Dr. Mikaela Stewart | Biochemistry | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Mikaela Stewart | Biochemistry | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Mikaela Stewart, Texas Christian University, United States

Dr. Mikaela D. Stewart is an Associate Professor at Texas Christian University’s Department of Biology, specializing in biochemistry and biophysics 🔬. Her research investigates the conservation of transcriptional regulation by BRCA1 and BARD1 in Caenorhabditis elegans 🧬, focusing on protein interactions and cancer-related mechanisms. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and has contributed to advancing the understanding of E3 ubiquitin ligases and their role in cellular regulation 🧪. Dr. Stewart is passionate about mentoring students and advancing molecular biology through her work at TCU 🏫.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Women Researcher Awards

Dr. Mikaela D. Stewart is highly deserving of the Women Researcher Award, as her academic achievements, groundbreaking research in cancer biology, and commitment to mentoring and advancing the field of molecular biology demonstrate excellence. Her contributions to the scientific community, particularly in understanding the protein interactions that influence gene expression and cellular regulation, are invaluable. Dr. Stewart embodies the qualities that the Women Researcher Award seeks to honor—innovation, leadership, and a dedication to both scientific progress and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Education & Experience

  • 🎓 Postdoctoral Fellow in Biochemistry, University of Washington (2017)
    • Advisor: Prof. Rachel Klevit
  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Biophysics, Texas A&M University (2013)
    • Advisor: Prof. Tatyana Igumenova
    • Thesis: “Determining the intrinsic properties of the C1B domain that influence PKC ligand specificity and sensitivity to reactive oxygen species.”
  • 🎓 B.S. in Biology, Chemistry Minor, University of Central Arkansas (2007)
    • Advisor: Prof. Lori Isom
    • Thesis: “Cations stabilize unstacked nucleic acids in DNA and RNA structures.”
    • Graduated Summa cum laude

Professional Development

Dr. Stewart’s professional development centers on her pioneering research in biochemistry and her mentoring roles at TCU 🌱. As an active researcher, she has led numerous high-impact studies on transcriptional regulation and cancer-related protein interactions 🔬. Her research on BRCA1 and BARD1 in C. elegans bridges molecular biology with potential cancer therapies 🧬. Dr. Stewart’s leadership in guiding undergraduate and graduate students, as well as her numerous awards, reflects her dedication to advancing the field 🌟. She actively contributes to scientific communities through publications and conferences 💡.

Research Focus

Dr. Mikaela D. Stewart’s research focuses on biochemistry and molecular biology, specifically in the realm of transcriptional regulation by BRCA1 and BARD1 in Caenorhabditis elegans 🧬. Her work explores the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in cellular regulation and cancer mechanisms 🧪. She is dedicated to understanding protein interactions that influence gene expression and contribute to disease, particularly in the context of breast cancer and other genetic disorders 🔬. Her studies aim to unlock new therapeutic strategies by targeting specific protein functions and pathways involved in gene regulation and cellular stress responses 🌱.

Awards & Honors

  • 🏆 Chrissy Baker – American Society Molecular Biology and Biochemistry travel grant recipient (2024)
  • 🏅 Chrissy Baker – Student Research Competition Winner, TCU Biology (2024)
  • 🥇 Chrissy Baker – Three-minute Thesis College of Science and Engineering Winner (2023)
  • 🏆 Thu Uyen Nguyen – Outstanding Undergraduate Presentation at Texas Genetic Society Meeting (2022)
  • 🏅 Russell Vahrenkamp – Protein Science Anniversary Award – Virtual Symposium (2021)
  • 🏆 Davis Martin – College of Science and Engineering representative Boller Award Competition (2021)
  • 🥈 Christine Hurd – Three-minute Thesis College of Science and Engineering Runner-up (2019)
  • 🌟 Selected for UW School of Medicine Postdoc Seminar Series (2016)
  • 🏆 Runner-up in the Texas A&M Biochemistry/Biophysics student research competition (2010 & 2012)
  • ✈️ Experimental Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Conference travel grant recipient (2010)
  • ✈️ Biochemistry Graduate Association travel grant recipient (five times, 2008-2013)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Conservation of transcriptional regulation by BRCA1 and BARD1 in Caenorhabditis elegans 🧬🐍
    📖 Cited by: 2.
  • A Model for the Rapid Assessment of Solution Structures for 24-Atom Macrocycles: The Impact of β-Branched Amino Acids on Conformation 🔬🧪
    📖 Cited by: 4.
  • The BRCA1/BARD1 ubiquitin ligase and its substrates 🔬💡
    📖 Cited by: 32.
  • BRCA1/BARD1 site-specific ubiquitylation of nucleosomal H2A is directed by BARD1 🧬🔑
    📖 Cited by: 54.
  • De novo mutation in RING1 with epigenetic effects on neurodevelopment 🧠🧬
    📖 Cited by: 22.

 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pakhshan Hassan | Molecular Biology Awards | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pakhshan Hassan | Molecular Biology Awards | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pakhshan Hassan , University of Salahaddin , Iraq

Pakhshan Abdullah Hassan is a Lecturer at Salahaddin University-Erbil, holding a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Salahaddin-Erbil. She completed her M.Sc. in Microbiology and B.Sc. in Biology from the same institution. With over two decades of experience in academia, Pakhshan has taught a variety of subjects including Advanced Microbiology and Pharmacology. Her research focuses on diverse topics such as burn infections, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation, contributing to several publications in reputable journals. Pakhshan is fluent in Kurdish, proficient in Arabic and English, and possesses strong skills in computer applications and web design. She actively participates in international conferences and holds memberships in professional organizations, demonstrating her commitment to advancing microbiological research and education.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education:

Pakhshan Abdullah Hassan has built a strong academic foundation starting with a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Salahaddin-Erbil, completed in 1996. She furthered her studies at the same institution with an M.Sc. in Microbiology, which she obtained in 2003. Continuing her educational journey, Pakhshan pursued and successfully earned a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Salahaddin-Erbil in 2020. Her academic progression has been marked by a dedicated focus on microbiology, underpinned by extensive research and teaching experiences at Salahaddin University-Erbil

Work Experience:

Pakhshan Abdullah Hassan has been affiliated with Salahaddin University-Erbil since 1996, marking a significant career span in academia. She began as an Assistant Biologist, contributing until 2000. In 2003, Pakhshan transitioned to the role of Assistant Lecturer, where she continued until 2013. Since then, she has served as a Lecturer at Salahaddin University-Erbil, a position she holds to this day. Throughout her tenure, Pakhshan has taught a range of courses including General Microbiology, Pharmacology, and various practical courses in microbiology and related disciplines. Her academic contributions extend beyond teaching, with notable research focused on critical areas such as burn infections, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and biofilm formation. Pakhshan’s dedication to advancing microbiological research and education is further demonstrated through her active participation in international conferences and memberships in professional associations.

Publication Top Notes: