Mark Hamann | Toxicology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Mark Hamann | Toxicology | Best Researcher Award

MUSC& Oxford Laboratories | United States

Dr. Mark T. Hamann is a distinguished scientist in drug discovery and biomedical sciences, holding the Charles and Carol Cooper/SmartState Endowed Chair at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). With over 330 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 71, he ranks in the top 1% of scientists worldwide. His research focuses on marine natural products, drug discovery, and biomedical informatics, contributing significantly to cancer therapeutics, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

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Strengths for the Awards

  1. Outstanding Research Metrics
    • h-index: 71 (Indicates a high impact and influence in the research community).
    • i10-index: 200 (Signifies a significant number of highly cited papers).
    • Citations: Over 18,100 (Reflects global recognition and influence).
    • ResearchGate Score: Higher than 99% of RG readers.
    • Stanford-PLOS One Report Ranking: Top 1% of scientists worldwide.
  2. Extensive Publication Record
    • 330+ peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.
    • Published in prestigious journals like Chemical Reviews, Journal of Natural Products, Molecular Oncology, and Scientific Reports.
    • Frequent first and corresponding authorship roles.
  3. Leadership in Research and Academia
    • Endowed Chair Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina.
    • Holds multiple academic appointments across institutions.
    • Leads research programs in drug discovery, pharmacognosy, marine natural products, and biomedical sciences.
    • Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Sycamore Biopharma and Oxford Laboratories.

Education šŸŽ“

  • Postdoctoral Research (1993) – Marine Natural Products, McMurdo, Antarctica & University of Hawaii, Honolulu
  • Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (1992) – University of Hawaii, under the guidance of Professor Emeritus Paul Scheuer
  • B.S. in Chemistry and Biology (1985) – Bemidji State University, Minnesota

Experience šŸ›ļø

Dr. Hamann has held various prestigious academic and research positions, including:

  • Professor of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, MUSC
  • Director of Clinical Studies, Branded Legacy, Inc. (2024–Present)
  • Cofounder & CSO, Sycamore Biopharma & Oxford Laboratories (acquired by Branded Legacy in 2024)
  • Joint Appointed Professor, Clemson-MUSC Biomedical Data Sciences & Informatics Program
  • Adjunct Professor, College of Charleston & University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
  • Principal Investigator, Bigelow Marine Laboratory

His work spans pharmacology, marine biotechnology, and biomedical sciences, focusing on translational research from lab discoveries to clinical applications.

Research Interests On Toxicology šŸ”¬

Dr. Hamann’s research revolves around:

  • Marine Natural Products – Identifying bioactive compounds from marine organisms for therapeutic use.
  • Cancer Therapeutics – Developing novel anticancer agents, particularly targeting drug-resistant tumors.
  • Infectious Diseases & COVID-19 Research – Investigating antiviral compounds, including inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2.
  • Biomedical Informatics & AI in Drug Discovery – Harnessing computational tools for accelerating pharmaceutical innovation.

Awards & Honors šŸ†

Dr. Hamann has received numerous accolades, including:

  • Presidential Candidate Nomination, American Society of Pharmacognosy (2024/2025)
  • MUSC College of Pharmacy Researcher of the Year (2024)
  • Stanford-PLOS One Report – Ranked in the top 1% of scientists globally
  • Lifetime Membership Award, International Marine Biotechnology Association (2020)
  • Best Publication of the Year (2021) – Journal of Antibiotics, Nature Publishing
  • Chair & Member of NIH, NCCIH, and NIDA Study Sections (2020-2024)

