Christina Pettan-Brewer | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr . Christina Pettan-Brewer | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Christina Pettan-Brewer | Medicine and Health Sciences | Associate Professor and Director | School of Medicine University of Washington | United States

Associate Professor Dr. Christina Pettan-Brewer is a distinguished veterinary scientist and global health leader whose career bridges research, education, and international policy. With advanced training in veterinary medicine, genetics, epidemiology, and One Health, she has contributed significantly to understanding zoonotic diseases, environmental health, and the genetic and molecular mechanisms of aging and disease. She serves as a key advisor and expert for international organizations including UNEP Nature for Health, WHO, PREZODE, and the International Alliance against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade, demonstrating her influence on global health strategies and pandemic prevention platforms. As Senior Editor of CABI One Health and Editor-in-Chief of Beyond One Ocean Health, she plays a pivotal role in advancing interdisciplinary scientific communication. Multilingual and internationally engaged, she combines her academic role at the University of Washington with mentorship, Fulbright program leadership, and advocacy for underrepresented groups in science, making her a recognized authority in One Health, planetary health, and global public health innovation.

Professional Profile 

Education  

Associate Professor Dr. Christina Pettan-Brewer has a strong and diverse educational background that reflects her interdisciplinary expertise. She began her academic journey in Brazil, earning a technical degree in Zoology and Clinical Pathology, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with honors from the Universidade Federal de Viçosa. She then pursued advanced studies in the United States at the University of California, Davis, completing a Master of Science in Wildlife and Zoological Medicine and Comparative Pathology while also receiving accreditation as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. To further strengthen her expertise in global health, she obtained a PhD in One Health and Global Health from the Federal University of Paraná in collaboration with the University of Colorado, specializing in Indigenous Health and Emerging Infectious Diseases. Her educational achievements, marked by honors and top performance, form the foundation of her career in veterinary medicine, public health, genetics, and planetary health.

Professional Experience

Associate Professor Dr. Christina Pettan-Brewer has built an impressive professional career that integrates academic leadership, research, and international advisory roles. She began her faculty journey as an Assistant Professor at Centenary University in New Jersey, where she developed curricula for pre-veterinary and pre-medicine programs while conducting research on avian pathology during the West Nile Virus outbreak. At the University of Washington School of Medicine, she has advanced through roles as Acting Instructor, Acting Assistant Professor, and now Associate Professor in the Department of Comparative Medicine, contributing extensively to research in genetics, zoonotic diseases, and One Health. Beyond academia, she has served as a senior advisor and technical expert for global organizations such as UNEP, WHO, PREZODE, and international veterinary associations, shaping global health strategies and pandemic preparedness. Her editorial leadership with CABI One Health and Beyond One Ocean Health further demonstrates her influence in scientific communication, while her Fulbright program advisory role highlights her dedication to mentoring and international academic exchange.

Research Interest

Associate Professor Dr. Christina Pettan-Brewer’s research interests lie at the intersection of veterinary medicine, public health, and planetary health, with a strong emphasis on the One Health approach. She focuses on zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases, pandemic prevention, and the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Her work extends to the genetic and molecular mechanisms of aging, chronic diseases, and susceptibility to toxins, as well as the health impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. She is particularly interested in Indigenous health, global health equity, and the role of wildlife and ecosystem preservation in preventing future pandemics. Through her interdisciplinary research, she seeks to advance collaborative solutions that strengthen global health systems, protect vulnerable populations, and promote sustainable, resilient communities

Award and Honor

Associate Professor Dr. Christina Pettan-Brewer has been recognized with numerous honors and prestigious appointments that highlight her global leadership in One Health and public health. She has served as a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) One Health Expert and Technical Advisory Group member for the Nature for Health initiative, representing Latin America and later co-chairing its expert committee. Her expertise has been sought by the World Health Organization’s Global Preparedness Monitoring Board, PREZODE’s International Data Working Group, and the Agence Nationale de la Recherche in France for evaluating pandemic prevention strategies. She has also been appointed as a Fulbright Program Adviser, National Scholar Program Ambassador, and Reviewer, reflecting her commitment to international education and research exchange. In addition, her editorial leadership roles as Senior Editor of CABI One Health and Editor-in-Chief of Beyond One Ocean Health stand as significant honors that demonstrate her influence in shaping global scientific dialogue. These achievements collectively underscore her distinguished reputation as a trusted advisor, scholar, and thought leader in global health.

