Janne Rojas | Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Janne Rojas | Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Profesora investigadora at Universidad de Los Andes, Venezuela

Dr. Janne del Carmen Rojas Vera is a distinguished Venezuelan researcher and professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Los Andes (ULA), specializing in natural products and medicinal chemistry. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Portsmouth, England, and a Master’s in Medicinal Chemistry from ULA. With over three decades of academic and research experience, she has contributed significantly to the study of bioactive compounds, antimicrobial activity, and phytochemical properties of medicinal plants. As a full professor and research mentor, she has guided numerous undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral theses. Her work has led to multiple scientific publications in international journals, showcasing her expertise in pharmacognosy and pharmaceutical sciences. Dr. Rojas’s dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and training future researchers makes her a strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award, recognizing her impactful contributions to medicinal chemistry and her commitment to innovation in pharmaceutical research.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Janne del Carmen Rojas Vera has an extensive academic background in pharmaceutical sciences and medicinal chemistry. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 2002 from the University of Portsmouth, England, where she conducted research on the chemical and pharmacological properties of raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus). Prior to that, she completed a Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry at the Universidad de Los Andes (ULA), Mérida, Venezuela, in 1995. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from ULA in 1990, where she graduated with distinction, securing third place in her graduating class. Her specialized training and advanced studies have equipped her with expertise in organic chemistry, natural products, and pharmacognosy. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied pharmaceutical sciences, Dr. Rojas has continued to contribute to research, innovation, and education in the field, mentoring students and leading scientific investigations in medicinal chemistry.

Professional Experience

Dr. Janne del Carmen Rojas Vera has over three decades of professional experience in pharmaceutical research and academia. She has been a dedicated faculty member at the Universidad de Los Andes (ULA), Venezuela, since 1992, progressively advancing through academic ranks to become a Full Professor in 2011. Specializing in medicinal chemistry and natural products, she has taught courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including Organic Chemistry, Natural Products, and Medicinal Chemistry. Her research focuses on the chemical and pharmacological properties of bioactive compounds, leading to numerous scientific publications. In addition to her teaching and research, Dr. Rojas has mentored many undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, fostering new generations of scientists. She also served as a pharmacist early in her career, gaining practical expertise in drug analysis. Her extensive experience in education, research, and mentorship highlights her invaluable contributions to pharmaceutical sciences and academia.

Research Interests

Dr. Janne del Carmen Rojas Vera’s research interests lie in the fields of medicinal chemistry, natural products, and pharmaceutical sciences. Her work focuses on the isolation, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation of bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants, particularly those with antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties. She is dedicated to studying the chemical composition of essential oils and plant extracts to explore their potential therapeutic applications. Dr. Rojas has contributed significantly to understanding the biological activities of various plant species, aiming to discover novel compounds with pharmaceutical relevance. Her research extends to evaluating the toxicity, analgesic effects, and antimicrobial properties of natural products, providing valuable insights into drug discovery. She also investigates phytochemical screening.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Janne del Carmen Rojas Vera has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry, and natural product research. As a distinguished academic, she earned third place in student performance ranking during her undergraduate studies in pharmacy at the Universidad de Los Andes. Throughout her career, she has been acknowledged for her dedication to scientific research, particularly in the study of bioactive compounds and their pharmaceutical applications. Her research has been published in prestigious scientific journals, further cementing her reputation in the field. Dr. Rojas has also been honored for her mentorship and commitment to training future researchers in pharmaceutical sciences. Her involvement in various research projects, coupled with her leadership in academia, has made her a respected figure in the scientific community. These accolades highlight her significant impact on advancing medicinal chemistry and natural product research.

Research Skills

Dr. Janne del Carmen Rojas Vera possesses a diverse and advanced skill set in pharmaceutical and natural product research. Her expertise includes phytochemical analysis, isolation, and structural elucidation of bioactive compounds, particularly from medicinal plants. She is highly skilled in chromatographic techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS, and TLC, which are essential for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of natural products. Additionally, Dr. Rojas specializes in pharmacological and antimicrobial activity assessments, evaluating the therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds against various pathogens. Her research skills extend to spectroscopic methods, including NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy, for the identification of chemical constituents. As a seasoned academic, she excels in designing and supervising research projects, guiding students in experimental methodologies, and publishing scientific findings in high-impact journals. Her ability to integrate chemistry, pharmacology, and biotechnology in her research makes her a highly proficient and respected scientist in the field of medicinal chemistry.

