Nathalia Castillo | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Nathalia Castillo | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms Nathalia Castillo, Albany Medical College, United States

Ms. Nathalia Castillo is a dedicated medical student and researcher at Albany Medical College, with a profound commitment to transplant surgery, orthopedic surgery, and healthcare disparities. She has showcased exceptional leadership, guiding multiple research initiatives while advocating for healthcare equity. Her studies focus on addressing racial and gender disparities in surgical fields, ensuring improved patient outcomes. Through her contributions to academic research, medical education, and leadership roles, she has established herself as an emerging scholar in the medical field. Ms. Castilloโ€™s work has been recognized at national conferences, and she actively mentors fellow students in surgical research. She remains dedicated to advancing knowledge and bridging gaps in healthcare.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Ms. Nathalia Castillo is currently an MD candidate at Albany Medical College, expected to graduate in May 2025. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Nutrition from Chapman University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude (2021) ๐Ÿ…. During her undergraduate studies, she actively engaged in research projects focused on public health, medical disparities, and clinical outcomes. Her strong academic performance, combined with her commitment to research, led her to pursue surgical investigations at Albany Medical College. Ms. Castillo has also participated in numerous research training programs and medical symposiums, enhancing her skills in biostatistics, data analysis, and clinical trial methodologies ๐Ÿ“Š. She continues to build a strong foundation in medical research while excelling in academics and leadership roles.

Experience

Ms. Nathalia Castillo has extensive research experience in transplant surgery, orthopedic surgery, and healthcare disparities. She has served as a research leader in the Department of General Surgery and Transplant Surgery at Albany Medical College, where she has worked on groundbreaking studies ๐Ÿ“‘. Her contributions include research on racial and gender disparities in surgical specialties, leading to impactful findings in healthcare equity. She has collaborated with top surgeons and academic mentors, co-authoring multiple peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Additionally, she holds leadership positions in student organizations, such as the Latinx Medical Student Association, advocating for diversity in medicine. Ms. Castillo has also mentored medical students in research methodologies, fostering a new generation of evidence-based practitioners ๐Ÿ“š.

Awards and Honors

Ms. Nathalia Castilloโ€™s dedication to medical research and academic excellence has earned her prestigious awards ๐Ÿ†. She was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (2024), a recognition reserved for top medical students based on academic merit and research contributions ๐ŸŽ“. She also received the Scholastic Excellence Award from Albany Medical College, highlighting her outstanding performance. In 2024, she was awarded Top 10 Poster at the American Orthopaedic Association Annual Leadership Meeting ๐Ÿ…. Her research on surgical disparities has been presented at national and international conferences, earning recognition from leading medical institutions. Ms. Castillo continues to push the boundaries of medical research, ensuring innovation and progress in transplant and orthopedic surgery.

Research Focus

Ms. Nathalia Castilloโ€™s research focuses on transplant surgery, orthopedic surgery, and healthcare disparities ๐Ÿฅ. Her studies aim to identify and address racial and gender disparities in surgical fields, working towards improving access, outcomes, and representation. She has extensively investigated attrition rates among US abdominal transplant surgeons, revealing critical inequalities in leadership positions ๐Ÿ“Š. Her work in orthopedic surgery explores complication management and surgical outcomes, particularly in foot and ankle procedures ๐Ÿฆถ. Additionally, she examines equitable patient care in organ transplantation, ensuring fair access and success rates among underrepresented groups. Her findings have been published in top-tier journals, influencing policy changes and medical education reforms ๐Ÿ“š. Ms. Castilloโ€™s passion for bridging gaps in healthcare drives her commitment to evidence-based solutions and advocacy for diversity in surgery.

Publication Top Notes

 

ROBERTA PARADISO | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

ROBERTA PARADISO | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof ROBERTA PARADISO, University of Naples Federico II, Italy

