Hala Medhat Assem | Nanobiotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hala Medhat Assem | Nanobiotechnology | Best Researcher Award

The British University in Egypt | Egypt

Dr. Hala Medhat Assem Ahmed Mohamed Abou-Awad is an Assistant Professor of Architectural Engineering whose research and academic career are distinguished by her specialization in neuroarchitecture, sustainable design, and human wellbeing in the built environment. She earned her Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering from Ain Shams University, where her doctoral work focused on integrating neuroarchitecture into inclusive design for neurodiverse individuals, following a Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport that examined the psychological restorative effects of landscape design. she has built extensive teaching experience at The British University in Egypt and several other institutions, delivering and supervising a wide range of courses in architectural and interior design, sustainability, environmental control, design history and theory, management, and graduation projects, while also contributing as a guest lecturer on specialized subjects such as sustainable interior design, neuroarchitecture, and the Chicago School of Architecture. Alongside teaching, she has developed a strong research profile as an independent researcher and as a reviewer for multiple Scopus-indexed journals including the Ain Shams Engineering Journal, Cogent Education, Cogent Arts & Humanities, and the International Journal of Environmental Research, with notable publications addressing neuroarchitecture, cognitive-emotional development, sustainability, gender differences in collaborative learning, and restorative landscape design. Her contributions extend beyond academia through her role as Academic Research and Consultancy Member at the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA), USA, and her active involvement in international workshops, symposia, and community initiatives focusing on biophilic design, heritage conservation, sustainable urbanism, and inclusive architectural practice.

Profile: Google Scholar | Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

  • Assem, H. M., Khodeir, L. M., & Fathy, F. (2023). Designing for human wellbeing: The integration of neuroarchitecture in design–A systematic review. Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 14(6), 102102.

  • Morsi, W. K., & Assem, H. M. (2021). Online versus face-to-face collaborative learning: Perceptions of students and instructors of technical writing for engineers. In 2021 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON) (pp. 1571–1581). IEEE.

  • Morsi, W. K., & Assem, H. M. (2021). Gender differences of Egyptian undergraduate students’ achievements in online collaborative learning. In International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (pp. 905–916). Springer.

  • Assem, H. M., Tolba, O., & Ashour, S. (2020). The restorative effect of different landscape design settings on adults: The case study of Al-Azhar Park in Cairo. Journal of Engineering and Applied Science, 67(5), 1001–1018.

  • Assem, H., & El-Sayed, M. (2019). Redefining heritage public spaces for cultural events through the use of GIS technology: The case of El Azhar Street-Cairo. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology, 2(3), 77–87.

  • Assem, H., & Morsi, W. (2025). A framework for the design of effective learning environments in the AI era: Egyptian students’ preferences from humanities versus engineering disciplines. Journal of Engineering Sciences, 53(3), 319–345.

  • Assem, H. M., & Morsi, W. K. (2024). Gender differences: The impact of gender grouping on Egyptian STEM undergraduates’ online group work. MEXTESOL Journal, 48(4), 1–25.

  • Ahmed, H. M. A., & Othman, A. A. E. (2014). Achieving sustainable values through waste reduction during the architectural design process: A literature review.Nanobiotechnology In Proceedings of the International Academic Conference (IAC).

Prof. Dr. Bernardo Franco-Barcenas | Nanobiotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Bernardo Franco-Barcenas | Nanobiotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Full professor at University of Guanajuato, Mexico

Dr. Bernardo Franco-Bárcenas is an accomplished researcher specializing in molecular microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, and nanotechnology-based applications in pathogen control. With a prolific publication record in high-impact journals such as Pathogens, PeerJ, Microorganisms, and Antioxidants, his work spans the study of microbial virulence mechanisms, biosensing technologies, and novel antimicrobial strategies. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of pathogens like Entamoeba histolytica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and pathogenic fungi, integrating theoretical and experimental approaches. Notably, his research also explores biologically synthesized nanoparticles and their roles in combating multidrug-resistant organisms. Dr. Franco-Bárcenas frequently collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing genomic, proteomic, and biochemical methodologies to unveil insights into microbial survival, adaptation, and pathogenicity. Although he has not registered patents, his impactful body of work, dedication to collaborative science, and ongoing exploration of nanotechnology in microbiology position him as a strong candidate for recognition in international research awards related to nanomaterials and nanotechnology.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Bernardo Franco-Barcenas holds a robust academic background rooted in the life sciences. Although specific institutional details are not publicly listed, his educational foundation is evident through his proficiency in microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. His advanced training likely includes a doctoral degree, given his full professorship and extensive research output. His education has equipped him with deep knowledge in various experimental and theoretical techniques such as nucleic acid manipulation, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Franco has cultivated an interdisciplinary perspective, which he integrates into both teaching and research. His scientific rigor and commitment to continuous learning are evident in his ability to lead complex projects and contribute meaningfully to international peer-reviewed journals. This strong educational foundation has been instrumental in shaping his professional career and research contributions to the broader scientific community.

