Yvonne Hernandez-Kapila | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yvonne Hernandez-Kapila | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award 

Professor | UCLA | United States

Dr. Yvonne L. Hernandez-Kapila is a distinguished clinician-scientist, academic leader, and global research contributor recognized for her transformative work in oral biology, periodontology, and cancer biology. As Professor and Associate Dean for Research at the UCLA School of Dentistry and the Felix and Mildred Yip Endowed Chair in Dentistry, her research has significantly advanced understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying periodontal disease, oral cancer, and host-microbiome interactions. Her laboratory’s pioneering investigations into the oral-gut-brain axis, bacteriocin therapeutics, and oral virome have shaped new paradigms in microbial pathogenesis, inflammation, and regenerative oral health. A prolific author with more than a hundred peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes, Journal of Biological Chemistry, PLOS Pathogens, and Cell Death and Differentiation, Dr. Kapila’s work bridges fundamental discovery with translational innovation. She has served as principal investigator on multiple NIH-funded projects, including major initiatives exploring host–bacterial dynamics and microbiome modulation in oral and systemic disease contexts. Her editorial leadership extends across several international journals and major textbooks, including Periodontology 2000 and Newman and Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology, where she continues to shape scholarly discourse in the field. Dr. Kapila has received numerous prestigious honors recognizing her scientific excellence, mentorship, and contributions to dental research, including awards from the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the American Association for Dental Research. A dedicated mentor, she has guided over a hundred trainees and junior faculty toward successful academic and research careers worldwide, championing inclusivity, rigorous scientific methodology, and leadership development. Through her interdisciplinary collaborations and global initiatives, Dr. Kapila continues to influence the future of oral health sciences, biomolecular therapeutics, and translational medicine, establishing herself as a leading voice in advancing oral-systemic health research on an international scale. She has 8347 citations from 146 documents with an h-index of 47.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. B. lactis HN019 modulates periapical inflammation and enhances cementum repair by increasing CEMP-1 expression in an animal model. (2025). Archives of Oral Biology.

2. The antimicrobial peptide nisin promotes host cell survival during SARS-CoV-2 infection. (2025). Virology Journal.

3. Nisin lantibiotic prevents NAFLD liver steatosis and mitochondrial oxidative stress following periodontal disease by abrogating oral, gut and liver dysbiosis. (2024). NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes.

4. Biological biomarkers of oral cancer. (2025). [Journal name not specified].

5. Nisin, a probiotic bacteriocin, modulates the inflammatory and microbiome changes in female reproductive organs mediated by polymicrobial periodontal infection. (2024). Microorganisms.

Chalachew Yenew | Neglected Tropical Diseases | Best Paper Award

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Mr. Chalachew Yenew | Neglected Tropical Diseases | Best Paper Award

Lecturer | Debre Tabor University | Ethiopia 

Dr. Chalachew Yenew Dinku is an accomplished Lecturer and Researcher at Debre Tabor University, Ethiopia, specializing in Environmental and Public Health, with a research focus on environmental and occupational exposure, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), infection prevention and control, One Health, and public health emergency management. He holds a Master of Science in Environmental Health Sciences from Jimma University, where his thesis on AMR contamination pathways received an international research grant and resulted in multiple peer-reviewed publications. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety from the University of Gondar, where his undergraduate research on hospital indoor bacterial contamination gained national recognition. With over nine years of professional experience, Dr. Yenew has held key academic and public health roles, including as a Public Health Emergency Surveillance Officer with the Ohio State University Global One Health Initiative and as a Public Health Officer under the Amhara Health Bureau, where he led health education, surveillance, and community health initiatives. At Debre Tabor University, he has served as a member of research committees, supervised postgraduate students, and secured major institutional research grants such as “Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance through a One Health Approach” and “Scabies Screening and Prevention”. Dr. Yenew has authored or co-authored over 55 scientific papers, with 35 published in reputable international journals, 15 as first or corresponding author, and several under review. His extensive editorial contributions include serving as an editor for BMC Public Health, a reviewer for multiple high-impact journals, and a conference presenter at more than 20 national and international scientific events. His research integrates advanced statistical and molecular approaches to tackle pressing public health challenges, bridging academia, policy, and practice. With 355 citations, 47 indexed documents, and an h-index of 9, Dr. Chalachew Yenew exemplifies scholarly excellence, leadership, and commitment to advancing sustainable, evidence-based One Health solutions globally.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Anteneh, R. M., Gashu, Z. E., Baffa, L. D., Bitew, D. A., Yenew, C., Demissie, K. A., Terefe, B., Jejaw, M., Zegeye, A. F., Tiruneh, M. G., et al. (2025). Decomposing socioeconomic and educational inequalities in infant mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health, 25(12), 1–12.

2. Mehari, M. G., Yeshiwas, A. G., Esubalew, D., Azmeraw, Y., Delie, A. M., Limenh, L. W., Worku, N. K., Hailu, M., Melese, M., Abie, A., et al. (2025). Dominance of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and risk factors of bacteriuria infection among pregnant women in East Africa. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 25(12), 1–12.

3. Temesgen, A., Anteneh, R. M., Yeshiwas, A. G., Bayeh, G. M., Yenew, C., Ejigu, A. G., Gebeyehu, A. A., Tsega, T. D., Ahmed, A. F., Yemata, G. A., et al. (2025). Systematic review and meta-analysis on gaps in household waste management practices in urban Ethiopia for supporting the TSEDU Ethiopia initiative. Discover Sustainability, 25(12), 1–12.

4. Tsega, T. D., Tsega, S. S., Gebeyehu, A. A., Yemata, G. A., Anteneh, R. M., Yeshiwas, A. G., Yirdaw, G., Yenew, C., Enawgaw, A. S., Ejigu, A. G., et al. (2025). Viral load suppression rate of third-line antiretroviral therapy and its association with gender among HIV patients after second-line treatment failure in Africa. BMC Infectious Diseases, 25(12), 1–12.

Amel Bouzabata | Treatment for Infectious Diseases | Best Paper Award

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Prof. Amel Bouzabata | Treatment for Infectious Diseases | Best Paper Award

Professor | Badji-Mokhtar University | Algeria

Prof. Amel Bouzabata is a distinguished researcher and academic at Université Badji Mokhtar – Annaba, Algeria, recognized for her expertise in analytical chemistry, phytochemistry, and antioxidant studies. She obtained her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the same university in 2014, where she developed an early interest in the metabolic profiling of natural compounds and the bioactive evaluation of medicinal plants. Over the years, Prof. Bouzabata has built a strong academic and research portfolio focused on natural product analysis, chromatographic techniques, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-LC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS). Her professional experience includes teaching undergraduate and postgraduate chemistry courses, supervising graduate theses, and participating in interdisciplinary research projects that link chemistry with pharmacology and environmental science. She has collaborated with international researchers to explore the biochemical diversity of regional flora, contributing to several peer-reviewed publications in Scopus-indexed and Q1 journals such as Antioxidants and Journal of Natural Products. Her research interests extend to metabolomics, chemometric analysis, and the discovery of novel antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds from natural sources. Prof. Bouzabata’s research skills include advanced chromatographic separation, spectral interpretation, multivariate data analysis, and the use of bioassay-guided fractionation for compound identification. She has received institutional recognition for her scientific contributions and is actively involved in promoting research capacity development among young scientists in Algeria. Through mentorship and collaboration, she has strengthened the university’s research visibility and global academic partnerships. Prof. Bouzabata continues to pursue innovative approaches to natural compound characterization, integrating analytical precision with biological relevance to address emerging scientific and health challenges. Her dedication to high-quality research and international collaboration underscores her growing influence in chemical and biological sciences. Prof. Amel Bouzabata has achieved 420 total citations across 15 published research documents, demonstrating a consistent scholarly impact with an h-index of 11, based on 376 citing documents in Scopus.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Bouzabata, A., Montoro, P., Gil, K. A., Piacente, S., et al. (2022). HR-LC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS-Based metabolic profiling coupled with chemometrics for the discrimination of different Echinops spinosus organs and evaluation of their antioxidant activity.

2. Bouzabata, A. (2015). Contribution à l’étude d’une plante médicinale et aromatique Myrtus communis L. Faculté de Médecine, Université Badji-Mokhtar, Annaba, Algérie.

3. Bouzabata, A., Bighelli, A., Abed, L., Casanova, J., & Tomi, F. (2014). Composition and chemical variability of Eucalyptus bosistoana essential oil from Algerian Sahara. Natural Product Communications, 9(5), 1934578X1400900530.

4. Bouzabata, A., & Yavuz, M. (2019). Médecine traditionnelle et ethnopharmacologie en Algérie: de l’histoire à la modernité. Ethnopharmacologia.

5. Bouzabata, A., & Boukhari, A. (2014). Variation in the traditional knowledge of Curcuma longa L. in North-Eastern Algeria. International Journal of Biological, Veterinary, Agricultural and Food Engineering.

 

O. Alejandro Aleuy | Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Assist Prof Dr. O. Alejandro Aleuy | Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. O. Alejandro Aleuy , Florida Atlantic University, United States.

Assist Prof Dr. O. Alejandro Aleuy is an accomplished researcher focused on infectious diseases and their global impact. He has made significant contributions to understanding disease transmission, prevention, and control, with a particular interest in emerging pathogens. Aleuy’s research has influenced public health policies and provided key insights into infectious disease dynamics, making him a valuable figure in the field. He is a recipient of the Best Researcher Award for his groundbreaking studies, which have helped to shape modern approaches to combating infectious diseases worldwide. His work continues to inspire advancements in disease prevention and health security.

Profile:

Orcid Profile

Education

Assist. Prof. Dr. O. Alejandro Aleuy is an expert in infectious diseases, with a robust academic background in veterinary and ecological sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Calgary, Canada (2014-2019), a Master’s in Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) from the University of California, Davis, USA (2011-2013), and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Universidad Austral de Chile (2006-2008). Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the same institution (2001-2006). Currently based at Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Aleuy’s research focuses on disease ecology and the prevention of infectious diseases, addressing critical challenges in wildlife, domestic animals, and public health.

 

Employment

Assist. Prof. Dr. O. Alejandro Aleuy currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Disease Ecology at the Department of Biology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida (2024–present). His previous academic roles include a Visitor Scholar at the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara (2022–2023), and a Postdoctoral Associate at the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame (2021–2023). Prior to that, he held a postdoctoral position at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (2020–2021). From 2013 to 2014, he worked as a Research Assistant and Data Analyst at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. Earlier in his career, Dr. Aleuy was an Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Animal Pathology, Universidad Austral de Chile (2009–2014), and the Director and Head Veterinarian of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at the same institution (2008–2011), where he contributed to wildlife health research, clinical diagnostics, and student training.

 

Technical Skills

Assist. Prof. Dr. O. Alejandro Aleuy possesses a range of technical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office™ tools such as Word™, Excel™, and PowerPoint™. He is highly skilled in statistical analysis using programs like R and Minitab, and has extensive experience with ArcGIS and QGIS for geographic information system applications. Additionally, he has a basic understanding of SAS for statistical computing, further enhancing his analytical and research capabilities.

Honors / Rewards

Assist. Prof. Dr. O. Alejandro Aleuy has received numerous honors and awards throughout his academic career. He was awarded the prestigious NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022–2024) from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada, receiving C$45,000 annually, and was ranked in the top 80th percentile. He also received the Ayudas Juan de la Cierva-Formacion Postdoctoral Fellowship from Spain’s Ministry of Science and Information (2021–2023), although he declined it due to funding conflicts. Other significant recognitions include the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Pre-Doctoral Scholarship (2015–2017) and various travel, academic, and research scholarships from the University of Calgary. Dr. Aleuy was recognized for his Best Poster Presentation at the Muskox Health and Ecology Symposium (2016), and his efforts in community outreach were acknowledged by the College of Veterinary Science at Universidad Austral de Chile (2010). He also received multiple CONICYT Advanced Human Capital Scholarships from the Government of Chile for his Ph.D. and Master’s studies, as well as an Athletic University Scholarship for being part of the 1st Squad Soccer team at Universidad Austral de Chile (2001-2006).

 

Top Note Publications

Aleuy, O. A. (2023). Local thermal adaptation and local temperature regimes drive the performance of a parasitic helminth under climate change: The case of Marshallagia marshalli from wild ungulates. Global Change Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.16918

Aleuy, O. A. (2023). Caesarean surgery and ovariohysterectomy in a precocial rodent Octodon degus. Austral Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 55(3). https://doi.org/10.4206/ajvs.553.01

Aleuy, O. A. (2023). Wildlife health in environmental impact assessments: Are we missing a key metric? Environmental Reviews, 31(2), 233-245. https://doi.org/10.1139/er-2022-0023

Aleuy, O. A. (2020). Adaptations, life-history traits, and ecological mechanisms of parasites to survive extremes and environmental unpredictability in the face of climate change. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 12, 138-145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.07.006

Aleuy, O. A. (2020). Linking co-monitoring to co-management: Bringing together local, traditional, and scientific knowledge in a wildlife status assessment framework. Arctic Science, 6(2), 164-179. https://doi.org/10.1139/as-2019-0019

Aleuy, O. A. (2020). Parasite intensity drives fetal development and sex allocation in a wild ungulate. Scientific Reports, 10, 15829. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-72376-x

Aleuy, O. A. (2020). Phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation in freeze tolerance: Implications for parasite dynamics in a changing world. International Journal for Parasitology, 50(6-7), 479-489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.12.004

Aleuy, O. A. (2019). Adaptations and phenotypic plasticity in developmental traits of Marshallagia marshalli. International Journal for Parasitology, 49(8), 641-650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.05.007

Aleuy, O. A. (2018). Diversity of gastrointestinal helminths in Dall’s sheep and the negative association of the abomasal nematode, Marshallagia marshalli, with fitness indicators. PLOS ONE, 13(3), e0192825. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192825

Aleuy, O. A. (2018). Using multinomial and space-time permutation models to understand the epidemiology of infectious bronchitis in California between 2008 and 2012. Avian Diseases, 62(1), 107-113. https://doi.org/10.1637/11788-122217-Reg.1