Andrea Smidler | Gene Editing | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Andrea Smidler | Gene Editing | Best Researcher Award

University of California San Diego | United States

Dr. Andrea L. Smidler is an accomplished molecular entomologist and genetic engineer whose research focuses on innovative CRISPR-based tools for vector control, particularly in Anopheles gambiae, the primary malaria vector. According to her Scopus profile (Author ID: 36626227000), she has published 18 scientific documents, achieving an impressive h-index of 14 and accumulating over 2008 citations, reflecting her growing influence in genetic biocontrol research. Her recent high-impact works include “Engineering gene drive docking sites in a haplolethal locus in Anopheles gambiae” (Scientific Reports, 2025), “CRISPR technologies for the control and study of malaria-transmitting Anopheline mosquitoes” (Parasites and Vectors, 2025), and “Eliminating malaria vectors with precision guided sterile males” (PNAS, 2024). Through collaborations with leading scientists such as Omar Akbari, George Church, and Flaminia Catteruccia, Dr. Smidler has advanced CRISPR-mediated gene drive and sterilization systems that aim to eradicate malaria at its source. Her consistent publication record across top-tier journals—including Science, PNAS, and Cell—and her citation metrics underscore her pioneering contributions to synthetic biology, public health genetics, and entomological engineering. Dr. Smidler continues to be a key innovator in developing genetic solutions for vector-borne disease elimination.

Featured Publications

Smidler, A., Abernathy, D., Marrogi, E., Mameli, E., Akbari, O., Church, G., Esvelt, K., & Catteruccia, F. (2025, October 8). Engineering gene drive docking sites in a haplolethal locus in Anopheles gambiae. Scientific Reports.

Smidler, A., & Akbari, O. (2025, July 3). CRISPR technologies for the control and study of malaria-transmitting Anopheline mosquitoes. Parasites and Vectors.

Gendron, W. A. C., Raban, R., Mondal, A., Sánchez, C. H. M., Smidler, A., Zilberman, D., Ilboudo, P. G., D’Alessandro, U., Marshall, J. M., & Akbari, O. S. (2025, July 18). Evaluating the cost of malaria elimination by Anopheles gambiae precision guided SIT in the Upper River region, The Gambia. PLOS Global Public Health.

Smidler, A., Apte, R., Pai, J., Chow, M., Chen, S., Antoshechkin, I., & Akbari, O. (2024, June 25). Eliminating malaria vectors with precision guided sterile males. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Smidler, A., Marrogi, E., Kauffman, J., Paton, D., Westervelt, K., Church, G., Esvelt, K., Shaw, W., & Catteruccia, F. (2024, February 19). CRISPR-mediated germline knockouts for genetic sterilization of male Anopheles gambiae. Scientific Reports.

Soumitra Sahana | Metabolomics | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Soumitra Sahana | Metabolomics | Best Researcher Award

Birbhum Pharmacy School | India

Soumitra Sahana is an emerging researcher in pharmacognosy with an impressive academic and professional trajectory. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Birbhum Pharmacy School, he specializes in phytochemical extraction, isolation, molecular docking, MD simulation, and in-vitro assays. His academic background includes a Master of Pharmacy in Pharmacognosy with distinction and a Bachelor of Pharmacy with excellent grades. Soumitra has authored and co-authored several impactful publications across journals such as Functional & Integrative Genomics, Plant Biotechnology Reports, Natural Products and Bioprospecting, and Current Indian Science, with his research contributions earning 304 citations, an h-index of 5, and an i10-index of 4. His projects range from the bioassay-guided fractionation of Ficus religiosa leaves for Alzheimer’s management to developing AI-based biomedical imaging systems for cancer screening. In addition, he has been actively engaged in conferences, workshops, and industrial training, which strengthen his practical expertise in natural product research and pharmaceutical sciences. His skills extend to advanced computational tools such as Maestro, Pymol, PyRx, and Discovery Studio Visualizer, along with proficiency in chromatographic and spectroscopic instrumentation. With a growing publication record and a balanced profile of laboratory and computational expertise, Soumitra Sahana represents a promising researcher bridging traditional pharmacognosy with modern biomedical applications

Profile: Orcid 

Featured Publications

Multi-omics approaches: transforming the landscape of natural product isolation

Mesay Wolle | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Life Science

Dr. Mesay Wolle | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award 

Mesay M. Wolle is a Chemist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with expertise in elemental and molecular speciation analysis and isotope dilution mass spectrometry. With a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Oslo University and postdoctoral training at Duquesne University, he has advanced food, environmental, and clinical safety through the development of innovative and validated analytical methods. He has published 28 peer-reviewed papers, reviewed extensively for international journals, and collaborated with leading organizations such as NIST, NRC Canada, and the U.S. EPA.

Dr. Mesay Wolle | U.S. Food and Drug Administration | United States

Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Mesay M. Wolle holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Oslo University in Norway. His academic journey laid a strong foundation in advanced chemistry and analytical sciences. He pursued postdoctoral research at Duquesne University in Pennsylvania, where he enhanced his expertise in elemental and molecular speciation analysis as well as isotope dilution mass spectrometry. His educational background reflects a deep commitment to precision-driven chemical research and a passion for developing innovative analytical methodologies.

Experience

After completing his academic training, Mesay joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, initially as a Research Fellow and later as a full-time Chemist. In this capacity, he has made substantial contributions to food and drug safety by developing and validating advanced analytical methods for nutritional, biological, and environmental samples. His work includes conducting technical reviews of analytical packages, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and providing expert guidance on complex analytical issues. Additionally, he has supervised postdoctoral researchers and interns, mentoring the next generation of analytical scientists while advancing critical public health research.

Awards and Recognition

Mesay has earned recognition in the scientific community through his extensive publication record, with twenty-eight peer-reviewed papers to his credit. His citation index highlights the impact of his contributions to analytical chemistry and life sciences research. Beyond publications, he has been entrusted with editorial and reviewer roles for numerous high-impact scientific journals, including Analytical Bioanalytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, and Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. He has also served as a scientific session organizer at prominent international conferences, further demonstrating his leadership in the field.

Skills and Expertise

Mesay’s core expertise lies in elemental and biomolecular speciation analysis across nutritional, dietary, environmental, and clinical matrices. He has developed and validated methods integrating mass spectrometry, isotope dilution techniques, liquid and ion chromatography, and gas chromatography. His skills include enhancing analytical sensitivity, selectivity, speed, and throughput. He is also experienced in applying solid phase extraction, micro-extraction, and sample preparation techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability in testing. His consultancy and collaboration projects with organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Research Council of Canada, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency highlight his technical authority in analytical sciences.

Research Focus 

Mesay’s research focuses on advancing the frontiers of elemental and molecular speciation analysis using state-of-the-art spectrometric and chromatographic methods. His projects span the measurement of arsenic, chromium, iron, and mercury species in nutritional products, dietary supplements, food, beverages, and biological samples. He has also pioneered methods for biomolecule analysis, such as the quantification of glutathione in clinical samples. His collaborative work has contributed to the certification of reference materials for toxins, nutrients, and trace elements, ensuring scientific precision and safety in food and environmental testing worldwide.

Research Projects

Mesay has led and contributed to research focused on the development and validation of advanced analytical methods. His projects include arsenic, chromium, iron, and mercury speciation analysis in nutritional products, dietary supplements, seafood, beverages, and biological samples. He has developed isotope dilution high-performance chromatography–mass spectrometry methods for accurate quantification of biomolecules, such as glutathione in clinical samples. Additionally, his research has extended to the certification of reference materials in collaboration with global institutions, ensuring analytical accuracy in food, drug, and environmental testing.

Publication

Exploring food and nutrition security perspectives among high school adolescents in Machakel District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Journal: BMC Research Notes

Conclusion

Mesay M. Wolle’s research excellence and commitment to public health demonstrate his impact on analytical chemistry and regulatory science. His contributions not only enhance the precision of chemical analysis but also strengthen global food and drug safety. With proven expertise, collaborations, and mentorship, he represents a leader whose innovative approaches continue to shape the future of analytical research and life sciences.