Jennifer Mahony | Nanobiotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Jennifer Mahony | Nanobiotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jennifer Mahony, University College Cork, Ireland

👩‍🔬 Prof. Jennifer Mahony is a distinguished academic and researcher at University College Cork, Ireland. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology, she has led impactful research in microbiology, specializing in dairy starter and adjunct bacteria diversity, bacteriophages of lactic acid bacteria, and anti-microbial producing bacteria. As the Chair of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee, she contributes to a more inclusive academic environment. Prof. Mahony’s commitment extends to editorial roles in prestigious journals and active involvement in academic leadership and student mentoring. Her expertise in food microbiology is complemented by a passion for teaching, reflected in her engaging lectures and supervision of research projects. 🌐🔬👩‍🏫

🎓 Education:

Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology, School of Microbiology, University College Cork (2008). B.Sc. in Applied Biosciences, Cork Institute of Technology (2003, Graduated first in class). Postgraduate Diploma (2020/21) and Certificate (2018) in Teaching and Learning, University College Cork. Certificate in Amenity Horticulture, Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa, Cork (1997, Graduated first in class).

👩‍🏫 Employment:

Professor of Molecular Food Microbiology, School of Microbiology, UCC (2021-present). Lecturer in Food Microbiology, School of Microbiology, UCC (2020-2021). Research Fellow & Starting Investigator, School of Microbiology, UCC (2016-2019). Junior (2008-2012) /Senior (2012-2014) Post-doctoral Researcher, School of Microbiology, UCC (2008-2014).

🌐 Other Activities:

Chair of the EDI Committee for the College of Science, Engineering, and Food Science (2023-present). Chair of the School of Microbiology Athena Swan self-assessment team (2020-2023). Associate Editor, Microorganisms (2021-present). Associate Editor, BMC Microbiology (areas of applied & food microbiology) (2017-2023). Member of APC Microbiome Ireland, Operations Management Group (2017-present).

🔬 Research Interests:

Specializes in microbiological and molecular approaches to defining diversity and interactions of dairy starter and adjunct bacteria. Focuses on bacteriophages of lactic acid bacteria, development of robust starter cultures, and isolation of novel antimicrobial-producing bacteria.

👩‍🏫 Teaching & Examining Experience:

Extensive experience in delivering, examining, and designing undergraduate modules. Supervises final year projects and provides guidance for student literature reviews. Examiner for various modules, research MSc theses, and Ph.D. defenses globally.

🌐 Contributions:

Actively contributes to enhancing diversity in academia as the Chair of the EDI Committee. Plays a pivotal role in the advancement of microbiology through editorial responsibilities and involvement in research groups.

Professional Profiles:

The impact of her research is evident in citation metrics and indices from Google Scholar:

  • Cited by: All – 7501.
  • Citations – 7501.
  • h-index – 43.
  • Documents – 179.

A prolific researcher making meaningful contributions to the academic world!

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Jennifer Mahony is a distinguished researcher with a primary focus on understanding and unraveling the intricacies of microbial ecosystems. Her extensive contributions encompass the exploration of the first microbial colonizers of the human gut, investigating their composition, activities, and health implications in infant gut microbiota. Additionally, her research delves into the realms of T-cell activation by transitory neo-antigens, antifungal lactic acid bacteria as bio-preservatives, and the biocontrol potential of bacteriophages against food pathogens. With a keen interest in glycan utilization, cross-feeding activities, and phage biology, Prof. Mahony’s work significantly advances our comprehension of microbial interactions in various environmental niches.

Publications Top Note:

Sharon Vijayanand | Nanobiotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sharon Vijayanand | Nanobiotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sharon Vijayanand, FDA/CBER/OTP/OPPT, United States

🌐💉🔬 Dr. Sharon Vijayanand, a dedicated researcher and pharmaceutical scientist, earned her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Mercer University, focusing on a groundbreaking pain-free immunization strategy for COVID-19 and influenza. As an ORISE Fellow at the FDA, she explores FcRn-mediated dynamics of anti-SARS CoV-2 IgG. With a rich academic background and extensive experience, including roles as a Graduate Research Assistant and Pharmacy Technician, she has received numerous awards for her impactful contributions. Dr. Vijayanand is a dynamic leader, fostering collaborations in professional organizations like AAPS and Toastmasters, showcasing her commitment to scientific advancement and effective communication. 🏥👩‍🔬🏆

🎓 Education:

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Jan 2020 – July 2023) from Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Atlanta, GA, USA. Dissertation Title: “Novel Pain-Free Immunization of a Combination Microparticulate Vaccine for COVID-19 and Influenza.” B. Pharm. (Sept 2015 – Sept 2019) from Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai, TN, India. Thesis Title: “In Silico Molecular Docking Study of Anti-Breast Cancer Molecules Derived from Plants.”

👩‍🔬 Professional Experience:

ORISE Fellow (Jan 2024 – Present) at FDA/CBER/OPT/OPPT, Silver Spring, MD, USA. Researching FcRn-Mediated Dynamics of Anti-SARS CoV-2 IgG. Graduate Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant (Jan 2020 – July 2023) at Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Atlanta, GA, USA. Conducted preclinical testing of micro/nanoparticle-based non-invasive vaccines, resulting in publications and awards. Optimized brain-targeted nanoparticle formulation for seizure therapy (NIH R01 Project). Developed experimental protocols for SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza assays. Mentored junior graduate and Pharm D students. Pharmacy Technician (Dec 2019 – Jan 2022) at CVS Health, Atlanta, GA, USA. Front-line healthcare worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. Undergraduate Thesis Project Team Lead (Sept 2018 – Aug 2019) at Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai, TN, India. Led a team of 4 for a molecular docking study.

🌐 Professional Affiliations and Leadership Roles:

American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences (AAPS): Learning Opportunities Manager, AAPS Pharmaceutical Discovery and Preclinical Development Community. Member Engagement Manager, AAPS Women in Pharmaceutical Science Community. Treasurer, Mercer University AAPS Student Chapter. Public Relations Officer, Mercer University AAPS Student Chapter. Toastmaster International (Mercer Smooth Talkers): Secretary and President. Other Affiliations: Student Member, The American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Member, The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Love of Learning Scholarship Award, Phi Kappa Phi. Monroe F. Swilley Jr. Student Research Award, Mercer University. Various awards at AAPS meetings, including Best Abstract and Best Poster Awards. Keynote Speaker at the 2022 AAPS PharmSci 360 meeting.

Professional Profiles:

The impact of her research is evident in citation metrics and indices from Google Scholar:

  • Cited by: All – 60.
  • Citations – 60.
  • h-index – 4.
  • Documents – 15.

A prolific researcher making meaningful contributions to the academic world!

🔬 Research Focus:

🩹💉🔬 Dr. Sharon Vijayanand, based at FDA/CBER/OTP/OPPT in the United States, specializes in developing innovative vaccine delivery platforms. Her impactful research centers on a dual-delivery system using antigen-loaded nanoparticles in dissolving microneedles, garnering 21 citations in 2022. Notably, her work extends to Zika and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, employing microparticulate and microneedle technologies to induce robust immune responses. With a focus on influenza and gonococcal vaccines, she explores T-cell potential and enhances bacterial clearance. Dr. Vijayanand’s contributions mark a significant advancement in vaccination strategies, employing cutting-edge techniques for targeted and efficient immune response elicitation. 💊👩‍🔬🌐

Publications Top Note: