Niraj Kumar | Structural Biology | Best Paper Award

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Mr. Niraj Kumar | Structural Biology | Best Paper Award

Niraj Kumar at UNESCO, Regional Centre For Biotechnology, India

Summary:

Mr. Niraj Kumar is a Ph.D. research scholar specializing in structural biology and translation regulation at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad. His research focuses on the survival mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, particularly how the bacterium modifies protein synthesis under stress conditions. With expertise in cryo-EM and molecular biology techniques, Niraj has received international recognition for his work, winning the Best Cryo-EM Microstructure Award in 2024. His long-term goal is to deepen his understanding of ribosomal function using advanced cryo-EM techniques.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

Niraj Kumar completed his B.Sc. in Industrial Microbiology, Botany, and Chemistry from Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut, in 2014. He then earned his M.Sc. in Microbiology from the same institution in 2016. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, under the supervision of Dr. Prem S. Kaushal. His doctoral research, which began in 2019, focuses on structural biology and translation regulation in the context of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

🏢 Professional Experience:

As a Ph.D. research scholar, Niraj Kumar has gained significant experience in structural biology, with a particular emphasis on cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). He is part of a cutting-edge research team that investigates how Mycobacterium tuberculosis adapts its translational mechanisms to survive in stressful environments, such as hypoxia. Niraj’s technical expertise includes cryo-EM sample preparation, ribosome purification, protein purification, gene cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and X-ray crystallography. He has also mastered computational tools like Relion3.1.4, Coot, ChimeraX, PyMol, GROMACS, and more for single-particle reconstruction analysis.

In addition to his research, Niraj’s work has been recognized at the international level. He won the Best Cryo-EM Microstructure Award at the 2024 International Conference on Electron Microscopy organized by the Electron Microscope Society of India (EMSI). He has also qualified for several prestigious examinations, including the CSIR NET/JRF, ICAR NET-ARS, GATE in Life Sciences, and the ICAR NET in multiple years.

Research Interests:

Niraj Kumar’s research primarily focuses on how Mycobacterium tuberculosis adapts its protein synthesis machinery to survive under low-oxygen (hypoxic) conditions. Using cryo-EM single-particle reconstruction, he has studied the structure of the 70S ribosome in complex with the hibernation promotion factor (RafH), which is induced during hypoxia. His 2.8 Å resolution structure reveals that RafH binding blocks all three modes of translation initiation, shields the ribosome from degradation, and prevents ribosome-targeting antibiotics from binding. Moving forward, Niraj aims to expand his expertise in Cryo-electron tomography and Cryo-FIB SEM to further explore ribosome function in a cellular context under stress conditions.

Author Metrics:

Niraj Kumar is an emerging researcher with a growing body of work. His publication on the 70S ribosome structure with the RafH complex has garnered attention, contributing to the understanding of bacterial protein synthesis and antibiotic resistance. He continues to publish and present his research at scientific conferences, expanding his footprint in the field of structural biology.

Top Noted Publication:

The spectrum of neurologic disease associated with anti-GM1 antibodies

  • Authors: SA Sadiq, FP Thomas, K Kilidireas, S Protopsaltis, AP Hays, KW Lee, D Hays
  • Journal: Neurology
  • Volume: 40, Issue: 7, Page: 1067-1067
  • Year: 1990
  • Citations: 303

Paradigms of climate change impacts on some major food sources of the world: A review on current knowledge and future prospects

  • Authors: A Tripathi, DK Tripathi, DK Chauhan, N Kumar, GS Singh
  • Journal: Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
  • Volume: 216, Pages: 356-373
  • Year: 2016
  • Citations: 302

Federated learning enables big data for rare cancer boundary detection

  • Authors: S Pati, U Baid, B Edwards, M Sheller, SH Wang, GA Reina, P Foley, …
  • Journal: Nature Communications
  • Volume: 13, Article Number: 7346
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 178

Evaluation of Ophthacare® eye drops—a herbal formulation in the management of various ophthalmic disorders

  • Authors: NR Biswas, SK Gupta, GK Das, N Kumar, PK Mongre, D Haldar, S Beri
  • Journal: Phytotherapy Research
  • Volume: 15, Issue: 7, Pages: 618-620
  • Year: 2001
  • Citations: 152

