Maria Kontaridis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Hypothesis

Dr. Maria Kontaridis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Medicine and Health Sciences | Executive Director at Masonic Medical Research Institute, United States

Dr. Maria Irene Kontaridis is a distinguished biomedical scientist and academic leader with an extensive background in cardiovascular research, molecular pharmacology, and translational medicine. She holds dual undergraduate degrees from the University of Florida and advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Yale University, where she also completed a Mini MBA. Her postdoctoral training at Yale and Harvard laid the foundation for a prolific career marked by influential faculty appointments at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Currently serving as Executive Director and Gordon K. Moe Professor at the Masonic Medical Research Institute, she oversees strategic research initiatives, institutional growth, and scientific innovation. Dr. Kontaridis has led major national and international symposia, contributed to scientific and community development efforts, and is an advocate for women in science and academic leadership. Her interdisciplinary expertise, combined with her administrative acumen and philanthropic outreach, has positioned her as a transformative figure in biomedical research and academic medicine.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education of Dr. Maria Kontaridis

Dr. Maria Kontaridis has an exceptional academic foundation marked by interdisciplinary excellence. She earned two undergraduate degrees in 1995 from the University of Florida—a B.S. in Chemistry (Cum Laude) with a Minor in Business Administration, and a B.A. in Classical Studies (Summa Cum Laude). She pursued advanced scientific training at Yale University, completing a Master of Science (M.S.) in Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine in 1998, followed by an M.Phil. in 1999, and a Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences in 2002 under the mentorship of Dr. Anton Bennett. Further enhancing her academic versatility, she obtained a Mini Master of Business Administration Certificate from Yale in 2000. In recognition of her scientific achievements and leadership, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc. h.c.) in 2025 by SUNY Polytechnic Institute, solidifying her stature as a leader in biomedical education and research.

💼 Professional Experience of Dr. Maria Kontaridis

Dr. Maria Kontaridis has built a distinguished career in biomedical research, academic leadership, and institutional development. She began her professional journey with postdoctoral fellowships at Yale University and Harvard Medical School, focusing on pharmacology and hematology/oncology under the mentorship of esteemed scientists. Her academic appointments include progressive faculty roles at Harvard Medical School, where she served as Instructor, Assistant Professor, and later Associate Professor of Medicine, contributing to research, mentorship, and program development across multiple departments. She also held leadership roles at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, including Director of Basic Cardiovascular Research and Faculty in Cardiovascular Medicine. Currently, she is the Gordon K. Moe Professor and Chair of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine and the Executive Director at the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) in Utica, New York. At MMRI, she leads a team of over 60 researchers and staff, spearheads strategic initiatives, manages multimillion-dollar fundraising efforts, and drives national and international collaborations—making her a dynamic force in advancing cardiovascular and translational medicine.

🔬 Research Interests of Dr. Maria Kontaridis

Dr. Maria Kontaridis’s research is centered on unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases, congenital heart defects, and RASopathies—a group of genetic syndromes caused by mutations in the RAS-MAPK pathway. Her work explores signal transduction pathways, particularly focusing on protein phosphatases, kinases, and their role in cardiac development, function, and remodeling. She has a strong interest in translational medicine, aiming to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical application by identifying novel therapeutic targets for heart failure, arrhythmias, and vascular abnormalities. Through her leadership at the Masonic Medical Research Institute, she has expanded her research scope to include regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, and precision medicine approaches for complex cardiovascular disorders. Her interdisciplinary focus integrates molecular biology, genetics, and pharmacology to develop innovative strategies for diagnosis and treatment, with a goal of improving patient outcomes in both pediatric and adult populations.

🏅 Awards and Honors of Dr. Maria Kontaridis

Dr. Maria Kontaridis has received numerous prestigious awards and honors that recognize her scientific excellence, leadership, and contributions to biomedical research. One of her most distinguished accolades is the Doctor of Science, honoris causa (D.Sc. h.c.), awarded by SUNY Polytechnic Institute in 2025, reflecting her impact on science and public service. Throughout her career, she has been appointed to prominent academic and leadership positions, such as the Gordon K. Moe Professorship and Executive Director at the Masonic Medical Research Institute, affirming her influence in the field of cardiovascular medicine. She has also been invited to chair and organize major international symposia and scientific meetings, including the Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation Annual Meeting and the International RASopathies Symposium. Additionally, her recognition extends beyond academia into civic and economic development, where she serves on advisory and leadership boards, underlining her role as a visionary leader committed to advancing both science and society.

🏁 Conclusion

Dr. Maria Irene Kontaridis is highly suitable and deserving of the Best Researcher Award. Her career exemplifies excellence in academic leadership, global research collaboration, translational science, and mentorship. Her deep commitment to advancing cardiovascular medicine and biomedical innovation, combined with community involvement and advocacy for women in science, sets a benchmark for what this award represents.

📚 Publications Top Noted

  1. Title: SHP2 happens, just sail with it: the role of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases
    Type: Review (Open Access)
    Authors: Not listed in preview
    Year: Not specified
    Citations: 0

  2. Title: Modulating the Secretome of Fat to Treat Heart Failure
    Type: Review
    Authors: Not listed in preview
    Year: Not specified
    Citations: 1

  3. Title: Interorgan Crosstalk in Heart Failure and Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Compendium
    Type: Review
    Authors: Not listed in preview
    Year: Not specified
    Citations: 0

  4. Title: RASopathies in Cardiac Disease
    Type: Review (Open Access)
    Authors: Not listed in preview
    Year: Not specified
    Citations: 0

  5. Title: SHP2 as a primordial epigenetic enzyme expunges histone H3 pTyr-54 to amend androgen receptor homeostasis
    Type: Research Article
    Journal: Nature Communications
    Authors: Not fully listed; Dr. Maria Kontaridis is one of them
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 6

 

 

Shahrokh Javaheri | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Hypothesis

Prof. Shahrokh Javaheri | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Sleep Physicia at Bethesda North Hospital, United States

Dr. Shahrokh Javaheri is a highly respected Professor Emeritus at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and a leading figure in pulmonary and sleep medicine. With medical training from Pahlavi University and advanced research fellowships at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Medical School and the University of Pennsylvania, he has built an illustrious career spanning over 40 years. He has held numerous influential roles, including Director of Pulmonary Function and Sleep Disorders Laboratories at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cincinnati, and served as a consultant and clinical leader at multiple institutions. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Dr. Javaheri has contributed significantly to clinical research, academic mentorship, and patient care. His active affiliations with leading societies like the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society highlight his ongoing influence in the global medical community. Through his enduring dedication to science and medicine, Dr. Javaheri continues to shape the field with his expertise and clinical insight.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education Summary: Dr. Shahrokh Javaheri

Dr. Shahrokh Javaheri received his foundational medical education at Pahlavi University Medical School (now Shiraz University of Medical Sciences) in Shiraz, Iran, where he earned his M.D. in 1970. He began his postgraduate training with clinical exposure in the Pulmonary Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston during 1969–1970, laying the groundwork for his future specialization. Following his internship and national service as a medical officer in Iran, he pursued an internal medicine residency at Pahlavi Medical School. To further specialize, he completed a renal fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and then underwent rigorous clinical and research fellowships in Pulmonary Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, from 1975 to 1978. His education and training reflect a blend of international excellence and intensive specialization, forming a strong foundation for his subsequent contributions to pulmonary and sleep medicine.

💼 Professional Experience Summary: Dr. Shahrokh Javaheri

Dr. Shahrokh Javaheri has had a distinguished and extensive professional career spanning over four decades in academic medicine, clinical practice, and research. He began his academic journey as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine (1978–1980), concurrently serving as Director of the Pulmonary Function Laboratories at Boston City Hospital. He later contributed internationally as an Associate Researcher at Ghent University in Belgium before relocating to Cincinnati, where he became a central figure in pulmonary and sleep medicine. From 1983 to 2003, he held key positions at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, including Director of the Pulmonary Function and Sleep Disorders Laboratories and Assistant Chief of the Pulmonary Section. Simultaneously, he served at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, rising from Associate Professor to Professor of Medicine, specializing in Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care. Following his transition to Professor Emeritus in 2003, he remained actively engaged in clinical practice as a Sleep Physician at Bethesda North Hospital and a consultant with the Will Rogers Institute. His career reflects a rare combination of clinical leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to advancing patient care in pulmonary and sleep medicine.

