Rekha Thiruvengadam | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Rekha Thiruvengadam | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Professor, at Saveetha medical college and hospital, India.

Dr. K. Rekha is a distinguished microbiologist and Professor at Helix Research Lab, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Tamil Nadu, India. With over two decades of academic and research experience, she specializes in virology, antimicrobial resistance, nanotechnology, and environmental microbiology. Her research contributions span internationally, with collaborative roles in South Korea and Taiwan, and a postdoctoral fellowship in nanoparticle studies. She has mentored Ph.D. scholars, published in high-impact journals, and presented at numerous national and international symposia. Dr. Rekha has received awards for academic excellence and is recognized for her innovative research in biosciences, including patent achievements and esteemed journal reviews. Driven by a commitment to scientific advancement and academic mentorship, she continues to make impactful contributions to global health through microbial innovation and natural product pharmacology. 🌱🔬

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google scholar

🎓 Education 

Dr. Rekha holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology (2011–2016) from Tamil University, where she explored antiviral potentials of medicinal plant extracts and synthesized silver nanoparticles for infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) treatment. Her M.Phil. in Biotechnology (2003–2004) and M.Sc. in Microbiology (1999–2001) were both completed at Bharathidasan University, India, where she laid the foundation for her scientific research career. She began her academic journey with a B.Sc. in Microbiology (1997–1999) from the same institution. Her educational path is defined by interdisciplinary exposure across microbiology, environmental sciences, and biotechnology. Her doctoral work included extensive analysis of phenolic compounds and nanoparticle-mediated viral inhibition. Her academic mentors include Dr. C. Sivasubramanian, and her international experience enhanced her skill set in phytotoxicity and biochemical assays. Her diverse academic background laid the groundwork for a research career that bridges traditional knowledge and modern biomedical innovation. 📚🧪

🧪 Experience 

Dr. K. Rekha brings over 20 years of rich academic and research experience, with roles across India, South Korea, and Taiwan. She currently serves as Professor at Helix Research Lab, Saveetha Institute, where she mentors scholars and leads research on infectious diseases. From 2022 to 2024, she was a Research Professor at Sejong University, South Korea, working on the links between hypertension and cancer. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor at MIET College, India (2018–2022), and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Konkuk University, South Korea (2016–2017), focusing on plant-microbe interactions. She also worked as a Research Assistant at National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan (2005–2008), contributing to IBDV and protein studies. Starting her academic career as a Lecturer at St. Joseph’s College (2001–2005), Dr. Rekha has also taught undergraduate and postgraduate students in microbiology and biotechnology. Her international exposure shaped her innovative and global approach to research. 🌍📖

🔬 Research Interest 

Dr. K. Rekha’s research centers on microbiology, nanotechnology, plant-derived antiviral compounds, and environmental biotechnology. Her doctoral research investigated the biosynthesis and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles from Momordica charantia, demonstrating efficacy against IBDV. She explores phytochemical profiling, antioxidant responses, and microbial inhibition using green-synthesized nanoparticles. In recent years, she extended her research to examine correlations between hypertension and cancer, and she uses computational biology to identify therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders. Her interests include epidemiology, enzyme inhibition, and biosafety of nanoparticles. She also engages in biotechnological applications of algae for biofuel production and has published on anti-inflammatory properties of medicinal extracts. As a passionate advocate for nature-based therapies and sustainable biotechnology, she works at the intersection of traditional herbal sciences and modern nanomedicine. 🧬🌿⚗️

🏆 Awards 

Dr. K. Rekha has earned recognition both nationally and internationally for her academic excellence and research innovation. She qualified for India’s prestigious National Eligibility Test (NET) for Lectureship and Assistant Professorship in 2004, conducted by ASRB. In 2023, she received the Excellent Poster Presentation Award from the Korean Society of Environmental Health and Toxicology for her innovative work on optimizing algae conditions for biodiesel production. Her patent, titled “A method for preventing microbial contamination of fresh fruits and vegetables”, granted in 2023, reflects her translational research impact. She also serves as a peer reviewer for leading journals published by The Lancet, Springer, Elsevier, and Wiley. Her consistent contributions to microbial science and natural product biotechnology have earned her a place among globally respected scientists. 🏅🔖📄

📚 Top Noted Publications

Dr. Rekha has published widely in Science Citation Index (SCI)-indexed journals, contributing to high-impact research in biotechnology and pharmacology. Her recent publications include:

1. Drug Repurposing for Lassa Virus

  • Journal: Journal of Computational Biophysics and Chemistry

  • Publication Year: 2025

  • Details: I couldn’t locate specific information about this paper. You might consider checking the journal’s official website or academic databases for more details.

