Ebeney Whillas | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Ms. Ebeney Whillas | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

University of Wollongong | Australia

Ms. Ebeney Whillas is a sports nutrition researcher whose work focuses on nutrition-related experiences during the transition from elite sport to post-competitive life. Her research is grounded in qualitative inquiry, addressing a critical gap in sports nutrition literature by centering the voices of former elite athletes. She is the lead author of a peer-reviewed article published in Nutrients (MDPI), which examines how entrenched sporting cultures continue to shape eating behaviours, health perceptions, and wellbeing after retirement from elite competition. Her scholarship contributes to a growing recognition that athlete nutrition support must extend beyond performance-focused phases to encompass long-term health and adjustment. Ms. Whillas’ research interests include athlete transition, sports nutrition culture, and the relationship between nutrition practices and mental wellbeing. Through her work, she provides evidence to inform more holistic, sustainable, and athlete-centered nutrition interventions across the full athletic lifespan.

Profiles: Sci Profiles | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

• Whillas, E. K., Craddock, J. C., & Lambert, K. (2025). Navigating nutrition beyond elite sport: A qualitative exploration of experiences after retirement. Nutrients, 17(24), Article 3920. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243920

Marta Cudzik | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Marta Cudzik | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology | Poland

Dr. Marta Cudzik is a psychiatry-focused physician–researcher whose scholarly work lies at the intersection of neuroscience, emotional processing, and obesity-related mental health disorders. Her research examines how affective regulation, emotional intelligence, and trauma-related psychological mechanisms influence vulnerability to depression and other psychiatric conditions. She has authored peer-reviewed studies addressing emotional dysregulation, dissociative defense mechanisms in childhood trauma, and alexithymia among individuals with obesity, contributing clinically relevant insights to contemporary psychiatric research. A central theme of her work is the integration of psychological, neurobiological, and metabolic perspectives to better understand complex mind–body interactions. Dr. Marta Cudzik is developing an emerging interdisciplinary research direction referred to as psycho-obesitology, which seeks to bridge psychiatry and metabolic medicine through evidence-based frameworks. Her research aims to support more holistic diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in mental health, with implications for prevention, personalized treatment, and translational psychiatric care.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Cudzik, M., Lis, M., Wichniak, A., & Bieńkowski, P. (2026). Alexithymia among patients with obesity: A systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.12.030

Cudzik, M., Soroka, E., & Olajossy, M. (2019). The impact of emotional intelligence level on depression vulnerability. Current Problems of Psychiatry, 20(3). https://doi.org/10.2478/cpp-2019-0011

Cudzik, M., Soroka, E., & Olajossy, M. (2019). Dissociative identity disorder as a wide range of defense mechanisms in children with a history of early childhood trauma. Current Problems of Psychiatry, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.2478/cpp-2019-0006

Eduardo Vignoto Fernandes | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Prof. Dr. Eduardo Vignoto Fernandes | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Federal University of Jataí | Brazil

Prof. Dr. Eduardo Vignoto Fernandes, is a distinguished researcher in immunometabolism, human physiology, and applied health sciences, recognized for his multidisciplinary contributions integrating experimental pathology, human anatomy, and exercise science. With 28 Scopus-indexed publications, 119 citations, and an h-index of 5, his research advances understanding of metabolic, genetic, and physiological adaptations in healthy individuals and those with clinical or lifestyle-related conditions, including people living with HIV/AIDS. Fernandes has produced influential studies covering immunometabolism responses, exercise physiology, body composition, sports nutrition, metabolic syndrome, cancer immunopathology, and antiretroviral therapy effectiveness. His scientific output includes peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and collaborative investigations published in respected journals such as Metabolites, Geriatrics, Sports, Current HIV Research, Molecular Biology Reports, and Discover Public Health. Fernandes leads and collaborates on research projects exploring exercise prescription, photo biomodulation, osteopathic interventions, muscle damage biomarkers, and functional health indicators such as handgrip strength. His expertise also extends to educational research on human anatomy, including remote versus in-person instruction and academic performance in health-science students. Through public health outreach initiatives, he contributes to community wellness by developing structured exercise programs and participating in One Health–aligned interdisciplinary actions. Supported by competitive funding from major Brazilian agencies, he conducts R&D focused on immunometabolism health, functional performance, and applied health interventions. His growing citation base, broad research themes, and sustained collaborations underscore his scientific relevance and expanding impact across exercise science, pathology, and applied health research.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. De Rossi, T., Lozovoy, M. A. B., da Silva, R. V., Fernandes, E. V., Geraldino, T. H., & others. (2011). Interações entre Candida albicans e hospedeiro. Semina: Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, 32(1), 15–28.

