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.

Diana Reche | Moduladores epigenéticos | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Mrs. Diana Reche | Moduladores epigenéticos | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Diana Reche , Universidad Pablo de Olavide , Spain

Diana Reche López is a dedicated Ph.D. student at the University of Pablo de Olavide, Spain, working within the Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology. Her research is centered around finding new treatments for KAT6B syndrome, a rare neurodegenerative disease. Diana holds a Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Seville (2018) and a Master’s in Health Biotechnology from Universidad Pablo de Olavide (2020). She is a member of the PAIDI BIO-336 research group, where she specializes in cell culture techniques and experimental methodologies such as immunofluorescence and direct reprogramming. Diana has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and has gained significant recognition in her field, with 164 citations and an h-index of 7.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Academic Background & Qualifications: Diana has a solid educational foundation, with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s in Health Biotechnology, both from reputable institutions in Spain (University of Seville and Universidad Pablo de Olavide). Her transition into a Ph.D. program shows a clear commitment to advancing her academic career.
  2. Relevant Experience: Her research in rare neurodegenerative diseases, particularly focused on KAT6B syndrome and mitochondrial diseases, aligns with important gaps in medical science. She is involved in cutting-edge research concerning the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR), offering promising therapeutic avenues for diseases with few treatment options.
  3. Technical Expertise: Diana has hands-on experience with critical laboratory techniques, including cell culture, immunofluorescence, quantitative PCR, Western Blot, lentivirus production, and direct reprogramming. These skills are highly valued in biomedical research and allow her to contribute significantly to her projects.
  4. Publication Record: Diana has co-authored multiple publications in well-respected journals, demonstrating her active involvement in high-level research. Her work is frequently cited (164 total citations, h-index of 7), reflecting the impact and relevance of her contributions. Her role in these publications, particularly her contributions to novel therapeutic approaches for rare diseases, showcases her potential as a future leader in her field.
  5. Research Collaborations: Her work in various collaborative projects, particularly in the PI22/00142 project on mtUPR modulation, indicates her ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and contribute to complex research efforts. She also appears to be taking a leading role in novel areas, such as patient-derived cellular models for precision medicine.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Leadership and Independence: While Diana has demonstrated excellent collaborative skills, further developing her leadership capabilities could be beneficial. Taking a more active role in leading projects or research lines would solidify her position as an independent researcher.
  2. Grant Funding and Project Leadership: Although she has been a participant in funded research projects, it would be advantageous for Diana to secure her own research grants or lead a research initiative. This would highlight her ability to drive research independently, an important factor for future academic success.
  3. International Exposure: While Diana is based in Spain, participating in more international collaborations, conferences, or workshops could increase her visibility in the global scientific community. Networking and presenting her work at international platforms would further validate her contributions and expand her research opportunities.
  4. Outreach and Public Engagement: Increasing her involvement in scientific outreach or public communication could enhance her impact. Sharing her findings with wider audiences could lead to greater public understanding of rare diseases and neurodegenerative conditions, helping to translate her research into real-world applications.

Education:

Diana Reche López earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Seville (2013–2018). She later pursued a Master’s in Health Biotechnology at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide (2018–2020), which laid the foundation for her current research work. As part of her doctoral research, Diana delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying rare neurodegenerative diseases, particularly KAT6B syndrome. She is currently continuing her Ph.D. studies at the University of Pablo de Olavide and is a key member of the PAIDI BIO-336 research group. Her academic background has equipped her with both theoretical and practical expertise in biotechnology, cellular biology, and disease modeling, making her a promising young researcher in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.

Experience:

Diana Reche López has gained extensive experience in cell biology and molecular techniques as part of her doctoral work at the Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology. Her research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, specifically rare conditions like KAT6B syndrome. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in cell culture, experimental protocols such as immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, Western Blotting, and direct cellular reprogramming. Diana has collaborated on various research projects funded by organizations such as the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. She has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles in leading scientific journals, contributing significantly to the understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction and therapeutic targets for rare diseases. She has also contributed to studies exploring mitochondrial unfolded protein responses (mtUPR) and their potential for treating mitochondrial diseases, publishing findings in well-regarded journals. Diana’s practical skills and dedication to research have made her a valuable member of her research group.

Research Focus:

Diana Reche López’s research focus is on exploring novel therapeutic approaches for rare neurodegenerative diseases, particularly KAT6B syndrome, a condition with no effective treatment other than palliative care. Her work revolves around understanding the molecular mechanisms of these diseases, with an emphasis on mitochondrial dysfunction and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR). She investigates how targeting mtUPR could offer potential therapies for mitochondrial diseases. Diana uses a variety of advanced experimental techniques, including cell culture, immunofluorescence, and direct reprogramming, to study the molecular pathology of these disorders. Her research also extends to examining the effects of supplements like pantothenate and L-carnitine on disease models, aiming to improve cellular health and therapeutic outcomes. Diana’s work contributes to the broader effort of developing targeted treatments for mitochondrial diseases, making her a promising researcher in the field of rare diseases and biotechnology.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Therapeutic approach with commercial supplements for pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration with residual PANK2 expression levels 🧬🧪
  2. Activation of the Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response: A New Therapeutic Target? 💊🧠
  3. UPRmt activation improves pathological alterations in cellular models of mitochondrial diseases 🧬🔬
  4. Pantothenate and L-Carnitine Supplementation Improves Pathological Alterations in Cellular Models of KAT6A Syndrome 🔬💊
  5. Vicious cycle of lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation in neurodegeneration ⚡🧠
  6. mtUPR Modulation as a Therapeutic Target for Primary and Secondary Mitochondrial Diseases 🧬⚙️
  7. Neurodegeneration, Mitochondria, and Antibiotics 🧪💡
  8. Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation corrects pathological alterations in cellular models of pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration 🧬🧪
  9. Antioxidants Prevent Iron Accumulation and Lipid Peroxidation, but Do Not Correct Autophagy Dysfunction or Mitochondrial Bioenergetics 🧪🧬
  10. Patient-Derived Cellular Models for Polytarget Precision Medicine in Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration 🧬🔬

Conclusion:

Diana Reche López is highly deserving of recognition for her research in the field of rare and neurodegenerative diseases. Her technical expertise, impressive publication record, and active role in impactful research projects make her a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

While there are areas for improvement, particularly in gaining leadership experience and securing independent funding, her current trajectory as a researcher suggests that she is well on her way to making significant contributions to the scientific community. Her continued involvement in innovative research, combined with the potential for growth in leadership and international collaboration, makes her an excellent candidate for the award.