Rhea Coler | Biotechnology | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award

Prof. Rhea Coler | Biotechnology | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award

Principal Investigator at Seattle Children’s Research Institute / University of Washington, United States

Dr. Rhea Nadine Coler is a distinguished immunologist and global health researcher with over two decades of impactful contributions to infectious disease research, vaccine development, and translational immunology. Currently serving as a Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Senior Investigator at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, she has held multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Research and Development at IDRI and PAI Life Sciences. Her career is marked by significant involvement in international health organizations such as the World Health Organization, Gates Medical Research Institute, and GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health. A committed educator and mentor, Dr. Coler has guided numerous Ph.D. candidates and postdoctoral fellows while leading curriculum development in global health. She is also a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, spearheading anti-racism initiatives within her institution. With editorial roles in journals like Frontiers in Immunology and a long-standing record of NIH grant reviews, Dr. Coler exemplifies research excellence, leadership, and dedication to advancing global health.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Educational Background of Dr. Rhea Coler

Dr. Rhea Coler’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to biomedical sciences and global health. She began her education at St. Joseph’s Convent in Trinidad, completing both her GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels. She earned her B.Sc. in Physiology from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, laying the foundation for her future in biomedical research. She went on to complete her M.Sc. in Medical Parasitology at the prestigious London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the UK. Further strengthening her research credentials, she pursued graduate-level studies in Pathobiology and Epidemiology at Washington State University. Dr. Coler culminated her formal education with a Ph.D. in Pathobiology from the University of Washington, where her research was conducted at Corixa Corporation. This rich and international academic background has uniquely positioned her to lead groundbreaking work in infectious diseases and immunology.

💼 Professional Experience of Dr. Rhea Coler

Dr. Rhea Coler has built an exemplary career at the intersection of academic research, biotechnology, and global health. She began as a Post-doctoral Scientist at the Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI), eventually advancing through pivotal roles such as Scientist, Director of Preclinical Biology, and ultimately Senior Vice President of Translational Research. Concurrently, she held leadership roles at PAI Life Sciences Inc. as Vice President of Research and Development. In academia, Dr. Coler has served as an Affiliate Professor and now as a Professor of Pediatrics in Infectious Diseases at the University of Washington School of Medicine, as well as a Senior Investigator at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute. Her extensive experience also includes editorial responsibilities, NIH grant reviews, and international advisory work, reflecting her far-reaching influence in infectious disease research and vaccine development.

🔬 Research Interests of Dr. Rhea Coler

Dr. Rhea Coler’s research is centered on infectious diseases, immunology, and vaccine development, with a strong focus on host-pathogen interactions and immune responses to neglected tropical diseases and emerging pathogens. Her work emphasizes the design and preclinical development of novel vaccine candidates for diseases such as tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, and other parasitic and bacterial infections. She is particularly interested in understanding protective immune mechanisms, identifying biomarkers of vaccine efficacy, and advancing adjuvant technologies to enhance immune responses. Dr. Coler is also engaged in translational immunology, bridging laboratory discoveries with real-world applications through global health partnerships and clinical research collaborations. Her goal is to develop safe, effective, and accessible vaccines to improve health outcomes in vulnerable populations worldwide.

🏆 Awards and Honors of Dr. Rhea Coler

Dr. Rhea Coler has received numerous prestigious awards and honors that reflect her outstanding contributions to biomedical research and global health. Early in her career, she was recognized for her master’s research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, earning a departmental award and a Halley Stewart Foundation Research Grant. She was later awarded a highly competitive NIH Pre-doctoral Biotechnology Fellowship and continued to earn NIH/NIAID fellowships during both her doctoral and postdoctoral training, highlighting her early promise in infectious disease research. Her work has consistently attracted national recognition, leading to her selection as a reviewer, panelist, and chair for major NIH and global grant review panels. In addition, she has been honored by organizations such as the ARCS Foundation, the New York Community Trust Heiser Program for Research, and international institutions for her leadership in science and commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Rhea Coler is an outstanding candidate for the Research Hypothesis Excellence Award. Her career demonstrates sustained excellence in hypothesis-driven translational research, leadership in global health innovation, mentoring, and a deep commitment to scientific integrity and DEI values.

🧾 Publication List of Dr. Rhea Coler

  1. Title: Evaluation of host immune responses to Mycobacteriophage Fionnbharth by route of delivery
    Authors: [Authors not listed here, as per source]
    Journal: Virology Journal
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

  2. Title: Comparative study on the virulence of mycobacteriophages
    Authors: [Authors not listed here]
    Journal: Journal of Virology
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

  3. Title: Characterizing TLR4 agonist EmT4™ as an anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis vaccine adjuvant
    Authors: [Authors not listed here]
    Journal: Immunohorizons
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

  4. Title: DEVELOPMENT AND CONCORDANCE OF BINDING AND NEUTRALIZING ASSAYS TO DETERMINE SARS-COV-2 ANTIBODY ACTIVITY IN HUMAN MILK
    Authors: [Authors not listed here]
    Journal: Pathogens and Immunity
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

  5. Title: The Sm14+GLA-SE Recombinant Vaccine Against Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium in Adults and School Children: Phase II Clinical Trials in West Africa
    Authors: [Authors not listed here]
    Journal: Vaccines
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

  6. Title: Backtranslation of human RNA biosignatures of tuberculosis disease risk into the preclinical pipeline is condition dependent
    Authors: [Authors not listed here]
    Journal: mSphere
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

  7. Title: Enhanced D614G and Omicron Variants Antibody Persistence in Infants at 2 Months of Age Following Maternal mRNA Booster Vaccination During Pregnancy or Postpartum
    Authors: [Authors not listed here]
    Journal: Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