2. Weber, M. G., Dias, S. S., de Angelis, T. R., Fernandes, E. V., Bernardes, A. G., & others. (2021). The use of BCAA to decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness after a single bout of exercise: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Amino Acids, 53(11), 1663–1678.

3. Romanin, P., Palermo, R. L., Cavalini, J. F., Favaro, L. S., De Paula-Petroli, S. B., Fernandes, E. V., & others. (2019). Multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a tertiary hospital from Brazil: The importance of carbapenemase encoding genes and related resistance mechanisms. Microbial Drug Resistance, 25(9), 1365–1373.

4. Khan, S. A., Venancio, E. J., Ono, M. A., Fernandes, E. V., Hirooka, E. Y., Shimizu, C. F., & others. (2019). Effects of subcutaneous ochratoxin-A exposure on immune system of broiler chicks. Toxins, 11(5), 264.

5. Vitorino, R. W. S., Fornaziero, C. C., & Fernandes, E. V. (2020). Evaluation of performance and perception of learning in teaching human anatomy: Traditional method vs constructivist method. International Journal of Morphology, 38(1), 74–77.

Rama Ayash | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Rama Ayash | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Damascus University | Syria

Dr. Rama Ayash is a medical advisor, senior lecturer, and scientific researcher specializing in clinical biochemistry, diabetes research, and molecular mechanisms of β-cell apoptosis. Her primary research focuses on the pathophysiological role of cytokines and death receptors in glucose dysregulation and prediabetes, with particular emphasis on the therapeutic effects of DPP4 inhibitors such as sitagliptin. Her recent publications include groundbreaking studies in Scientific Reports, BMC Endocrine Disorders, and the European Journal of Pharmacology, exploring inflammatory cytokine modulation, apoptotic biomarkers (FAS, TNFR1, TRAIL-R2), and their relationship to β-cell dysfunction. Dr. Rama Ayash’s research contributions advance understanding of early diabetic mechanisms, aiding in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies to preserve pancreatic function. She has also supervised diverse clinical and molecular research projects in cardiovascular pharmacology, endocrine biomarkers, and celiac disease diagnostics, demonstrating her interdisciplinary expertise. Her work integrates clinical biochemistry, molecular diagnostics, and translational medicine, contributing to the growing field of preventive and precision diabetology. Dr. Rama Ayash has been an active conference speaker and scientific presenter, sharing insights on cardio-renal pharmacology, metabolic pathways, and biomarker discovery. Her continuing research endeavors aim to bridge laboratory findings with clinical outcomes to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy in metabolic diseases.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

• Ayash, R., Kabalan, Y., & Chamaa, S. (2025). Exploring the predictive potentials of IL-1β and TNFR1 in atherogenic risk in prediabetes. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 37369. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-37369

• Ayash, R., Kabalan, Y., & Chamaa, S. (2025). Association of soluble apoptotic biomarkers (FAS, TNFR1 and TRAIL-R2) with β-cell dysfunction in early glucose dysregulation. BMC Endocrine Disorders, 25(1), 218. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-025-0218

• Ayash, R., Kabalan, Y., & Chamaa, S. (2025). Sitagliptin reduces cytokine-induced β-cell apoptosis in prediabetes: A six-month interventional study. European Journal of Pharmacology, 177708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177708

Kevin Pak | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Kevin Pak | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Transplant Hepatology Fellow | UCLA | United States

Dr. Kevin C. Pak, M.D., is a distinguished transplant hepatologist affiliated with the Pflieger Liver Institute at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. With a strong background in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and hepatology, Dr. Pak has dedicated his career to advancing liver disease treatment and transplantation. His contributions to academic research and clinical practice have earned him recognition in the medical community.

Profile👤

Google Scholar

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

✅ Exceptional Research Contributions: Dr. Pak has an extensive portfolio of peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, covering a range of topics in gastroenterology, hepatology, and military medicine. His research on hepatitis B, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, and inflammatory bowel disease is particularly noteworthy.

✅ Clinical and Academic Leadership: As an Assistant Professor at USUHS and a former Chief Fellow in a gastroenterology fellowship, Dr. Pak has demonstrated strong mentorship and leadership in academic medicine. His contributions to teaching and training future physicians further emphasize his dedication to research and education.

✅ Recognized Excellence: Multiple honors and awards, including the AASLD Emerging Liver Scholar Award (2019) and Resident Researcher of the Year, highlight his significant impact in the field. His invited presentations and poster sessions at national and international conferences further validate his research reputation.

