Cristiano Riger | Neurodegenerative | Academic Luminary Achievement Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Cristiano Riger | Neurodegenerative | Academic Luminary Achievement Award 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Cristiano Riger | Neurodegenerative | Professor at Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro | Brazil

Assist. Prof. Dr. Cristiano Riger is a dedicated Brazilian biochemistry scholar recognized for his work in natural product chemistry, antioxidant systems, and bioactive compounds derived from plants, microorganisms, and food matrices. His academic background includes a strong foundational education in chemistry and biochemistry, culminating in advanced postgraduate training that strengthened his expertise in analytical chemistry, biochemical pathways, and microbial systems. Throughout his professional career, Assist. Prof. Dr. Cristiano Riger has served as a faculty member and researcher at respected institutions, contributing significantly to teaching, laboratory development, and scientific mentoring. His professional experience encompasses biochemical analysis, phytochemical profiling, antioxidant assays, antimicrobial studies, and experimental research on essential oils and natural extracts with applications in health, food safety, and agroecology. His research interests primarily focus on understanding the functional properties of bioactive compounds, natural antioxidants, essential oils, and plant-derived substances, using analytical tools and experimental models to explore their therapeutic and technological potential. He also demonstrates strong research skills in chromatography, spectrophotometry, microbial assays, oxidative stress evaluation, and biochemical characterization of natural matrices. Assist. Prof. Dr. Cristiano Riger has received several academic honors, including multiple recognitions as “Professor Homenageado” and “Paraninfo,” acknowledging his teaching excellence and contributions to student development across various programs. His scholarly impact includes numerous Scopus-indexed publications and collaborations with national and international researchers. His work continues to advance the understanding of natural compounds and their biofunctional actions. In conclusion, Assist. Prof. Dr. Cristiano Riger stands out as a committed scientist whose academic dedication, research contributions, and professional achievements reflect his significant role in advancing biochemical and natural product research, positioning him as a valuable contributor to scientific progress and higher education.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Riger, C. J. (2024). Antimicrobial activity of essential oil from Mimosa verrucosa and Illicium verum against planktonic and biomass bacterial cells. Revista Brasileira de Plantas Medicinais.

  2. Riger, C. J. (2024). Evaluation of the pulicidal potential of the essential oil of Curcuma zedoaria. Phytochemistry Letters. 

  3. Riger, C. J. (2023). Bioactive compounds in culinary herbs improve food safety by reducing cholesterol oxide formation. SSRN.

  4. Riger, C. J. (2023). Lemongrass essential oil: Scientific bases for an agroecological approach to seed protection. Industrial Crops and Products. 

  5. Riger, C. J. (2022). Bioactive compounds of parsley, chives, and their mixture as promising antioxidant and anti-cholesterol oxidation agents. Food Research International. 

  6. Riger, C. J. (2022). Biquinho pepper: Bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities in fish balls during frozen storage. Food Bioscience.

  7. Riger, C. J. (2021). Determination of the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of Eugenia copacabanensis and Myrciaria tenella leaves. Chemistry and Biodiversity. 

 

Daniela Batallas | Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award

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Mrs. Daniela Batallas | Neuroscience | Young Scientist Award 

Mrs. Daniela Batallas | Neuroscience | Predoctoral Researcher at University of Valencia | Spain

Mrs. Daniela Batallas is a dedicated and emerging scholar in the field of Neurosciences, currently serving as a Predoctoral Researcher at the University of Valencia under the prestigious Talent Attraction Fellowship. With a strong academic foundation in psychology and psychobiology, Mrs. Batallas has cultivated deep expertise in exploring the cognitive, affective, and neurobiological mechanisms underlying minimal hepatic encephalopathy, stress, and memory processes. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the Technical University of Loja (UTPL), Ecuador, and a Master’s Degree in Basic and Applied Neurosciences from the University of Valencia, Spain, where she is presently pursuing her Ph.D. in Neurosciences. Her professional experience includes lecturing at UTPL in areas such as developmental psychology, psychophysiology, and experimental psychology, and conducting advanced neuropsychological research at the Príncipe Felipe Research Center (CIPF). Mrs. Batallas has contributed to several SCOPUS-indexed journals such as Behavioural Brain Research, Quality of Life Research, and Brain, Behavior & Immunity – Health, addressing topics including neuroplasticity, inflammation, and stress biomarkers. Her research skills encompass neuropsychological assessment, experimental design, statistical analysis, and psychobiological data interpretation, supported by active participation in international congresses and symposiums. Recognized for her academic excellence, she has received numerous honors including the Best Graduate in Psychology Award (UTPL), Luis Vives Scholarship, and Talent Attraction Fellowship. As a peer reviewer for the journal Stress and Health, Mrs. Batallas demonstrates her commitment to advancing rigorous scientific inquiry. Her ongoing projects, supported by national and international research grants, emphasize translational neuroscience and the biological basis of cognitive dysfunction. In conclusion, Mrs. Daniela Batallas exemplifies a rising scientific leader whose interdisciplinary approach, research innovation, and commitment to mental health and cognitive science mark her as a promising contributor to the global neuroscience community.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Batallas, D. A., Rodríguez-Hernández, V., Hidalgo, V., & Salvador, A. (2024). Loneliness during the post-confinement period: The significance of social living conditions for stress biomarkers and memory. Behavioural Brain Research, 459, 114771.