Conclusion

Dr. Janne del Carmen Rojas Vera is a highly qualified candidate for the Women Researcher Award due to her extensive academic career, impactful research in medicinal chemistry, and dedication to mentoring future scientists. Her work in natural product research, antimicrobial studies, and pharmaceutical sciences has significantly contributed to her field. With further international collaborations and high-impact publications, she could further enhance her global research footprint.

Publication Top Notes

  • Rojas, J.D.C., Buitrago Díaz, A.A., Rojas-Fermín, L.B., Ramírez, H., & Fernandez-Moreira, E. (2024). Chemical composition and cytotoxic activity of the essential oil of Hinterubera imbricata species collected in Venezuelan Andes. Journal of Essential Oil-Bearing Plants.

  • Rojas, J.D.C., & Buitrago Díaz, A.A. (Year not available). Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Species Collected in Venezuelan Andean. [No source information available].

  • Bouzier, A., Rojas, J.D.C., Koumba, S., Martin, P., & Morillo Salcedo, M. (2023). The Impact of Saponins on Health-Review. Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry.

  • Rojas, J.D.C., Ndong-Ntoutoume, G.M.A., Martin, P., & Morillo Salcedo, M. (2021). Antibacterial activity and reversal of multidrug resistance of tumor cells by essential oils from fresh leaves, flowers, and stems of Montanoa quadrangularis Schultz Bipontinus (Asteraceae) collected in Mérida—Venezuela. Biomolecules.

António Barros | Chemical Engineering | Excellence in Research

Mr. António Barros | Chemical Engineering | Excellence in Research

Pesquisa Científica at Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (CPD) da Sonangol, Angola

António André Chivanga Barros is a distinguished Angolan researcher, academic, and industry leader in the field of chemical engineering. With over three decades of experience in academia, research, and university administration, he has made significant contributions to scientific innovation, industrial development, and education in Angola and beyond. His expertise spans thermodynamics, biofuels, petroleum refining, and process simulation, with a prolific publication record of over 100 scientific articles and extensive involvement in postgraduate education. In addition to his academic achievements, he has held leadership positions in national councils, industry organizations, and government advisory boards, playing a pivotal role in shaping Angola’s scientific and technological landscape.

Professional Profile 

Education

António Barros holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (1997), a Master’s in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) (1992), and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry from UFPB (1989). His academic background has provided him with a strong foundation in chemical process modeling, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability, which he has applied extensively in his research and professional career.

Professional Experience

Dr. Barros has held various prestigious academic and administrative positions. He currently serves as the Coordinator of Postgraduate Studies at the Instituto Superior Politécnico de Tecnologias e Ciências (ISPTEC), where he also leads master’s programs in Chemical Engineering and Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering. He has taught at ISPTEC and the Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB), covering subjects such as thermodynamics, bioreactors, and process engineering. Beyond academia, he has served as an executive administrator at Academia Sonangol and consulted for Angola’s government and industry. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of two international engineering journals and an active member of scientific and economic councils.

Research Interest

António Barros’s research focuses on chemical process engineering, thermodynamics, biofuels, and petroleum refining. He is particularly interested in developing sustainable energy solutions, optimizing industrial processes, and improving energy efficiency in chemical and petroleum industries. His work includes process simulation, catalyst development, and environmental sustainability in refining operations. He has also explored cyber-physical systems in engineering, integrating digital technologies with industrial processes. His research contributions have advanced the understanding of complex chemical reactions, energy optimization, and sustainable engineering practices.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Barros has received numerous awards for his contributions to chemical engineering, education, and industrial innovation. He has been recognized by Angola’s government and academic institutions for his role in advancing scientific research and higher education. His accolades include lifetime achievement awards, honorary distinctions from international engineering societies, and research excellence awards from leading universities. His leadership in academia and industry has earned him recognition as a key figure in Angola’s technological development.

Research Skills

António Barros possesses advanced research skills in process modeling, thermodynamic analysis, computational simulation, and experimental design. He is proficient in using software tools such as Aspen Plus, MATLAB, and HYSYS for process optimization and simulation. His expertise extends to laboratory research, pilot-scale experimentation, and industrial-scale implementation of chemical engineering solutions. Additionally, he has strong analytical skills in data processing, statistical modeling, and kinetic analysis. His ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications has led to significant contributions in biofuel development, petrochemical processes, and sustainable energy solutions.

