Dr. Luciano Fusco | Immunology | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Luciano Fusco | Immunology | Best Research Article Award

CONICET y UNNE, Argentina

Author Profile

Orcid 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Luciano Sebastian Fusco, born on January 2, 1986, in Corrientes, Argentina, has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for science and a commitment to understanding biochemical processes from an early stage in his career. He pursued his foundational studies at the National University of the Northeast (UNNE), where he earned his degree as a Biochemist in 2010. He continued on this academic trajectory, completing a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences at UNNE in 2015, a decision that marked a turning point in his scientific journey. During this period, Dr. Fusco began his in-depth exploration of snake venom toxicology and immunology—fields that would come to define his career. In addition to his formal degrees, he expanded his academic horizons by completing over 20 specialized postgraduate courses, focusing on immunotoxicology, proteomics, biotechnology, and pedagogical training for higher education, laying a solid foundation for both research and teaching.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Fusco currently serves as an Adjunct Researcher at CONICET—Argentina’s most prestigious scientific institution—and as a faculty member at UNNE’s Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences and Surveying. Over the past 15 years, he has cemented his place as an authority in snakebite toxicology, immunology, and protein chemistry, tackling one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases. His work combines rigorous laboratory research with practical applications in public health, particularly in developing more effective antivenoms. Dr. Fusco’s scientific career includes strong collaborative links with leading international institutions such as UNICAMP, Fiocruz, and Butantan Institute in Brazil, and the Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV–CSIC) in Spain. These collaborations have enriched his scientific output and brought global perspectives into his lab in Argentina, positioning him as a bridge between Latin American and European scientific networks.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

At the heart of Dr. Fusco’s research is a relentless drive to innovate antivenom production techniques and make them more efficient, affordable, and widely available in regions where snakebites are a major health issue. His projects focus on immunological strategies that incorporate nanostructured adjuvants, aiming to enhance the body’s immune response and increase the efficacy of antivenoms. His groundbreaking investigations have led to the development of experimental antivenoms using novel adjuvants such as CpG-ODN and ascorbyl palmitate, combining cutting-edge immunology with tangible health benefits. He has authored or co-authored more than 15 peer-reviewed publications, contributing significantly to the academic discourse on venom immunogenicity, PLA2 enzyme inhibition, and venom component characterization.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Fusco’s scientific excellence has been consistently recognized through competitive funding and research support from institutions like CONICET, FONCYT, SGCyT, and the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) in the UK. The RSTMH Early Career Grant he received in 2022 is a testament to his international credibility and the global relevance of his research. These accolades not only reflect the scientific value of his work but also acknowledge his growing leadership in the field of neglected diseases and biomedical innovation.

🌎 Impact and Influence

The societal relevance of Dr. Fusco’s research is profound. In regions such as Latin America, where snakebites are a significant public health burden, his work contributes to saving lives and improving the quality of emergency response systems. By pushing for more immunogenic and affordable antivenoms, he is directly addressing gaps in health equity. Moreover, his dedication to human resource development is notable; he has mentored doctoral students, undergraduate researchers, and research fellows, effectively shaping the next generation of biomedical scientists in Argentina. His interdisciplinary and collaborative approach encourages knowledge sharing across borders, institutions, and cultures.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Luciano Fusco is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the realm of immunotherapeutics and venom research. His scientific endeavors will likely continue to evolve, incorporating tools from biotechnology, nanomedicine, and systems biology to refine and revolutionize antivenom production. Equally important is his role as an educator and mentor, ensuring that the future of biochemical research in Argentina remains vibrant and globally connected. His work not only uplifts national scientific capacity but also aligns with global health priorities such as reducing mortality from neglected tropical diseases.

