Rajwinder Kaur | Medicinal Chemistry | Outstanding Educator Award

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Dr. Rajwinder Kaur | Medicinal Chemistry | Outstanding Educator Award

Chitkara University | India

Dr. Rajwinder Kaur is a distinguished pharmaceutical chemist, academic leader, and researcher with over 16 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration. Currently serving as Assistant Dean (PharmD Program) and Professor, she has made significant contributions to pharmaceutical chemistry, drug design, and therapeutic innovation. Her research focuses on computer-aided drug design (CADD), the discovery of novel chemical entities as adenosine receptor ligands, and the development of therapeutic agents for asthma, inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and neuroprotection. She has also advanced the scientific understanding of natural products by identifying phytoconstituents with antidepressant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal potential. As Principal Investigator, she successfully completed a prestigious DST Women Scientist (WOS-A) project on thiophene derivatives. Dr. Kaur’s scholarly contributions include impactful publications in high-ranking international journals such as Chemistry Africa, Frontiers in Pharmacology, Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceuticals, Polymers, CNS Medicinal Chemistry, and more. Her work spans synthetic chemistry, molecular modeling, nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, biomarker discovery, and MAO-A inhibitor development. She has authored multiple books with NOVA Science Publishers, highlighting her multidisciplinary expertise. With a strong innovation portfolio, she holds several patents related to thiophene derivatives, novel drug-delivery devices, chemical catalyzers, and therapeutic compounds. Her excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Best Faculty Award, Young Scientist Awards, Gold Medals, and several national accolades. She is also an active member of globally recognized professional bodies such as the ACS, HKCBEES, and APTI. Through her impactful research, innovation, mentoring, and leadership, Dr. Rajwinder Kaur continues to shape the future of pharmaceutical sciences and stands as an exemplary researcher and educator.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Choudhary, D., Kaur, R., Rani, N., Kumar, B., Singh, T. G., Chandrasekaran, B., Rawat, R., & Eyupoglu, V. (2025). Insights into in silico analysis to explore the multitarget antidepressant role of Camellia sinensis. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 1–13.

2. Rani, A., Kaur, R., Aldahish, A., Vasudevan, R., Balaji, P., Dora, C. P., Chandrasekaran, B., Singh, T. G., & Sharma, R. (2025). Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC)-based topical formulation of hesperidin for effective treatment of psoriasis. Pharmaceutics, 17(4), 478.

3. Choudhary, D., Kumar, B., Chandrasekaran, B., Singh, T. G., Kaur, R., Aldahish, A., Vasudevan, R., & Balaji, P. (2025). Microwave-assisted synthesis of morpholine-based chalcones as reversible MAO-A inhibitors in the management of mental depression. Pharmaceuticals, 18(3), 309.

4. Singh, J. K., Kaur, S., Chandrasekaran, B., Kaur, G., Saini, B., Kaur, R., Silakari, P., Kaur, N., & Bassi, P. (2024). A QbD-navigated approach to the development and evaluation of etodolac–phospholipid complex containing polymeric films for improved anti-inflammatory effect. Polymers, 16(17), 2517.

5. Singh, R., Rani, N., Kaur, R., Chahal, G., Kumar, P., & Kaur, G. (2024). Exploring the therapeutic potential of alkaloids in Alzheimer’s disease management. Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 24(2), 206–218.

Mokgadi Mphahlele | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mokgadi Mphahlele | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Tshwane University of Technology | South Africa

Dr. Mokgadi Precious Mphahlele is an emerging South African chemist specializing in natural product chemistry, drug discovery, and analytical techniques. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Johannesburg, where her research focused on isolating and synthesizing bioactive compounds from traditional medicinal plants (Tabernaemontana contorta, Sclerocarya birrea, and Senna italica) for use against resistant bacterial and cancerous cells. Her MSc in Chemistry involved developing a sustained delivery system for Curcuma longa extracts using advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Dr. Mphahlele is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Tshwane University of Technology, conducting chemometric analysis and metabolomics on South African medicinal plants. She previously served as a Senior Laboratory Technician at the University of Johannesburg and a Quality Control Lab Assistant at Idwala Industrial Minerals. She has contributed to over ten peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, focusing on phytochemical profiling, structure elucidation, antibacterial and anticancer assays, and natural compound synthesis. Dr. Mphahlele has completed international programs such as the Lancaster University Career Writing Program, and training in Drug Discovery (UC San Diego) and Scientific Writing (Nature Masterclass). Her research interests lie in natural products chemistry, chromatographic method development, molecular networking, and structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies. She is an active member of the Golden Key Honour Society, a Black Women in Science 2024 Fellow, and a reviewer for Taylor & Francis. Dr. Mphahlele’s work bridges traditional knowledge with modern scientific innovation, contributing to sustainable health solutions.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google scholar

Featured Publications

  • “Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Sugar from the Inner Bark of Sclerocarya birrea: Insights into Antibiotic and Anticancer Activity”

  • “Antimicrobial Activity of Triterpenoid and Steroidal Cinnamates from Vitellaria paradoxa”

  • “Crystal structure of Staudtienic acid, a diterpenoid from Staudtia kamerunensis Warb.(Myristicaceae)”

  • “Chemical profiling, bio-guided purification, and cytotoxic effect of two African spices: Hypodaphnis zenkeri Engl. Stapf (Lauraceae) and Staudtia kamerunensis warb (Myristicaceae) on human prostate cancer cell lines”

  • “Antibacterial activity and GC-MS profiling of DCM/MeOH extracts of Tabernaemontana contorta Stapf’s leaves, and stem bark from the central region of Cameroon”

 

Fei Yao | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Fei Yao | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Fei Yao’s journey in academia began with a strong foundation in biochemistry and medical sciences. With a keen interest in cancer biology, Prof. Yao pursued higher education in oncology, eventually earning a medical degree and further advancing into postdoctoral research. This rigorous academic training laid the groundwork for future contributions to cancer research.