Publications Top Noted

Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic in the Surveillance and Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases and Malaria: A Systematic Review

Year: 2025

Protecting Urban Wildlife Fauna, Fighting Zoonoses, and Preventing Biophobia in Brazil

Year: 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Christina Pettan-Brewer is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her career exemplifies global leadership, interdisciplinary research, and a strong commitment to advancing One Health, pandemic prevention, and planetary health. With a proven record of academic excellence, international collaboration, and impactful advisory roles, she stands out as a researcher whose work bridges science, policy, and education. Addressing minor improvements related to visibility of individual research outputs would further strengthen her profile, but her broad and meaningful contributions make her a compelling and deserving nominee for this recognition.

 

Thandazile Sibindi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Cross-disciplinary Excellence Award

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Cross-disciplinary Excellence Award

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research assistant | University of the Western Cape | South Africa

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi is a dedicated researcher and nurse educator whose work lies at the critical intersection of climate change and health, with a particular focus on the role of nurses in advancing sustainability and climate justice. With academic qualifications spanning general nursing, midwifery, and advanced nursing science, she is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of the Western Cape, where she also serves as a Graduate Lecturer Assistant. Her research and professional contributions include publications in reputable journals, active participation in international conferences, and reviewer roles for scholarly publications. Beyond academia, she has developed curricula, drafted policy briefs, coordinated multi-stakeholder engagements, and delivered guest lectures internationally, underscoring her commitment to bridging research with practice. Through her expertise in eco-nursing and health systems resilience, Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi is making a meaningful impact on both healthcare and global sustainability.

Professional Profile 

Education  

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi has built a solid academic foundation in nursing and health sciences, progressively advancing her expertise through diverse qualifications. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of the Western Cape, focusing her research on the intersection of climate change and health, particularly the role of nurses in addressing these challenges. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing Science with a specialization in Maternal and Child Health from the University of Zimbabwe, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science (Nurse Education) from the Zimbabwe Open University. Her earlier professional training includes a Diploma in Midwifery from Mpilo School of Midwifery and a Diploma in General Nursing from Mpilo School of Nursing, Zimbabwe. This strong educational background has equipped her with both clinical and academic expertise, enabling her to contribute meaningfully to nursing education, healthcare policy, and climate-health research.

Professional Experience

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi has extensive professional experience spanning clinical practice, education, and research, with a strong focus on the integration of health and climate change. She currently serves as a Graduate Lecturer Assistant at the University of the Western Cape, where she supports teaching, assessment, and student guidance while contributing to curriculum delivery and academic development. Previously, she worked as a Research Assistant in the same institution’s School of Nursing, where she conducted literature reviews, designed and implemented studies on eco-nursing practices, analyzed data, and contributed to policy briefs and academic publications. Earlier in her career, she served as a Nurse Educator at United Bulawayo Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital in Zimbabwe, where she developed and delivered nursing curricula, mentored students, and emphasized environmental sustainability in healthcare education. Her professional journey reflects a unique blend of teaching, research, and policy engagement, positioning her as a valuable contributor to both academia and the healthcare sector.

Research Interest

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi’s research interests lie at the intersection of climate change, health, and nursing, with a strong emphasis on advancing sustainable healthcare practices. She is particularly focused on eco-nursing competencies, exploring how nurses can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate-related health risks and promoting climate justice within healthcare systems. Her work also extends to the integration of climate change into nursing education and policy, aiming to prepare future healthcare professionals to respond effectively to environmental challenges. By bridging nursing science, public health, and environmental sustainability, her research seeks to generate innovative approaches that strengthen health systems’ resilience and contribute to global efforts in addressing the climate crisis.

Award and Honor

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi has been recognized for her academic excellence and commitment to advancing nursing and health sciences through notable awards and honors. Early in her career, she was awarded Best Student in Health Assessment at Mpilo School of Nursing, a testament to her strong clinical and academic abilities. She was later selected as a NORHED Scholar at the College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, an honor that highlighted her research potential and dedication to advancing healthcare education and practice. These achievements reflect her consistent pursuit of excellence and her capacity to contribute meaningfully to both nursing scholarship and the broader health sector.

Publications Top Noted

Use of artificial intelligence in healthcare in South Africa: A scoping review
Year: 2025

Eco-nursing competencies for nurses: A scoping review
Year: 2024

Poverty: What is it and what it is not? A concept analysis
Year: 2017

Adherence to exclusive breastfeeding: A concept analysis
Year: 2016

Conclusion

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with clear evidence of scholarly contributions, thought leadership, and societal impact. Her dedication to integrating climate change with healthcare—especially through nursing education and policy—positions her as an innovator in an emerging research field. With continued emphasis on expanding her publication record, securing research funding, and amplifying her international leadership roles, she is not only suitable for this award but also poised to make an even greater global impact in the future.

Xiaodan Zhang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award Medicine and Health Sciences

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaodan Zhang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Medicine and Health Sciences College of Life and Science Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China      

Dr. Xiaodan Zhang is an accomplished Associate Professor at the College of Life Science and Medicine, with a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from Chung-Ang University (2013). With over a decade of academic and research experience, she has made significant contributions to the fields of pharmacognosy, natural product chemistry, and metabolomics. Her research focuses on the spatial distribution and pharmacological properties of bioactive compounds using advanced techniques like UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and DESI-MSI. Dr. Zhang has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Horticulture Research, Food Chemistry, and Molecules, often serving as corresponding author. Her work is characterized by a strong interdisciplinary approach, combining omics technologies and mass spectrometry to uncover therapeutic potentials of traditional medicinal plants. Despite limited mention of major awards or grants, her consistent publication record, scientific rigor, and collaborative projects establish her as a highly credible and forward-thinking researcher in the biomedical sciences.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education Background of Dr. Xiaodan Zhang

Dr. Xiaodan Zhang holds a distinguished academic background in the field of Pharmacy. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmacy in 2013 from Chung-Ang University, South Korea—an institution recognized for its excellence in pharmaceutical sciences and biomedical research. Her doctoral studies laid the foundation for her future work in natural product pharmacology and metabolomics, equipping her with advanced knowledge in analytical chemistry, drug discovery, and plant-based therapeutic research. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to scientific inquiry and innovation.

💼 Professional Experience of Dr. Xiaodan Zhang

Dr. Xiaodan Zhang has over a decade of dedicated academic and research experience in the biomedical sciences. She began her professional journey as an Assistant Professor at the College of Life Science and Medicine in 2013, a role she held for five years. In 2019, she was promoted to the position of Associate Professor, reflecting her growing leadership and contributions in research and teaching. Over these ten years, Dr. Zhang has been actively involved in advanced pharmacological studies, curriculum development, and interdisciplinary research collaborations. Her experience underscores a strong progression in academic ranks and a sustained commitment to excellence in the fields of pharmacy, life sciences, and medicinal chemistry.

🔬 Research Interests of Dr. Xiaodan Zhang

Dr. Xiaodan Zhang’s research interests lie at the intersection of natural product pharmacology, metabolomics, and multi-omics integration. She is particularly focused on exploring the chemical composition, spatial distribution, and pharmacological activity of traditional medicinal plants using advanced analytical tools such as UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, DESI-MSI, and network pharmacology. Her work aims to identify bioactive compounds with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. By combining spectrum-effect relationships with high-resolution mass spectrometry, Dr. Zhang contributes to the scientific validation and modernization of herbal medicines. Her research not only advances fundamental knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences but also supports the development of safer and more effective therapeutic agents from natural sources.

🏅 Awards and Honors of Dr. Xiaodan Zhang

Dr. Xiaodan Zhang has earned recognition for her dedicated contributions to the fields of pharmacy, metabolomics, and traditional medicine research. While specific awards and honors are not detailed in her current CV, her consistent authorship in high-impact journals such as Horticulture Research, Food Chemistry, and Molecules reflects a high level of academic distinction and peer recognition. Her role as a corresponding author on multiple publications and her advancement to Associate Professor further underscore the esteem she holds within the scientific community. As her research continues to gain traction globally, Dr. Zhang is well-positioned for future honors and prestigious research accolades in the biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences.

🏁 Conclusion

Dr. Xiaodan Zhang demonstrates strong suitability for the Best Researcher Award in Pharmacy or Life Sciences. Her profile reflects a high-caliber researcher with solid academic credentials, prolific publication output in impactful journals, and an evident commitment to advancing research in natural product pharmacology and metabolomics.

📚 Publications Top Note

  1. Title: Alternaria alstroemeriae F1 inhibits Aspergillus flavus growth and weakens aflatoxins biosynthesis
    Authors: [Not fully listed in your input]
    Journal: Fungal Genetics and Biology
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

  2. Title: Medicinal and edible homologous poly/oligo-saccharides: Structural features, effect on intestinal flora and preventing and treating type 2 diabetes, and their applications: A review
    Authors: [Not fully listed in your input]
    Type: Review Article
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

  3. Title: Directed evolution of diacylglycerol acyltransferases 2 promotes lipids and triglyceride accumulation
    Authors: [Not fully listed in your input]
    Journal: Plant Molecular Biology
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

  4. Title: Exploring the Metabolic and Transcriptomic Profiles of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum for Tissue-Specific Compound Accumulation
    Authors: [Not fully listed in your input]
    Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science
    Year: 2025
    Open Access: 
    Citations: 0

  5. Title: Analysis of the correlation between the distribution of microorganisms carried by Coix seed and fungal toxins, and the biological control of aflatoxin
    Authors: [Not fully listed in your input]
    Journal: Current Research in Food Science
    Year: 2025
    Open Access: 
    Citations: 0