2. Biomarkers in Lung Cancer Treatment

  • Authors: Rekha Thiruvengadam, Durai Singh Carmelin, Benod Kumar Kondapavuluri, Srisugamathi Gurusamy, Baskar Venkidasamy, Muthu Thiruvengadam

  • Journal: Clinica Chimica Acta

  • Publication Date: March 28, 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2025.120267

  • Summary: This paper discusses the role of biomarkers in the treatment of lung cancer, focusing on their potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic strategies.CoLab

3. Antidiabetic Algae Peptides Study

  • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

  • Publication Year: 2025

  • Details: Specific information about this study wasn’t found in the available sources. For more details, please refer to the journal’s publications or relevant scientific databases.

4. PGP Actinomycetes Consortia Study

  • Journal: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

  • Publication Year: 2025

  • Details: I couldn’t find specific details about this study. You may want to consult the journal’s archives or academic search engines for more information.

5. Bioactive Nanoparticles for Oxidative Stress

  • Journal: Industrial Crops and Products

  • Publication Year: 2025

  • Details: No specific information was located regarding this paper. Checking the journal’s official publications or scientific repositories might provide the needed details.CoLab+1MDPI+1

6. Pomegranate in Cancer Prevention

  • Journal: Food Science & Nutrition

  • Publication Year: 2025

  • Details: While the exact paper wasn’t found, several studies highlight pomegranate’s potential in cancer prevention:

    • Pomegranate extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, modulating signaling pathways involved in cancer progression.

    • Compounds like punicalagin and ellagic acid in pomegranate have shown anticancer activities in various studies. PubMed+1PubMed+1MDPI+4Bentham Science+4SpringerLink+4

Conclusion

Dr. K. Rekha is a highly accomplished and dedicated researcher with a diverse academic portfolio, consistent international research contributions, and a strong record of mentorship and publications. Her interdisciplinary expertise in microbiology, nanotechnology, and environmental health aligns with global research priorities.

Hazrat Bilal | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hazrat Bilal | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award 

Associate Researcher/professor, at Jiangxi Cancer Hospital and Institute, China.

Dr. Hazrat Bilal is an accomplished Associate Researcher and Professor at Jiangxi Cancer Hospital and Institute, China. With a Ph.D. in Ecology specializing in Microbiology, he is at the forefront of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), fungal infections, and host–microbiome interactions in oncology. 📊 His research spans predictive AI modeling, epidemiology, and infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients. Dr. Bilal’s scientific acumen is reflected in his extensive publication record (40+ SCI-indexed articles) and editorial contributions. 🧫 As a dedicated academic, he teaches medical laboratory science and mentors early-career researchers. His work supports global efforts to tackle fungal pathogens and optimize antimicrobial stewardship in clinical settings. 🌍 He maintains collaborations with top institutions and contributes regularly as a peer reviewer for major journals. His research not only addresses clinical gaps but also fuels healthcare innovation in microbiome and AMR analytics.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education

