Ms. Farzaneh Rastegari | Bioinformatics | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Farzaneh Rastegari | University of Connecticut | United States

Farzaneh (Dana) Rastegari is a Ph.D. student in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Connecticut, specializing in computational genomics and microbiome research. With a strong background in bioinformatics, machine learning, and robotics, she applies statistical and computational techniques to analyze microbiome data. As a Predoctoral Associate at The Jackson Laboratory, she has gained extensive experience in both wet lab methodologies and computational research. Passionate about integrating AI with biological data, she has contributed to multiple high-impact research projects and publications, making strides in genomics, healthcare, and environmental studies. 🌱📊🔬

Professional Profile:

SCOPUS

Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Farzaneh (Dana) Rastegari is a highly qualified researcher specializing in computational genomics and microbiome research. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans bioinformatics, machine learning, and robotics, making her a strong contender for a Best Researcher Award. Her ability to integrate artificial intelligence with biological data showcases innovation and a forward-thinking approach to scientific discovery.

Education & Experience 🎓🔍

✅ Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering – University of Connecticut, USA (Ongoing)
✅ Predoctoral Associate in Genomics Medicine – The Jackson Laboratory 🏥🧬
✅ M.S. in Electrical & Computer Engineering (Communications) – University of New Haven, USA
✅ B.S. in Computer Science (Robotics) – Amirkabir University of Technology, Iran 🤖

📌 Research & Work Experience:
🔹 Microbiome research on mice & human samples 🐭🧪
🔹 Developing computational pipelines for microbiome analysis 💻🔬
🔹 Applying Bayesian ML & AI in genomics 🤖📈
🔹 Signal processing & digital communications 📡🎶

Professional Development 🚀📚

Farzaneh actively enhances her expertise by engaging in diverse research projects, applying machine learning and computational methods in genomics. At The Jackson Laboratory, she mastered microbiome data processing and wet lab techniques, contributing to high-impact publications. Her research at UConn focuses on developing algorithms for phylogenetic networks, Bayesian classification of TCRs, and reinforcement learning. She has also worked on digital signal processing, bioinformatics tools, and robotics. Passionate about interdisciplinary innovation, she continuously integrates AI, statistics, and biology to tackle critical challenges in genomics and healthcare. 🌍🔗

Research Focus 🧪📊

Farzaneh’s research bridges computational biology, AI, and genomics. She specializes in microbiome analysis, applying statistical and machine learning models to understand microbial communities and interactions. Her projects involve phylogenetic inference, Bayesian ML, reinforcement learning, and genomic signal processing. With expertise in bioinformatics tools, she develops pipelines to analyze 16S rDNA and metagenomic data. She also explores disease prediction models, evolutionary genomics, and biomedical applications of AI. Her work contributes to precision medicine, healthcare analytics, and environmental studies, driving breakthroughs in genomics and biotechnology. 🌿🔬🧠

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

🏅 Predoctoral Associate Position – The Jackson Laboratory
🏅 Published in “Cancer” Journal for Metagenomics & Chemotherapy Study
🏅 Multiple IEEE Publications in Genomics, AI, & Environmental Studies
🏅 Outstanding Research Contributions in Computational Biology & Bioinformatics
🏅 Certified in Working with Mice for Biomedical Research 🐭🧪

Publication Top notes:

A Comprehensive Simulation of Electric Vehicle Energy Consumption: Incorporating Route Planning and Machine Learning-Based Predictions 🚗🔋📊
Predictive Modeling of Chronic Kidney Disease Progression Using Longitudinal Clinical Data and Deep Learning Techniques 🩺🧠🤖
Exploring the Relationship Between Air Pollution and CNS Disease Mortality in Italy: A Forecasting Study with ARIMA and XGBoost 🌫️🧠📈

Mr. Liaqat Ali, University of swat, Pakistan

Liaqat Ali, a passionate researcher from Swat, Pakistan, specializes in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Bioinformatics. Currently, he is a Research Assistant at the Center for Biotechnology & Microbiology at the University of Swat, where he works closely with his supervisor, Dr. Nisar Ahmad. His academic interests focus on antimicrobial research, particularly the synergistic effects of silver nanoparticles and Moringa oleifera gum. He aims to contribute to the advancement of biotechnology through his dedication to learning and research in the fields of health and bioinformatics.

Professional Profile:

Suitability for the Best Researcher Award:

Liaqat Ali, he is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His academic background in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Bioinformatics, coupled with his practical experience in both laboratory and research environments, positions him as a promising candidate.

🎓Education

Liaqat Ali holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from the University of Swat (2019–2024), where he earned a commendable GPA of 3.65/4.0. His thesis was on the antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles combined with Moringa oleifera gum. He also completed his Higher Secondary School Certificate (F.Sc Pre-Medical) at Hira High School, Swat, graduating with distinction. Additionally, he received a Diploma in Information Technology, enhancing his skills in digital tools, which complement his scientific research work.

🏢Experience

Liaqat Ali has gained hands-on experience in laboratory research through various roles. As an intern at the Public Health Reference Laboratory (PHRL) at Khyber Medical University, he honed his skills in biosafety, PCR techniques, and serology. At the Center for Biotechnology & Microbiology, University of Swat, he assists in conducting literature reviews, preparing culture media, performing aseptic techniques, and data analysis using software like Word, Excel, and EndNote. His current research activities involve antimicrobial research, making a significant contribution to ongoing studies.

🏅Awards and Honors

Liaqat Ali’s dedication to his academic and research work has earned him several accolades. He was awarded a certificate of participation in the National Conference on Recent Trends in Biosciences (BIOCON 2023) and attended an online international seminar on Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. He also won first place in a presentation competition organized by the Youth Development Institute (YDI) in 2022. In addition, he has participated in workshops such as Basic Life Support and Clinical Pain Management.

🔬Research Focus

Liaqat Ali’s research interests lie in antimicrobial resistance, focusing on natural products and nanomaterials. His work on the antibacterial effects of silver nanoparticles combined with Moringa oleifera gum aims to develop alternative solutions to combat infectious diseases. His research extends to computational drug design, including vaccine development against viruses like the Guanarito virus. By exploring new molecular strategies, Liaqat aims to contribute to the improvement of global health and to the advancement of biotechnology research.

Publication Top Notes:

Title: Immobilization of Silver Nanoparticles with Defensive Gum of Moringa oleifera for Antibacterial Efficacy Against Resistant Bacterial Species from Human Infections

Title: Exploring stevioside binding affinity with various proteins and receptors actively involved in the signaling pathway and a future candidate for diabetic patients

Title: Unraveling the combinational approach for the antibacterial efficacy against infectious pathogens using the herbal extracts of the leaves of Dodonaea viscosa and fruits of Rubus fruticosus