Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angelika Kmita | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

AGH University of Krakow, Poland

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Angelika Kmita’s journey into the world of materials science and nanotechnology began at AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland. Her early academic foundation was rooted in the Faculty of Foundry Engineering, where she obtained her Master’s degree in 2008. Specializing in foundry engineering, she cultivated a deep understanding of materials processing, metal casting, and advanced metallurgical techniques. This period of her education laid the groundwork for her future research interests, particularly in nanoparticle synthesis and functional materials.

Fuelled by her passion for scientific discovery, she continued her academic endeavors at AGH University, earning a Ph.D. in Engineering in 2014. Her doctoral research likely delved into complex aspects of foundry engineering, merging traditional metallurgical principles with cutting-edge advancements in materials science. This period marked her transition from a keen student to an independent researcher, setting the stage for an illustrious career.

Professional Endeavors 🏛️

Following her Ph.D., Angelika Kmita remained at AGH University of Science and Technology, furthering her research in the interdisciplinary domain of nanotechnology. Over the years, she transitioned from a research scholar to an Associate Professor at the Academic Centre for Materials and Nanotechnology, a role she has held since April 2022.

Her professional trajectory has been deeply intertwined with material synthesis, with a special focus on ferrite nanoparticles, ferrofluids, and hydro- and aerogels. These materials hold significant potential in various applications, including biomedicine, environmental protection, and industrial manufacturing. As an academic, she has not only contributed to fundamental research but also played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and industrial application.

Apart from her research commitments, she has been actively involved in scientific and industrial projects, having participated in ten initiatives that span across different domains. This involvement underscores her commitment to innovation and the practical implementation of scientific advancements.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Angelika Kmita’s research portfolio is a testament to her expertise in the field of materials science. Her work encompasses several key areas, each of which has contributed to the scientific understanding of functional materials.

She has made notable strides in the synthesis of ferrite nanoparticles, particularly focusing on controlling their morphology and size. These nanoparticles are crucial for applications ranging from magnetic storage devices to biomedical uses, such as targeted drug delivery and hyperthermia treatments.

Her research extends to ferrofluids, colloidal suspensions of magnetic nanoparticles that have broad applications in sealing, damping, and medical imaging. Additionally, she has explored hydro- and aerogels, materials known for their lightweight structure and high porosity, making them ideal for environmental applications, including water purification and pollutant absorption.

One of her groundbreaking contributions is in magnetic hyperthermia, where she examines the heating properties of aqueous nanoparticle solutions. This technique has promising applications in cancer therapy, where localized heating can selectively destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Her expertise also spans rheological properties of liquid phases, ensuring a better understanding of how different nanofluids behave under various conditions. Moreover, she has extensively studied thermal analysis of nanoparticles and nanocomposites, a crucial aspect in determining material stability and functionality.

Beyond fundamental research, Angelika Kmita has worked on the modification of water glass with metal oxide nanoparticles, a field that has implications for industrial applications such as coatings, adhesives, and foundry molding materials. Her work also intersects with environmental protection, particularly in addressing foundry industry-related pollution and waste management challenges.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Angelika Kmita’s contributions to science have been widely recognized, both within Poland and internationally. With 59 scientific publications across various countries including the USA, Germany, Croatia, and Lithuania, her work has gained significant attention in the global research community. She has also co-authored three monographs, further expanding the knowledge base in her field.

Her achievements extend beyond academic publications, as she is also a co-author of three patents, highlighting her ability to translate scientific findings into tangible innovations.

With a Web of Science h-index of 15 and nearly 500 citations, her research impact continues to grow. This metric reflects not only the breadth of her work but also its significance in advancing scientific knowledge and industrial applications.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Angelika Kmita’s research has had a profound impact on both academia and industry. Her work on nanoparticles and functional materials has influenced numerous scientific domains, from biomedical engineering to environmental sustainability. By developing novel materials and enhancing their practical applications, she has contributed to advancements in medical treatments, industrial processing, and environmental conservation.

Her involvement in industrial projects has also fostered collaborations between academia and industry, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs are effectively implemented in real-world scenarios. Through her contributions, she has helped optimize foundry processes, improve material performance, and develop sustainable solutions for various engineering challenges.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

As an established researcher and academic leader, Angelika Kmita continues to push the boundaries of materials science. Her ongoing investigations into nanomaterials and their applications will likely lead to further breakthroughs in medicine, manufacturing, and sustainable engineering.

Looking ahead, her legacy will be shaped by her commitment to mentoring young scientists, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and pioneering innovative solutions to complex material science challenges. With the rapid evolution of nanotechnology, her expertise in ferrite nanoparticles, ferrofluids, and aerogels will remain highly relevant, driving new developments in fields ranging from energy storage to biomedicine.

Her role at AGH University of Science and Technology ensures that she will continue to influence the next generation of researchers, guiding them towards impactful scientific contributions. Through her continued work in both academia and industry, Angelika Kmita is poised to leave a lasting imprint on the fields of nanotechnology, environmental protection, and advanced material synthesis.

Dr. Isabel Lastres-Becker | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain

Author Profile

Orchid 

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Isabel Lastres-Becker’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in chemistry and biochemistry, which laid the groundwork for her future contributions to neurodegeneration research. She earned her Licenciatura in Chemical Sciences with a specialization in Biochemistry from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) on June 13, 1997. Her deep interest in understanding molecular mechanisms at the intersection of biochemistry and neuroscience propelled her toward a Ph.D. with a European Mention, which she completed at UCM on March 13, 2003.

Her doctoral research focused on molecular pathways involved in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in relation to protein misfolding, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. These early investigations provided her with a solid research foundation and the necessary expertise to explore groundbreaking treatments for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD).

👩‍� Professional Endeavors

Prof. Lastres-Becker has had an illustrious career spanning over two decades, during which she has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Her professional trajectory reflects a steadfast commitment to research excellence and scientific innovation.

🌐 Postdoctoral Research (2004-2009): After earning her Ph.D., she pursued postdoctoral studies at Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität in Frankfurt, Germany (2004-2008), where she expanded her expertise in neuroinflammatory pathways and mitochondrial dysfunction. She then continued her postdoctoral research at CIBERNED, Spain (2008-2009), further strengthening her understanding of proteinopathies and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.

🏫 Academic Positions at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid: Returning to Spain, she was awarded a Ramón y Cajal Researcher contract (2010-2015) at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), marking a turning point in her career as she began leading independent research projects. She was later appointed Profesora Contratada Doctora (2015-2021), and subsequently, she became an Associate Professor (October 2021 – Present) at the Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine at UAM. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in training future neuroscientists and has led several groundbreaking studies.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Lastres-Becker’s research is highly interdisciplinary, focusing on key aspects of neurodegeneration, mitochondria, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of disease progression and therapeutic targets.

💊 Dysregulation of the Endocannabinoid System in Huntington’s Disease: One of her major contributions is demonstrating the dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system in Huntington’s disease models. Her studies have shown how targeting cannabinoid receptors can have therapeutic benefits, opening new possibilities for pharmacological interventions.

💛 NRF2 as a Neuroprotective Factor: Her research has highlighted the protective role of the NRF2 pathway in neurodegeneration, demonstrating how modulating NRF2 activity can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in disorders like ALS and PD.

🔄 Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Proteinopathy: Her investigations into mitochondrial dynamics, TAU pathology, and proteostasis have provided critical insights into how protein aggregation and cellular stress contribute to neurodegeneration, thereby paving the way for targeted therapies.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Lastres-Becker’s contributions have been widely recognized in the scientific community. She has been awarded four research sexennials, a highly prestigious acknowledgment of her continuous and impactful scientific contributions.

Her research excellence has been further demonstrated through:
🎉 Multiple research grants from national and international funding bodies.
🌟 Invitations as a keynote speaker at international neuroscience conferences.
📐 Numerous high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals, making her work a cornerstone in neurodegeneration research.

Her studies have been extensively cited, emphasizing her global influence on the scientific understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Lastres-Becker’s research has had a far-reaching impact, not only within academia but also in clinical and pharmaceutical applications. Her discoveries have contributed to:

💡 Advancing drug discovery and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
🧩 Bridging fundamental research with clinical applications, enhancing the potential for novel therapeutics.
👨‍�‍� Mentoring the next generation of neuroscientists, ensuring continued advancements in the field.

Her work continues to shape therapeutic strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions

As an esteemed neuroscientist, Prof. Lastres-Becker’s future contributions will likely focus on:

🚀 Developing targeted therapies for Parkinson’s, ALS, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
🎉 Exploring novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease progression.
🤝 Strengthening international collaborations to accelerate advancements in neurodegeneration research.
🎨 Innovating neuroprotective strategies that integrate cellular and molecular neuroscience.

Her pioneering work continues to offer hope for millions affected by neurodegenerative conditions. With a relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, her contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of neuroscience.

Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor Modulation by the Transcription Factor NRF2 is Specific in Microglial Cells

Author: Isabel Lastres-Becker
Journal: Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
Year: 2020

Role of MSK1 in the Induction of NF-κB by the Chemokine CX3CL1 in Microglial Cells

Author: Isabel Lastres-Becker
Journal: Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
Year: 2019

Cx3cr1‐deficiency exacerbates alpha‐synuclein‐A53T induced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

Author: Isabel Lastres-Becker
Journal: Glia
Year: 2018

Impaired Signaling of NF-κB and NRF2 in CX3CR1-Deficient Microglia: Implications in Tauopathies

Author: Isabel Lastres-Becker
Journal: Preprint (bioRxiv)
Year: 2018

Pharmacological targeting of GSK-3 and NRF2 provides neuroprotection in a preclinical model of tauopathy

Author: Isabel Lastres-Becker
Journal: Redox Biology
Year: 2018

Dr. Candis Morello| Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

University of California Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, United States

Profile

Orchid 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Candis M. Morello’s academic journey began at the University of California, Davis, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a minor in Socio-Cultural Anthropology (1987-1991). Her passion for patient care and pharmaceutical sciences led her to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she pursued and obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy degree (1992-1996). Following her doctorate, she further honed her clinical expertise through an ASHP-accredited Pharmacy Practice Residency with a geriatric emphasis at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System (1996-1997).

Professional Endeavors 💊

Dr. Morello has built an illustrious career as a professor and administrator at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Currently serving as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and a Professor of Clinical Pharmacy (Step VI OS) in the Division of Clinical Pharmacy, she has dedicated herself to academic excellence and student mentorship. Throughout her career, she has played a significant role in shaping pharmacy education by introducing innovative curricula and fostering a culture of evidence-based practice.

Her contributions extend beyond academia into clinical practice, where she holds multiple pharmacy licenses in California (since 1996) and Nevada (since 1996). Her advanced certifications, including the Advanced Practice Pharmacist (APh) License (2018-present) and the Certified Diabetic Care and Educator Specialist (CDCES) (1999-present), have positioned her as a leader in diabetes education and patient management.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Morello’s research primarily revolves around diabetes care, pharmaceutical education, and optimizing therapeutic outcomes. She has been a key advocate for integrating pharmacists into primary care teams to enhance diabetes management. Her work emphasizes patient-centered pharmaceutical care, insulin therapy education, and continuous glucose monitoring.

Beyond diabetes, her research includes innovations in pharmacy education, addressing implicit bias in healthcare, and improving interdisciplinary collaboration in patient management. Her involvement in training programs such as the UC San Diego Health Sciences Faculty Mentor Training Program and the Building a Respectful, Inclusive Culture (BRIC) NIH-supported training program reflects her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and effective healthcare environment.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Morello’s exemplary contributions have been widely recognized. She is a Fellow of the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FCSHP) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FASHP), prestigious designations that acknowledge her outstanding professional achievements and contributions to the field.

Her leadership abilities have been further honed through participation in elite programs such as the UC San Diego Faculty Leadership Academy and the Academic Leadership Training Workshop at the National Conflict Resolution Center. Additionally, she was selected for the UC San Diego National Center of Leadership in Academic Medicine (NCLAM), solidifying her reputation as a transformative leader in pharmacy education.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Morello’s impact extends to patient care, student mentorship, and professional training. She has trained countless pharmacists, shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and patient advocacy. Her expertise in diabetes management and pharmaceutical care for chronic diseases has led to improved patient outcomes and has influenced healthcare policies at institutional and national levels.

Additionally, her work in implicit bias training and mental health advocacy has contributed to creating more inclusive, empathetic, and culturally competent pharmacy practices. Her role as an Implicit Bias Trainer at UC San Diego Health Sciences (2018-present) highlights her dedication to addressing disparities in healthcare.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking ahead, Dr. Morello remains committed to advancing pharmacy education, enhancing interdisciplinary healthcare collaboration, and advocating for pharmacists as essential members of healthcare teams. Her continued involvement in training programs, leadership workshops, and patient education initiatives will further solidify her legacy as a pioneer in clinical pharmacy and diabetes care.

Her latest certification in Mental Health First Aid Training (2025) underscores her dedication to addressing mental health challenges within pharmacy practice. With her unwavering passion and expertise, she is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field, shaping future pharmacists, and improving patient care standards across the nation.