Ms. Sania Ikram | Microbial Genomics | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sania Ikram | Microbial Genomics | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sania Ikram, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Pakistan

Sania Ikram πŸ‡΅πŸ‡° (born 02 February 2000) is a passionate Microbiologist and Geneticist 🧫🧬 from Pakistan, currently pursuing her MS in Microbiology and Immunology at NUMS πŸŽ“. With hands-on experience in microbial genomics, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic engineering, she’s dedicated to exploring gut microbiome functionality through whole genome sequencing πŸ’‘πŸ”. Sania has worked with medical institutions and global organizations, contributing to public health awareness and ecological research 🌍❀️. An avid learner of modern research tools and bioinformatics platforms πŸ’»πŸ“Š, she actively engages in conferences and workshops, aiming to transform microbiological insights into therapeutic solutions for a healthier future 🌱🧠.

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

βœ… Suitability Summary for Best Researcher Award

Sania Ikram stands out as a dynamic and passionate microbiologist and geneticist whose work bridges fundamental microbial research with translational health applications 🌱🧬. Her contributions in microbial genomics, especially gut microbiota profiling using whole genome sequencing, directly address global health challenges like antimicrobial resistance and probiotic therapies πŸ¦ πŸ’‘. She demonstrates consistent academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, and a strong commitment to skill development through workshops and certifications πŸŽ“πŸ“ˆ. Her ability to communicate science, innovate with modern bioinformatics tools, and contribute to public and environmental health sets her apart as a young leader in microbiological sciences 🌍🧠.

πŸŽ“ Education & ExperienceΒ 

  • πŸŽ“ MS Microbiology & Immunology – National University of Medical Sciences, ongoing

  • πŸ“œ Thesis: Genome-based Perspectives of Aerobic Bacteria from Human Gut

  • πŸŽ“ B.Sc. (Hons) Genetics – Kinnaird College for Women University (2019–2022)

  • πŸ“œ Thesis: Lipase-Producing Bacteria from Contaminated Soil

  • πŸ§ͺ Intern – Al-Sheikh Welfare Medical Complex (July–Aug 2021)

  • 🌿 Intern – WWF Digital Eco Internship (Jan 2021)

  • 🏫 Intermediate – Army Burn Hall College for Girls, Abbottabad (2017–2018)

  • 🏫 Matriculation – Army Public School and College, Rawalpindi (2015–2016)

πŸ› οΈ Professional DevelopmentΒ 

Sania Ikram is committed to continuous growth through professional certifications and workshops πŸ’ΌπŸŽ“. She has completed several Coursera-certified courses including project management πŸ“‹, antimicrobial resistance 🦠, scientific writing ✍️, infographics design 🎨, and AI in life sciences πŸ€–. Participating in events like the International Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation and CME-accredited workshops on hematology and cellular renewal πŸ”¬πŸŒ™, she stays at the forefront of innovation. Her proactive approach to skill development in bioinformatics, R programming, and genomics tools positions her as a forward-thinking scientist ready to contribute significantly to modern microbiology and genomics research πŸ“ˆπŸ§¬.

πŸ” Research FocusΒ 

Sania’s primary research focus lies in microbial genomics, gut microbiota 🦠, and antimicrobial resistance πŸ”¬πŸ§¬. Her MS work explores the genetic profiles of aerobic bacteria from the human gut through whole genome sequencing, emphasizing genes involved in metabolism, SCFA production, and probiotics πŸŒΏπŸ’Š. She investigates host-microbiome interactions, resistome profiling, and microbial competition with the goal of therapeutic development 🌑️🧫. Sania also contributes to environmental microbiology through studies on lipase-producing bacteria from contaminated soils, aiming to link microbial diversity with industrial and clinical applications 🏭πŸ§ͺ. Her work is deeply rooted in advancing microbiome-based health interventions 🌱🧠.

πŸ† Awards and HonorsΒ 

  • πŸ₯‡ Best Researcher Award (2025) – Biological Sciences

  • πŸ“š Recent Publications (2025):

    • 3D Printing of Biocompatible Polymers πŸ–¨οΈ

    • Aerobes in the Gut Microbiota πŸ’Š

    • Biodegradable Masks for Skincare 😷

    • Drug-Coated Balloon PCI in STEMI β€οΈβ€πŸ©Ή

Publication Top Notes:

1. Recent Trends and Future Directions in 3D Printing of Biocompatible Polymers

Citation:
Aftab, M., Ikram, S., Ullah, M., Khan, N., Naeem, M., Khan, M.A., … (2025). Recent Trends and Future Directions in 3D Printing of Biocompatible Polymers. Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing, 9(4), 129.
Cited by: Not specified yet (recent publication)

Summary:
This review highlights recent advancements in the use of 3D printing for biocompatible polymers, emphasizing their growing role in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, prosthetics, and drug delivery systems. The paper outlines current challenges in polymer design, mechanical performance, and degradation rates while proposing innovative directions, including smart polymers and hybrid material systems.

2. Mini-Review: Nanofiber and Nanoparticle-Based Biodegradable Masks for Skincare

Citation:
Abbasi, Z.W., Ikram, S., Aroosa, F.A., Kulsoom, J., & Naeem, M. (2025). Mini-Review: Nanofiber and Nanoparticle-Based Biodegradable Masks for Skincare. International Journal of Basic Medical Sciences and Pharmacy (IJBMSP), 11(2).

Summary:
This mini-review explores emerging trends in the cosmetic and dermatological applications of biodegradable face masks made from nanofibers and nanoparticles. The authors discuss how these innovative materials offer enhanced skin absorption, biocompatibility, and reduced environmental impact, positioning them as promising tools in sustainable skincare.

3. Aerobes in the Gut Microbiota–Roles, Interactions, and Implications for Host Health

Citation:
Ikram, S., Abbasi, Z.W., Khan, A.I., Kulsoom, J., Khan, M.A., & Khan, S.U. (2025). Aerobes in the Gut Microbiota–Roles, Interactions, and Implications for Host Health. International Journal of Basic Medical Sciences and Pharmacy (IJBMSP), 11(2).

Summary:
This article focuses on the aerobic microbial species within the human gut microbiome, a less explored area compared to anaerobes. The paper discusses their symbiotic roles, potential benefits in immune modulation, and contributions to metabolic pathways, while also evaluating how aerobic imbalance may impact disease development.

4. Drug-Coated Balloon Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): A Novel Therapeutic Approach

Citation:
Hamayun, S., Ikram, S., Khan, A.I., Amjad, H.A.F., Abbasi, Z.W., Kulsoom, J., … (2025). Drug-Coated Balloon Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): A Novel Therapeutic Approach. International Journal of Basic Medical Sciences and Pharmacy (IJBMSP), 11(2).

Summary:
This clinical study evaluates the effectiveness of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty as a new intervention for patients with STEMI. Compared to traditional stenting, DCB offers potential advantages such as lower restenosis rates, reduced long-term medication needs, and improved healing. The paper presents early clinical outcomes and sets the stage for larger randomized trials.

🏁 Conclusion

Sania Ikram exemplifies the qualities of a Best Researcher Award recipient: scientific curiosity, methodological strength, and impactful research. Her work promises to shape future innovations in microbiome therapy and genetic diagnostics, making her a compelling choice for recognition in the research community πŸŒŸπŸ“š.

