Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alireza Khodavandi | Nanobiotechnology – Associate Professor at Islamic Azad University, Iran
Dr. Alireza Khodavandi is a distinguished Associate Professor of Microbiology at the Islamic Azad University, Gachsaran Branch, Iran. With over two decades of teaching and research experience, he is widely recognized for his pioneering work in molecular microbiology, antifungal resistance, and nanoparticle-based antimicrobial therapies. His scientific contributions span the investigation of microbial mechanisms, innovative diagnostics, and biogenic nanomaterials, which have earned him respect across academic and clinical communities. Known for blending research excellence with teaching innovation, Dr. Khodavandi has played a critical role in shaping microbiological education and research advancement at his institution and beyond.
Academic Profile
Education
Dr. Khodavandi earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology–Microbiology from the University of Putra Malaysia in 2011. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his later studies in antifungal drug resistance. In 2014, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Molecular Microbiology at the same university, deepening his expertise in host-pathogen interactions and antifungal drug mechanisms. Prior to his Ph.D., he completed his academic foundations in microbiology, preparing him for a robust career in molecular diagnostics and medical biotechnology.
Experience
Since 2020, Dr. Khodavandi has served as Associate Professor at Islamic Azad University. His prior roles include nearly two decades as Assistant Professor, Head of the Biology Department, and Research Director at the university. He was actively involved in numerous collaborative research projects while also serving as a member of the Research Committee and head of multiple academic departments. Between 2007 and 2014, he worked closely with the Unit of Biochemistry and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of Putra Malaysia, contributing significantly to biochemical and biomedical research. His academic leadership has consistently focused on capacity building, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student research mentoring.
Research Interest
Dr. Khodavandi’s primary research interests include molecular mechanisms of antifungal agents, especially targeting Candida albicans, rapid molecular diagnostics, and microbial biosynthesis of nanoparticles. He is particularly focused on host-pathogen interactions, gene regulation, and applications of -omics technologies. His studies have advanced understanding in therapeutic synergies, such as combining phytochemicals and nanoparticles against fungal and bacterial pathogens. His work also explores the molecular pathways influencing microbial resistance, aiming to contribute new therapeutic interventions against resistant strains.
Awards and Achievements
Over his academic career, Dr. Khodavandi has received multiple internal research recognitions for his role in biomedical innovation and academic excellence. He has led more than 10 funded research projects at Islamic Azad University, ranging from nanoparticle synthesis to antifungal gene expression profiling. He is a frequent reviewer and editorial contributor to journals in the field of microbiology and biochemistry. His commitment to academic service, mentorship, and research productivity aligns well with the standards of the Best Researcher Award category.
Publications
🧪 In vitro and in vivo synergistic antifungal effects of microbially synthesized silver and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles against Candida albicans – Inorganic Chemistry Communications, 2025. Cited by multiple recent nanoparticle-based antifungal studies.
🧬 Synergistic antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles and vitamin D3 – Experimental Parasitology, 2025. Widely cited for exploring Galleria mellonella model efficacy.
🌿 Efficacy of Thymus vulgaris and Trigonella foenum-graecum extracts against gene expression in Candida albicans – Journal of Arak University of Medical Sciences, 2025. Recognized for its gene downregulation insights.
💊 Synergistic effects of vancomycin and ceftriaxone against MRSA – Hormozgan Medical Journal, 2025. Cited in MRSA treatment optimization papers.
🦠 Presence pattern of ergosterol biosynthesis genes in Candida albicans isolates from MS patients – Journal of Microbial World, 2025. Used in host-disease interaction references.
🔬 Inhibition of Candida albicans and P. aeruginosa biofilms by microbial silver nanoparticles – Materials Today Communications, 2025. Noted for biofilm suppression techniques.
🧫 Molecular targeting of carvacrol-loaded nanoparticles on MCF-7 breast cancer cells – Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2025. Cited in nanoparticle cancer therapy discussions.
Conclusion
Dr. Alireza Khodavandi’s career reflects deep commitment to translational microbiology, especially in antimicrobial innovation. His blend of research rigor, leadership, and mentorship makes him an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a sustained track record in impactful publications, strategic research leadership, and clinical translation of microbiological findings, his future in global biomedical research is promising. His continued focus on antifungal resistance and novel therapeutics is aligned with pressing global health needs, confirming his role as a thought leader in the field.