Assist. Prof. Dr. Efthymia Iliana Matthaiou | Nanobiotechnology Awards | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Efthymia Iliana Matthaiou | Nanobiotechnology Awards | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Efthymia Iliana Matthaiou, Albany Medical College, United States

Efthymia Iliana Matthaiou, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at Albany Medical College, NY, specializing in fungal infections and immunology. With a solid background in nanotechnology, immuno-oncology, and drug development, she leads cutting-edge translational research, developing novel therapies and diagnostics. Her expertise spans lung transplantation, cystic fibrosis, and autoimmune diseases. Dr. Matthaiou has a strong commitment to mentoring students, postdocs, and collaborators, and has been a key figure in advancing the study of fungal pathogens, including Aspergillus species. She holds several prestigious fellowships and grants, and has contributed significantly to scientific publications, particularly in the fields of immunology, transplantation, and nanomedicine.

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Suitability for the “Best Researcher” Award: Efthymia Iliana Matthaiou, PhD

Summary of Suitability:

Dr. Efthymia Iliana Matthaiou is an exceptional candidate for the “Best Researcher” award due to her extensive and pioneering contributions in the fields of microbiology, immunology, and fungal infections. With a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and Democritus University of Thrace, Dr. Matthaiou has advanced research into the molecular mechanisms of diseases such as cystic fibrosis and invasive fungal infections, focusing on immunomodulatory therapies and bioanalytical strategies.

🎓Education:

Dr. Matthaiou completed her postdoctoral training at Stanford University in 2020, focusing on lung immunology and transplantation. She earned her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and Democritus University of Thrace in 2017, where her research centered on nanotechnology, immuno-oncology, and drug development. She graduated with the highest honors from Democritus University of Thrace with a BSc in 2011, marking the beginning of her promising scientific career.

🏢Experience:

Dr. Matthaiou is currently an Assistant Professor at Albany Medical College, where she leads a research laboratory focused on fungal infections and lung transplantation. Before this, she was a Lead Senior Scientist at Stanford University, leading several research initiatives on lung microenvironment, cystic fibrosis, and Aspergillus-related diseases. Her work includes developing immunomodulatory nanotherapies and studying host-pathogen interactions. She has also served as a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford, focusing on invasive aspergillosis in pediatric lung transplant patients and mentoring new hires and trainees.

🏅Awards and Honors:

Dr. Matthaiou has received several prestigious awards and fellowships, including the 2024 NCCAT-GUP3 Cryo-EM grant, for which she serves as Principal Investigator. She was also a Fellow of the 2022 Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab and received the 2019 Stanford MCHRI Postdoctoral Award, funding her research on innate immunity defects in cystic fibrosis and Aspergillus infections. These accolades highlight her leadership and contributions to the fields of immunology, transplantation, and infectious diseases.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Matthaiou’s research focuses on the intersection of fungal infections, immunology, and nanomedicine. Her work investigates the immune mechanisms that contribute to Aspergillus-related diseases, especially in the context of lung transplantation and cystic fibrosis. She is also exploring novel therapeutic approaches, such as nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery, to treat invasive aspergillosis. In addition, her research delves into macrophage dysregulation and its role in promoting fungal invasion, with the aim of developing immunomodulatory treatments to mitigate infection and improve patient outcomes.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Title: Shikonin-loaded antibody-armed nanoparticles for targeted therapy of ovarian cancer
    • Cited by: 89
  • Title: Tumor endothelial marker 1–specific DNA vaccination targets tumor vasculature
    • Cited by: 78
  • Title: Iron: an essential nutrient for Aspergillus fumigatus and a fulcrum for pathogenesis
    • Cited by: 40
  • Title: Tumour endothelial marker 1/endosialin-mediated targeting of human sarcoma
    • Cited by: 36
  • Title: The safety and tolerability of pirfenidone for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after hematopoietic cell transplant (STOP-BOS) trial
    • Cited by: 17

 

 

 

 

Dr. Stavros Melemenidis | Nanotheranostics Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Stavros Melemenidis | Nanotheranostics Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Stavros Melemenidis , Stanford University School of Medicine , United States

Stavros Melemenidis, DPhil, is a distinguished figure in the field of Radiation Oncology, currently serving as Director of Pre-clinical Radiotherapy and Research Scientist at Stanford University’s Department of Radiation Oncology in Stanford, CA, USA. He completed his DPhil in Radiation Biology at the University of Oxford, where his research focused on molecular targeted imaging methods for lung metastasis and angiogenesis detection. Dr. Melemenidis holds a diverse educational background including degrees from UCLA and the University of Liverpool. His expertise spans preclinical radiotherapy, ultra-high dose-rate irradiation experiments, and the development of advanced imaging probes and animal models for cancer research. Dr. Melemenidis is recognized for his contributions to radiation therapy and imaging sciences, employing innovative techniques to advance cancer treatment and research.

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🎓Education:

Stavros Melemenidis, DPhil, has pursued an extensive educational journey encompassing a diverse array of disciplines. He earned his DPhil in Radiation Biology from the University of Oxford, UK, focusing on the development of molecular targeted imaging methods for the detection of lung metastasis and angiogenesis. His academic credentials also include a Cert. in Medical Physics from UCLA, USA, an M.Sc. in Radiation Biology from the University of Oxford, UK, and an M.Sc. in Radiometrics; Instrumentation and Modelling from the University of Liverpool, UK. Dr. Melemenidis began his academic path with a B.Sc. in Physics: Medical Applications from the University of Liverpool and an A.Eng. in PC Systems and Peripheral Equipment from IIEK Neapoleos, Technical College, Greece. This diverse educational background has equipped him with expertise spanning radiation biology, medical physics, instrumentation, and modelling, contributing significantly to his research and leadership roles in the field of Radiation Oncology at Stanford University.

🏢Work Experience:

Stavros Melemenidis, DPhil, holds key positions in the field of Radiation Oncology at Stanford University in Stanford, CA, USA. Since January 2023, he has served as the Director of Pre-clinical Radiotherapy within the Department of Radiation Oncology, overseeing advanced research initiatives. Prior to this role, Dr. Melemenidis has been integral to the Division of Radiation Therapy as a Research Scientist since February 2020, contributing to innovative studies in radiation oncology. His earlier career includes impactful roles as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University from February 2016 to June 2020, where he focused on developing in vivo mouse tumor models and integrating imaging techniques with radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Previously, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Oxford’s Department of Radiation Oncology from January 2015 to September 2015, conducting research on novel imaging probes for metastasis and angiogenesis detection. These experiences underscore Dr. Melemenidis’s dedication to advancing preclinical and clinical applications in radiation oncology through pioneering research and leadership.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Human enteroids as a tool to study conventional and ultra-high dose rate radiation
    • Authors: Klett, K.C., Martin-Villa, B.C., Villarreal, V.S., Loo Jr, B.W., Heilshorn, S.C.
    • Citations: 1
  • Real-time optical oximetry during FLASH radiotherapy using a phosphorescent nanoprobe
    • Authors: Ha, B., Liang, K., Liu, C., Loo, B.W., Pratx, G.
    • Citations: 4
  • Endogenous Retroviral Elements Generate Pathologic Neutrophils in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
    • Authors: Taylor, S., Isobe, S., Cao, A., Snyder, M.P., Rabinovitch, M.
    • Citations: 10
  • Design and validation of a dosimetric comparison scheme tailored for ultra-high dose-rate electron beams to support multicenter FLASH preclinical studies
    • Authors: Jorge, P.G., Melemenidis, S., Grilj, V., Loo, B.W., Bailat, C.
    • Citations: 9