📝Notable Publications

Venomic and F(ab’)₂ antivenomic studies of Bothrops alternatus venom proteins

Author(s): Luciano S. Fusco, Emidio Beraldo-Neto, Juan J. Calvete, Libia Sanz, Laura C. Lanari, Carolina Lorente, Laura C. Leiva, Daniel Pimenta, Adolfo R. de Roodt, Davinia Pla
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Year: 2025

Evaluation of a nanostructured CpG-ODN/ascorbyl palmitate as a safe and effective adjuvant for anticrotalic PLA2 serum

Author(s): Luciano S. Fusco, Gisela L. Lopez, Franco Maslovski, Sofía Brignone, María G. Chaves, Juan J. Calvete, Yanet G. Franco, David Hernandez, Andrea Van de Velde, Constanza Marin et al.
Journal: Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Year: 2025

 Ascorbyl palmitate (ASC16) as a potential inhibitor of toxicity induced by Crotalus durissus terrificus venom

Author(s): Franco Maslovski, Emilio Angelina, María Alonso, Laura Leiva, Luciano Fusco
Journal: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology
Year: 2024

Potential low-impact immunogen for the production of anti-bothropic serum: Bothrops alternatus venom treated with Na₂EDTA

Author(s): Gisela Lumila Lopez, Andrea Van de Velde, David Hernández, Soledad Bustillo, Laura Leiva, Luciano Sebastian Fusco
Journal: Toxicon
Year: 2024

 CpG-ODN formulated with a nanostructure as adjuvant for anticrotalic serum production. Studies in mice

Author(s): Luciano S. Fusco, María M. Pascual, David Hernandez, María F. Sánchez Vallecillo, María B. Arrieta, Gabriel Moron, Santiago Palma, Belkys A. Maletto, Laura C. Leiva
Journal: Toxicon
Year: 2022

Dr. Mohammed Q. Alkhatib | Research | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohammed Q. Alkhatib | Research | Best Researcher Award

University of Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Mohammed Q. Alkhatib’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in Telecommunications Engineering at Yarmouk University in Jordan. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2008, he displayed a keen interest in the intricacies of communication systems, signal processing, and network technologies. His undergraduate years were marked by rigorous coursework, extensive lab work, and an insatiable curiosity for cutting-edge innovations in the field of telecommunications.

Eager to expand his knowledge and contribute to technological advancements, Alkhatib pursued higher education in the United States. He enrolled in the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) for a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. With a stellar GPA of 3.9/4.0, his postgraduate studies allowed him to delve deeper into complex electrical engineering concepts, refining his expertise in communication networks, digital signal processing, and programming. The completion of his master’s degree in December 2011 was a significant milestone, setting the stage for his doctoral pursuits.

Recognizing his academic prowess, UTEP welcomed Alkhatib into its Ph.D. program in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He dedicated himself to extensive research, exploring new frontiers in signal processing and remote sensing. His doctoral work, completed in May 2018 with an impressive GPA of 3.92/4.0, laid the foundation for his future contributions to academia and industry. His research during this period was instrumental in enhancing remote sensing methodologies, particularly in detecting anomalies and improving imaging technologies.

Professional Endeavors and Teaching Excellence 🌟

Alkhatib’s professional career has been marked by a blend of teaching, research, and industry collaboration. His passion for educating future engineers and innovators led him to take on academic roles in the UAE, where he has had a profound impact on students and colleagues alike.

He began his academic career as a Lecturer at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic in 2014, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s curriculum and mentoring students. His expertise in Computer Electronics, Java Programming, and Calculus enabled him to deliver comprehensive and engaging courses. Beyond teaching, he actively contributed to academic administration by leading the Quality Assurance (QA) committee. In this capacity, he developed Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) reports, ensuring that the institution maintained high educational standards. His meticulous approach to curriculum development and student assessment helped foster an environment of academic excellence.

In January 2021, Alkhatib joined the University of Dubai as an Assistant Professor in the College of Engineering and IT (CEIT). In this role, he has been instrumental in designing and delivering courses in Communication Systems, Signals and Systems, Digital Signal Processing, and Networking. His commitment to student success goes beyond the classroom; he provides academic advising, supervises research projects, and mentors students in their academic and professional journeys. His ability to break down complex engineering concepts into digestible lessons has earned him admiration from both students and colleagues.