Professional Experience

Dr. Bernardo Franco is a full-time professor at the Universidad de Guanajuato in Mexico, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in subjects including microbiology, immunology, and general biology. His career spans over 20 years in academic research and over 8 years in university-level teaching, reflecting a strong blend of scholarly inquiry and pedagogy. Beyond classroom instruction, he has also served as a mentor for numerous students, guiding them through research and thesis projects. He holds a key editorial role at PeerJ, where he has authored more than 270 publications, reviewed 680 manuscripts, and edited over 4,200 submissions, underscoring his leadership in academic publishing. His technical expertise spans protein purification, microscopy, PCR, and microbial methodologies, which he applies in both lab-based education and collaborative research. This combination of research leadership, editorial influence, and dedicated teaching positions him as a significant figure in the academic life sciences.

Research Interest

Dr. Franco’s research interests are diverse yet tightly integrated across the disciplines of microbiology, molecular biology, parasitology, and biotechnology. His work is particularly focused on understanding microbial interactions, gene regulation, and synthetic biology applications. He employs techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, protein purification, and computational bioinformatics to explore complex biological systems. Dr. Franco is also involved in applied sciences, using biotechnological approaches to address environmental and health-related challenges. His interest in parasitology enhances understanding of host-pathogen interactions, while his work in molecular biology contributes to uncovering cellular mechanisms at the genetic level. He is passionate about translational research that can lead to innovations in diagnostics, therapeutics, and sustainable biotechnology. Through collaborations and editorial work, he continuously updates his research scope, ensuring relevance and innovation. His work bridges traditional microbiology with cutting-edge molecular tools, positioning him at the forefront of life sciences research in Latin America.

Award and Honor

While specific named awards and honors have not been disclosed publicly, Dr. Franco’s academic stature and professional activities indicate a high level of recognition. His appointment as a full professor and his substantial editorial responsibility at PeerJ—editing over 4,200 scientific papers—are themselves indicators of scholarly respect and trust. Moreover, his H-index of 19 and i10-index of 30 reflect a strong citation record and enduring impact within his research community. These metrics, commonly used to assess academic influence, underscore the quality and relevance of his contributions. His role as a reviewer for over 680 papers further demonstrates his active engagement with global scientific discourse. It is also likely that he holds institutional commendations and national academic credentials, given his senior academic position in Mexico. Collectively, these accomplishments and roles reflect both peer recognition and an ongoing commitment to academic excellence and mentorship.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Bernardo Franco is a distinguished academic whose work bridges foundational science and applied biotechnology. As a full professor at the Universidad de Guanajuato, he has influenced countless students and researchers through his teaching, mentorship, and prolific research output. His extensive expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, and parasitology has contributed significantly to scientific understanding and technological development in life sciences. Dr. Franco’s editorial leadership at PeerJ, alongside his substantial publication and review portfolio, illustrates his commitment to scholarly excellence and scientific integrity. Though specific awards are not listed, his impact is measurable through citation indices and professional respect within the academic community. His career serves as a model of integrated teaching, research, and service, underscoring the value of multidisciplinary inquiry and collaboration. Dr. Franco continues to shape the future of bioscience through education, innovation, and dedication to advancing global knowledge.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Fabrication and characterization of functionalized chitosan/TiO₂ film composites with antimicrobial properties
    Authors: V.A. Pérez Martínez, N.I. Vargas-Maya, L.R. Rosas-Orta, B. Franco, J. Vallejo-Montesinos
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Theoretical Study of Sphingomyelinases from Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas vaginalis Sheds Light on the Evolution of Enzymes Needed for Survival and Colonization
    Authors: F.B. Ramírez-Montiel, S.Y. Andrade-Guillén, A.L. Medina-Nieto, F. Padilla-Vaca, B. Franco
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Avirulent UG10 Entamoeba histolytica mutant derived from HM-1:IMSS strain shows limited genome variability and aberrant 5-methyl cytosine genomic distribution
    Authors: N.I. Vargas-Maya, A.K. Maunakea, F.B. Ramírez-Montiel, F. Padilla-Vaca, B. Franco
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Pseudomonas environmental strain produces a DegQ-derived and PDZ domain containing peptide with protease activity
    Authors: F. Vargas-Gasca, B. Franco, N.I. Vargas-Maya, M. Vicente-Gómez, V. Olmedo-Monfil
    Year: 2024

  • Title: High-Throughput Screening Method Using Escherichia coli Keio Mutants for Assessing Primary Damage Mechanism of Antimicrobials
    Authors: J.A. Martínez-Álvarez, M. Vicente-Gómez, R. García-Contreras, F. Padilla-Vaca, B. Franco
    Year: 2024