🏥 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Professor of Oncology at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, China, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Prof. Yao has seamlessly integrated clinical expertise with research innovations. As a medical doctor and postdoctoral fellow, Prof. Yao also mentors master’s students, shaping the next generation of researchers in oncology and biochemistry.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Yao’s research primarily focuses on tumor microenvironment mechanisms and the development of clinical drugs for cancer treatment. By leading multiple prestigious research projects funded by:

  • 🏅 National Natural Science Foundation of China
  • 🏅 China Postdoctoral Science Foundation
  • 🏅 Guangxi Natural Science Foundation

Prof. Yao has significantly contributed to understanding how cancer cells interact with their surroundings, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

📚 Impact and Influence

Prof. Yao has published multiple SCI-indexed research papers, adding valuable insights to the field of oncology and biochemistry. These studies have not only been widely cited but have also influenced clinical applications and drug development in cancer research.

📖 Academic Citations & Recognition

With a robust research portfolio, Prof. Yao’s work has been cited extensively in international journals, reinforcing its scientific impact. These contributions continue to shape the landscape of cancer treatment and personalized medicine.

🛠️ Technical Skills & Expertise

Prof. Yao possesses expertise in various advanced biochemical and clinical research techniques, including:
✔️ Tumor Microenvironment Analysis
✔️ Cell Culture & Molecular Biology Techniques
✔️ Targeted Drug Development for Cancer
✔️ Clinical Trials & Experimental Therapies
✔️ Biostatistical Analysis & Research Methodologies

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

As a Master’s Supervisor, Prof. Yao plays a crucial role in mentoring graduate students, guiding them in research methodologies, experimental designs, and thesis development. Many students have benefited from this mentorship, progressing in their careers as medical researchers and clinicians.

🌎 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a deep commitment to advancing cancer research, Prof. Yao aims to:
🔹 Continue exploring innovative treatments targeting the tumor microenvironment.
🔹 Bridge the gap between traditional Chinese medicine and modern oncology.
🔹 Develop next-generation clinical drugs to improve patient outcomes.
🔹 Inspire young researchers to contribute meaningfully to biochemistry and oncology.

🏆 Conclusion

Prof. Fei Yao’s dedication to biochemistry and cancer research has established a remarkable legacy in oncology, drug development, and clinical applications. As an esteemed professor, researcher, and mentor, Prof. Yao’s contributions will continue to impact the field for years to come.

📖Notable Publications

Hyperacute rejection-engineered oncolytic virus for interventional clinical trial in refractory cancer patients

Authors: L. Zhong, L. Gan, B. Wang, W. Shi, Y. Zhao

Journal: Cell

Year: 2025

Azadeh Hamedi | Medicinal Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Assoc Prof Dr. Azadeh Hamedi | Medicinal Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran

 Profiles👨‍🎓

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Azadeh Hamedi embarked on her academic journey with a Pharmacy Doctorate (Pharm D) from the School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran (1997-2003). This foundation in pharmacy was further refined with her Ph.D. in Pharmacognosy from Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (2003-2008). Her dedication to pharmacognosy was evident early in her studies, setting the stage for her career.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Her career showcases a strong commitment to pharmacognosy and pharmaceutical research. She began as an Assistant Professor at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, teaching and researching within the Department of Pharmacognosy from 2009 to 2015. Her position advanced to Associate Professor in 2015, where she continues to instruct and lead research initiatives. Additionally, She serves as a Research Leader at the Medicinal Processing Research Center since 2014, directing crucial projects in medicinal plant processing and application.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research spans various aspects of pharmacognosy, with a focus on medicinal plants, glycomics, and their pharmacological applications. Her postdoctoral fellowship at Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics (2007-2008) highlights her expertise in glycoscience and collaborative research. Dr. Hamedi has authored 79 publications, which reflect her deep exploration into the therapeutic potentials of bioactive compounds in plants.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Her research has made substantial contributions to pharmacognosy and related disciplines, influencing the academic community and impacting practical medicinal applications. Her published work has fostered new directions in pharmacognosy, particularly within Iran’s pharmaceutical sciences, contributing to both national and international advancements in the understanding of medicinal plants.

📈 Academic Cites and Recognitions

Dr. Hamedi’s publications have garnered numerous citations, underscoring her work's influence. Her contributions are well-regarded in the academic community, and she continues to receive recognition for her impactful studies and findings in pharmacognosy.

🛠 Technical Skills

Dr. Hamedi possesses extensive skills in medicinal plant processing, analytical methods in pharmacognosy, and glycomics. Her background in these advanced techniques is instrumental in her research and allows her to make meaningful advancements in her field.

🏫 Teaching Experience

As a faculty member at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, She has a rich teaching history. She has educated and mentored numerous students, passing on her expertise in pharmacognosy and related sciences. Her teaching contributions support the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Her legacy lies in her dedication to pharmacognosy and her contributions to medicinal plant research. With her continued focus on high-impact research and mentorship, her future contributions promise to further advance the field of pharmacognosy and inspire upcoming scientists. Her ongoing leadership in medicinal research initiatives positions her as an influential figure in the field.

📖Notable Publications