Dr. Sheenam Thatai | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Amity Institute of Applied Sciences, Amity University (Noida), India

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Sheenam Thatai demonstrated a strong passion for chemistry early in her academic journey. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in June 2013 from the Department of Chemistry at Banasthali University, Rajasthan. Her research, titled “Design of fluorescent nanosensors for toxic metal ions detection in aqueous media,” showcased her deep interest in inorganic chemistry and nanochemistry. Under the mentorship of Prof. Dinesh Kumar, she refined her expertise in sensor design and nanomaterials for environmental applications.

Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor-III at the Amity Institute of Applied Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Amity University, Noida, Dr. Thatai has made remarkable contributions to teaching and academic administration. Prior to her tenure at Amity University (since 2015), she served as an Assistant Professor and Research Associate at Banasthali University, Rajasthan. Her responsibilities have spanned from NTCC coordination and program leadership for UG courses to being an active member of the Examination and Cultural Committees.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Thatai’s research expertise lies primarily in Inorganic Chemistry and Nanochemistry, focusing on the development of nanosensors for environmental monitoring. She has also expanded her research interests to include applications in solar energy through her collaborative work on solar cells. Her scientific curiosity has led her to explore interdisciplinary areas where nanostructured materials and photonics intersect.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Thatai’s work has gained international recognition through her research collaborations with prestigious institutions, including Capital Normal University (China), The University of the South Pacific (Fiji), Fiji National University, University of Pune, and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune. Her global research engagements have contributed significantly to the advancement of nanomaterials and photonics research.

International Research Experience

An important milestone in her career was her eight-month research tenure at the Nanophotonics and Nanostructured Lab at Capital Normal University, Beijing, China. She also spent three months at the Department of Physics, Pune University, India, working on solar cell technologies. These experiences have enriched her research perspective, enabling her to bring innovative methodologies into her teaching and research at Amity University.

Academic Cites and Research Collaborations

Through her research endeavors, Dr. Thatai has developed strong collaborative ties with leading global institutes, enhancing the quality and reach of her work. These collaborations have facilitated a rich exchange of knowledge and technology, further bolstering her contributions to nanotechnology and sensor science.

Technical Skills

Dr. Thatai possesses a strong command over techniques related to the design and synthesis of nanomaterials, fabrication of fluorescent nanosensors, and evaluation of solar cell materials. Her multidisciplinary technical expertise bridges chemistry, physics, and material sciences, making her a versatile researcher and educator.

Teaching and Academic Roles

In addition to her research, Dr. Thatai has shown excellence in academic leadership. She has served as the Library In-Charge, Chemistry Lab Coordinator for both UG and PG students, NTCC Coordinator, and Program Leader for UG courses. Her commitment to holistic student development is further reflected through her active participation in cultural and youth festivals organized by Amity University.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With a dynamic career that blends research excellence and academic leadership, Dr. Sheenam Thatai continues to inspire future chemists and researchers. She aims to expand her research into cutting-edge applications of nanotechnology for environmental and energy solutions. Her ongoing collaborations and mentoring of young scientists will leave a lasting legacy in the field of nanochemistry and sensor technology.

Notable Publications

Nanoparticles and Core–Shell Nanocomposite Based New Generation Water Remediation Materials and Analytical Techniques: A Review
Authors: S. Thatai, P. Khurana, J. Boken, S. Prasad, D. Kumar
Journal: Microchemical Journal
Year: 2014

Plasmonic Nanoparticles and Their Analytical Applications: A Review
Authors: J. Boken, P. Khurana, S. Thatai, D. Kumar, S. Prasad
Journal: Applied Spectroscopy Reviews
Year: 2017

A New Way in Nanosensors: Gold Nanorods for Sensing of Fe (III) Ions in Aqueous Media
Authors: S. Thatai, P. Khurana, S. Prasad, D. Kumar
Journal: Microchemical Journal
Year: 2014

Trace Colorimetric Detection of Pb²⁺ Using Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles and Silica–Gold Nanocomposites
Authors: S. Thatai, P. Khurana, S. Prasad, S.K. Soni, D. Kumar
Journal: Microchemical Journal
Year: 2016

Plasmonic Detection of Cd²⁺ Ions Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Active Core–Shell Nanocomposite
Authors: S. Thatai, P. Khurana, S. Prasad, D. Kumar
Journal: Talanta
Year: 2015