  8. Title: Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination and Prevention of Symptomatic Infection in Infants
    Authors: [Authors not listed here]
    Journal: Pediatrics
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 11

  9. Title: Recombinase-based amplification coupled with lateral flow chromatography for the specific and sensitive detection and identification of Leishmania major in cutaneous leishmaniasis patients
    Authors: [Authors not listed here]
    Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

  10. Title: Understanding the development of tuberculous granulomas: insights into host protection and pathogenesis, a review in humans and animals
    Authors: [Authors not listed here]
    Type: Review
    Year: [Not mentioned explicitly, assumed 2024/2025]
    Citations: 1

Rajkumar Maiti | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Rajkumar Maiti | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Rajkumar Maiti, Bankura Christian College, India

Dr. Rajkumar Maiti is a distinguished Indian physiologist and researcher, currently serving as Associate Professor at Bankura Christian College, West Bengal. With over two decades of academic and research experience, Dr. Maiti has significantly contributed to the fields of Physiology, Sports Science, Ergonomics, and Herbal Pharmacology. He obtained his Ph.D. in 2007 from Vidyasagar University, focusing on the hypoglycemic effects of Tamarindus indica in diabetic models. Dr. Maiti is recognized for his work in herbal drug development, environmental health, and human performance, publishing over 60 research articles in Scopus-indexed international journals. His interdisciplinary approach bridges traditional medicine with modern science, earning him accolades such as the NESA Eminent Scientist Award (2023) and Research & Publication Award (2024). He is also a registered patent holder. Through his research, Dr. Maiti continues to explore sustainable biomedical innovations while mentoring young researchers and guiding Ph.D. candidates in their scientific pursuits.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Rajkumar Maiti has a strong academic foundation in Physiology and Education. He earned his B.Sc. in Physiology from Vidyasagar University in 1997, followed by an M.Sc. in Physiology with specialization in Ergonomics, Sports Physiology, and Human Performance in 1999. Demonstrating his commitment to pedagogy, he also completed a B.Ed. in 2000 from the same university. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Physiology (Science) in 2007, where his research focused on the hypoglycemic potential of Tamarindus indica seed extract in managing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This education laid a robust interdisciplinary platform integrating biological sciences, education, and applied research in health. Dr. Maiti’s academic versatility is further reflected in his guidance of Ph.D. scholars and his extensive publication record in emerging biomedical domains such as phytotherapy, toxicology, and clinical nutrition.

Experience

Dr. Rajkumar Maiti brings over 13 years of teaching and research experience, starting as an Assistant Professor at Bankura Christian College on 5th November 2011. His exceptional academic performance and research achievements led to his promotion to Associate Professor on 5th November 2023, a position he currently holds. Over the years, he has mentored students and scholars in advanced physiological concepts, nutritional science, sports physiology, and clinical aspects of human performance. Dr. Maiti’s work extends beyond the classroom, contributing extensively to empirical research, guiding Ph.D. candidates, and developing patented innovations. His scholarly outputs reflect a strong commitment to applied science and societal well-being, particularly in tribal health, diabetes management, reproductive toxicology, and environmental health hazards. His dedication to both pedagogy and empirical science makes him a pivotal figure in India’s physiological research landscape.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Rajkumar Maiti has been recognized nationally for his outstanding contributions to science and education. His accolades include the Prof. B. B. Sarkar Memorial Oration Award (2019) from the Physiological Society of India and multiple prestigious recognitions from the National Environmental Science Academy (NESA): Distinguished Scientist of the Year Award (2022), Environmentalist of the Year Award (2023), and Eminent Scientist of the Year Award (2023). In 2024, he received the Research and Publication Award from Bankura Christian College via the IRINS Portal for his prolific publication record. Additionally, he is the inventor of a patented design titled “Design of a Special Bed for Aged Individuals and Patients Suffering from Urinary Incontinence” (Design No. 400946-001, Govt. of India, 2023). These honors underscore his interdisciplinary impact on health science, environmental awareness, and biomedical innovation.

Research Focus

Dr. Rajkumar Maiti’s research is driven by a deep interest in applied human physiology and translational medicine. His key focus areas include herbal antidiabetic drug development, nutritional and psychological profiling of tribal adolescents, and correction of chemically induced reproductive toxicity. His groundbreaking studies on Tamarindus indica, fluoride, and cyclophosphamide offer critical insights into the use of phytomedicine to combat metabolic and reproductive disorders. He also explores ergonomics, sports physiology, and clinical nutrition, promoting holistic health through evidence-based approaches. In recent years, his work expanded into nanotechnology applications in medicine, environmental toxicology, and infectious diseases, bridging traditional science with modern biomedical applications. He holds one patent and is actively engaged in guiding Ph.D. research. With over 60 international publications indexed in Scopus, his work has made meaningful contributions to both academic scholarship and public health policy.

Publication Top Notes

Antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Attenuation of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica

Testicular toxicity in sodium fluoride treated rats: association with oxidative stress

In vitro determination of the contraceptive spermicidal activity of a composite extract of Achyranthes aspera and Stephania hernandifolia on human semen

Comparative study on antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of separate and composite extract of seed of Eugenia jambolana and root of Musa paradisiaca in …

Management of fluoride induced testicular disorders by calcium and vitamin-E co-administration in the albino rat

Fluoride-induced immunotoxicity in adult male albino rat: a correlative approach to oxidative stress

Effect of aqueous extract of leaf of Aegle marmelos on testicular activities in rats

Antidiabetogenic effects of separate and composite extract of seed of Jamun (Eugenia jambolana) and root of Kadali (Musa paradisiaca) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male …