Marlin Touma | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

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

đź’Ľ 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)

đź“ť 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

đź“š 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

đź“„ 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.

Badriah Alkathiri | Genomics | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Badriah Alkathiri | Genomics | Best Researcher Award

PhD | Chungbuk National University | South Korea

Dr. Badriah Alkathiri is a distinguished researcher in veterinary parasitology with a strong focus on mechanistic and ingredient research. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Chungbuk National University in South Korea, her work revolves around studying tick-borne pathogens, utilizing advanced analytical tools. With multiple accolades and publications, she actively contributes to advancing veterinary science and parasitology globally.

Profile

Scopus

Strenghts for the Awards

  1. Academic Excellence:
    • PhD in Veterinary Parasitology (2021–2025): Currently pursuing advanced research with significant contributions to parasitology.
    • Dual Master’s Degrees:
      • MSc in Biotechnology (Korea University, 2019).
      • MSc in Parasitology (King Saud University, 2016).
    • Broad educational foundation, including a Bachelor’s in Zoology.
  2. Research Contributions:
    • Publications: Authored/co-authored 12 impactful research papers, including studies on tick-borne pathogens, zoonotic diseases, and molecular epidemiology, in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports and Pathogens.
    • Collaborations: Cooperative work with the Korean Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency on cutting-edge tick-borne pathogen projects.
    • Diverse Research Focus: Includes parasitology, microbiota, and zoonotic disease outbreaks, showcasing adaptability and depth in the field.
  3. Awards & Recognitions:
    • Winner of Best Oral Presentation (Korean Basic Medical Conference, 2024).
    • Multiple Best Poster Awards in prestigious conferences (e.g., 2023 Korean Society for Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, 2014 World Congress of Internal Medicine).
    • Active conference participation with both oral and poster presentations, demonstrating her ability to communicate research effectively.
  4. Professional and Voluntary Contributions:
    • Experience in R&D roles, particularly in mechanistic and ingredient research (Biocoz Global Korea Corp).
    • Voluntary teaching roles (e.g., Arabic teacher, Islamic Center Seoul), indicating strong leadership, cultural adaptability, and commitment to community service.
  5. Multilingual Skills: Fluent in Arabic, English, and Korean, making her an effective global researcher who can collaborate across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
  6. Soft and Practical Skills:
    • Proficient in time management, teamwork, and multitasking under pressure.
    • Hands-on technical expertise in parasitology and related fields.

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. Student (2021–2025): Veterinary Parasitology, Chungbuk National University, South Korea
  • Master of Science (2019): Biotechnology, Korea University, South Korea
  • Master of Science (2016): Parasitology, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
  • Bachelor’s Degree (2009): Zoology, Princess Nora University, Saudi Arabia

Career Experience đź’Ľ

Dr. Alkathiri has held several significant positions:

  • Researcher in R&D (2019–2021): Biocoz Global Korea Corp, Seoul
  • Korean Translator and Teacher (2019–2021): Various roles, including volunteering in Seoul
  • Science Teacher (2011): Al-Orwa Al-Wuthqa School, Riyadh
    Her career demonstrates a blend of research, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Alkathiri’s research focuses on:

  • Tick-borne pathogens and their molecular characterization
  • Veterinary parasitology with an emphasis on tick-host-pathogen interactions
  • Zoonotic diseases and gut microbiota studies in animals

Awards and Achievements 🏆

  • Best Oral Presentation (2024): Korean Basic Medical Conference, Seoul, South Korea
  • Best Poster Award (2023): Korean Society for Parasitology and Tropical Medicine
  • Best Poster Award (2014): 32nd World Congress of Internal Medicine, Seoul

Publications đź“š

  • Title: 16S rRNA metabarcoding for the identification of tick-borne bacteria in ticks in the Republic of Korea
    Authors: Alkathiri, B., Lee, S., Ahn, K., Shin, S., Lee, S.-H.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Molecular detection and characterization of Acanthamoeba infection in dogs and its association with keratitis in Korea
    Authors: Lee, S., Alkathiri, B., Jung, J.S., Park, K.-M., Lee, S.-H.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Outbreak of severe diarrhea due to zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum and C. xiaoi in goat kids in Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea
    Authors: Kim, A.-Y., Alkathiri, B., Lee, S., Kwak, D., Lee, S.-H.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 1
  • Title: Tick Populations and Molecular Analysis of Anaplasma Species in Ticks from the Republic of Korea
    Authors: Seo, M.-G., Lee, H., Alkathiri, B., Kwon, O.-D., Kwak, D.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 4
  • Title: Molecular epidemiology of Theileria species in ticks and its potential threat to livestock in the Republic of Korea
    Authors: Alkathiri, B., Ahn, K., Lee, H., Shin, S., Lee, S.-H.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 4
  • Title: Two cases of ectopic dirofilariasis by Dirofilaria immitis in subconjunctival and subcutaneous tissues in dogs
    Authors: Goh, Y.-S., Kim, H.-M., Alkathiri, B., Lee, S.-H., Park, K.-M.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 4
  • Title: Distribution of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infection in Domestic Pigs in the Republic of Korea: Nationwide Survey from 2020-2021
    Authors: Lee, S., Alkathiri, B., Kwak, D., Byun, J.-W., Lee, S.-H.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 3
  • Title: Pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice shows antioxidant activity against cutaneous leishmaniasis-induced oxidative stress in female BALB/c mice
    Authors: Alkathiri, B., El-Khadragy, M.F., Metwally, D.M., Bakhrebah, M.A., Moneim, A.E.A.
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 18
  • Title: Anti-leishmanial activity (in vitro and in vivo) of allicin and allicin cream using leishmania major (sub-strain zymowme LON4) and Balb/c Mice
    Authors: Metwally, D.M., Al-Olayan, E.M., El-Khadragy, M.F., Alkathiri, B.
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 16

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Badriah Alkathiri exemplifies dedication to scientific innovation and collaborative research in veterinary parasitology. Her academic and professional journey is marked by impactful contributions to science, leadership in research, and global engagement.