Conclusion

Dr. António André Chivanga Barros is highly suitable for the Excellence in Research Award. His prolific publication record, leadership in academia, and innovative contributions to engineering research—especially in biofuels, petroleum refining, and thermodynamics—demonstrate outstanding research excellence. Further global collaboration and grant acquisition would elevate his impact even further.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: The study of biodiesel production using CaO as a heterogeneous catalytic reaction
    Authors: K Colombo, L Ender, AAC Barros
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 181

  • Title: Biofuels from waste fish oil pyrolysis: Continuous production in a pilot plant
    Authors: VR Wiggers, A Wisniewski Jr, LAS Madureira, AAC Barros, HF Meier
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 168

  • Title: Biofuels from continuous fast pyrolysis of soybean oil: A pilot plant study
    Authors: VR Wiggers, HF Meier, A Wisniewski Jr, AAC Barros, MRW Maciel
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 152

  • Title: Biofuels from waste fish oil pyrolysis: Chemical composition
    Authors: A Wisniewski Jr, VR Wiggers, EL Simionatto, HF Meier, AAC Barros, …
    Year: 2010
    Citations: 142

  • Title: Purification of residual glycerol recovered from biodiesel production
    Authors: AM Domingos, FD Pitt, AA Chivanga Barros
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 100

  • Title: Visible Light Induced Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Industrial Effluents (Rhodamine B) in Aqueous Media Using TiO2 Nanoparticles
    Authors: JO Carneiro, AP Samantilleke, P Parpot, F Fernandes, M Pastor, …
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 57

  • Title: Production of biodiesel from soybean oil and methanol, catalyzed by calcium oxide in a recycle reactor
    Authors: K Colombo, MM Santos, L Ender, AAC Barros
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 46

  • Title: A new role for reduction in pressure drop in cyclones using computational fluid dynamics techniques
    Authors: D Noriler, AA Vegini, C Soares, AAC Barros, HF Meier, M Mori
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 44

  • Title: Thermal fluid dynamics analysis of gas–liquid flow on a distillation sieve tray
    Authors: D Noriler, HF Meier, AAC Barros, MRW Maciel
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 43

  • Title: Simultaneous momentum, mass, and energy transfer analysis of a distillation sieve tray using CFD techniques: prediction of efficiencies
    Authors: D Noriler, AAC Barros, MRW Maciel, HF Meier
    Year: 2010
    Citations: 42

  • Title: Estudo da viabilidade técnico-científica da produção de biodiesel a partir de resíduos gordurosos
    Authors: AAC Barros, E Wust, HF Meier
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 42

  • Title: Craqueamento termo-catalítico da mistura óleo de fritura usado-Lodo de estamparia têxtil para a produção de óleo com baixo índice de acidez
    Authors: V Botton, D Riva, EL Simionatto, VR Wiggers, L Ender, HF Meier, …
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 28

 

Uppula Purushotham | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Uppula Purushotham | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Guru Nanak Institutions Technical Campus, India

Dr. Uppula Purushotham is an accomplished researcher in theoretical and computational chemistry with expertise in AI/ML applications for drug design, molecular docking, QSAR, and quantum chemical studies. With a strong academic background and industrial experience, he has contributed significantly to computer-aided drug discovery, mechanistic studies of organic reactions, and the screening of natural products for drug development. His research has led to multiple publications in high-impact journals, invited lectures at national and international workshops, and participation in prestigious conferences. He has also held administrative roles, mentoring students and leading innovation-driven projects in computational chemistry and artificial intelligence.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Purushotham earned his Ph.D. in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry from CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, in 2014. His research focused on computational studies of aromatic amino acids and their ionic counterparts. He completed his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from Kakatiya University, Warangal, in 2008, providing him with a strong foundation in chemical sciences and research methodologies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Purushotham has held various academic and research positions, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Guru Nanak Institutions Technical Campus, where he teaches Engineering Chemistry and conducts research in computational chemistry. Previously, he was the Director & Research Scientist at Qstatix Pvt. Ltd., leading projects in drug design, AI applications, and molecular simulations. He also held a post-doctoral fellowship at Nagoya University, Japan, where he worked on electrolyte additives for sodium-ion batteries. His experience spans academia, industry, and international research collaborations.

Research Interest

Dr. Uppula Purushotham’s research focuses on theoretical and computational chemistry, with a particular emphasis on AI and machine learning applications in drug discovery. His expertise includes molecular docking, QSAR modeling, and quantum chemical calculations to predict and analyze molecular interactions. He has contributed significantly to computer-aided drug design, screening natural products for pharmaceutical applications, and understanding reaction mechanisms at the atomic level. His work extends to molecular simulations for drug-target interactions, virtual screening of bioactive compounds, and the development of predictive models for drug efficacy and toxicity. Additionally, he is involved in the design of electrolyte additives for advanced battery technologies. Dr. Purushotham actively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, integrating computational tools with experimental data to accelerate drug development and material science innovations. His research aims to enhance precision in drug design and contribute to advancements in computational methodologies for solving complex chemical and biological challenges.

