️ Carbohydrate-derived N-benzyl aminocyclopentitols with anticancer properties – Carbohydr Res. (2025)

  6. 🧬 Target-specific screening of anti-inflammatory phytosteroids using molecular docking – Steroids (2025)

  7. 🧪 Insect-derived antifungal peptides in Candida management – Int. J. Mol. Sci. (2025)

  8. 🧫 Azo-coumarin-Co(II)-galangin hybrids for multipotential activities – J. Biomol. Struct. Dyn. (2024)

  9. 🧒 Pediatric dermatology case analysis in Eastern India – Indian J. Paediatr. Dermatol. (2024)

  10. 🔬 Schiff/Mannich coumarin derivatives: Antibacterial and anti-biofilm evaluation – RSC Adv. (2024)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo is highly suitable for the Research for Young Researcher Award. Her multi-disciplinary expertise, robust research record, and recognition through national awards highlight her as a promising early-career scientist. She combines academic rigor with innovation, and her work has meaningful implications for public health, especially in oral disease therapy, biofilm inhibition, and phytochemical-based drug development.

Fani Pantouli | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Fani Pantouli | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fani Pantouli, Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center, United States

Dr. Fani Pantouli is a passionate and results-driven research scientist with deep expertise in neuroscience, pharmacology, immunology, and oncology. A USA permanent resident, she currently serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center. Her work bridges cutting-edge vaccine development and cancer therapeutics, contributing significantly to preclinical and translational research. Dr. Pantouli’s scientific approach blends in vivo and in vitro techniques to uncover therapeutic pathways, particularly in head and neck cancer and viral immunology. Her interdisciplinary knowledge is reflected in a growing portfolio of peer-reviewed publications addressing pressing biomedical challenges, from COVID-19 immunity to neuropsychiatric disorders. She is known for her innovative methodologies, collaborative mindset, and unwavering dedication to advancing human health. Dr. Pantouli’s work is making a meaningful impact on personalized medicine and translational therapeutics, positioning her as a rising leader in biomedical research.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Multidisciplinary Expertise
    Dr. Pantouli integrates neuroscience, immunology, pharmacology, and oncology into her research, making her contributions uniquely cross-disciplinary and impactful.

  2. High-Impact Research in Vaccine Development
    Her postdoctoral work on COVID-19 and respiratory viruses, particularly her development of T-cell profiling and viral neutralization assays, directly informs global efforts in personalized vaccine design.

  3. Innovative Cancer Models
    She developed a novel in vivo murine model for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, advancing drug screening for p53-related targets. This is vital in understanding and treating cancers with p53 mutations.

  4. Robust Publication Record
    Dr. Pantouli has authored or co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals (e.g., Vaccines, Neuropsychopharmacology), with several under review in top-tier outlets like Science and Journal of Biological Psychiatry.

  5. Focus on Health Equity
    Her research into ethnic differences in immune response underscores a strong commitment to inclusive and equitable healthcare.

  6. Experience in Preclinical & Translational Research
    Her hands-on experience building disease models and testing therapeutic strategies bridges basic science and clinical application—core to translational medicine.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Independent Research Leadership
    While she has made significant contributions as a postdoctoral fellow, moving toward independent investigator roles (e.g., PI on grants) would strengthen her candidacy.

  2. Visibility and Recognition
    Increased presence in international symposia, keynote talks, or award recognitions would help boost her visibility within the scientific community.

  3. Mentorship and Community Involvement
    Involvement in mentoring junior researchers or leading educational outreach initiatives could further showcase her leadership potential.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Pantouli holds a Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology from the University of Surrey and St. George’s University of London, awarded between 2014 and 2017. Her doctoral studies explored neural mechanisms underpinning pharmacological and behavioral outcomes, laying a solid foundation for her current work in translational medicine. Prior to her Ph.D., she completed an MSc in Molecular Neuroscience from the University of Bristol in 2011, where she specialized in neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders. Her undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Bedfordshire in 2010, where she earned a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science. Dr. Pantouli’s academic trajectory reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary learning and a focus on brain and immune system interactions. Her education combines rigorous training in molecular biology, pharmacology, and neuroscience, empowering her to address complex biomedical questions with a systems-level perspective.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Pantouli is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in Vaccine Development Research at the Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center (June 2023 – Present), where she investigates T cell immune responses and develops viral neutralization assays for respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2. Previously, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Cancer Research Lab at the same institute (January 2022 – June 2023), where she created innovative murine models of head and neck cancer to evaluate therapeutic efficacy targeting mutant p53. Her research integrates advanced in vivo systems and immune profiling to enhance drug discovery and vaccine evaluation. With a decade-long track record across academia and clinical research centers, Dr. Pantouli has developed robust platforms for translational research, immunotherapeutics, and precision medicine. Her skills span experimental design, animal modeling, immunoassays, and bioanalysis, equipping her to tackle critical gaps in infectious disease and oncology treatment strategies.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Pantouli’s research is centered on translational medicine, focusing on vaccine development, immunotherapy, and molecular pharmacology. Her current projects address immune modulation in viral infections, especially COVID-19, and the development of preclinical assays for vaccine and drug evaluation. She also leads research in oncology, particularly targeting p53 mutations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using in vivo models. Her earlier academic work examined the neural and behavioral effects of neuropeptides and receptor modulators in models of autism and Fragile X Syndrome, showing a consistent interest in neuroimmune interactions. She employs a multidisciplinary approach—blending pharmacological, molecular, and immunological tools—to explore how targeted therapies can be optimized for diverse populations. Her work is vital for advancing personalized medicine, especially for aging populations and ethnically diverse cohorts, where vaccine efficacy and immune response can differ significantly.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧫 Ethnic differences in COVID-19 T cell immunity responses across variants from Wuhan to Omicron – Accepted in Vaccines