Development and evaluation of deep learning–based segmentation of histologic structures in the kidney cortex with multiple histologic stains

  • Authors: CP Jayapandian, Y Chen, AR Janowczyk, MB Palmer, CA Cassol, …
  • Journal: Kidney International
  • Volume: 99, Issue: 1, Pages: 86-101
  • Year: 2021
  • Citations: 133

Nehal Ali | Spectroscopy Award | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Nehal Ali, Spectroscopy Award, Best Researcher Award

Professor at Tanta University, Egypt

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Nehal Ali is an esteemed academic and researcher specializing in engineering physics, materials science, and nanotechnology. With a Ph.D. from Tanta University, Egypt, Dr. Ali has made significant contributions to her field through extensive teaching, research, and leadership roles. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Tanta University, she has also held positions at Zewail City of Science and Technology. Dr. Ali’s research interests span ultrafast electron microscopy, nanomaterials, materials characterization, and environmental conservation. Her work is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach, combining advanced experimental techniques with computational modeling to address pressing scientific challenges. Dr. Ali’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her extensive publication record, successful grant acquisitions, and active participation in scientific organizations and international collaborations. Overall, Prof. Dr. Nehal Ali’s expertise and contributions have earned her recognition as a leading figure in the field of engineering physics and materials science.

Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

👩‍🎓Education & Qualification:

  • Ph.D. in Engineering Physics, 2006-2009, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Egypt.
  • M.Sc. in Engineering Physics, 2001-2004, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Egypt.
  • B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, 1993-1998, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Egypt.

Professional Experience:  

Prof. Dr. Nehal Ali boasts a distinguished career marked by substantial professional experience and academic accomplishments. With expertise spanning engineering physics, materials science, and nanotechnology, Dr. Ali has served in various academic roles, including as an Associate Professor at Tanta University and as an Adjunct at Zewail City of Science. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and administrative duties. Dr. Ali’s leadership extends to her roles as a principal investigator, director of laboratories, and executive director of quality assurance units. Her contributions to the field are further underscored by her active involvement in scientific organizations, international collaborations, and successful grant acquisitions. Dr. Ali’s multifaceted expertise and dedication to advancing knowledge underscore her status as a respected figure in the academic community.

Research Interest:

Ultrafast Electron Microscopy: Investigating ultrafast dynamics and structural changes in materials at nanoscale resolutions using cutting-edge electron microscopy techniques.

Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology: Exploring the synthesis, characterization, and applications of nanomaterials for various engineering and technological applications, such as sensors, catalysts, and energy devices.

Materials Characterization: Utilizing advanced spectroscopic and microscopy techniques to analyze the structural, chemical, and electronic properties of materials, including semiconductors, polymers, and nanoparticles.

Advanced Microscopy: Developing novel imaging and spectroscopic methods to probe the physical and chemical properties of materials with high spatial and temporal resolution, enabling a deeper understanding of their behavior and functionality.

Environmental and Cultural Heritage Conservation: Investigating the degradation mechanisms of archaeological artifacts and historical materials, as well as developing advanced analytical techniques for their preservation and conservation.

Synchrotron Radiation Applications: Leveraging synchrotron radiation sources for studies in materials science, environmental science, and cultural heritage conservation, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and tomography.

Computational Materials Science: Employing computational modeling and simulation techniques to predict and understand the behavior of materials under various conditions, facilitating the design of new materials with tailored properties.

Publication Top Noted:

Title: Free-Standing Working Electrodes for Supercapacitors Based on Composite Polymer Nanofibers and Functionalized with Graphene Oxide

  • Authors: Elmessiry, K.S.; El-Aassar, M.R.; Nassr, A.B.A.A.; Moharam, B.E.; Ali, N.
  • Journal: Journal of Electronic Materials
  • Year: 2021
  • Volume: 50
  • Issue: 10
  • Pages: 5599–5611

Title: Tunable Emission of Electro-spun Ceramic ZnS:Cu:Co Nanofibers for Photonic Applications: Structure and Optical Properties

  • Authors: Ali, N.; Elmagd, A.A.
  • Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
  • Year: 2021
  • Volume: 32
  • Issue: 3
  • Pages: 3638–3648

