Assoc Prof Dr. Atousa Aliahmadi | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Atousa Aliahmadi | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Academic Researcher Award

Shahid Beheshti University, Iran

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Atousa Aliahmadi’s academic journey began with a profound curiosity about the natural world and the unseen microbial forces that influence health, agriculture, and biotechnology. She pursued her Master of Science in Microbiology from 1999 to 2002, laying a solid foundation in microbial research techniques and plant-based bioactivity studies. However, it was during her doctoral studies from 2006 to 2011 at the University of Isfahan—one of Iran’s most prestigious institutions—that her academic pursuits took a distinctive direction. Selected through a talent-based acceptance program by Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, she joined the Ph.D. program with high academic merit.

Her doctoral thesis, entitled “Investigation of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of plant peptides and extracts,” marked a critical phase in her scientific formation. Throughout her five-year, full-time Ph.D. program, she delved deeply into the bioactive potential of over 20 plant species. By mastering sophisticated analytical techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE), and various bioassays, she became an expert in isolating and characterizing antimicrobial peptides and phytochemicals. Her research was not only academically rigorous but also practically innovative, yielding peer-reviewed publications and multiple international conference presentations.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor and Principal Investigator based in Evin, Tehran, Iran, Dr. Aliahmadi holds an academic appointment at Shahid Beheshti University. Her career has blended academic scholarship with applied research. Notably, she was awarded a scholarship and appointed a lecturer at the Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute during her Ph.D., underscoring her early recognition as a promising scientist.

In her role as principal investigator, she has led interdisciplinary projects that integrate microbiology, phytochemistry, and biotechnology. She focuses on harnessing plant and microbial natural products, both primary and secondary metabolites, for applications ranging from food safety to pharmaceuticals. Her research translates laboratory findings into real-world applications such as essential oil-based nano-emulsions for the food and healthcare industries, and plasma, ozone, and microwave decontamination technologies for edible products including spices, vegetables, and saffron.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Aliahmadi’s research portfolio is impressively broad yet interconnected by a central theme: the discovery and utilization of bioactive natural compounds for health and industrial benefits. She has made significant strides in the areas of antimicrobial and anti-biofilm compound identification, specifically targeting the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. One of her notable scientific pursuits involves elucidating the mechanisms of natural antibacterial agents using advanced analytical tools, particularly in discovering inhibitors of bacterial efflux pumps—key mechanisms by which bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics.

Her interest in nanotechnology is equally groundbreaking. She has developed essential oil-based nano-emulsions that enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of plant compounds, particularly in food preservation and medical applications. Furthermore, she has expanded her work to the field of recombinant protein development, contributing to diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Aliahmadi’s academic excellence and innovative research have not gone unnoticed. Her talent-based admission into a competitive Ph.D. program and subsequent scholarship from Shahid Beheshti University reflect early and sustained recognition of her potential. During her Ph.D. candidacy, her contributions to both research and academia were rewarded with a lecturing position, a rare accomplishment that attests to her capabilities and dedication.

Her academic output—comprising peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations—has bolstered her reputation as a thought leader in natural product microbiology and applied biotechnology. Her work stands at the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern science, a niche that commands growing relevance in today’s healthcare and environmental contexts.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond publications and projects, Dr. Aliahmadi’s work has practical implications that resonate globally. With antibiotic resistance rising as a global health crisis, her investigations into plant-derived efflux pump inhibitors provide valuable alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Her decontamination methods using plasma radiation, ozone, and microwave technologies have direct applications in improving food safety, an essential issue for public health in both developing and developed nations.

Moreover, her nanotechnology research has opened new frontiers in natural product delivery systems, influencing food science, nutraceuticals, and drug development. As a mentor and principal investigator, she also shapes the next generation of researchers through training, supervision, and academic guidance.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Aliahmadi’s legacy is likely to be marked by the continued integration of nature and technology to solve pressing health and industrial problems. She is poised to further contribute to sustainable healthcare through plant-based innovations and environmentally friendly food processing technologies. With the increasing demand for safe, effective, and natural alternatives in pharmaceuticals and food industries, her multidisciplinary expertise will remain crucial.

Her future endeavors may include collaborative international projects, patentable innovations in natural antimicrobial agents, and possibly the commercial scaling of some of her decontamination and nano-emulsion technologies. Dr. Aliahmadi’s career exemplifies how deeply rooted academic inquiry, when paired with a visionary application, can yield both scientific progress and societal benefit.