  • 🧠 Evaluation of SR-17018 and oxycodone in the conditioned place preference paradigm using peanut butter chip vehicle – In preparation, Neuropharmacology

  • 🧬 Generation of antigen-specific paired heavy-light chain antibody sequences using large language models – Submitted to Science

  • 💉 COVID-19 Vaccination Enhances the Immunogenicity of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in the Elderly – Vaccines (2025)

  • 🧩 Tilted striatofugal balance and mGluR4 modulation in the Fmr1 mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome – Under review, Journal of Biological Psychiatry

  • 👃 Acute, chronic and conditioned effects of intranasal oxytocin in mu opioid receptor knockout mice: social context matters – Neuropsychopharmacology (2024)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Fani Pantouli is a highly promising and impactful scientist whose research spans some of the most critical health challenges of our time—infectious diseases, cancer, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her technical expertise, innovative model development, and deep understanding of immune and neural systems make her an excellent nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Miriam Götte | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Miriam Götte | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Miriam Götte , Westdeutsches Tumorzentrum, Universitätsklinikum Essen , Germany

Dr. Miriam Götte is a leading expert in exercise and movement science in oncology, currently affiliated with the University Hospital Essen. With a dedicated focus on pediatric and young adult cancer care, she has led numerous interdisciplinary initiatives combining sports science, immunology, and oncology. As head of the Working Group on Sports and Movement Therapy at the West German Tumor Center, she has pioneered therapeutic interventions improving the quality of life in cancer patients. Dr. Götte holds a habilitation in Movement Science in Oncology and has been a postdoctoral researcher since 2014. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally through prestigious awards. Passionate about improving survivorship care, she integrates clinical research, physical rehabilitation, and academic leadership. Alongside her academic career, she balances motherhood, having taken two parental leaves, which reflects her ability to manage demanding roles in both personal and professional spheres.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. 🌍 Leading Expertise in Exercise Oncology: Dr. Götte has made outstanding contributions to the field of exercise-based interventions in pediatric and adolescent oncology, a highly impactful and emerging research domain.

  2. 📊 Rich and Relevant Research Output: With over 10 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals (2023–2024 alone), she is actively contributing novel data, especially around HIIT, immune response, stem cell transplantation, and survivorship care.

  3. 👩‍🔬 Translational Focus with Real-World Impact: Her work bridges clinical research and applied therapy, ensuring that findings benefit patient quality of life and recovery during and after cancer treatment.

  4. 🤝 National Leadership and Collaborations: As Head of the Working Group on Sports and Movement Therapy and a core member of the ActiveOncoKids Network, she leads national initiatives and cross-border collaborations.

  5. 🏆 Recognized with Prestigious Awards: Awards such as the MASCC Young Investigator Award (2015) and Best Abstract at ASORS (2017) reflect her high academic standing and the relevance of her research.

  6. 📚 Interdisciplinary Approach: Combining sports science, immunology, pediatrics, and education, she exemplifies a multidisciplinary perspective that advances both research and therapeutic care.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. 📣 Global Visibility: While well-known in German-speaking countries and European forums, increasing participation in global oncology or exercise medicine symposia (e.g., ASCO, ACSM) would raise international recognition.

  2. 💼 Expanded Mentorship: Publishing with more junior researchers as first authors could further support the next generation and solidify her legacy as a mentor in her field.