Publications šŸ“š

  1. Marine indole alkaloids: potential new drug leads for the control of depression and anxiety
    • Authors: AJ Kochanowska-Karamyan, MT Hamann
    • Year: 2010
    • Citations: 2001
  2. Lamellarins and related pyrrole-derived alkaloids from marine organisms
    • Authors: H Fan, J Peng, MT Hamann, JF Hu
    • Year: 2008
    • Citations: 1159
  3. Marine natural products and their potential applications as anti-infective agents
    • Authors: M Donia, MT Hamann
    • Year: 2003
    • Citations: 736
  4. Indole alkaloid marine natural products: An established source of cancer drug leads with considerable promise for the control of parasitic, neurological and other diseases
    • Authors: W Gul, MT Hamann
    • Year: 2005
    • Citations: 538
  5. Marine natural products as novel antioxidant prototypes
    • Authors: S Takamatsu, TW Hodges, I Rajbhandari, WH Gerwick, MT Hamann, …
    • Year: 2003
    • Citations: 364
  6. Marine pharmacology in 2005–6: Marine compounds with anthelmintic, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antiprotozoal, antituberculosis …
    • Authors: AMS Mayer, AD RodrĆ­guez, RGS Berlinck, MT Hamann
    • Year: 2009
    • Citations: 354
  7. Kahalalide F: a bioactive depsipeptide from the sacoglossan mollusk Elysia rufescens and the green alga Bryopsis sp
    • Authors: MT Hamann, PJ Scheuer
    • Year: 1993
    • Citations: 353
  8. Marine pharmacology in 2001–2002: Marine compounds with anthelmintic, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antidiabetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antiplatelet …
    • Authors: AMS Mayer, MT Hamann
    • Year: 2005
    • Citations: 345
  9. Kahalalides:  Bioactive Peptides from a Marine Mollusk Elysia rufescens and Its Algal Diet Bryopsis sp.
    • Authors: MT Hamann, CS Otto, PJ Scheuer, DC Dunbar
    • Year: 1996
    • Citations: 336
  10. In vivo antimalarial activity of the beta-carboline alkaloid manzamine A
  • Authors: KKH Ang, MJ Holmes, T Higa, MT Hamann, UAK Kara
  • Year: 2000
  • Citations: 315

Conclusion šŸŒ

Dr. Mark T. Hamann is a pioneering scientist whose work has had a lasting impact on drug discovery, cancer therapeutics, and marine natural products research. His dedication to translational science and mentorship continues to shape the future of pharmaceutical innovations.

Bogdan Amuzescu | Toxicology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bogdan Amuzescu | Toxicology | Best Researcher Award

MD, PhD | University of Bucharest | Romania

Amuzescu P. Bogdan is an esteemed Romanian scientist specializing in neurobiology, electrophysiology, and mathematical modeling of biological systems. Born on November 27, 1965, in Bucharest, Romania, he has made significant contributions to the fields of membrane biophysics, cardiomyocyte modeling, and cellular physiology. A dedicated academic and researcher, he currently serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Bucharest.

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Strengths for the Awards

  • Extensive Research Background:
    Dr. Amuzescu’s academic and research trajectory spans decades, covering interdisciplinary domains such as biophysics, neurobiology, electrophysiology, and mathematical modeling of biological systems. With numerous positions held in academia and research, he demonstrates profound expertise in fundamental and applied sciences.
  • Significant Contributions to Science:
    • Published 39 original scientific papers, including 23 in ISI-quoted journals, showcasing impactful contributions to areas such as ion channel electrophysiology, cardiomyocyte biophysics, and neural signaling.
    • Notable achievements include the development of electrophysiological models, discovery of novel effects of amitriptyline on ASIC1a ion channels, and pioneering studies on TRPV1 currents and Mg2+-regulated ion channels.
  • Research Grants and Funding:
    Dr. Amuzescu has successfully contributed to and led several prestigious research grants, including those funded by the World Bank, NATO, and Volkswagen Foundation, as well as significant EU structural grants. His role as grant coordinator and scientific manager highlights his ability to manage and execute large-scale projects effectively.

Education šŸŽ“

Amuzescu P. Bogdan’s academic journey began in Bucharest, where he attended Elementary School No. 80 and Secondary School No. 117. He graduated from the renowned St. Sava National College in 1984, focusing on mathematics and physics. After earning his medical degree from the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 1991, he pursued a Master’s in Neurobiology at the University of Bucharest (1999-2000) and completed his PhD (2000-2003) on the properties of ion channels in biomembranes, mentored by Prof. Maria-Luisa Flonta and international collaborators.

