Marlin Touma | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Marlin Touma | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Faculty | UCLA – David Geffen School of Medicine | United States

Dr. Marlin Touma is an esteemed physician-scientist specializing in neonatal-perinatal medicine, congenital heart defects, and cardiovascular research. She currently serves as an Associate Professor-in-Residence at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. With extensive experience in both clinical and research settings, Dr. Touma has contributed significantly to understanding congenital heart disease, neonatal cardiovascular development, and regenerative medicine. She is the Director of the UCLA Congenital Heart Defects Research Program and the UCLA Congenital Heart Defects-BioCore.

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Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Extensive Research and Leadership

    • Founder and Principal Investigator of the UCLA Congenital Heart Defects-BioCore since 2013.
    • Director of the UCLA Congenital Heart Defects Research Program since 2020.
    • Multiple leadership roles at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
  • Significant Contributions to Cardiovascular Research

    • Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology from UCLA.
    • Research on genetics and genomics of congenital heart defects, a critical area in neonatal-perinatal medicine.
    • Involvement in NIH research programs and review panels, demonstrating national recognition.
  • Recognition and Awards

    • Outstanding Research Award (Mead Johnson, 2011, American Academy of Pediatrics).
    • Finalist Award (2021 Mid-Career Research Scholar Award, International Society for Heart Research).
    • Multiple invited speaker and session chair roles at AHA, ISHR, and UCLA cardiovascular symposia.
    • Travel and research awards from AHA, NIH, and other prestigious institutions.
  • Educational and Clinical Excellence

    • Trained at Harvard Medical School, UCLA, and Damascus University.
    • Board-certified in General Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.
    • Director of programs that integrate cutting-edge research with clinical applications.

🎓 Education

  • M.D. (1992) – Damascus University School of Medicine, Syria
  • Pediatrics Residency (1992-1996) – Children’s Hospital of Damascus University, Syria
  • Senior Pediatric Residency (1995-1996) – Children’s Hospital of Damascus University, Syria
  • Master’s Degree (Postgraduate Diploma) (1997) – Damascus University, Syria
  • Pediatrics Residency (2005-2008) – Dell Children’s Medical Center, University of Texas Medical Branch, USA
  • Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship (2008-2011) – Harvard Medical School, USA
  • Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology (2015) – University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA

💼 Experience

  • Current Positions:
    • Associate Professor-in-Residence, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA
    • Director, UCLA Congenital Heart Defects-BioCore
    • Director, UCLA Congenital Heart Defects Research Program
  • Previous Positions:
    • Clinical Instructor in Pediatrics, UCLA (2011-2014)
    • Assistant Professor-in-Residence, UCLA (2014-2021)
    • Fellow in Neonatology, Harvard Medical School (2008-2011)
    • Pediatric Resident, Dell Children’s Medical Center, University of Texas Medical Branch (2005-2008)
    • Senior Pediatrician, Al Obaid General Hospital, Saudi Arabia (2000-2002)

📝 Research Interests On Genetics

Dr. Touma’s research focuses on congenital heart defects, neonatal cardiovascular development, and gene-environment interactions in heart disease. She is particularly interested in molecular mechanisms regulating heart development, regenerative therapies, and translational approaches to improve pediatric cardiovascular health.

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • Award for Excellence (Top Ten Students in Country) – Syrian Ministry of Higher Education
  • Best Resident in Pediatrics Award – Damascus University
  • Outstanding Research Award – American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference (2011)
  • UCLA STAR Award for Doctoral Scholarship Admission (2011)
  • Finalist Award – Mid-Career Research Scholar Award – International Society for Heart Research (2021)
  • International Abstract Travel Award – International Society for Heart Research (2022)
  • Distinguished Speaker & Session Chair – Multiple conferences, including AHA and ISHR

📚 Publications

Dr. Touma has authored numerous research articles in high-impact journals. Some selected publications include:

  • Repression of Sox9 by Jag1 is continuously required to suppress the default chondrogenic fate of vascular smooth muscle cells

