Simin Mahakizadeh | Molecular neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Simin Mahakizadeh | Molecular neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Anthropologist | Alborz University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Emile SĆØgbĆ©gnon Sonehekpon is an Economist and Policy Analyst specializing in quantitative and applied economics, with expertise in financial stability, agricultural credit markets, and development policy in Sub-Saharan Africa. He earned his Ph.D. in Quantitative Economics from the National School of Statistics and Applied Economics (ENSEA), Abidjan, in 2024, where his dissertation focused on ā€œAccessing Farm Credit Market: The Role of Asymmetry and Information Sharing.ā€ His research employs advanced econometric and statistical modeling to analyze issues related to banking risk, information asymmetry, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction. Dr. Sonehekpon has published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Financial Economic Policy, Agricultural Finance Review, and the Revue Ɖconomique et MonĆ©taire, and he is currently developing multiple papers on artificial intelligence in banking, credit market segmentation, and renewable energy financing. He has presented his work at major international conferences such as the Canadian Society for Economic Science Congress (2022) and the Atlantic Canada Economic Association Conference (2023), and has received specialized training in risk modeling and impact evaluation from UniversitĆ© Laval and the J-PAL Laboratory (MIT network). Professionally, he has served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin (INRAB) and as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Abomey-Calavi, contributing to both research and academic instruction. His collaborations with institutions such as Moncton University, the World Bank, and WAEMU research networks reflect his commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking. Fluent in French and English, Dr. Sonehekpon’s scholarly and professional contributions aim to enhance inclusive economic growth through the integration of empirical analysis and policy innovation in Africa.

Featured Publications

Farzamfar, S., Naseri-Nosar, M., Samadian, H., Mahakizadeh, S., Tajerian, R., & others. (2018). Taurine-loaded poly (ε-caprolactone)/gelatin electrospun mat as a potential wound dressing material: In vitro and in vivo evaluation. Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers, 33(3), 282–294.

Mahakizadeh, S., Moghani-Ghoroghi, F., Moshkdanian, G., Mokhtari, T., & others. (2016). The determination of correlation between stature and upper limb and hand measurements in Iranian adults. Forensic Science International, 260, 27–30.

Moshkdanian, G., Mahakizadeh, S., Moghani-Ghoroghi, F., Mokhtari, T., & others. (2014). Estimation of stature from the anthropometric measurement of lower limb in Iranian adults. Anatomical Sciences Journal, 11(3), 149–154.

Mahakizadeh, S., Mokhtari, T., Navaee, F., Poorhassan, M., Tajik, A., & others. (2020). Effects of chronic hypoxia on the expression of seladin-1/Tuj1 and the number of dark neurons of hippocampus. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy, 104, 101744.

Dr. Emile S. Sonehekpon’s research advances evidence-based economic policymaking by integrating quantitative modeling with real-world development challenges. His work strengthens financial stability, promotes inclusive access to credit, and supports sustainable growth across developing economies through data-driven insights and policy innovation.

Nafiseh Pakravan | Neuroimmunology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nafiseh Pakravan | Neuroimmunology | Best Researcher Award

Member of Scientific Board at Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Dr. Nafiseh Pakravan is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with over two decades of experience in immunology research and education. Currently serving as a professor at Alborz University of Medical Sciences, she has made significant contributions in neuroinflammation, neuroimmunology, cancer immunotherapy, and cell therapy, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease models. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Immunology and an M.Sc. from Aberdeen University, UK, reflecting strong international training. She has published in reputable journals and actively mentors undergraduate and postgraduate students. Dr. Pakravan is also skilled in advanced molecular techniques, adding depth to her research capabilities. While she would benefit from a broader international publication footprint and more recent awards or funded projects, her dedication to interdisciplinary research, teaching excellence, and innovation in immune-based therapies make her a commendable nominee. Strengthening her global engagement could further elevate her standing as a leading researcher in her field.

Professional ProfileĀ 

EducationšŸŽ“

Dr. Nafiseh Pakravan has a strong and diverse educational background in the fields of medical science and immunology. She earned her Ph.D. in Immunology from Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, where she conducted advanced research on DNA vaccines targeting Her2-expressing breast cancer, utilizing various immunological techniques such as lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine assays. Prior to this, she completed her M.Sc. in Immunology by research at the University of Aberdeen, UK, where she developed a promoter/reporter assay to study macrophage activation using adenoviral vectors and GFP expression. Her foundational education includes a B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Science from Iran University of Medical Sciences, where she was honored as the best student of the year in 1997. She also holds an Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science from Yazd University of Medical Sciences and a B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics (Computer) from Tehran Azad University, showcasing her interdisciplinary knowledge and analytical skills.

Professional ExperiencešŸ“

Dr. Nafiseh Pakravan brings over 20 years of extensive professional experience in immunology, research, and academic instruction. Since 2013, she has served as an Associate Professor, progressing toward a full Professorship at the Medical School of Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, where she teaches immunology to medical and postgraduate students while conducting research in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, tumor immunology, and cell therapy. From 2010 to 2012, she fulfilled her academic commitment as a lecturer at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, and prior to that, taught at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences. Her early career included hands-on research in molecular diagnostics and gene therapy at Tehran University, Tarbiat Modarres University, and the National Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. Her work included developing fetal sex identification methods, fragile X syndrome analysis, and novel gene delivery systems. Dr. Pakravan’s career reflects a solid integration of teaching, translational research, and clinical immunology.