๐ŸŒฑ Prof. Roberta Paradiso is an Associate Professor of Horticulture at the University of Naples Federico II (Italy) ๐ŸŒ. With a PhD in Herbaceous Crops (2002) ๐ŸŽ“, her research spans eco-physiology of crops, sustainable horticulture, and innovative greenhouse technologies, including LED lighting ๐Ÿ’ก and soilless cultivation. Prof. Paradiso has extensive expertise in Bioregenerative Life-Support Systems (BLSSs) for space ๐ŸŒŒ, collaborating with ESA and ASI. She has co-led multiple international projects, authored impactful publications ๐Ÿ“š, and mentors students globally ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ. Her work bridges terrestrial agriculture and space exploration ๐Ÿš€, driving sustainability and innovation.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Roberta Paradiso is an accomplished Associate Professor with a passion for academic excellence ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ“š. Her teaching focuses on plant production and greenhouse horticulture ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿก, showcasing her dedication to advancing agricultural knowledge and sustainable practices ๐ŸŒโœจ. With a strong commitment to fostering student growth and innovation, she integrates cutting-edge research into her lectures and inspires future leaders in the field ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿ”ฌ๐ŸŒŸ. Her expertise contributes significantly to the development of sustainable agricultural solutions, emphasizing the importance of environmentally friendly techniques ๐ŸŒพโ™ป๏ธ. Prof. Paradisoโ€™s work reflects her dedication to bridging the gap between theory and practical applications in horticulture ๐ŸŒท๐Ÿ“–.

Experience

Prof. Roberta Paradiso is an Associate Professor of Horticulture at the University of Naples Federico II (Italy) since 2018. She teaches courses on Plant Production for the Food Industry and Greenhouse Horticulture ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿก. Her research focuses on the eco-physiology of vegetable and flower crops, soilless cultures, sustainable horticulture, and advanced greenhouse technologies ๐Ÿ’ก๐ŸŒฟ. She specializes in artificial lighting with LEDs, photosynthesis modeling, and cultivation in controlled environments for Bioregenerative Life-Support Systems (BLSSs) in space ๐Ÿš€. Collaborating with ESA’s MELiSSA project, she co-created the Laboratory of Crop Research for Space and the Plant Characterization Unit, advancing space horticulture ๐ŸŒ๐ŸŒŒ.

Research Projects

Prof. Roberta Paradiso is a distinguished researcher leading innovative projects in agriculture and space botany. As PI of the PRIN 2022 PNRR project “Smart-Light” ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’ก, she advances artificial light efficiency in controlled agriculture. She managed WP1400 in ASI’s MICROx2 ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿš€, defining light parameters for microgravity plant growth. Her contributions include eco-compatible cultivation in Campania (ECOVIV) ๐ŸŒพ๐ŸŒฟ, ESA’s PaCMan project on life support systems ๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ๐ŸŒฑ, and biostimulant evaluation in soilless crops ๐ŸŒท. Notable projects span photosynthesis in flowers, space farming (Tom-Rad ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ›ธ), and sustainable ornamental plant production ๐ŸŒบ๐ŸŒณ, showcasing her expertise in eco-friendly, high-tech agriculture.

Research Focus

Prof. Roberta Paradiso’s research focuses on sustainable agriculture ๐ŸŒฑ, plant physiology ๐ŸŒฟ, and innovative cultivation strategies. Her studies explore optimizing crop growth and quality in controlled environments, including smart greenhouses and space farming ๐Ÿš€. Key projects include nutrient dynamics in compost-amended Mars regolith simulants ๐Ÿช, the sustainable reuse of organic by-products as natural fertilizers โ™ป๏ธ, and the effects of LED irradiation on postharvest produce quality ๐Ÿ’ก. Additionally, she examines metabolic and antioxidant profiles in crops like potatoes ๐Ÿฅ”, cherry tomatoes ๐Ÿ…, and citrus fruits ๐ŸŠ. Her work aims to enhance food production sustainability while addressing global agricultural challenges. ๐ŸŒ

Publication Top Notes

Assessment of Fertility Dynamics and Nutritional Quality of Potato Tubers in a Compost-Amended Mars Regolith Simulant

Integrating Smart Greenhouse Cover, Reduced Nitrogen Dose and Biostimulant Application as a Strategy for Sustainable Cultivation of Cherry Tomato

Sustainable Reuse of Expresso Coffee By-products as a Natural Fertilizer to Improve Growth and Photosynthesis in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Plants

Space farming: supporting human life beyond earth

Metabolic Profiling in Tuberous Roots of Ranunculus asiaticus L. as Influenced by Vernalization Procedure

Photosynthesis, Yield and Quality in Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.) under Photoluminescent Greenhouse Covers

Modulation of Antioxidant Compounds in Fruits of Citrus reticulata Blanco Using Postharvest LED Irradiation

Interaction between bulb cold treatment and plant genotype regarding flowering and metabolism in cut flower tulip

 

 

