Balsam Al Hashimi | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Balsam Al Hashimi | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Deputy Laboratory Manager & Lead Embryologist in Genetics at London Womens’s Clinic, United Kingdom

Balsam Al Hashimi is a dedicated researcher in clinical embryology and reproductive genetics with dual Canadian and British citizenship. Currently pursuing a PhD at University College London (UCL), Al Hashimi combines her academic expertise with hands-on experience, contributing to advancements in IVF, embryo development, and genetic screening. Her work aims to enhance fertility outcomes, and her roles in prestigious institutions like the London Women’s Clinic underscore her leadership in embryology. An active member of global fertility societies, she continuously shares her insights through presentations and publications, establishing herself as a significant voice in reproductive sciences.

Professional Profile

Education

Al Hashimi’s educational journey reflects her commitment to understanding human reproduction and genetics. She is a PhD student in Reproductive Genetics at UCL, a field she explored through a Master of Science in Clinical Embryology at the University of Leeds. Her research there focused on preimplantation genetic diagnosis, a vital method for assessing embryo viability. Prior to this, she completed a Master of Science in Biotechnology at Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, where she investigated molecular causes of infertility. Her foundation in biotechnology began with an Honour Bachelor of Science degree from Al-Nahrain University, reflecting her early dedication to reproductive health research.

Professional Experience

Al Hashimi brings over 15 years of professional experience in clinical embryology and reproductive research. As Deputy Laboratory Manager and Lead Embryologist at the London Women’s Clinic, she oversees embryo handling, genetic testing, and quality control, contributing to her expertise in IVF procedures. Her experience spans countries and institutions, including roles at the Reproductive Care Center and Newlife Fertility Center in Canada, and at the Institute of Embryo Research in Iraq. She has led various lab management operations and trained new scientists, underscoring her leadership in clinical laboratory settings and her commitment to scientific excellence.

Research Interests

Balsam Al Hashimi’s research centers on reproductive genetics, embryo viability, and fertility treatment optimization. Her work includes pioneering embryo culture techniques, genetic assessments through next-generation sequencing, and the application of artificial intelligence in embryo selection. She is passionate about enhancing success rates for fertility treatments, and her research on delayed ICSI and genetic insights into fertilization outcomes has practical applications in clinical embryology. Al Hashimi’s focus on integrating technology and genetic analysis in IVF aims to improve patient outcomes and set new standards for reproductive healthcare.

Awards and Honors

Al Hashimi’s research achievements have earned her numerous accolades within the fertility science community. She was awarded the Jean Prudy Prize at the British Fertility Society, recognizing her work on ovarian hyper-stimulation and embryo euploidy rates. She has presented her research at major conferences, including the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. Her contributions to genetic testing methodologies and AI-assisted embryo evaluation have positioned her as a leading figure in her field, respected for her innovative approach and commitment to advancing reproductive medicine.

Conclusion

Al Hashimi’s well-rounded expertise, especially in clinical embryology and reproductive genetics, robust publication history, and impactful presentations make her a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to advancing the understanding of IVF, embryo development, and genetic screening have not only propelled scientific knowledge forward but also hold the potential for substantial clinical impact. By expanding collaborative research efforts and diversifying her research topics, she could further strengthen her candidacy for future awards and recognition.

Publication Top Noted

🧬 Double Vitrification and Warming of Blastocysts Does Not Affect Pregnancy, Miscarriage, or Live Birth Rates
  • Author(s): Al Hashimi, B., Linara-Demakakou, E., Harvey, S.C., Ahuja, K., Macklon, N.S.
  • Year: 2024
  • Citation Count: 0
🥼 Clinical Outcomes of Vitrified-Warmed Autologous Oocyte Cycles with 15-Year Follow-Up at a Single UK Centre: Consistent and Predictable Results
  • Author(s): Garratt, J., Shah, T., Mclaughlin, A., Linara-Demakakou, E., Ahuja, K.K.
  • Year: 2024
  • Citation Count: 0

Kalpana Rajanala | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kalpana Rajanala | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Manager-Scientific and Medical Writing at Ocugen, United States

Dr. Kalpana Rajanala is an accomplished researcher with a profound understanding of drug development, particularly in the fields of oncology, ocular diseases, laminopathies, and neurodegenerative diseases. Her expertise spans scientific writing, data analysis, and communication, making her a versatile professional in the biomedical research arena.🌟🔬💉

Professional profile

Education📚

Dr. Rajanala holds a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi (2006-2012). She also earned an M.E. in Biotechnology from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani (2004-2006), and a B.S. in Physician Assistance from the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Chennai (2000-2004). Her educational background lays a strong foundation for her multifaceted research career. 📚🔬🏅

Professional Experience🏛️

With a career spanning over a decade, Dr. Rajanala has held key positions in both academia and industry. She currently serves as the Manager of Scientific and Medical Writing at Ocugen, Inc. Her previous roles include editor at Cactus Communications, research scientist at Thomas Jefferson University, and post-doctoral fellowships at the University of Göttingen, Germany, and the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi. Her diverse professional experience has honed her skills in scientific communication and research. 🧪🔬🔍