✅ Interdisciplinary and Military Medicine Contributions: His unique background in military medicine and research contributions in military healthcare settings (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease in active-duty personnel) provide a broader impact beyond civilian medicine.

Education 🎓

Dr. Pak began his academic journey at the United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York, earning a B.S. in Life Sciences. He then pursued his medical degree at the F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Maryland. His postgraduate training includes an Internal Medicine Residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, followed by a Gastroenterology & Hepatology Fellowship at Naval Medical Center San Diego. He further specialized in Transplant Hepatology through a fellowship at the Pflieger Liver Institute at UCLA.

Experience 💼

Dr. Pak has held several academic positions, including Assistant Professor of Medicine and Teaching Fellow at USUHS. He is actively involved in medical education, mentoring students and residents. His clinical expertise spans hepatology, transplant medicine, and gastroenterology, making him a key contributor to the field. Additionally, Dr. Pak has served in the military, where he provided medical services in critical care settings.

Research Interests On Medicine🔬

Dr. Pak’s research focuses on liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, chronic hepatitis B, and liver transplantation. He is particularly interested in optimizing treatment strategies for liver disease and investigating emerging therapies. His work contributes to advancements in hepatology, improving patient outcomes and clinical practices.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Pak has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was honored with the Resident Researcher of the Year Award and the AASLD Emerging Liver Scholar Award. His excellence in teaching earned him the James J. Leonard Award for Excellence in Teaching. In his military service, he received commendations such as the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Publications 📚

Dr. Pak has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals. His notable works include:

  • Systematic review of safety of selective androgen receptor modulators in healthy adults: implications for recreational users

    • Authors: JD Vignali, KC Pak, HR Beverley, JP DeLuca, JW Downs, AT Kress, …
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • Citations: 38

  • Wilson’s disease and iron overload: pathophysiology and therapeutic implications

    • Authors: K Pak, S Ordway, B Sadowski, M Canevari, D Torres
    • Publication Year: 2021
    • Citations: 23

  • Helicobacter pylori Treatment Regimen Selection and Eradication Rates Across Department of Defense Patients for Fiscal Years 2016-2018

    • Authors: ZC Junga, A Mertz, K Pak, M Singla
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • Citations: 9

  • The Patterns and Associated Cost of Serologic Testing for Helicobacter pylori in the U.S. Military Health System

    • Authors: K Pak, Z Junga, A Mertz, M Singla
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: 6

  • State of the art: Test all for anti-hepatitis D virus and reflex to hepatitis D virus RNA polymerase chain reaction quantification

    • Authors: E Umukoro, JJ Alukal, K Pak, J Gutierrez
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • Citations: 5

  • Occult HBV infection: a case series at a military treatment facility

    • Authors: K Pak, S Ordway, D Torres
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: 4

  • An acute presentation of chronic gastric volvulus

    • Authors: K Pak, Z Junga, P Young
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: 4

  • Decades of cough: Delayed recognition of atypical cystic fibrosis in an adult patient

    • Authors: A Chandel, K Pak, S Dooley, K Salazar
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: 3

  • A small blemish: isotretinoin-induced microscopic colitis

    • Authors: LR Dukate, K Pak, W O’Connell, Z Junga
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2

  • A Case of Whipple’s Disease With Concomitant Esophageal Candidiasis

    • Authors: R Choi, A Pazevic, K Pak, M Skaret, A Bachmann, R Wilkerson
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

Conclusion 🔍

Dr. Kevin C. Pak, M.D., is a dedicated physician, educator, and researcher in hepatology and gastroenterology. His commitment to advancing liver disease treatment, coupled with his academic and clinical expertise, makes him a key figure in the field. Through his research, mentorship, and clinical practice, Dr. Pak continues to contribute significantly to medical science and patient care.

Yang Xu | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Yang Xu | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Associate chief physician | Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital | China

Yang Xu is an Associate Chief Physician, Associate Professor, and Graduate Supervisor at the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital. Specializing in the early diagnosis and personalized treatment of lung tumors, Dr. Xu has made significant contributions to respiratory medicine and oncology. As a leading expert in the field, he has played a pivotal role in advancing immune purification and cell therapy, earning widespread recognition for his scientific achievements.

Profile

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards

✅ Expertise in Lung Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment: Yang Xu specializes in the early diagnosis and personalized treatment of lung tumors, which is a crucial area in respiratory and critical care medicine.

✅ Strong Research Contributions: With 6 funded research projects, including National Natural Science Foundation of China and key national R&D plans, his research impact is significant.

✅ Recognition & Patents: Winning 1 medical science and technology progress award and holding 4 national invention patents showcase his innovation and contribution to medical advancements.