Contributions and Research Focus 🌐

Alkhatib’s research interests are deeply rooted in remote sensing technology, digital signal processing, and communication networks. His tenure at the University of Dubai has allowed him to expand his research portfolio, focusing on the development of advanced algorithms for remote sensing applications. As an advisor at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center Lab (MBRSC-Lab), he has contributed significantly to research initiatives in satellite imaging and remote sensing.

His previous research experience as a Research Assistant at UTEP saw him develop unsupervised algorithms for detecting skin wounds and ulcers using infrared (IR) video imagery. This research, conducted in collaboration with SpectralMD Company, showcased his ability to merge engineering principles with healthcare applications. His work in this domain demonstrated the potential of machine learning and imaging technologies in medical diagnostics, further proving his interdisciplinary expertise.

Alkhatib has consistently contributed to the academic community through scholarly publications in reputable journals and conferences. His research findings have provided valuable insights into remote sensing methodologies, improving image processing techniques and communication technologies.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Throughout his career, Alkhatib has been recognized for his academic excellence, research contributions, and dedication to student mentorship. His outstanding academic record, demonstrated by his high GPAs across all levels of education, reflects his commitment to learning and intellectual growth. His work in academia and industry has earned him respect as a leading researcher and educator in the field of electrical and computer engineering.

His role as a peer reviewer for academic journals underscores his credibility in the research community. By participating in peer review processes, he has helped maintain the quality and integrity of scientific publications, ensuring that groundbreaking research meets rigorous academic standards.

Impact and Influence in Academia and Industry 💡

Alkhatib’s impact extends beyond his immediate academic environment. As an educator, he has inspired countless students to pursue careers in engineering and technology. His mentorship has helped students navigate complex research topics, guiding them toward innovative solutions and career success. Many of his mentees have gone on to contribute significantly to industry and academia, a testament to his effectiveness as a mentor.

In the research domain, his work in remote sensing and digital signal processing continues to shape technological advancements. His contributions to satellite imaging and healthcare applications highlight the practical implications of his research, bridging the gap between theory and real-world solutions.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

Looking ahead, Alkhatib aims to expand his research in remote sensing, exploring new applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare, and space technology. His involvement with MBRSC-Lab positions him at the forefront of space research in the UAE, where he continues to push the boundaries of satellite imaging and data processing.

As an academic leader, he is committed to enhancing engineering education through innovative teaching methodologies and curriculum development. His focus on integrating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, into traditional engineering courses ensures that his students remain competitive in an ever-evolving job market.

Alkhatib’s legacy will be defined by his unwavering dedication to education, research, and technological innovation. His contributions have already left an indelible mark on the field of electrical and computer engineering, and his future endeavors promise to further solidify his reputation as a thought leader and pioneer in the domain.

With a career built on excellence, curiosity, and a passion for knowledge, Mohammed Q. Alkhatib stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring engineers and researchers worldwide. His journey from a dedicated student to a distinguished professor and researcher exemplifies the power of perseverance, intellectual rigor, and the relentless pursuit of innovation.

📝Notable Publications

“Tri-CNN: A Three Branch Model for Hyperspectral Image Classification”

Authors: MQ Alkhatib, M Al-Saad, N Aburaed, S Almansoori, J Zabalza, S Marshall, …

Journal: Remote Sensing

Year: 2023

“A Review of Spatial Enhancement of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Imaging Techniques”

Authors: N Aburaed, MQ Alkhatib, S Marshall, J Zabalza, H Al Ahmad

Journal: IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing

Year: 2023

“Improved Spatial-Spectral Superpixel Hyperspectral Unmixing”

Authors: MQ Alkhatib, M Velez-Reyes

Journal: Remote Sensing

Year: 2019

“3D Expansion of SRCNN for Spatial Enhancement of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Images”

Authors: N Aburaed, MQ Alkhatib, S Marshall, J Zabalza, H Al Ahmad

Journal: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Signal Processing and Information Security (ICSPIS)

Year: 2021

“PolSAR Image Classification Using Attention-Based Shallow to Deep Convolutional Neural Network”

Authors: MQ Alkhatib, M Al-Saad, N Aburaed, MS Zitouni, H Al-Ahmad

Journal: IGARSS 2023 – IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium Proceedings

Year: 2023