Research Interest🌐

Dr. Rajanala’s research interests lie at the intersection of cellular biology and drug development, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer and ocular disorders. Her work has contributed to the understanding of Golgi fragmentation, epigenetic switches in retinal homeostasis, and therapeutic strategies for geographic atrophy, positioning her as a thought leader in these areas. 🧬🩺🌟

Awards and Honors🏆

Dr. Rajanala’s excellence in research has been recognized with several prestigious awards and fellowships. She received the Fritz Thyssen Fellowship and the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) grant for her research in Germany. She was also awarded the Best Poster Presentation at the International Symposium on Cancer Biology, New Delhi, and earned a Gold Medal during her graduation at the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Chennai. These accolades highlight her significant contributions to the scientific community.🥇🎓🌟

Achievements🏅
  • Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
  • Manager of Scientific and Medical Writing at Ocugen, Inc., leading the preparation of regulatory documents and scientific publications.
  • Recipient of the Fritz Thyssen Fellowship for research at the University of Göttingen, Germany.
  • Awarded Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) Grant for studying the targeting of ER membrane proteins in Germany.
  • Best Poster Presentation Award at the International Symposium on Cancer Biology, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi.
  • Gold Medalist in Graduation at the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Chennai, India.
  • Published multiple research papers in high-impact journals, including the International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Cellular Signaling.
  • Presented research findings at prestigious conferences, including the Experimental Biology Meeting in Philadelphia and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Meeting in New York.
  • Contributed to NIH R21 and R01 grant progress reports at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Thomas Jefferson University.
  • Extensive experience in scientific and medical writing, including authoring manuscripts, grant proposals, and regulatory documents.
Publications top noted📜
  • “Localization of nucleoporin Tpr to the nuclear pore complex is essential for Tpr mediated regulation of the export of unspliced RNA”
    Rajanala, K., Nandicoori, V.K. (2012)
    PloS One, 7(1): e29921.
    Citations: 87
  • “Phosphorylation of nucleoporin Tpr governs its differential localization and is required for its mitotic function”
    Rajanala, K., Sarkar, A., Jhingan, G.D., Priyadarshini, R., Jalan, M., Sengupta, S., et al. (2014)
    Journal of Cell Science, 127(16): 3505-3520.
    Citations: 40
  • “Kinetoplast Morphology and Segregation Pattern as a Marker for Cell Cycle Progression in Leishmania donovani”
    Minocha, N., Kumar, D., Rajanala, K., Saha, S. (2011)
    Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, 58(3): 249-253.
    Citations: 38
  • “The distribution pattern of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the nuclei of Leishmania donovani”
    Kumar, D., Minocha, N., Rajanala, K., Saha, S. (2009)
    Microbiology, 155(11): 3748-3757.
    Citations: 31
  • “Histone H4 lysine 14 acetylation in Leishmania donovani is mediated by the MYST-family protein HAT4”
    Kumar, D., Rajanala, K., Minocha, N., Saha, S. (2012)
    Microbiology, 158(2): 328-337.
    Citations: 29
  • “Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy mutations impair TRC40-mediated targeting of emerin to the inner nuclear membrane”
    Pfaff, J., Rivera Monroy, J., Jamieson, C., Rajanala, K., Vilardi, F., et al. (2016)
    Journal of Cell Science, 129(3): 502-516.
    Citations: 27
  • “Characterization of Leishmania donovani MCM4: expression patterns and interaction with PCNA”
    Minocha, N., Kumar, D., Rajanala, K., Saha, S. (2011)
    PloS One, 6(7): e23107.
    Citations: 15
  • “Gβγ regulates mitotic Golgi fragmentation and G2/M cell cycle progression”
    Rajanala, K., Klayman, L.M., Wedegaertner, P.B. (2021)
    Molecular Biology of the Cell, 32(20): br2.
    Citations: 5
  • “Geographic atrophy: Pathophysiology and current therapeutic strategies”
    Rajanala, K., Dotiwala, F., Upadhyay, A. (2023)
    Frontiers in Ophthalmology, 3: 1327883.
    Citations: 4
  • “In vitro analysis of Hedgehog acyltransferase and porcupine fatty acyltransferase activities”
    Asciolla, J.J., Rajanala, K., Resh, M.D. (2019)
    Protein Lipidation: Methods and Protocols, 243-255.
    Citations: 2
  • “Gβγ signaling regulates microtubule-dependent control of Golgi integrity”
    Rajanala, K., Wedegaertner, P.B. (2023)
    Cellular Signalling, 106: 110630.
    Citations: 1
  • “Correction: Phosphorylation of nucleoporin Tpr governs its differential localization and is required for its mitotic function”
    Rajanala, K., Sarkar, A., Jhingan, G.D., Priyadarshini, R., Jalan, M., Sengupta, S., et al. (2022)
    Journal of Cell Science, 135(6): jcs260004.
    Citations: 1