Zoia Arshad Awan | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Zoia Arshad Awan | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Zoia Arshad Awan, Teagasc, Food Research Centre, Ashtown. Ireland

Zoia Arshad Awan is a seasoned researcher specializing in plant pathology and horticulture. ๐ŸŒฟ With a Ph.D. from the University of the Punjab, she has significantly contributed to studies on biocontrol of plant pathogens and the improvement of crop productivity. ๐ŸŒพ As a Research Officer at Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre, she leads innovative projects in vertical farming and hydroponics. Previously, she provided technical insights at WWF-Pakistan and contributed to various research roles at the University of the Punjab and The University of Queensland. ๐ŸŒ Her extensive publication record includes impactful research in plant disease management and agricultural sustainability. ๐Ÿ“š

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

Dr. Zoia Arshad Awan earned a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences (Plant Pathology) from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Pakistan, with a 3.76/4.00 CGPA. Their thesis focused on the “Antifungal Potential of Bacterial Bioactive Products and Plant Nutrients in Managing Early Blight Disease of Tomato.” They completed their M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture Plant Pathology with a 3.93/4.00 CGPA, researching “A Polyphasic Approach to the Identification of Aspergillus Section Flavi.” Their B.Sc. (Hons.) in the same field had a 3.51/4.00 CGPA, with a report on “Isolation, Purification, and Identification of Phyto-pathogenic Bacteria and Fungi from Guava Orchards.” ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ“š

Experience

Dr. Zoia Arshad Awan๐ŸŒฟ is a dedicated researcher with extensive experience in horticulture and sustainable agriculture. Currently serving as a Research Officer at Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre in Dublin, Ireland (02/2023-09/2024), they focus on designing and managing research in protected and semi-protected horticulture. Previously, they worked at WWF-Pakistan (08/2020-02/2023), providing technical inputs and building field research capacity. They also contributed as a Research Assistant at the University of the Punjab, Pakistan (10/2015-02/2020), and gained international experience as a Visiting Researcher at The University of Queensland, Australia (12/2019-10/2019). Their early career includes roles at the First Fungal Culture Bank of Pakistan and as a Research Intern at WMTI, Lahore. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ“ˆ

Awards

Awarded the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) scholarship by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, during Ph.D. studies ๐ŸŽ“. Received the prestigious Doctoral Programme Coordination Committee (DPCC) merit scholarship from the University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan ๐Ÿ…. Completed an MPhil degree with distinction, showcasing exceptional academic performance ๐ŸŒŸ. Earned internal merit scholarships during M.Sc. (Hons.) and B.Sc. (Hons.), highlighting a consistent record of excellence and dedication to academic achievements ๐Ÿ“š.

Research focus

Based on the listed publications, the research focus of A Shoaib revolves around plant pathology, specifically in developing resistance strategies for tomato plants against early blight disease. The studies explore various approaches such as using antagonistic bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, and different fertilizers to induce disease resistance. Additionally, Shoaib investigates the biochemical and physiological responses of plants to stressors like heavy metals and pathogens, including the role of antioxidant enzymes and exogenous compounds. This research contributes to improving plant health and disease management in agricultural settings. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Publication top notes

Variations in total phenolics and antioxidant enzymes cause phenotypic variability and differential resistant response in tomato genotypes against early blight disease

Intervention of antagonistic bacteria as a potential inducer of disease resistance in tomato to mitigate early blight

Combating early blight infection by employing Bacillus subtilis in combination with plant fertilizers

Crosstalk of Zn in combination with other fertilizers underpins interactive effects and induces resistance in tomato plant against early blight disease

Macrophomina phaseolinaย alters the biochemical pathway inย Vigna radiataย chastened by Zn2+ย and FYM to improve plant growth

Exogenous melatonin alleviates cadmium-induced inhibition of growth and photosynthesis through upregulating antioxidant defense system in strawberry

Anti-mycotic potential ofย Trichodermaย spp. and leaf biomass ofย Azadirachta indicaย against the charcoal rot pathogen,ย Macrophomina phaseolinaย (Tassi) Goid inย โ€ฆ

Chromium tolerance, oxidative stress response, morphological characteristics, and FTIR studies of phytopathogenic fungusย Sclerotium rolfsii

Contending charcoal rot disease of mungbean by employing biocontrolย Ochrobactrum ciceriย and zinc

Antifungal potential of volatiles produced byย Bacillus subtilisย BS-01 againstย Alternaria solaniย inย Solanum lycopersicum