    • Authors: A Briot, A Jaroszewicz, CM Warren, J Lu, M Touma, C Rudat, JJ Hofmann, …
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 81
  • COVID-19: molecular diagnostics overview

    • Author: M Touma
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 76
  • Nkx2-5 suppresses the proliferation of atrial myocytes and conduction system

    • Authors: Y Nakashima, DA Yanez, M Touma, H Nakano, A Jaroszewicz, …
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 68
  • Whole genome sequencing identifies SCN2A mutation in monozygotic twins with Ohtahara syndrome and unique neuropathologic findings

    • Authors: M Touma, M Joshi, MC Connolly, P Ellen Grant, AR Hansen, O Khwaja, …
    • Year: 2013
    • Citations: 63
  • Decoding the long noncoding RNA during cardiac maturation: a roadmap for functional discovery

    • Authors: M Touma, X Kang, Y Zhao, AA Cass, F Gao, R Biniwale, G Coppola, …
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 48
  • Improved pulmonary vascular reactivity and decreased hypertrophic remodeling during nonhypercapnic acidosis in experimental pulmonary hypertension

    • Authors: H Christou, OM Reslan, V Mam, AF Tanbe, SH Vitali, M Touma, E Arons, …
    • Year: 2012
    • Citations: 38
  • Ppp1r1b-lncRNA inhibits PRC2 at myogenic regulatory genes to promote cardiac and skeletal muscle development in mouse and human

    • Authors: X Kang, Y Zhao, G Van Arsdell, SF Nelson, M Touma
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 36
  • p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase regulates chamber-specific perinatal growth in heart

    • Authors: T Yokota, J Li, J Huang, Z Xiong, Q Zhang, T Chan, Y Ding, C Rau, …
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 34
  • Maternal calorie restriction causing uteroplacental insufficiency differentially affects mammalian placental glucose and leucine transport molecular mechanisms

    • Authors: A Ganguly, M Touma, S Thamotharan, DC De Vivo, SU Devaskar
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 30
  • Wnt11 regulates cardiac chamber development and disease during perinatal maturation

    • Authors: M Touma, X Kang, F Gao, Y Zhao, AA Cass, R Biniwale, X Xiao, …
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 27
  • Echocardiographic markers of pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricular hypertrophy in rat models of pulmonary hypertension

    • Authors: F Spyropoulos, SH Vitali, M Touma, CD Rose, CR Petty, P Levy, …
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 23
  • A path to implement precision child health cardiovascular medicine

    • Authors: M Touma, B Reemtsen, N Halnon, J Alejos, JP Finn, SF Nelson, Y Wang
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 17

📄 Conclusion

Dr. Marlin Touma is a renowned expert in neonatal cardiovascular research with an impressive track record of clinical excellence, academic achievements, and innovative research. As a leading scientist in congenital heart defects and pediatric cardiology, her work continues to shape the future of neonatal medicine and cardiovascular health worldwide.

Guohua Yang | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Guohua Yang | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor | Wuhan University | China

Guohua Yang is an Associate Professor at Wuhan University, specializing in medical genetics and genetic diseases. His research focuses on gene mutations, novel diagnostic methods, and drug discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma. As a dedicated scholar, he holds various leadership roles in genetic and medical associations, contributing significantly to the field.

Profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards

  • Strong Research Focus
    • Expertise in gene mutation and genetic diseases, gene diagnosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
    • Contribution to cutting-edge molecular mechanisms and drug discovery research.
  • Notable Publications & Impact
    • Published in reputable journals such as BMC Medical Genomics, Naunyn Schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology, Carbohydrate Polymers, Frontiers in Genetics, and Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.
    • Publications demonstrate interdisciplinary research, integrating genetics, pharmacology, and computational biology.
  • Editorial & Professional Leadership
    • Guest editor and editorial board member for Frontiers in Genetics and Spandidos Journal.
    • Holds leadership roles in multiple genetics and medical associations, indicating high recognition in the field.
  • Innovative Research Applications
    • Contributions to cancer research, including targeted therapies and machine learning-based biomarker identification.
    • Research has potential clinical applications, making a significant societal impact.
  • Guohua Yang is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his pioneering contributions to medical genetics, leadership in scientific organizations, and high-quality publications. While he possesses impressive academic credentials, addressing funding, patent contributions, and industry collaborations could further strengthen his profile. Nonetheless, his work in hepatocellular carcinoma and gene mutation research makes him a valuable contender.

