Uthayashanker Ezekiel | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Saint Louis University, United States

Prof. Uthayashanker R. Ezekiel is a distinguished academician and molecular biologist with over three decades of expertise in immunology, microbiology, cancer biology, and stem cell research. Currently a tenured Professor at the Clinical Health Sciences Department, Saint Louis University, USA, he holds a secondary appointment in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. His academic journey spans prestigious institutions, including Yale, University of Chicago, and Washington University. He is a pioneer in developing novel therapeutics using phytochemicals and stem cell-based disease models. Prof. Ezekiel is a gold medalist from Madurai Kamaraj University and has earned fellowships from CSIR, NIH, and the Cancer Research Institute. He has successfully led interdisciplinary teams in both academia and industry and is a sought-after editorial board member and reviewer for high-impact journals. His significant contribution to translational research has impacted cancer therapeutics and neurodevelopmental disorders, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Ezekiel earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Saint Louis University, focusing on mitochondrial enzymes, under Dr. H. Peter Zassenhaus. His academic foundation began with a BS in Zoology and continued through an MS in Immunology from Madurai Kamaraj University, where he received multiple gold medals. He then joined the Indian Institute of Science for advanced research in allergen-specific immunotherapy. Throughout his career, he was awarded competitive national and international fellowships including CSIR, UGC, Baxter Foundation, Brown-Coxe, and the Cancer Research Institute Fellowship. His diverse academic training in India and the U.S. spans molecular microbiology, immunology, neurobiology, and biochemistry, equipping him with a unique interdisciplinary foundation. This strong academic background underpins his impactful translational research in cancer biology, neurodevelopment, and stem cell therapeutics.

Experience

Prof. Ezekiel’s professional journey includes over 30 years of impactful contributions in academia, research, and industry. He began as a postdoctoral fellow at Yale, University of Chicago, and Washington University, researching DNA repair, recombination, and neurodegeneration. He later transitioned into the biotechnology sector, where he served as Group Leader and Associate Director at Incyte Genomics, spearheading product development in genomics. As the founder of GeneProTech Inc., he provided consulting services for transgenic development and molecular diagnostics. At Saint Louis University, he advanced from adjunct to full professor, designing and mentoring research programs in molecular biology and cancer therapeutics. His leadership in academia is matched by his influence in translational biotech innovations, mentorship of undergraduates and graduate students, and commitment to academic service through journal editorial roles. His wide-ranging experiences across molecular science and translational applications underscore his suitability for the Best Researcher Award.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Ezekiel’s excellence in research and mentorship has been widely recognized. He is a gold medalist in both his BS and MS programs, equivalent to Summa Cum Laude in the U.S. He has earned prestigious fellowships including the Brown-Coxe Fellowship (Yale), Baxter Foundation Fellowship (University of Chicago), and the Cancer Research Institute Fellowship. He received the 2009 Joseph J. Kleiner Memorial Award for best paper in Clinical Laboratory Science. His university acknowledged his excellence with the DCHS Excellence in Scholarly Endeavors Award and the Graduate Student Association Mentorship Award. Additionally, he holds lifetime memberships in elite societies such as Sigma Xi, Alpha Eta, and the American Society for Microbiology. His editorial contributions to journals like Biologics and Frontiers and his frequent invitations as a reviewer demonstrate his high regard in the scientific community. These accolades reflect his sustained excellence and commitment to research innovation.

Research Focus

Prof. Ezekiel’s research lies at the intersection of molecular immunology, neurodevelopmental biology, and cancer therapeutics. He has extensively investigated DNA repair, apoptosis, V(D)J recombination, and oxidative damage in neural and immune cells. A major thrust of his work involves elucidating the pathological mechanisms of CTBP1 mutations in neurodevelopmental disorders using iPSC-derived neuronal models. He is also pioneering phytochemical-based therapeutic strategies, exploring epigenetic regulation and microRNA modulation in colorectal and other cancers. His research bridges basic molecular science with translational medicine, evidenced by NIH, NSF, and institutional grants. Collaborative studies with Saint Louis University and Washington University highlight his integrative approach to tackling complex biological problems. Additionally, his patented methods in cell selection and embryoid body screening illustrate his innovation in stem cell technologies. Through multidisciplinary projects, Prof. Ezekiel contributes meaningfully to regenerative medicine, personalized therapeutics, and next-generation diagnostics.