Dr. Vinayak Mastiholimath | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

KLE College Of Pharmacy, India

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Vinayak Mastiholimath embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B Pharm) and continued to deepen his knowledge by earning a Master of Pharmacy (M Pharm). His passion for pharmaceutical sciences culminated in a Ph.D. in 2010 from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, which laid the foundation for his future career in research and academia. Throughout his early academic pursuits, he exhibited a strong commitment to the advancement of pharmacy education and research.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Mastiholimath serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at KLE University and as a Professor & Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance at KLE College of Pharmacy in Belagavi, Karnataka. His leadership role involves shaping the future of pharmacy education while ensuring that students and faculty contribute meaningfully to the pharmaceutical field. His experience is extensive, and his professional journey has been marked by a commitment to academic excellence and research advancement.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Mastiholimath has made significant contributions to the pharmaceutical sciences, particularly in the field of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance. He has guided 80 postgraduate students in their dissertation work and is currently supervising 6 Ph.D. candidates. His research focus lies in enhancing drug delivery systems, controlled release formulations, and improving pharmaceutical manufacturing practices. This area of expertise has earned him national and international recognition, particularly through his multiple publications and presentations.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Mastiholimath has had a lasting impact on the field of pharmacy, both in India and internationally. His research and contributions to pharmaceutical quality have advanced the standards and practices within the industry. As an active member of professional bodies such as APTI, IPA, and the Controlled Release Society, he has played an instrumental role in shaping the direction of pharmaceutical sciences. His work continues to influence not only his students but also the broader pharmaceutical research community.

Academic Cites

Dr. Mastiholimath’s academic work is widely cited, reflecting the relevance and importance of his research in the field. With 90 publications to his name, he has made substantial contributions to scholarly articles and journals. His research has been recognized globally, and his work has an H-index of 23, demonstrating the impact of his publications in the scientific community.

Technical Skills

With a deep understanding of pharmaceutical quality assurance, Dr. Mastiholimath has honed his technical skills in drug formulation, quality control, and testing methodologies. His expertise in controlled release systems, drug delivery mechanisms, and pharmaceutical regulations ensures that his research is not only cutting-edge but also applicable in real-world pharmaceutical production.

Teaching Experience

Dr. Mastiholimath’s teaching experience spans years of guiding and mentoring students at various academic levels. As a professor, he has cultivated a learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, and practical application of pharmaceutical knowledge. He has also played a significant role in preparing students for professional exams, and his influence extends to several universities where he serves as an examiner for various academic bodies.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Mastiholimath’s legacy in pharmacy education and research will continue to shape future generations of pharmaceutical scientists. With a clear vision for advancing drug delivery systems and quality assurance practices, he remains committed to pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical research. His ongoing work and leadership ensure that his contributions will have a lasting influence, fostering innovation in the industry for years to come.

Notable Publications

Quality by Design Approach for the Development of Cariprazine Hydrochloride Loaded Lipid-Based Formulation for Brain Delivery via Intranasal Route
Authors: Pallavi Chiprikar, Vinayak Mastiholimath, Prakash Biradar, Nisha Shirkoli
Journal: Current Drug Metabolism
Year: 2024 (December)

Chemometrics‐Empowered Optimization of a Reliable Reversed Phase–High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for the Simultaneous Estimation of Erythromycin and Adapalene in Pharmaceutical Nanoformulation
Authors: Nisha Shirkoli, Vinayak Mastiholimath
Journal: SEPARATION SCIENCE PLUS
Year: 2024 (October)

HP-TLC Method Development of Cariprazine Hydrochloride for Applicative Quantification of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers
Authors: Pallavi Chiprikar, Vinayak Mastiholimath, Amruta Balekundri
Journal: Chemistry Africa
Year: 2024 (January)

Novel Simultaneous Identification of Capsaicin and Its Quantification in Transferosome Formulation By HP-TLC Technique
Authors: Nandanwadkar Shrikrishna Madhukar Hema, Mastiholimath Vinayak Shivamurthy, Pulija Karunakar
Journal: Current Pharmaceutical Analysis
Year: 2021 (January)

Dr. Judith Nzoughet Kouassi | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Université Paris Cité, France

Profiles

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Judith Nzoughet Kouassi’s academic journey began in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, where she earned a scientific Baccalauréat with honors. Her exceptional performance gained her entry into the prestigious Institut National Polytechnique Houphouët Boigny (INP-HB), where she completed a University Diploma of Technology (DUT) in Industrial Chemistry. Driven by a passion for science and research, she later earned a BSc, Maîtrise, and MSc in Chemistry from Université de Nantes, France. Her commitment to academic excellence was recognized with a national scholarship from the Ivorian government. To broaden her international exposure and English proficiency, she pursued a PhD in Biological Sciences/Analytical Chemistry at Queen’s University Belfast (UK), supported by a full scholarship.