Professional Experience šŸ’¼

Amuzescu has amassed extensive teaching and research experience over the years. His career highlights include:

  • 1991-1992: Assistant roles in Biophysics and Nuclear Medicine in Constanța.
  • 1992-2000: Clinical practice as a specialist physician in hematology and internal medicine.
  • 2000-Present: Academic roles at the University of Bucharest, where he advanced from Assistant Lecturer to Associate Professor.
  • 2014-2015: Application Scientist at Cytocentrics Bioscience GmbH, Germany.

His teaching repertoire includes neurobiophysics, anatomy, physiology, and clinical diagnostics.

Research Interests On Toxicology šŸ”¬

Amuzescu’s expertise spans:

  • Mathematical modeling of complex biological systems, particularly in cardiology and neurology.
  • Electrophysiology, focusing on ion channels, nociception, and pain mechanisms.
  • Cardiac safety pharmacology and drug safety profiling.
  • Developing innovative methodologies, such as automated patch-clamp technologies.

His work explores diseases like diabetic neuropathy, Alzheimer’s, and ischemic conditions, integrating molecular and systemic perspectives.

Awards and Recognition šŸ†

  • 2005: First Prize for Scientific Communication, Romanian Neuroscience Society.
  • Invited reviewer for prestigious journals, including the European Journal of Pharmacology and Journal of Neuroscience Methods.
  • Leader of the Group of Mathematical Modeling of Complex Biological Systems at the University of Bucharest.

Publications šŸ“š

  • Magnesium‐inhibited, TRPM6/7‐like channel in cardiac myocytes: permeation of divalent cations and pH‐mediated regulation
    • Authors: A Gwanyanya, B Amuzescu, SI Zakharov, R Macianskiene, KR Sipido, …
    • Year: 2004
    • Citations: 113
  • Action potential characterization of human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes using automated patch-clamp technology
    • Authors: O Scheel, S Frech, B Amuzescu, J Eisfeld, KH Lin, T Knott
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 97
  • Cooling inhibits capsaicin-induced currents in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurones
    • Authors: A Babes, B Amuzescu, U Krause, A Scholz, ML Flonta, G Reid
    • Year: 2002
    • Citations: 50
  • A system for applying rapid warming or cooling stimuli to cells during patch clamp recording or ion imaging
    • Authors: G Reid, B Amuzescu, E Zech, ML Flonta
    • Year: 2001
    • Citations: 50
  • Evolution of mathematical models of cardiomyocyte electrophysiology
    • Authors: B Amuzescu, R Airini, FB Epureanu, SA Mann, T Knott, BM Radu
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 39
  • Catecholamines reduce transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 desensitization in cultured dorsal root ganglia neurons
    • Authors: A Filippi, C Caruntu, RO Gheorghe, A Deftu, B Amuzescu, V Ristoiu
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 25
  • Zinc is a voltage-dependent blocker of native and heterologously expressed epithelial Na+ channels
    • Authors: B Amuzescu, A Segal, ML Flonta, J Simaels, W Van Driessche
    • Year: 2003
    • Citations: 25
  • Extracellular trypsin increases ASIC1a selectivity for monovalent versus divalent cations
    • Authors: E Neaga, B Amuzescu, C Dinu, B Macri, F Pena, ML Flonta
    • Year: 2005
    • Citations: 24
  • Recording of multiple ion current components and action potentials in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes via automated patch-clamp
    • Authors: SA Mann, J Heide, T Knott, R Airini, FB Epureanu, AF Deftu, AT Deftu, …
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 23
  • Aspartame safety as a food sweetener and related health hazards
    • Authors: SAA Shaher, DF Mihailescu, B Amuzescu
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 22

Conclusion šŸ¤

Amuzescu P. Bogdan’s career reflects a unique blend of medical expertise, academic rigor, and groundbreaking research in neurobiology and physiology. Through his dedication to teaching, innovative research, and interdisciplinary collaborations, he continues to contribute profoundly to understanding complex biological systems and developing therapeutic strategies.