🔬 Research Interests Summary: Dr. Shahrokh Javaheri

Dr. Shahrokh Javaheri’s research interests are centered on sleep-disordered breathing, heart failure-related sleep apnea, pulmonary physiology, and the intersection of sleep medicine with cardiovascular disease. A pioneer in the clinical study of central and obstructive sleep apnea, he has contributed significantly to understanding how sleep-related breathing disorders impact cardiac function and overall health outcomes. His work has explored the mechanisms and treatment responses in patients with Cheyne-Stokes respiration, chronic heart failure, and sleep-related hypoventilation, making him a leading authority in this nuanced and evolving field. Dr. Javaheri’s research also emphasizes the use of non-invasive ventilation therapies, such as CPAP and adaptive servo-ventilation, and their clinical outcomes. His multidisciplinary approach bridges pulmonology, sleep medicine, and cardiology, reflecting a deep commitment to translating physiological insights into effective clinical interventions for complex, high-risk patient populations.

🏅 Awards and Honors Summary: Dr. Shahrokh Javaheri

Dr. Shahrokh Javaheri has been recognized with numerous honors and distinctions throughout his extensive career, reflecting his outstanding contributions to pulmonary and sleep medicine. He holds the prestigious title of Professor Emeritus at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, a recognition reserved for faculty with exceptional academic and clinical service. His board certifications in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine underscore his elite professional standing. In addition, he is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, a mark of distinction for leaders in the field. Dr. Javaheri’s enduring affiliations with premier medical societies, including the American Thoracic Society, American College of Chest Physicians, and European Respiratory Society, further highlight his respected status in the global medical community. His roles as a clinical consultant, academic mentor, and sleep medicine expert have earned him lasting recognition and respect across institutions and disciplines.

✅ Conclusion:

Dr. Shahrokh Javaheri is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the domains of Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Internal Medicine. His prolific and sustained career, board-certified expertise, academic appointments, and clinical leadership establish him as a well-rounded and impactful physician-researcher. With minor enhancement in showcasing recent research metrics or translational innovations, his profile would stand as exemplary on both national and international fronts.

📝 Selected Publications by Dr. Shahrokh Javaheri

  1. Title: Interactions of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With the Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular Disease, Part 1: JACC State-of-the-Art Review
    Authors: Somers VK, White DP, Amin R, Abraham WT, Costa F, Culebras A, Daniels S, Floras JS, Hunt CE, Olson LJ, Pickering TG, Russell R, Woo M, Young T, Javaheri S
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 19

  2. Title: Treatment of OSA and its Impact on Cardiovascular Disease, Part 2: JACC State-of-the-Art Review
    Authors: Somers VK, Javaheri S, et al.
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 10

  3. Title: Medication-induced central sleep apnea: a unifying concept
    Authors: Javaheri S, Dempsey JA
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 7

  4. Title: Distinguishing central from obstructive hypopneas on a clinical polysomnogram
    Authors: Javaheri S, Malhotra A
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 19

  5. Title: Cardiovascular Risks in People With Narcolepsy: Expert Panel Consensus Recommendations
    Authors: Javaheri S, Black J, Foldvary-Schaefer N, Malhotra RK, Zee PC, et al.
    Journal: Journal of the American Heart Association
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

  6. Title: A call for precision medicine: Facing the challenge of sleep-disordered breathing in heart failure
    Authors: Javaheri S, et al.
    Type: Editorial
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 1

  7. Title: Sleep, Hypoxia, and Survival in Group 1 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: What to Do?
    Authors: Javaheri S
    Type: Editorial
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 0

  8. Title: Guest editorial: Phrenic nerve stimulation for treatment of central sleep apnea
    Author: Javaheri S
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 0