Notable Publications

Superior antibacterial activity of nanoemulsion of Thymus daenensis essential oil against E. coli

Authors: R. Moghimi, L. Ghaderi, H. Rafati, A. Aliahmadi, D.J. McClements
Journal: Food Chemistry
Year: 2016

Antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus

Authors: F. Mirzajani, A. Ghassempour, A. Aliahmadi, M.A. Esmaeili
Journal: Research in Microbiology
Year: 2011

Antibacterial hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose edible films containing nanoemulsions of Thymus daenensis essential oil for food packaging

Authors: R. Moghimi, A. Aliahmadi, H. Rafati
Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers
Year: 2017

Alteration of hepatic cells glucose metabolism as a non-cholinergic detoxication mechanism in counteracting diazinon-induced oxidative stress

Authors: F. Teimouri, N. Amirkabirian, H. Esmaily, A. Mohammadirad, A. Aliahmadi, et al.
Journal: Human & Experimental Toxicology
Year: 2006

Investigations of the effectiveness of nanoemulsions from sage oil as antibacterial agents on some food borne pathogens

Authors: R. Moghimi, A. Aliahmadi, D.J. McClements, H. Rafati
Journal: LWT – Food Science and Technology
Year: 2016

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Janice Denoncourt | Interdisciplinary | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Janice Denoncourt | Interdisciplinary | Best Researcher Award

Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom

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Early Academic Pursuits ✨

Janice Ann Denoncourt’s academic journey has been a testament to her dedication to interdisciplinary legal research and corporate governance. Her early education laid a strong foundation in law, leading her to qualify as a Barrister & Solicitor. With a keen interest in intellectual property and finance, she pursued higher academic credentials that enabled her to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and corporate financial strategies. The pursuit of knowledge took her across continents, allowing her to engage with diverse legal systems and financial regulations. This global exposure enriched her academic perspective, enabling her to contribute significantly to both scholarly research and practical applications in corporate governance.

Professional Endeavors 🌟

Janice Denoncourt’s professional journey is marked by a seamless integration of academia and industry expertise. She began her career with the prestigious Herbert Smith Freehills, one of the world’s leading law firms, where she honed her skills in corporate finance law. Her role as Head of Intellectual Property at Minter Ellison in Western Australia further solidified her reputation as a legal expert in corporate governance and intellectual property. These early experiences shaped her understanding of corporate legal frameworks, which later influenced her academic pursuits. Her transition to academia led her to Nottingham Law School at Nottingham Trent University, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor. Here, she has been instrumental in educating the next generation of legal minds, focusing on corporate finance, governance, and sustainability.

Contributions and Research Focus 📚

Janice’s research interests are deeply embedded in the intersections of corporate governance, finance, and intellectual property. Her landmark monograph, Intellectual Property, Finance and Corporate Governance (2018, Routledge Research in IP Series), reflects her commitment to understanding the evolving landscape of corporate finance and governance. This book has gained global recognition, being housed in over 150 leading university libraries across more than 30 countries. Additionally, her work ranks 170 in the Intellectual Property category on Amazon UK, demonstrating its influence within the academic and professional community.

Janice’s contributions extend beyond publishing; she is an active member of the European Accounting Association and the International Financial Reporting Standards-European Accounting Association Intangibles Research Group. Her research has also explored the corporate role in achieving the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Her paper, published in the Cambridge Journal of Corporate Law Studies, remains one of the most cited articles, emphasizing its impact on contemporary discussions around corporate responsibility and sustainability.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Janice Denoncourt’s dedication to academic excellence has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. One of her most notable achievements includes receiving the Prix de la Délégation générale du Québec à Londres 2023 for her research on corporate beneficial ownership. Additionally, she was awarded the Britain-Australia British Council Chevening Commercial Law scholarship, a significant honor that highlights her contributions to international corporate legal studies.

Her editorial work further cements her reputation as a thought leader in legal academia. As the editor of the Nottingham Law Journal in 2017 and 2018, she played a crucial role in curating and disseminating influential legal research. Her forthcoming editorial appointment with LAWS MDPI (January 2025) is yet another testament to her continued leadership in the field.

Impact and Influence 💡

Janice’s work has had a profound impact on both the academic and legal communities. As a solicitor registered with the Law Society of England and Wales (SRA 408411), she continues to influence corporate legal practices. Her collaborations, such as working on corporate reporting with Professor Clémence Garcia from Gakushuin University in Japan, highlight her commitment to global discourse in corporate governance.

She is also a dedicated mentor, guiding students and young researchers in navigating the complexities of corporate finance law. Through her academic and professional engagements, she has helped shape policies and legal frameworks that support sustainable corporate growth and accountability.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌿

Looking ahead, Janice remains committed to advancing research in corporate governance and sustainability. Her interdisciplinary approach ensures that her work remains relevant in addressing contemporary challenges faced by corporations worldwide. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (UK) and a member of multiple prestigious professional organizations, she continues to contribute to discussions that shape the future of corporate law and finance.

Her legacy is one of bridging academia and industry, ensuring that legal research has a tangible impact on corporate practices. With numerous ongoing projects and future publications in the pipeline, Janice Denoncourt is poised to further cement her influence in the realm of corporate governance and financial law, leaving an indelible mark on the legal and academic communities for generations to come.

📝Notable Publications

Companies and UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Author: J Denoncourt
Journal: Journal of Corporate Law Studies
Year: 2020

Copyright Issues on the Protection of Architectural Works and Designs

Authors: P Mann, J Denoncourt
Year: 2009

Supporting Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality and Entrepreneurship in the Tanzanite Mine-to-Market

Author: JA Denoncourt
Journal: Sustainability
Year: 2022

 Q&A Intellectual Property Law

Author: J Denoncourt
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2013

Protecting Ghana’s Intellectual Property Rights in Kente Textiles: The Case for Geographical Indications

Authors: M Okyere, J Denoncourt
Journal: Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice
Year: 2021