🎓 Education

Guohua Yang has received extensive training in medical genetics and related disciplines, equipping him with the expertise to explore genetic disorders and innovative treatment approaches. His educational background has laid a strong foundation for his research in genetic mutations, reproductive health, and cancer biology.

🏢 Experience

As an Associate Professor at Wuhan University, Dr. Yang has led numerous studies on gene mutations and their roles in genetic diseases and cancer progression. He has served as a guest editor for Frontiers in Genetics and is an editorial board member for Spandidos Journal and Brain Research. His leadership extends to serving on various committees, such as the Gene Health Branch of Hubei Genetic Society and the Medical Genetics Branch of Hubei Medical Association.

🔬 Research Interests On Genetics

Dr. Yang’s research revolves around:

  • Genetic mutations and their impact on inherited diseases 🧬
  • Development of advanced gene diagnostic methods 🏥
  • Molecular mechanisms and targeted drug discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma 💊

🏆 Awards

Dr. Yang has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to medical genetics and has been nominated for the Best Researcher Award for his pioneering work in genetic disease research and precision medicine.

📚 Publications

Dr. Yang has contributed to several high-impact journals, with research spanning genetic disorders, cancer therapy, and bioinformatics:

  • “Truncated FRMD7 proteins in congenital Nystagmus: novel frameshift mutations and proteasomal pathway implications”
    • Authors: Y. Su, J. Zhang, J. Gao, Y. Li, G. Yang
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • “Lessons from two patients with Prader–Willi syndrome attributed to heterodisomy and isodisomy”
    • Authors: H. Zhou, J. Zhou, S. Xu, G. Yang, K. Wu
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • “Autophagy inhibition mediated by trillin promotes apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via activation of mTOR/STAT3 signaling”
    • Authors: G. Zhan, T. Wei, H. Xie, S. Li, G. Yang
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: 3
  • Clinic Examination and Gene Diagnosis for a Birt–Hogg–Dubé Syndrome Family With a Novel flcn Frameshift Mutation Causing Nonsense‐Mediated mRNA Degradation
    • Year: 2025
    • Authors: Yang Xu, Jie Gao, Yang An, Chenxi Zou, Guoqing Ding, Guohua Yang, Finlay Macrae
  • A novel TSC1 frameshift mutation c.1550_1551del causes tuberous sclerosis complex by aberrant splicing and nonsense‐mediated mRNA degradation (NMD) simultaneously in a Chinese family
    • Year: 2020
    • Authors: Cong Qiu, Chengyan Li, Xiaoyun Tong, Luoyang Dai, Wenda Liu, Yulie Xie, Qimei Zhang, Guohua Yang, Tao Li
  • Identification and Interaction Analysis of Significant Genes and MicroRNAs in Pterygium
    • Year: 2019
    • Authors: Siying He, Hui Sun, Yifang Huang, Shiqi Dong, Chen Qiao, Shuai Zhang, Chen Wang, Fang Zheng, Ming Yan, Guohua Yang

🔚 Conclusion

Dr. Guohua Yang has made significant strides in the field of medical genetics, particularly in gene mutation studies and cancer research. His editorial contributions, leadership roles, and groundbreaking research continue to shape the future of genetic diagnostics and targeted therapies.

Ana Bendejacq-Seychelles | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Ana Bendejacq-Seychelles | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Agricultural and Environmental Engineer in PhD thesis | Agroecology, INRAE, Institute Agro Dijon, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté | France

Ana Bendejacq-Seychelles is a dedicated agricultural and environmental engineer currently pursuing her PhD in Agroecology at UMR Agroecology, INRAE Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Dijon, France. Her research focuses on using multi-omic approaches to identify fungal metabolites with phytotoxic effects on the parasitic weed Phelipanche ramosa. Ana is passionate about agroecological solutions to tackle pressing agricultural and ecological challenges.