Research Skills

Dr. Uppula Purushotham possesses extensive research skills in theoretical and computational chemistry, particularly in molecular modeling, quantum chemistry, and cheminformatics. He is proficient in molecular docking, QSAR modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations, enabling precise predictions of drug-target interactions. His expertise extends to quantum chemical calculations using advanced computational tools like Gaussian, Schrödinger, and AutoDock for energy minimization, electronic structure analysis, and reaction mechanism studies. Additionally, he is skilled in machine learning techniques for drug discovery, utilizing AI-driven predictive models to enhance drug efficacy and minimize toxicity. Dr. Purushotham has hands-on experience with high-throughput virtual screening, lead optimization, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. His ability to integrate computational and experimental data facilitates groundbreaking discoveries in pharmaceutical research and materials science. He also possesses strong analytical skills in data interpretation, statistical modeling, and visualization, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in scientific problem-solving.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Uppula Purushotham has received numerous prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to theoretical and computational chemistry. He has been awarded research fellowships from leading scientific institutions, acknowledging his innovative work in molecular modeling and cheminformatics. His excellence in academic research has earned him best paper awards at international conferences, highlighting his significant contributions to drug discovery and materials science. Additionally, he has been honored with young scientist awards from reputed scientific organizations, recognizing his pioneering studies in quantum chemistry and machine learning applications in drug design. Dr. Purushotham has also received competitive grants and funding for his research projects, reflecting his ability to secure support for high-impact studies. His exceptional work has been published in top-tier peer-reviewed journals, further cementing his reputation as a distinguished researcher. These accolades demonstrate his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and his influence in the field of computational chemistry.

Conclusion

Dr. Uppula Purushotham is a highly qualified and impactful researcher with significant contributions to computational chemistry, AI-driven drug discovery, and theoretical studies. His experience across academia, industry, and international research institutions makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Enhancing his global collaborations, securing patents, and increasing high-impact publications would further solidify his credentials for the award.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Novel biosynthesized gold nanoparticles as anti-cancer agents against breast cancer: Synthesis, biological evaluation, molecular modelling studies
    Authors: SK Vemuri, RR Banala, S Mukherjee, P Uppula, GPV Subbaiah, GR AV, …
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 116
  • Title: A Computational Chemical Insight into Microscopic Additive Effect on Solid Electrolyte Interphase Film Formation in Sodium-Ion Batteries: Suppression of Unstable Film Growth by …
    Authors: MN Norio Takenaka, Hirofumi Sakai, Yuichi Suzuki, Purushotham Uppula
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 104
  • Title: Trimethylsumanene: Enantioselective Synthesis, Substituent Effect on Bowl Structure, Inversion Energy, and Electron Conductivity
    Authors: S Higashibayashi, R Tsuruoka, Y Soujanya, U Purushotham, …
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 87
  • Title: Additive Effect of Fluoroethylene and Difluoroethylene Carbonates for the Solid Electrolyte Interphase Film Formation in Sodium-Ion Batteries: A Quantum Chemical Study
    Authors: MN Purushotham Uppula, Norio Takenaka
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 62
  • Title: Synthesis and biological evaluation of Schizandrin derivatives as potential anti-cancer agents
    Authors: D Amujuri, B Siva, B Poornima, K Sirisha, AVS Sarma, VL Nayak, …
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 39
  • Title: Synthesis and biological evaluation of bergenin-1, 2, 3-triazole hybrids as novel class of anti-mitotic agents
    Authors: PP Kumar, B Siva, BV Rao, GD Kumar, VL Nayak, SN Jain, AK Tiwari, …
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 32
  • Title: Conjugate acene fused buckybowls: evaluating their suitability for p-type, ambipolar and n-type air stable organic semiconductors
    Authors: U Purushotham, GN Sastry
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 32
  • Title: Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular modeling of (E)-2-aryl-5-styryl-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as acetylcholine esterase inhibitors
    Authors: A Kamal, AB Shaik, GN Reddy, CG Kumar, J Joseph, GB Kumar, …
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 30
  • Title: A computational investigation and the conformational analysis of dimers, anions, cations, and zwitterions of L‐phenylalanine
    Authors: U Purushotham, D Vijay, G Narahari Sastry
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 25
  • Title: A comprehensive conformational analysis of tryptophan, its ionic and dimeric forms
    Authors: U Purushotham, GN Sastry
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 22