Rafael Oliveira | Microbiology | Advanced Nanomaterials Research Award

Dr. Rafael Oliveira | Microbiology | Advanced Nanomaterials Research Award

Dr. Rafael Oliveira, Northeast Strategic Technologies Center – CETENE, Brazil

Rafael JosΓ© Vilela de Oliveira is a Brazilian biologist and mycologist, specializing in endophytic fungi and microbiology. He earned his Ph.D. in Botany from UFPE, with a sandwich program at Friedrich-Schiller-UniversitΓ€t Jena, focusing on microbial diversity in Sorghum bicolor. Rafael has extensive postdoctoral experience at UFPE and CEPLAC, contributing to microbiological and nanotechnological research. With numerous publications and active participation in academic journals, his work advances the understanding of fungal biodiversity and biotechnology applications. πŸŒΏπŸ”¬βœ¨

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Summary of Suitability

Dr. Rafael JosΓ© Vilela de Oliveira is an exceptional candidate for the “Advanced Nanomaterials Research Award”Β as his interdisciplinary expertise bridges microbiology, fungal biodiversity, and nanotechnology, contributing significantly to sustainable innovations and advanced materials research.

Education and Experience

  • πŸŽ“ Ph.D. in Botany – UFPE & Friedrich-Schiller-UniversitΓ€t Jena (2014–2018)
  • πŸŽ“ Master’s in Botany – UFPE (2012–2014)
  • πŸŽ“ Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences – UFPE (2007–2011)
  • πŸ§‘β€πŸ”¬ Postdoctoral Fellow – UFPE (2019–2022)
  • πŸ§‘β€πŸ”¬ Postdoctoral Fellow – CEPLAC (2018–2019)
  • πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Researcher – CETENE (2023–Present)

Professional Development

Rafael has actively pursued knowledge in cutting-edge areas such as nanotechnology, microbiology, and bioinformatics. He completed certifications in Nanotechnology & Nanotoxicology πŸ§ͺ, Applied Nanotechnology to Microbiology 🌐, and Molecular Phylogeny 🧬. His dedication extends to learning biosafety measures and advanced sequencing techniques to enhance research accuracy and impact. His professional development underscores his commitment to integrating traditional biological research with innovative technologies for multidisciplinary solutions. πŸš€πŸ“šπŸŒŸ

Research Focus

Rafael’s research is rooted in fungal biodiversity and its applications in microbiology and biotechnology. πŸŒ±πŸ”¬ He explores endophytic fungi in crops like Cocos nucifera and Sorghum bicolor, advancing sustainable agricultural practices and biocontrol methods. Rafael also delves into nanotechnology’s intersection with microbiology, studying microbial interactions at the nanoscale. His work contributes to understanding fungal physiology, molecular phylogeny, and the broader ecological roles of fungi, aiming to innovate in food security, nanotoxicology, and bioresources. πŸ„πŸ§¬πŸŒ

Awards and Honors

  • πŸ† CNPq Scholarship – Doctoral and Master’s Programs
  • πŸŽ–οΈ FACEPE Fellowship – Postdoctoral Researcher at UFPE
  • 🌟 CEPLAC Fellowship – Postdoctoral Researcher in BrasΓ­lia
  • 🌍 ERASMUS+ Fellowship – Friedrich-Schiller-UniversitΓ€t Jena
  • πŸ“œ Journal Reviewer – Renowned journals like Journal of Fungi, Mycological Progress, and Plant Disease

Publication Top notes:

  • First Report of Pythium aphanidermatum Causing Damping Off, Collar and Root Rot of Coriander in Brazil πŸŒ±πŸ‡§πŸ‡·
    Cited by: 1.
  • Metarhizium pingshaense Photolyase Expression and Virulence to Rhipicephalus microplus After UV-B Exposure πŸ¦ β˜€οΈ
    Cited by: 3.
  • First Report of Colletotrichum tropicale Causing Leaf Spot on Cariniana legalis in Brazil πŸƒπŸ‡§πŸ‡·
    Cited by: 3.
  • A Polyphasic Approach to the Taxonomy of Backusella Reveals Two New Species πŸ§¬πŸ„
    Cited by: 3.
  • Sooty Mould Caused by Capnodium alfenasii on Azadirachta indica 🌳⚫
    Cited by: 3.