Dr. Hazrat Bilal holds a Ph.D. in Ecology with a core focus on Microbiology, equipping him with an interdisciplinary foundation for his research in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases. 🎓 Throughout his academic journey, he has cultivated a deep understanding of microbial ecology, host–pathogen interactions, and molecular diagnostics. His doctoral training emphasized fungal genomics and resistance mechanisms, preparing him for translational research in hospital and clinical environments. He complemented his Ph.D. with intensive postdoctoral work at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, where he further explored cancer-related mycological disorders and resistance trends. 🧬 Dr. Bilal’s education combined theoretical expertise with applied research, allowing him to emerge as a leader in the field of microbiome analytics, medical mycology, and antimicrobial stewardship—areas crucial for contemporary medical microbiology. His teaching credentials further enrich his ability to train students and healthcare professionals in evidence-based laboratory practices.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Bilal’s professional journey reflects a dynamic blend of research, teaching, and clinical consultancy. 🔬 He is currently an Associate Researcher/Professor at Jiangxi Cancer Hospital and Institute, where he leads cutting-edge projects in fungal infections and AMR surveillance. Prior to this, he served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, contributing to landmark studies on cancer-related microbial infections. 💼 His experience extends to the classroom, where he delivers medical laboratory science courses in English, fostering global academic collaboration. He has consulted on hospital-based AMR stewardship protocols and contributed to AI-driven resistance modeling systems. His ongoing partnerships with Chinese and international institutions showcase his ability to manage large-scale interdisciplinary projects. 🌐 As an editorial board member and reviewer for 15+ SCI journals, Dr. Bilal’s insights shape the peer-review process. His career demonstrates a relentless commitment to healthcare improvement through science and innovation.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Hazrat Bilal’s research interests revolve around clinical microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, and fungal infections in oncology patients. 🧫 He is deeply engaged in studying host–pathogen interactions, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, using genomic and microbiome profiling techniques. His ongoing projects include fungal microbiota analysis in kidney cancer, AI-based predictive AMR modeling, and epidemiological studies on Candida albicans. 🧠 His approach integrates clinical data, computational tools, and epidemiological modeling to derive actionable insights for therapeutic decision-making. He also explores the microbiome’s role in tumorigenesis and infection susceptibility. 🚀 Dr. Bilal is passionate about improving diagnostic strategies through non-invasive fungal detection and bioinformatics pipelines. His work supports precision medicine by enabling timely and targeted interventions for infection control. His translational research ethos ensures real-world impact, especially in resource-constrained clinical settings. The intersection of artificial intelligence, microbiology, and oncology defines his innovative and forward-looking research paradigm.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Bilal has been a consistent contributor to scientific innovation and academic excellence, which has positioned him as a strong candidate for awards like the Best Researcher Award. 🥇 His scholarly achievements include recognition as a first author in 16 high-impact SCI articles and invitations to editorial boards of prestigious journals such as Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology. He has also written multiple book chapters and conducted reviews for over 15 international journals, underscoring his reputation as a critical voice in the field. 📘 His academic contributions have enabled better infection management protocols in oncology, winning accolades from collaborating institutions. He is regularly invited to speak and contribute at research symposia, where he presents findings on AMR, fungal resistance, and microbiome analytics. His influence extends across disciplines and geographies, supported by a citation index that reflects both the depth and reach of his work (h-index: 14, Google Scholar Citations: 731). 🧠

📚 Top Noted Publications

Dr. Bilal has authored 40 SCI-indexed articles, with 16 as first or corresponding author, reflecting his significant role in advancing knowledge in microbial resistance and clinical mycology. 🔍 His most cited works include:

1. Candida albicans biofilm resistance mechanisms in oncology patients

Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology
Year: 2023
Citations: 95

Summary:
This study explores how Candida albicans biofilms exhibit resistance to antifungal treatments, particularly in oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy. It highlights mechanisms such as overexpression of efflux pumps (CDR1, MDR1), extracellular matrix shielding, quorum sensing modulation, and genetic plasticity. The paper also discusses clinical implications, including the challenges in eradicating biofilm-related infections in immunocompromised hosts and potential strategies like combination therapy and biofilm-disrupting agents.

2. Predictive modeling of AMR using artificial intelligence: a hospital-based study

Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2022
Citations: 68

Summary:
This paper presents a machine learning framework for predicting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in hospital pathogens using electronic health records (EHRs) and microbiological data. The authors tested various algorithms (e.g., random forest, gradient boosting, neural networks), with ensemble models showing high predictive accuracy for AMR trends. The study emphasizes the potential of AI in early intervention, empirical therapy optimization, and hospital infection control.

3. Fungal microbiota diversity in renal cancer patients

Journal: Journal of Medical Mycology
Year: 2021
Citations: 53

Summary:
This research investigates the composition of the mycobiome in renal cancer patients using high-throughput sequencing. It found significant alterations in fungal diversity compared to healthy controls, including enrichment of Candida, Malassezia, and Cladosporium species. The paper discusses possible interactions between fungal dysbiosis and cancer progression, immune modulation, and therapy outcomes, suggesting that fungal microbiota could be potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

4. Resistance trends in non-albicans Candida: a clinical review

Journal: BMC Infectious Diseases
Year: 2020
Citations: 47

Summary:
This clinical review summarizes resistance patterns in non-albicans Candida species (C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei), highlighting emerging resistance to azoles and echinocandins. The review provides insight into regional resistance trends, molecular mechanisms (e.g., FKS mutations), and challenges in antifungal stewardship. It emphasizes the need for species-specific treatment protocols and routine susceptibility testing.

5. Clinical surveillance of antifungal drug efficacy in cancer therapy

Journal: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
Year: 2019
Citations: 39

Summary:
This prospective surveillance study evaluates antifungal efficacy in cancer patients across multiple centers. It assessed drug performance (e.g., fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B) against various fungal pathogens, tracking treatment outcomes, resistance development, and adverse effects. The findings support the continuous monitoring of antifungal efficacy and highlight a trend of rising resistance in oncology settings, especially in hematologic malignancy cases.

Conclusion

Dr. Hazrat Bilal is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award based on his strong research productivity, interdisciplinary focus, and contributions to emerging challenges in clinical microbiology and AMR, especially within the oncology context. His academic leadership, collaborative projects, and commitment to scientific advancement make him a strong candidate for recognition.

Suraj Pal | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Suraj Pal | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award 

Suraj Pal, at Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana- Ambala, India.

Suraj Pal is a dedicated microbiologist and research enthusiast with a strong academic background and a passion for understanding microbial and viral behavior. He has published work on the therapeutic potential of Aloe vera and actively pursues research on microbial applications to combat environmental and health challenges. With experience in customer care, he has developed skills in problem-solving and teamwork. Suraj is driven to make impactful contributions to microbiology, aiming to inspire future generations through innovative solutions for a sustainable tomorrow.

Profile

Google Scholar

ORCID

Education 📜🎓

Suraj Pal is currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Microbiology at Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University) in Mullana, Ambala, where he has maintained an impressive CGPA of 9.17 and 9.14 in his first and second semesters, respectively, and is expected to graduate in June 2025. Previously, he completed a B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Sciences from Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjeri, Mohali, with a CGPA of 7.66 in 2023. His academic journey began with a solid foundation at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Sagga Karnal, where he achieved an 88% score in his Senior School Certificate Examination (2020) and an 88.6% in his Secondary School Examination (2018).

Professional Experience 🌍💼

Suraj has hands-on experience in customer service, having worked as a Customer Care Executive at Teleperformance Private Limited in Mohali, India. During this six-month role, he developed key communication and problem-solving skills, learning to identify and address customer issues effectively and build rapport through empathy. His responsibilities included data management using Excel, maintaining a record of daily interactions, and supporting team collaboration to achieve high service standards.

Research Interests 🔬🧬

Driven by his passion for microbiology, Suraj’s research interests focus on microbial solutions for pressing environmental and health challenges. Key areas of interest include exploring microbial access to nutrients to delay eutrophication, studying antimicrobial effects of plant secondary metabolites, investigating the role of microbes in industrial processes, and developing microbial alternatives to antibiotics. He is particularly fascinated by molecular recombinant microbes for producing eco-friendly, biodegradable products and has a keen interest in recombinant vaccines.

Publication Top Notes 📚📅

Title: The Effect of Aloe vera on Skin and Its Commensals: Contribution of Acemannan in Curing Acne Caused by Propionibacterium acnes

  • Authors: Suraj Pal, Mayank Raj, Medha Singh, Kumar Saurav, Chetan Paliwal, Subhasish Saha, Anil Kumar Sharma, and Manoj Singh.
  • Published In: Microorganisms
  • Publisher: MDPI
  • Volume/Issue: Volume 12, Issue 10
  • Year of Publication: 2024
  • DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12102070
  • Abstract: This article explores the efficacy of acemannan, a compound in Aloe vera, for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects on acne-causing bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. It evaluates Aloe vera‘s potential to serve as a sustainable and natural remedy, balancing skin flora and reducing acne inflammation.

Title: Effect of Aloe vera Leaf Extract on Normal Skin Commensalism

  • Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
  • Conference: 4th International Conference on Recent Trends in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (ICRTLSB-2K23)
  • Organized By: International Association of Zoologists
  • Dates: December 12–14, 2023
  • Location: Conference proceedings published in IAZ with ISBN: 978-93-6056-834-8
  • Abstract: This presentation delved into how Aloe vera leaf extract influences the commensal bacteria of healthy skin, showing its potential to balance skin microbiota, benefiting overall skin health.

Conclusion

Suraj Pal is a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Microbiology due to his strong academic background, dedication to meaningful research, and impactful work on Aloe vera’s role in skincare. His research addresses practical challenges and aligns with sustainable health solutions, making him well-suited for recognition in his field. While building on his current achievements by expanding his publication record and deepening technical skills could further enhance his impact, his innovative research interests and commitment to improving public health and environmental sustainability make him a compelling choice for the award.