✅ Publication Record: Publishing 40 research papers, including 20 SCI-indexed papers, and editing 5 monographs as a deputy principal author indicates a high level of scholarly contribution.

✅ Leadership & Influence: Holding leadership positions in prestigious medical associations such as the Chinese Medical Association and Beijing Medical Association reflects his influence in the field.

🎓 Education

Dr. Xu received his medical education and advanced training in respiratory and critical care medicine, equipping him with the expertise to diagnose and treat complex lung diseases. His academic journey has been marked by rigorous research and continuous professional development in cutting-edge medical technologies.

👨‍⚕️ Experience

With extensive experience in respiratory and critical care medicine, Dr. Xu has led multiple national research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the national key R&D plan. As an esteemed educator and mentor, he has guided numerous students in the field, shaping the next generation of medical professionals. His leadership extends to prestigious roles such as Deputy Leader of the Immune Purification and Cell Therapy Group under the Chinese Medical Association and Deputy Chairman of the Lung Cancer Group in the Respiratory Branch of the Beijing Medical Association.

🔬 Research Interests On Medicine

Dr. Xu’s research focuses on:

  • Lung Tumor Diagnosis & Treatment – Advancing early detection and precision therapy.
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Pneumonia – Contributing to China’s first expert consensus.
  • Strategic Advanced Electronic Materials – Investigating innovative medical applications.
  • Immune Purification & Cell Therapy – Exploring novel therapeutic strategies in respiratory medicine.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Xu has received numerous accolades for his contributions to medical science, including:

  • Medical Science & Technology Progress Award 🏅
  • 4 National Invention Patents 🏅🏅🏅🏅
  • Excellent Doctor & Excellent Teacher Titles 🏆 (Multiple times)
  • Selected as China’s High-Level Scientific and Technological Innovation Talent 🌟

📚 Publications

  1. Clinic Examination and Gene Diagnosis for a Birt–Hogg–Dubé Syndrome Family With a Novel flcn Frameshift Mutation Causing Nonsense‐Mediated mRNA Degradation
    • Authors: Yang Xu, Jie Gao, Yang An, Chenxi Zou, Guoqing Ding, Guohua Yang
    • Year: 2025
  2. [Clinical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer combined with interstitial lung disease]
    • Author: Xu Y
    • Year: 2024
  3. Integrative analysis of multi-omics data reveals the heterogeneity and signatures of immune therapy for small cell lung cancer
    • Authors: Yabin Chen, Fang Z, Tang Y, Jin Y, Guo C, Hu L, Xu Y, Ma X, Gao J, Xie M et al.
    • Year: 2021
  4. Clinical characteristics of patients with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia in a Chinese tertiary-care hospital: A 6-year retrospective study
    • Authors: Xu Y, Wang Z, Li W, Zhu Q, Liang Z
    • Year: 2021
  5. Radiographic features and prognosis of early- and late-onset non-small cell lung cancer immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis
    • Authors: Huang A, Xu Y, Zang X, Wu C, Gao J, Sun X, Xie M, Ma X, Deng H, Song J et al.
    • Year: 2021
  6. Perfluorocarbon Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Apoptosis of Endothelial Cells in Pulmonary Microvessels
    • Authors: Xu Y, Wu T, Wang P, Liang ZX, Shi SS, Xu SF, Liu XJ, Tian Q
    • Year: 2021
  7. Lung cancer treatment in the era of immunotherapy
    • Authors: Xu Y, Liang-an Chen
    • Year: 2020
  8. The efficacy and safety of low-frequency rotating static magnetic field therapy combined with chemotherapy on advanced lung cancer patients: a randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial
    • Authors: Minghui Zhu, Yang Z, Hang Yu, Zhu Q, Xu Y, Li Y, Li C, Zhao W, Zhixin Liang, Liang-an Chen
    • Year: 2020
  9. Identification of differentially expressed genes in hip cartilage with femoral head necrosis, based on genome‑wide expression profiles
    • Authors: Li WC, Bai L, Xu Y, Xu RJ, Hou WB
    • Year: 2019
  10. Cystic and solitary nodular pulmonary metastases in a patient with low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma: A case report and literature review
  • Authors: Xu Y, Zhixin Liang, Guo JT, Su X, Lu YL, Guan XZ
  • Year: 2019

🔚 Conclusion

Yang Xu is a distinguished leader in respiratory and critical care medicine, driving innovation in lung cancer treatment and immune-related diseases. His contributions to research, education, and clinical practice continue to shape the future of respiratory medicine, making a lasting impact on both national and global healthcare communities.