Research InterestšŸ”Ž

Dr. Nafiseh Pakravan’s research interests lie at the intersection of immunology, neurobiology, and regenerative medicine. Her work focuses on neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, tumor immunology, immune tolerance, and cell-based therapies. She has a strong commitment to exploring immune mechanisms involved in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, where she investigates novel therapeutic approaches like xenogeneic sperm head cell therapy for brain repair and thymus rejuvenation. Dr. Pakravan is also deeply engaged in cancer immunotherapy, particularly in designing and evaluating DNA vaccines targeting Her2/neu in breast cancer models. Her research extends to the modulation of T cell responses, the role of heat shock proteins in immune activation, and the development of experimental models to study autoimmunity and immune regulation. With a strong background in molecular and cellular immunology, her interdisciplinary approach combines advanced laboratory techniques with translational applications, aiming to uncover innovative therapeutic strategies for immune-related and neurodegenerative disorders.

Award and HonoršŸ†

Dr. Nafiseh Pakravan has been recognized for her academic excellence and dedication to scientific advancement through various awards and honors. Early in her academic journey, she was honored as the Best Student of the Year in 1997 by the Medical Faculty Search Committee of Iran University of Medical Sciences, a distinction that highlighted her exceptional performance and commitment to medical science. This early recognition served as a foundation for her continued pursuit of excellence in research and education. Throughout her career, Dr. Pakravan has contributed to several impactful research projects and has been acknowledged for her innovative work in immunology, particularly in the areas of cancer immunotherapy and neuroimmune therapies. While her list of recent formal honors and competitive international awards may benefit from expansion, her consistent contributions to academia, mentorship, and research innovation underscore her standing as a respected and influential figure in the field of immunology.

Research SkillšŸ”¬

Dr. Nafiseh Pakravan possesses a wide range of advanced research skills rooted in immunology, molecular biology, and translational medicine. She is highly proficient in techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Southern and Western blotting, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), gene cloning, and cytokine profiling. Her expertise extends to cell culture, lymphocyte proliferation assays, cytotoxicity assays, and flow cytometry for CD4/CD8 and regulatory T cell analysis. Dr. Pakravan is skilled in DNA vaccine design and evaluation, having worked on immune response modulation in cancer and neurodegenerative disease models. She has hands-on experience with cell-free fetal DNA analysis, transfection methods using adenoviral vectors, and reporter assays for gene expression studies. Her interdisciplinary capabilities also include bioinformatics and computational analysis, grounded in her educational background in applied mathematics. Dr. Pakravan’s technical versatility and precision in experimental design make her a strong contributor to cutting-edge research in immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.

ConclusionšŸ’”

Dr. Nafiseh Pakravan is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the domain of immunology and neurodegenerative research. Her long-standing academic service, multidisciplinary research, and commitment to education make her deserving of recognition.

Publications Top Notedāœļø

  • Langroudi, L., Hassan, Z.M., Ebtekar, M., Mahdavi, M., Pakravan, N., Noori, S.

    • Year: 2010

    • Citations: 62

    • Title: A comparison of low-dose cyclophosphamide treatment with artemisinin treatment in reducing the number of regulatory T cells in murine breast cancer model

  • Akbarian, A., Ebtekar, M., Pakravan, N., Hassan, Z.M.

    • Year: 2020

    • Citations: 59

    • Title: Folate receptor alpha targeted delivery of artemether to breast cancer cells with folate-decorated human serum albumin nanoparticles

  • Mollaei, M., Abbasi, A., Hassan, Z.M., Pakravan, N.

    • Year: 2020

    • Citations: 44

    • Title: The intrinsic and extrinsic elements regulating inflammation

  • Hajimoradi, M., Hassan, Z.M., Pourfathollah, A.A., Daneshmandi, S., …

    • Year: 2009

    • Citations: 37

    • Title: The effect of shark liver oil on the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and cytokine pattern in mice

  • Pakravan, N., Mahmoudi, E., Hashemi, S.A., Kamali, J., Hajiaghayi, R., …

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 31

    • Title: Cosmeceutical effect of ethyl acetate fraction of Kombucha tea by intradermal administration in the skin of aged mice

  • Ebrahimi, N., Aslani, S., Babaie, F., Hemmatzadeh, M., Hosseinzadeh, R., …

    • Year: 2020

    • Citations: 30

    • Title: Recent findings on the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); immunopathogenesis and immunotherapeutics

  • Pakravan, N., Kermanian, F., Mahmoudi, E.

    • Year: 2019

    • Citations: 29

    • Title: Filtered Kombucha tea ameliorates the leaky gut syndrome in young and old mice model of colitis

  • Dezfuli, H.T., Shahbazzadeh, D., Eidi, A., Bagheri, K.P., Pakravan, N., Amini, S., …

    • Year: 2014

    • Citations: 29

    • Title: Induction of IFN-γ cytokine response against hepatitis B surface antigen using melittin

  • Pakravan, N., Hassan, A.T., Hassan, Z.M.

    • Year: 2007

    • Citations: 29

    • Title: Naturally occurring self-reactive CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells: universal immune code

  • Rahmani-Kukia, N., Abbasi, A., Pakravan, N., Hassan, Z.M.

    • Year: 2020

    • Citations: 26

    • Title: Measurement of oxidized albumin: An opportunity for diagnoses or treatment of COVID-19

  • Bagheri, A., Maassoumi, A.A., Ghahremaninejad, F.

    • Year: 2011

    • Citations: 25

    • Title: A taxonomic revision of the genus Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) in Zanjan province, Iran and describing a new species