Professional Endeavors

Following her doctoral studies, Dr. Kouassi embarked on an impressive research and academic career across the United Kingdom and France. She held several postdoctoral research fellowships, where she worked extensively on the analysis of biological matrices, using advanced sample preparation and detection techniques. Since 2019, she has held the position of Associate Professor in Analytical Chemistry at Université Paris Cité, where she combines research with academic leadership. Her work is deeply interdisciplinary, merging analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, and biological sciences.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kouassi’s scientific contributions are particularly notable in the fields of liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometry (MS), and chemometrics. Her research focuses on the development of analytical strategies to detect and understand biotoxins, growth promoters, and the molecular basis of diseases. Her current projects explore falsified medicine detection, food safety, and metabolomics-based biomarker discovery. These efforts directly contribute to enhancing public health through innovative analytical approaches.

Impact and Influence

With a background that bridges Africa and Europe, Dr. Kouassi has made remarkable strides in the global scientific community. Her transdisciplinary approach to research helps provide precise and effective health solutions by examining metabolic responses to environmental and genetic stimuli. She has successfully secured multiple international fellowships and grants, including the prestigious IdEx 2020 Université de Paris Cité grant for the FalsiMedTrack project.

Academic Cites and Honors

Dr. Kouassi’s scholarly work has been recognized with several prestigious awards:
Best Oral Presentation – Royal Society of Chemistry (2008)
Poster Award – 4th International Symposium on Food Analysis (2009)
PhD Scholarship – Queen’s University Belfast & Department of Agriculture (2006–2009)
Research funding from SafeFood, Ifremer, and Région Pays de la Loire
These accolades reflect her influence and recognition in the scientific and academic community.

Technical Skills

Her expertise spans a wide array of analytical and instrumental techniques, including:

• Liquid Chromatography (LC)

• Mass Spectrometry (MS) – including Orbitrap technology

• Chemometrics & Metabolomics

• Biotoxin and pharmaceutical compound analysis
  She is adept in designing and executing complex studies involving biological matrices and biofluids.

Teaching Experience

In addition to her research, Dr. Kouassi is passionate about education and mentorship. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Teaching (PGCHET) from Queen’s University Belfast. Throughout her academic career, she has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, integrating cutting-edge analytical research into her teaching.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Kouassi represents a new generation of globally engaged scientists. Her career exemplifies how scientific excellence, cross-cultural experience, and interdisciplinary methods can address real-world challenges. As a mother and full-time academic, she is also an advocate for work-life balance in academia. Her ongoing contributions are poised to significantly advance public health, pharmaceutical safety, and analytical chemistry education across borders.

Notable Publications

Cross-Analytical Strategies to Tackle “Medicines in Disguise” Presented as Food Supplements, a New Threat for Human Health
Authors: Judith Nzoughet Kouassi, Chouaha Bouzidi, Béatrice Nicolai, Farah Ben Jamaa, Annabelle Dugay, Jérôme Langrand, Dominique Vodovar, Pascal Houzé, Laurence Labat, Bruno Mégarbane, et al.
Journal: Molecules
Year: 2025

Letter to the Editor on: Prophylactic Nicotinamide Treatment Protects from Rotenone-Induced Neurodegeneration by Increasing Mitochondrial Content and Volume
Authors: Cinzia Bocca, Judith Kouassi-Nzoughet, Juan Manuel Chao de la Barca, Dominique Bonneau, Christophe Verny, Philippe Gohier, Christophe Orssaud, Pascal Reynier
Journal: Acta Neuropathologica Communications
Year: 2024

Enhancement of the Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Delphinidin When Encapsulated within Small Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Merwan Barkallah, Judith Nzoughet-Kouassi, Gilles Simard, Loric Thoulouze, Sébastien Marze, Marie-Hélène Ropers, Ramaroson Andriantsitohaina
Journal: Nutrients
Year: 2021

A Plasma Metabolomic Signature of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Showing Taurine and Nicotinamide Deficiencies
Authors: Judith Nzoughet Kouassi
Journal: Human Molecular Genetics
Year: 2021

Tryptophane–Kynurenine Pathway in the Remote Ischemic Conditioning Mechanism
Authors: Judith Nzoughet Kouassi
Journal: Basic Research in Cardiology
Year: 2020

A Data Mining Metabolomics Exploration of Glaucoma
Authors: Judith Nzoughet Kouassi
Journal: Metabolites
Year: 2020