Somboon Tanasupawat | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Somboon Tanasupawat | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Academic Background and Early Career

Prof. Dr. Somboon Tanasupawat has an extensive academic background in microbiology and agricultural chemistry. He obtained his Ph.D. in Agricultural Chemistry from Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan, an M.Sc. in Microbiology from Kasetsart University, Thailand, and a Diploma in Microbiology and Biotechnology from Osaka University, Japan. His early academic pursuits provided a strong foundation in microbial taxonomy, biotechnology, and applied microbiology.

🔬 Professional Endeavors and Research Focus

Currently, Prof. Tanasupawat is a Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. His research expertise spans microbial taxonomy, industrial microbiology, and biotechnology. His contributions in identifying and characterizing novel microbial species have significantly advanced microbiological research.

📚 Research Contributions and Publications

With a prolific research career, Prof. Tanasupawat has published over 380 research articles in peer-reviewed journals and contributed 45 book chapters with internationally recognized publishers. His work in microbial taxonomy and applied microbiology has played a vital role in developing microbial applications for pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental sciences.

🏆 Awards and Recognitions

His outstanding contributions to microbiology have been acknowledged with several prestigious awards, including:

  • Scientist Award – Nagai Award (1996) from the Nagai Foundation, Tokyo, recognizing his early scientific achievements.

  • National Outstanding Research Award (2020) from the National Research Council of Thailand, highlighting his groundbreaking research in microbiology.

📖 Editorial and Academic Influence

Prof. Tanasupawat is an editorial board member of several scientific journals, further demonstrating his leadership in the microbiology community. His role as a mentor and researcher continues to influence microbiological advancements and guide future generations of scientists.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

With his extensive research experience, Prof. Tanasupawat continues to contribute to microbial taxonomy and biotechnology, exploring new applications of microorganisms in pharmaceutical, environmental, and industrial fields. His legacy will remain in the identification and utilization of beneficial microbes, shaping the future of applied microbiology and microbial research worldwide.

📖Notable Publications

Description of Komagataeibacter gen. nov., with proposals of new combinations (Acetobacteraceae)

Authors: Y Yamada, P Yukphan, HTL Vu, Y Muramatsu, D Ochaikul, …

Journal: The Journal of General and Applied Microbiology

Year: 2012

Lactobacillus acidipiscis sp. nov. and Weissella thailandensis sp. nov., isolated from fermented fish in Thailand

Authors: S Tanasupawat, O Shida, S Okada, K Komagata

Journal: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology

Year: 2000

Ideonella sakaiensis sp. nov., isolated from a microbial consortium that degrades poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Authors: S Tanasupawat, T Takehana, S Yoshida, K Hiraga, K Oda

Journal: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology

Year: 2016

Proteinase-producing halophilic lactic acid bacteria isolated from fish sauce fermentation and their ability to produce volatile compounds

Authors: N Udomsil, S Rodtong, S Tanasupawat, J Yongsawatdigul

Journal: International Journal of Food Microbiology

Year: 2010

Exopolysaccharide-producing lactic acid bacteria strains from traditional Thai fermented foods: isolation, identification and exopolysaccharide characterization

Authors: T Smitinont, C Tansakul, S Tanasupawat, S Keeratipibul, L Navarini, …

Journal: International Journal of Food Microbiology

Year: 1999

Samar Zailaie | RNA Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Samar Zailaie | RNA Biology | Best Researcher Award

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Saudi Arabia

👨‍🎓Profiles

📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Samar Zailaie earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2009. She then pursued a Master of Science in Molecular Pathology at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, graduating in 2015. Her academic background laid a solid foundation in biochemistry and molecular pathology, which has been crucial for her subsequent research endeavors.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

She has held several significant positions at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) in Jeddah, where she currently works as a Research Associate and Lab Manager of Research since March 2023. She has also served as a Research Technician since April 2018. Her previous roles include Lab Coordinator and Human Biology Teacher at My Little House School, and a Research Lab Coordinator at the University of Alberta Hospital. These positions highlight her versatility and commitment to advancing healthcare through research and education.

🌱 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research primarily focuses on developing diagnostic biomarker panels for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. She is particularly interested in the role of non-coding RNAs, especially miRNAs, in chronic inflammation due to fat deposition in the liver. Additionally, her work on dysregulated serum miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for multiple sclerosis subtypes in the Saudi population emphasizes her dedication to understanding and combating complex diseases.

🌟 Impact and Influence

She has made a notable impact in the field of molecular pathology and medical research through her contributions to understanding diseases prevalent in the Saudi population. Her findings on miRNAs have the potential to influence diagnostic practices and improve patient outcomes in multiple sclerosis and liver diseases. She is also active in various committees, enhancing research safety and providing advisory support at King Abdulaziz University and the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO).

📜 Academic Cites

She has published multiple research papers, contributing to the understanding of biomarkers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and multiple sclerosis. Her work is increasingly recognized in scientific literature, aiding in the advancement of diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategies.

⚙️ Technical Skills

Samar possesses extensive laboratory skills, including:

  • Nucleic acid extraction from diverse sample types
  • Next-generation sequencing for gene mutations and transcriptomics
  • Chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA purification
  • Real-time PCR and mammalian cell culture
  • Tissue staining techniques (IHC, ISH, FISH) and immunoblotting These skills highlight her expertise in advanced molecular biology techniques essential for her research.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

She has experience teaching Human Biology at the secondary level, specifically the Cambridge International GCSE curriculum. Her role as a lab coordinator also involved guiding students through practical lab sessions, fostering a strong understanding of biological sciences among her students.

🌱 Legacy

Her work is paving the way for better diagnostic practices in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the context of liver disease and multiple sclerosis. Her commitment to research and education ensures that she is not only contributing to scientific knowledge but also inspiring the next generation of scientists.