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Orcid

Strengths for the Awards

  • Research Expertise and Focus:
    • Her current PhD research on identifying fungal metabolites toxic to the parasitic weed Phelipanche ramosa showcases advanced knowledge in multi-omics approaches, with significant implications for sustainable agriculture and parasitic weed management.
    • Published impactful papers in high-quality journals such as Toxins, Pest Management Science, and Applied Energy. These publications highlight her proficiency in untargeted metabolomics, environmental management, and sustainable energy in agricultural systems.
  • Diverse Academic Background:
    • A strong foundation in agroecology, agricultural engineering, and multidisciplinary sciences, evidenced by her Master’s degree and engineering curriculum.
    • Hands-on experience with innovative research topics such as the effect of photovoltaic panels on agricultural systems and pollinator pressures in socio-ecological frameworks.

Education 🎓

Ana’s academic journey began with an intensive two-year preparation in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences at Sainte Geneviève High School in Versailles, France, where she graduated with honors. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in Agroecology at the University Bourgogne Franche-Comté (2021–2023), while simultaneously completing a prestigious civil service agricultural engineering program at Agro Dijon.

Experience 📓

Ana has accumulated diverse research experience:

  • PhD Research (2023–present): Investigating phytotoxic fungal metabolites for parasitic weed control.
  • Research Internship (2023): Developed lab protocols to study fungal metabolites affecting Phelipanche ramosa.
  • Environmental Tool Development (2022–2023): Collaborated on a project to evaluate pressures on pollinators and create a dialogue tool for scientists and policymakers.
  • Solar Agriculture Research (2022): Explored plant growth under photovoltaic panels at the German Aerospace Center.
  • Educational Projects (2021–2022): Produced a teaching aid on precision agriculture and agroecology.

Research Interests On Genetics🔬

Ana’s primary research interests lie at the intersection of ecology, agriculture, and environmental science. She specializes in exploring the potential of fungal metabolites as natural herbicides, sustainable agricultural practices, and the integration of technology like photovoltaic systems in agroecology.

Awards 🏆

Ana’s academic and extracurricular excellence has been recognized through her participation in prestigious events, including:

  • Chemistry Olympiads (2017, 2019)
  • General Mathematics Competition (2018)
  • Biarritz International Dance Workshop
    She was also selected for the AnaEE France 2024 Summer School on machine learning ecology and presented her research at the 17th World Congress of Parasitic Plants in Japan (2024).

Publications 📚

  • “Image Analysis and Untargeted Metabolomics Reveal Potential Phytotoxins from Fusarium venenatum Against Major Parasitic Weed Phelipanche ramosa”
    • Authors: Ana Bendejacq Seychelles, Lisa Martinez, Anaïs Corréard, Jean Chrisologue Totozafy, Christian Steinberg, Jean-Bernard Pouvreau, Carole Reibel, Grégory Mouille, Samuel Mondy, Lucie Poulin, et al.
    • Publication Year: 2024 (December 10).
    • Citations: None yet, as it was recently published.
    • DOI: 10.3390/toxins16120531.
  • “Combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics to characterize and identify fungal metabolites phytotoxic to Phelipanche ramosa, a parasitic plant of crops”
    • Author: Ana Bendejacq Seychelles.
    • Publication Year: 2023 (November 28).
    • Citations: Not currently cited.
  • “Phytotoxic fungal secondary metabolites as herbicides”
    • Authors: Ana Bendejacq Seychelles, Stéphanie Gibot-Leclerc, Jean-Philippe Guillemin, Gregory Mouille, Christian Steinberg.
    • Publication Year: 2023 (October 4).
    • Citations: Available but unspecified.
    • DOI: 10.1002/ps.7813.

 

Conclusion 🌟

Ana Bendejacq-Seychelles embodies a blend of scientific rigor and passion for sustainability. With her diverse expertise in agroecology, research, and technology, she is poised to make significant contributions to the agricultural and environmental sectors.