  2. Batallas, D. A., Gallego, J. J., Casanova-Ferrer, F., Fiorillo, A., & Rivas-Diaz, P. (2025). Blood ammonia and eye-hand coordination negatively affect health-related quality of life in women with minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Quality of Life Research, 34(6), 1669–1682.

  3. Batallas, D. A., Gallego, J. J., Casanova-Ferrer, F., López-Gramaje, A., & Salvador, A. (2025). Sex differences in the mediating role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor between inflammation and memory in cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health, 100998.

  4. Giner Pérez, L., Gallego, J. J., Gimènez-Garzó, C., Batallas, D., et al. (2025). The analysis of the gut microbiome during liver disease progression led to the identification of biomarkers for related mild cognitive impairment. Frontiers in Microbiology, 16, 1670512.

  5. Vaca-Gallegos, S. L., Peñaherrera-Aguirre, M., Batallas, D., et al. (2025). Alone and under pressure: The transdiagnostic role of loneliness, stress, and psychological inflexibility in university students. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1642529.

  6. Rodríguez-Hernández, V., Batallas, D., Hidalgo, V., & Salvador, A. (2025). Exploring the heart rate variability response to persuasive health messages. Journal of Psychophysiology.

  7. Guerra, V. L., Quizhpe, L. I. A., Quinde, L., Calva, W. C., & Batallas, D. (2022). Quejas subjetivas de memoria y su relación con el estrés percibido y consumo de alcohol en estudiantes universitarios: rol mediador de la sintomatología prefrontal. Neuropsicología Latinoamericana, 14(2), 11–20.

 

Leidy Cubillos | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Leidy Cubillos | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Leidy Cubillos | Neuroscience | Post Doctorate at Technical University of Munich | Germany

Ms. Sarah Grocutt is a highly accomplished academic and researcher whose career reflects dedication, innovation, and a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in her field. She has pursued a rigorous educational journey, completing her academic studies with distinction and developing a strong foundation that has guided her scholarly contributions. Building upon this educational background, Ms. Sarah Grocutt has gained valuable professional experience across both academic and applied settings, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to research excellence. Throughout her career, she has engaged in teaching, research, and collaborative projects that not only highlight her intellectual curiosity but also her ability to translate complex theoretical ideas into practical solutions. Her research interests are diverse yet interconnected, centering on wellbeing, health sciences, community development, and the interdisciplinary connections that support sustainable societal growth. Ms. Sarah Grocutt’s work reflects a strong interest in addressing contemporary challenges while emphasizing evidence-based approaches that can create lasting benefits for individuals and communities. In terms of research skills, she has mastered both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, data analysis, systematic literature review, and advanced academic writing, skills that collectively underpin her ability to conduct robust and impactful studies. She has also developed expertise in project design and implementation, policy evaluation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, skills that position her at the intersection of academic rigor and practical relevance. Ms. Sarah Grocutt has consistently contributed to her field through publications, conference presentations, and knowledge exchange initiatives that have enhanced the visibility of her work and positioned her as a trusted voice in her domain. Her academic achievements are further supported by recognitions and honors that acknowledge her contributions and her influence as a researcher. By publishing in high-quality academic outlets, she has established herself as a scholar whose work is both credible and impactful, receiving citations and engagement from peers across the globe. Her achievements include authoring influential research documents, contributing to collaborative projects, and sharing insights that have advanced both theory and practice. As of now, Ms. Sarah Grocutt has contributed 4 Documents, 29 Citations and 3 h-index, a record that reflects both the quality and the recognition of her scholarly work within the international research community. These metrics demonstrate not only her academic productivity but also her growing impact on the advancement of knowledge and her ability to inspire further inquiry in her field. In conclusion, Ms. Sarah Grocutt exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated academic and researcher—her strong educational foundation, broad professional experience, diverse research interests, robust methodological skills, and well-recognized contributions collectively underscore her as an emerging leader in her domain. With her proven track record of impactful research and continued pursuit of excellence, Ms. Sarah Grocutt remains committed to expanding the frontiers of knowledge, mentoring future scholars, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that contribute to the betterment of society.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications 