  3. 🌐 Broader Public Engagement: Developing online modules, webinars, or patient-facing tools (especially for young survivors) could enhance public awareness and dissemination of her impactful work.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Miriam Götte has a solid academic background in sports and medical sciences. She began her academic journey studying Sports Science with a focus on prevention and rehabilitation at the University of Cologne from 2006 to 2010. During this period, she also pursued studies in Educational Sciences. She advanced to a doctoral program in Medical Sciences at the University of Duisburg-Essen, completing it between 2010 and 2014 under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Dirk Reinhardt. Her academic accomplishments culminated in a habilitation in “Movement Science in Oncology” at the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen in 2022. This advanced qualification marks her as an expert in the interplay of exercise and oncology, particularly for pediatric and adolescent populations. Her academic path has been underpinned by a strong interdisciplinary approach, combining sports science, oncology, and education to support patients holistically.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Götte’s professional journey began at the Department of Pediatrics III, University Hospital Essen, where she worked from 2010 to 2014 during her doctoral training. She later became head of Sports and Exercise Therapy at the West German Tumor Center (2014–2017) and continued in leadership roles at the same institution until July 2023. Since January 2023, she has served as head of the Working Group on Sports and Movement Therapy in Oncology, playing a pivotal role in the ActiveOncoKids Center Ruhr. Dr. Götte also coordinated teacher training modules in Spanish and led national collaborations to develop exercise strategies during cancer treatment. She has taken two parental leaves (2017–2018 and 2023–2024), highlighting her balance between research and personal life. Her hands-on leadership in multi-center projects and her dedication to integrating physical activity into oncology care make her a driving force in supportive cancer therapy.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Miriam Götte has received numerous awards recognizing her impactful research and leadership. She was honored with the Young Investigator Award of the Year at the MASCC/ISOO Annual Meeting on Supportive Care in Cancer in 2015. Her work on adolescent cancer care earned the Best Abstract Award at the 5th ASORS Congress in 2017. She was selected for the prestigious Josepha and Charlotte von Siebold Habilitation Support Program (2018–2019), and later received support from the Corona Care in Medicine Program (2020–2021) by the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen. These accolades underline her academic excellence and leadership in movement science and oncology. Dr. Götte’s pioneering research continues to shape exercise-based cancer therapy, especially for children and adolescents, earning her national and international recognition as a forward-thinking clinician-scientist.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Miriam Götte’s research revolves around exercise oncology, with a strong emphasis on pediatric and adolescent cancer patients. Her primary interest lies in exploring how physical activity interventions, particularly high-intensity interval training (HIIT), influence immune function, physical fitness, and quality of life during and after cancer therapy. She investigates the physiological and psychological impacts of exercise throughout different treatment phases, including stem cell transplantation. Her work contributes significantly to the emerging field of supportive oncology, where movement-based interventions are tailored to patient needs. Dr. Götte is also a central figure in the ActiveOncoKids network, enhancing access to structured physical activity across German-speaking countries. With a translational approach, her research bridges clinical care, immunological assessments, and rehabilitative exercise programs. Her focus is not only scientific but also deeply patient-centered, advocating for movement as a form of healing and empowerment in cancer survivorship.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🏋️‍♂️ High-Intensity Interval Training Boosts Immune Cells in Advanced Cancer Patients and Healthy Controls – Cancer Medicine (submitted)

  2. 🧬 Impact of a Single HIIT Session on NK Cells and ILCs in Adolescents Undergoing Cancer Treatment – BMC Cancer (minor revision)

  3. 🌟 YOUEX: Longitudinal Effects on Quality of Life in Young Adults with Cancer – JAYAO (submitted)

  4. 💪 Low vs. Moderate Intensity Exercise in Pediatric Allo-HSCT Recovery – ANIMAL – Pediatric Blood & Cancer (submitted)

  5. 👶 Physical Activity Behaviors in Childhood Cancer Survivors – J Cancer Survivorship (2024)

  6. 🧒 ActiveOncoKids: Centralized Physical Activity Counseling During Oncology – Klinische Pädiatrie (2024)

  7. 🏃 Severely Reduced Physical Performance at Stem Cell Transplant Admission – BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med (2024)

  8. 🧘 P-move: RCT of Exercise in Pancreatic or Biliary Tract Cancer – Supportive Care in Cancer (2024)

  9. 🌿 Exercise Therapy in Oncology: Impact on Quality of Life and Side Effects – Dtsch Arztebl Int (2024)

  10. 🧑‍⚕️ Adaptation of Pediatric Exercise Programs During COVID-19 in Germany – Frontiers in Pediatrics (2024)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Miriam Götte is highly suitable and deserving of the Best Researcher Award. Her focused and prolific research on the role of physical activity in pediatric and adolescent oncology, combined with her leadership in clinical and academic settings, sets her apart as a pioneer in supportive cancer care. She demonstrates a rare combination of scientific rigor, patient-centeredness, and organizational leadership. With strategic expansion of her international visibility and mentoring activities, she is positioned to become one of the global leaders in exercise oncology.