Title: Safe and Economic Disposal of Water Treatment Residuals by Reusing it as a Substitution Layer in Roads Construction (Spectroscopic and Geotechnical Study)

  • Authors: Nazir, A.K.; Mahmoud, E.; Ali, M.; Ali, N.
  • Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
  • Year: 2020
  • Volume: 27
  • Issue: 24
  • Pages: 30490–30501

Title: Spectroscopic Studies on the Phosphorus Adsorption in Salt-Affected Soils with or without Nano-biochar Additions

  • Authors: Mahmoud, E.; El Baroudy, A.; Ali, N.; Sleem, M.
  • Journal: Environmental Research
  • Year: 2020
  • Volume: 184
  • Pages: 109277

Title: Effect of Biochar and Compost Amendments on Soil Biochemical Properties and Dry Weight of Canola Plant Grown in Soil Contaminated with Heavy Metals

  • Authors: Mahmoud, E.; Ibrahim, M.; Ali, N.; Ali, H.
  • Journal: Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis
  • Year: 2020
  • Pages: 1561–1571

 

 

 

 

Mohamed Hekal | Organic Chemistry

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Assoc Prof Dr. Mohamed Hekal: Leading Researcher in Organic Chemistry

🎉 Congratulations Assoc Prof Dr. Mohamed Hekal on Winning the Best Researcher Award! 🏆 Your dedication to research, mentorship, and collaboration with international teams is truly commendable. This award is a testament to your outstanding work and the impact it has on the broader community.

Assoc Prof Dr. Mohamed Hekal is a distinguished researcher in the field of Organic Chemistry, recognized for his exemplary contributions and achievements. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, earned in the years 2011-2014. He has continued to make significant strides in his academic and professional journey, contributing to the scientific community.

Professional Profile:

👨‍🎓 Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt (2011-2014).
  • M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt (2008-2011).
  • B.Sc. in Chemistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt (2004-2007).

Publication Top Noted:

  • New Benzochromeno[2,3-d]Pyrimidines and Benzochromenotriazolo[1,5-c]Pyrimidines as Potential Inhibitors of Topoisomerase II

  • Synthesis of new oxadiazol-phthalazinone derivatives with anti-proliferative activity; Molecular docking, pro-apoptotic, and enzyme inhibition profile

  • New N-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)furan-2-carboxamide derivatives as potential inhibitors of the VEGFR-2
  • An efficient synthesis and evaluation of some novel quinazolinone-pyrazole hybrids as potential antiproliferative agents
  • An efficient approach for the synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of some new benzocoumarins and related compounds
  • Utilization of cyanoacetohydrazide and 2-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl) acetyl chloride in the synthesis of some novel anti-proliferative heterocyclic compounds

👨‍🏫 Academic and Professional Positions:

  • Postdoctoral Visiting Scholar, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), USA (2023).
  • Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt (2020-present).
  • Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt (2014-2020).
  • Assistant Lecturer, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt (2011-2014).
  • Demonstrator in Chemistry Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt (2008-2011).

💼 Professional Experience:

  • President of the Quality Committee in the Chemistry Department (2021-2022).
  • Various committee memberships: postgraduate guidance, academic guidance, practical courses’ development.
  • Member of the Biological Sciences Control.
  • Winner of the USAID Postdoc Competition, invited to UCLA (2022).
  • International Publications Award, Ain Shams University (2017-2023).

🎓 Teaching Experience:

  • Theoretical Courses: Chemistry of Vitamins, Aromaticity, Terpenoids, Chemotherapy, Aliphatic Chemistry, Aromatic Chemistry, and more.
  • Skills include communication, research, teaching, presentation, and technology usage.

🔬 Research Interest:

  • Focus on Ni(II)-catalyzed dealkenylative reactions and the synthesis of bioactive molecules.
  • Published 25 articles in international chemistry journals.
  • Supervised successful M.Sc. and Ph.D. students.

🚀 Skills:

  • Language Skills: Arabic (Native), Fluent English.
  • Digital Skills: Microsoft Office, Chemdraw, Scifinder, Mestrenova, Reaxys, and more.

🎖️ Honors and Awards:

  • Winner of the USAID Postdoc Competition (2022).
  • International Publications Award, Ain Shams University (2017-2023).