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.

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.

Robert Nshimiyimana | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr Robert Nshimiyimana, Harvard Medical School, United States

Dr. Robert Nshimiyimana is a postdoctoral research fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, specializing in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. His research explores the identification of bioactive chemical signals, pathways, and cellular targets that enhance the innate resolution of inflammation. His contributions to inflammation resolution research have provided critical insights into therapeutic strategies for diseases driven by chronic inflammation. With expertise in mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and lipidomics, he plays a pivotal role in deciphering pro-resolving mediators in human biology. His work has resulted in multiple high-impact publications and recognition at prestigious international conferences. Passionate about mentoring and scientific outreach, Dr. Nshimiyimana is committed to advancing biomedical research and fostering collaborations to translate laboratory discoveries into clinical applications. His dedication to excellence and groundbreaking research make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Robert Nshimiyimana holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Southern California (USC), where he conducted cutting-edge research in bioorganic synthesis and lipid mediators of inflammation. His doctoral work focused on developing synthetic pathways for bioactive molecules that regulate the inflammatory response. Prior to that, he earned a B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Hendrix College, where he gained foundational expertise in chemical biology and enzymology. As part of his academic journey, Dr. Nshimiyimana participated in an International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) at Ulster University, Northern Ireland, broadening his scientific perspective and fostering global collaborations. His multidisciplinary education in chemistry, molecular biology, and biochemistry has provided him with a unique skill set to tackle complex biomedical challenges. His academic excellence and research contributions have established him as a rising leader in inflammation resolution and lipidomics research.

Experience

Dr. Robert Nshimiyimana has held multiple prestigious research positions, including his current role as a postdoctoral research fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Here, he investigates pro-resolving lipid mediators and their role in inflammation resolution. 📚 During his Ph.D. at USC, he served as a graduate research associate, focusing on the total synthesis of bioactive molecules and their impact on cellular signaling pathways. His research contributed to developing novel therapeutics targeting chronic inflammatory diseases. 👨‍🏫 Additionally, he has served as an instructor and teaching assistant for organic chemistry and biochemistry, mentoring students in advanced analytical techniques such as NMR, mass spectrometry, and chromatography. 💡 His expertise in chemical biology, lipidomics, and bioorganic chemistry has positioned him as a leading scientist in the study of inflammation and disease mechanisms, making him a prime candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Robert Nshimiyimana has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, highlighting his impactful contributions to biomedical research. ✨ He received the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 16th World Congress on Inflammation, showcasing his expertise in pro-resolving lipid mediators. ✈️ He was also awarded the Eicosanoid Research Foundation (ERF) Travel Award, enabling him to present groundbreaking research on lipid mediators and inflammation resolution at leading international conferences. 🔬 Beyond research, he serves as a peer reviewer for renowned journals, including Current Organic Chemistry, Current Materials Science, and Tetrahedron Letters, contributing to scientific advancement. His dedication to biomedical innovation, mentorship, and scholarly excellence has earned him global recognition. His commitment to advancing inflammation research through novel therapeutic strategies cements his reputation as a top-tier researcher and a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award.

Research Focus

Dr. Robert Nshimiyimana’s research focuses on the identification of bioactive chemical signals, pathways, and cellular targets responsible for stimulating the innate resolution of inflammation. His work integrates organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology to investigate how lipid mediators regulate immune responses and promote tissue healing. 🔍 Using advanced analytical techniques like mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, he studies the biosynthesis and function of pro-resolving mediators such as resolvins, maresins, and lipoxins. His research aims to develop therapeutic interventions targeting inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, pneumonia, and lung injury. 🌎 His innovative studies have profound clinical implications, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic inflammatory disorders. With a track record of high-impact publications and groundbreaking discoveries, Dr. Nshimiyimana is at the forefront of inflammation resolution research, making him an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Top Notes

A new E-series resolvin: RvE4 stereochemistry and function in efferocytosis of inflammation-resolution

E-series resolvin metabolome, biosynthesis and critical role of stereochemistry of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in inflammation-resolution: Preparing SPMs for …

Elovanoids counteract oligomeric β-amyloid-induced gene expression and protect photoreceptors

Human leukocytes selectively convert 4S,5S-epoxy-resolvin to resolvin D3, resolvin D4, and a cys-resolvin isomer

Stereospecific metabolism of R-and S-warfarin by human hepatic cytosolic reductases

Infectious neutrophil deployment is regulated by resolvin D4

ELV-N32 and RvD6 isomer decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, senescence programming, ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2-spike protein RBD binding in injured cornea

Elucidating the structure and functions of Resolvin D6 isomers on nerve regeneration with a distinctive trigeminal transcriptome