🔮 Future Contributions

Looking ahead, She aims to continue her research on biomarkers and their roles in various diseases, focusing on translational research that can directly benefit patient care. She aspires to expand her contributions to global research efforts, enhancing collaborative projects that address health challenges in the Middle East and beyond.

📖Notable Publications

 

Şengül Alpay Karaoğlu | Molecular Biology | Women Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Şengül Alpay Karaoğlu | Molecular Biology | Women Researcher Award

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Turkey

 Profiles👨‍🎓

 Early Academic Pursuits🎓

Prof. Dr. Sengul Alpay Karaoglu's academic foundation is grounded in Microbial Physiology, earning her MSc in 2015-2016 from Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University. Her early focus included critical areas such as General Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics. Over time, she has expanded her expertise into Biotechnology, Biodiversity Conservation, Pharmacology, and Mycology. Her solid academic background laid the groundwork for her substantial contributions in microbial and environmental sciences.

 Professional Endeavors💼

She has held multiple influential academic roles at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, including Faculty Board Member (2015–2022) and Head of the Biology Department (2016–present). She was also appointed Professor at Gümüşhane University in 2022. Her academic career spans two decades of service, where she has actively contributed to curriculum development and academic leadership in Biology, Microbiology, and Mycology. Beyond administrative roles, she is a patent holder and has led numerous research projects, showcasing her multidisciplinary talents in both teaching and research.

 Contributions and Research Focus🔬

Her research portfolio is rich with innovative work across microbiology, pharmacology, and biotechnology. Her research has notably contributed to understanding antimicrobial drugs and microbial biodiversity. Major highlights include: Antimicrobial properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from honeybees (Apis mellifera), Characterization of Bacillus species and their bioactive metabolites, including antifungal and antibacterial activities, Studies on antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli strains and molecular identification of Trichoderma species for biological control.

Her research contributions are reflected in several peer-reviewed publications and patents, such as her invention on an anti-helicobacter effective azo dye and urease enzyme inhibitor. Her work on synthesizing Penicillin-, Cephalosporin-, and Norfloxacin-Azole hybrid molecules demonstrates her role in advancing antimicrobial drug design.

 Impact and Influence🌍

Her impact on the scientific community is wide-reaching, particularly in microbiology and biotechnology. Her TÜBİTAK projects and work with higher education institutions underscore her leadership in addressing critical environmental and agricultural challenges. The innovative nature of her research has implications for antimicrobial therapies, environmental microbiology, and pharmacology, helping shape global understanding in these fields.

 Academic Cites and Recognition📚

Her research output has been widely cited in scientific journals and conferences, contributing to her reputation as a leading academic in Turkey and beyond. Her studies have enhanced the scientific understanding of antibiotic resistance and biological control mechanisms.

Technical Skills🛠️

Prof. Karaoglu’s technical expertise spans advanced microbiological techniques, including microbial culturing, genetic sequencing, molecular biology assays, and biotechnological applications. Her ability to blend laboratory research with real-world environmental applications is a hallmark of her technical acumen.

Teaching Experience👩‍🏫

She has an extensive teaching career, offering courses across several key fields, including: Molecular Cell Biology, Environmental Biotechnology, Food Microbiology, Virology. Antimicrobial Drugs and Their Mechanisms of Action Her commitment to academic excellence is demonstrated through her management of multiple graduate theses, mentoring students in cutting-edge microbiological research.

Legacy and Future Contributions🏆

Her legacy is one of scientific innovation and educational leadership. As a professor and researcher, she has not only contributed to critical advancements in microbiology and pharmacology but also nurtured the next generation of scientists. Moving forward, her work in biotechnology, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental microbiology will continue to be pivotal in addressing global scientific challenges. Prof. Karaoglu’s extensive portfolio ensures her lasting influence on both academia and the scientific community.

Notable Publications📖

"Characterization of chitin and description of its antimicrobial properties obtained from Cydalima perspectalis adults"

Authors: Kılcı, L., Altun, N., Karaoğlu, Ş.A., Karaduman Yeşildal, T.

JournalPolymer Bulletin

Year: 2024

"Prevalence and Phylogenetic Network Analysis of Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae Isolates from Honeybee Colonies in Türkiye"

Authors: Akpınar, R.K., Gürler, A.T., Bölükbaş, C.S., Küçükoğlu, B., Kurt, M.

JournalActa Parasitologica

Year: 2024

"Prevalence and molecular analysis of some important viruses in honey bee colonies in Türkiye: the status of multiple infections"

Authors: Akpinar, R., Ozan, E., Celik, S., Yaldiz, M., Karaoglu, S.A.

JournalArchives of Virology

Year: 2024

"Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activities, and Molecular Modeling Studies of Agents for the Sortase A Enzyme"

Authors: Tatar Yilmaz, G., Yayli, N., Tüzüner, T., Bozdeveci, A., Alpay Karaoğlu, Ş.

JournalChemistry and Biodiversity

Year: 2024

"Determination of plant growth promoting properties and bioremediation potentials of Bacillus mycoides Flügge and B. thuringiensis Berliner"

Authors: Üreyen Esertaş, Ü.Z., Bozdeveci, A., Uzunalioğlu, E., Alpay Karaoğlu, Ş.

JournalTrakya University Journal of Natural Sciences

Year: 2024

"Some Schiff Bases Containing Eugenol and Guaiacol: Comparison of Urease Inhibition and Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activities with Its Azo Analogs"

Authors: Kantar, C., Baltaş, N., Karaoğlu, Ş.A., Şaşmaz, S.

JournalPharmaceutical Chemistry Journal

Year: 2024