Publication Top Notes

Human iPSC-Derived Neuronal Cells From CTBP1-Mutated Patients Reveal Altered Expression of Neurodevelopmental Gene Networks

A pathogenic CtBP1 missense mutation causes altered cofactor binding and transcriptional activity

Karen Kengne Kamga | Genetics and Genomics | Best Researcher Award

Dr Karen Kengne Kamga, Limbe Regional Hospital, south west, Cameroon, Cameroon

Dr. Karen Kengne Kamga is a dynamic physician-scientist from Cameroon, blending clinical expertise with advanced research in human and medical genetics. With an M.D. from the University of Yaoundé I and a Ph.D. in Genetic Counselling from the University of Cape Town, she has become a leading figure in genomic medicine across Africa. She currently serves as a postdoctoral researcher in Human Genetics, Head of Medical Genetics at Limbe Regional Hospital, and Associate Lecturer at the University of Yaoundé I. Passionate about bridging clinical gaps in genetic services in Africa, she’s contributed significantly to fragile X syndrome understanding and healthcare system integration of genetic counselling. Dr. Kamga is a strong advocate for capacity building, precision public health, and equitable genomic research.

Education

Dr. Kamga began her academic journey at GBHS Bafoussam, completing her GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels. She earned her MD in General Medicine from the University of Yaoundé I in 2013. Driven by a passion for genetics, she pursued a Ph.D. in Genetic Counselling at the University of Cape Town, which she completed in December 2021. To expand her administrative and clinical leadership, she enrolled in an MBA in Health Management at UNICAF University, completed in 2023. She is also pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Genetics at Tech Global University, Andorra (2023–2024). In parallel, she is a postdoctoral fellow in Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town since 2021. Her multi-disciplinary training spans medicine, genetics, health management, epidemiology, and bioinformatics, equipping her to lead innovation in genomic healthcare delivery in low-resource settings.

Experience

Dr. Kamga’s career began as a physician at “Cabinet de soin St Dominique” (2013–2014), followed by multiple leadership roles at District Hospital Limbe from 2014 to 2023, including Head of Pediatrics, Gynecology/Obstetrics, Surgical Unit, ANC & EPI, and Laboratory Coordinator. In 2023, she became Head of Medical Genetics at the Limbe Regional Hospital. Simultaneously, since 2024, she is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Yaoundé I. Her experience reflects a strong commitment to integrating genetic services within mainstream healthcare and public health teaching. Her roles have combined clinical excellence, mentorship, and system-level leadership, all contributing to a national vision for personalized medicine and public health genetics.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Kamga’s research excellence has been widely recognized through prestigious international honors. She received the 2024 Resource-Limited Country Travel Award and the 2021 & 2020 Developing Country Virtual Meeting Awards from the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG). In 2019, she earned the ASHG Developing Country Travel Award. These honors reflect her impactful presence in the global genetics research community. She is also a respected member of several professional societies: ASHG (since 2020), African Society of Human Genetics (since 2017), and the Cameroon Society of Human Genetics (since 2015). Her accolades underscore a consistent dedication to research, equity, and capacity building in genetic medicine in Africa.

Research Focus

Dr. Kamga’s research focuses on bridging the gap between advanced genetic knowledge and its clinical implementation in Africa. Her Ph.D. investigated cultural perceptions and explanatory models of Fragile X Syndrome in rural Cameroon, highlighting the need for community-sensitive genetic counselling. As a postdoctoral fellow, she explores the integration of human genetics into public health, emphasizing equitable access to genomic services. She led a scoping review identifying strategic pathways to strengthen genetic healthcare in Africa. Her work spans genomic ethics, bioinformatics, genetic education, and precision public health, consistently aiming to enhance genetic literacy and healthcare systems in resource-limited settings. She is deeply involved in collaborative African genomics initiatives like H3Africa, and committed to mentoring emerging scientists.