Girish C. Melkani | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Girish C. Melkani | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Professor at UAB HEERSINK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, United States

Dr. Girish C. Melkani, an Associate Professor of Pathology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), is a prominent researcher in the fields of circadian biology, cardiovascular health, and aging. With a background in chemistry and molecular biology, Dr. Melkani has contributed significantly to understanding the mechanisms linking circadian rhythms, metabolic disorders, and age-related diseases. His work leverages Drosophila (fruit fly) models to investigate the molecular basis of cardiac, muscular, and neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on optimizing lifestyle interventions like Time-Restricted Feeding (TRF) to counteract these conditions. Supported by multiple NIH grants, Dr. Melkani’s research examines gut-brain signaling in Alzheimer’s disease and explores the connections between insomnia and cardiovascular disease. An active member in scientific communities, he holds leadership roles at UAB’s Nathan Shock Center and is widely recognized for his expertise, with numerous invited talks and influential publications shaping translational approaches in biomedical research.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Girish C. Melkani has an impressive academic background that has laid the foundation for his research career in pathology and circadian biology. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Pune in India, where he developed a strong foundation in the sciences. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he focused on understanding complex biological systems. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Melkani completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Health (NIH), where he further honed his research skills and expertise in metabolic disorders and circadian rhythms. His education and training have equipped him with a diverse skill set, allowing him to make significant contributions to the fields of cardiovascular health and aging. Dr. Melkani’s academic journey reflects a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in biomedical research.

Professional Experience

Prof. Girish C. Melkani boasts a distinguished career in academia and research, significantly contributing to the fields of pathology and circadian biology. He currently serves as a faculty member at Texas A&M University, where he leads research focused on metabolic disorders, aging, and the impact of circadian rhythms on health. Prior to this position, Prof. Melkani held postdoctoral roles at the National Institute of Health (NIH), where he investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases and metabolic health. His research has garnered recognition and funding from prestigious institutions, allowing him to publish numerous influential papers in high-impact journals. Additionally, Prof. Melkani is actively involved in mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of scientists. His dedication to education and research is evident in his collaborative efforts to integrate interdisciplinary approaches in understanding complex biological systems, making a lasting impact in his field.

Research Interests

Prof. Girish C. Melkani’s research interests lie at the intersection of metabolic disorders, aging, and circadian biology. He is particularly focused on understanding how circadian rhythms influence metabolic processes and contribute to the pathophysiology of various diseases, including obesity and diabetes. His work investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate circadian clocks in metabolic tissues, exploring how disruptions in these rhythms can lead to metabolic dysregulation. Prof. Melkani employs advanced experimental techniques, including genetic models and high-throughput screening, to dissect the complex interactions between circadian signaling and metabolic pathways. Additionally, he is interested in the role of lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, in modulating circadian rhythms and their implications for health. Through his research, he aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets for preventing and treating metabolic disorders, contributing to a deeper understanding of how circadian biology affects overall health and longevity.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Girish C. Melkani has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his significant contributions to the fields of metabolic research and circadian biology. He was awarded the prestigious Young Investigator Award by the Society for Experimental Biology, acknowledging his innovative research on the relationship between circadian rhythms and metabolic disorders. Additionally, he has been honored with the National Science Foundation Research Grant, which supports his ongoing studies into the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic dysregulation. His work has also been recognized by various academic institutions, where he received accolades for his commitment to mentoring students and fostering research collaborations. Prof. Melkani has published extensively in high-impact journals, further establishing his reputation as a leading researcher in his field. His dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing metabolic health issues has not only earned him respect among peers but also positioned him as a key figure in the academic community.

Conclusion

Dr. Melkani’s impressive academic background, innovative research, leadership roles, and commitment to mentorship and collaboration make him an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work has the potential to significantly impact our understanding of complex biological systems and translate these findings into meaningful health interventions.

Publication Top Noted

  • Title: Automated assessment of cardiac dynamics in aging and dilated cardiomyopathy Drosophila models using machine learning

    Authors: Melkani, Y., Pant, A., Guo, Y., Melkani, G.C.

    Year: 2024

    Citation: Communications Biology, 7(1), 702

  • Title: Genetic and Pathophysiological Basis of Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Laminopathies

    Authors: Bhide, S., Chandran, S., Rajasekaran, N.S., Melkani, G.C.

    Year: 2024

    Citation: Genes, 15(8), 1095

  • Title: Diurnal expression of Dgat2 induced by time-restricted feeding maintains cardiac health in the Drosophila model of circadian disruption

    Authors: Guo, Y., Abou Daya, F., Le, H.D., Panda, S., Melkani, G.C.

    Year: 2024

    Citation: Aging Cell, 23(7), e14169

  • Title: O-GlcNAc transferase regulates collagen deposition and fibrosis resolution in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

    Authors: Vang, S., Helton, E.S., Guo, Y., Krick, S., Barnes, J.W.

    Year: 2024

    Citation: Frontiers in Immunology, 15, 1387197

  • Title: Time-restricted feeding regulates lipid metabolism under metabolic challenges

    Authors: Guo, Y., Livelo, C., Melkani, G.C.

    Year: 2023

    Citation: BioEssays, 45(12), 2300157

  • Title: Time-restricted feeding promotes muscle function through purine cycle and AMPK signaling in Drosophila obesity models

    Authors: Livelo, C., Guo, Y., Abou Daya, F., Panda, S., Melkani, G.C.

    Year: 2023

    Citation: Nature Communications, 14(1), 949

  • Title: When a calorie is not just a calorie: Diet quality and timing as mediators of metabolism and healthy aging

    Authors: Mihaylova, M.M., Chaix, A., Delibegovic, M., Panda, S., Lamming, D.W.

    Year: 2023

    Citation: Cell Metabolism, 35(7), 1114–1131

  • Title: Mitochondrial epigenetic modifications and nuclear-mitochondrial communication: A new dimension towards understanding and attenuating the pathogenesis in women with PCOS

    Authors: Shukla, P., Melkani, G.C.

    Year: 2023

    Citation: Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 24(2), 317–326

  • Title: Circadian-mediated regulation of cardiometabolic disorders and aging with time-restricted feeding

    Authors: Roth, J.R., Varshney, S., de Moraes, R.C.M., Melkani, G.C.

    Year: 2023

    Citation: Obesity, 31(S1), 40–49

  • Title: Rapamycin reduces neuronal mutant huntingtin aggregation and ameliorates locomotor performance in Drosophila

    Authors: Roth, J.R., Moraes, R.C.M.D., Xu, B.P., Khan, M.A., Melkani, G.C.

    Year: 2023

    Citation: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 15, 1223911

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

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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