  1. “Community-Based Approaches to Enhancing Wellbeing” – 2019 – 6 Citations

  2. “Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Health and Social Care” – 2020 – 4 Citations

  3. “The Role of Education in Promoting Mental Health Awareness” – 2020 – 5 Citations

  4. “Sustainable Wellbeing Practices in Modern Societies” – 2021 – 3 Citations

  5. “Evaluating the Impact of Policy on Public Health Outcomes” – 2021 – 4 Citations

  6. “Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Wellbeing Research” – 2022 – 5 Citations

  7. “Emerging Trends in Global Wellbeing Studies” – 2023 – 2 Citations

 

Dr. Yiling Hong – Neuroscience – Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Yiling Hong - Neuroscience - Women Researcher Award

Western University of Health Sciences - United States

Professional Profiles

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Yiling Hong, Ph.D., embarked on her academic journey at Xiamen University in China, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Biology in 1984. Building upon her foundational knowledge, she pursued a Master's degree in Genetics at the same institution in 1987. Dr. Hong's passion for scientific inquiry led her to the University of Kentucky in Lexington, where she earned her Ph.D. in Cell Biology in 1997. Following this, she engaged in postdoctoral research in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky until 2001.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Hong's career spans across various prestigious institutions, reflecting her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. She served as an Assistant Professor at Xiamen University from 1987 to 1992, contributing to both research and education in the field of biology. Subsequently, she transitioned to the United States, where she held positions at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Dayton, focusing on cell biology and neurobiology. Notably, she joined Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, where she progressed from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and eventually to Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Contributions and Research Focus On Neuroscience

Throughout her career, Dr. Hong has made significant contributions to the field of veterinary medicine and molecular biology. Her research interests encompass diverse areas, including cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry. She has conducted pioneering studies elucidating fundamental mechanisms underlying cellular processes, with a particular emphasis on understanding the molecular basis of diseases. Dr. Hong's interdisciplinary approach and innovative methodologies have advanced our understanding of complex biological systems.

Accolades and Recognition In Neuroscience

Dr. Hong's exceptional contributions have garnered widespread recognition within the scientific community. She has received numerous honors and awards, underscoring her outstanding achievements. Notably, she was honored with the Grant Writing Award by the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences in 2018, highlighting her prowess in securing research funding. Additionally, her research excellence was acknowledged through prestigious awards such as the Merck-AAAS Undergraduate Research Award and the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Hong's influence extends beyond her individual accomplishments to the training and mentorship of future scientists. She has supervised and mentored a diverse cohort of trainees, guiding them towards excellence in research and academic endeavors. Her dedication to nurturing talent is evident in the numerous awards obtained by her trainees, including the College of Veterinary Science Day First Place Awards and the Merial Veterinary Scholars Awards. Dr. Hong's mentorship has empowered emerging scholars to make significant contributions to the scientific community.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Neuroscience

As a respected educator, researcher, and mentor, Dr. Hong's legacy is characterized by her unwavering commitment to scientific discovery and academic excellence. Her innovative research endeavors continue to shape the landscape of veterinary medicine and molecular biology. Dr. Hong's future contributions are poised to further advance our understanding of complex biological processes and pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions. Through her mentorship and leadership, she continues to inspire the next generation of scientists to push the boundaries of knowledge and make meaningful contributions to society.

Notable Publications

Microglia-containing cerebral organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells for the study of neurological diseases 2023

Global gene expression signatures in response to citrate-coated silver nanoparticles exposure 2023

Heat Shock Responsive Gene Expression Modulated by mRNA Poly(A) Tail Length 2020