Alena McQuarter | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Alena McQuarter | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Loma Linda University | United States

Ms. Alena McQuarter is an emerging researcher in integrated biological sciences whose work bridges cancer biology, immunology, and translational medicine with a focus on discovering novel therapeutic strategies for hard-to-treat malignancies. As a Ph.D. researcher in Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, her scientific contributions center on ovarian and thyroid cancers, where she investigates the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, novel surface biomarkers, and molecular mechanisms driving tumor progression and immune evasion. Through her research in the Khan Lab, she has contributed to advancing the understanding of microRNA signatures, racial disparities in prognostic markers, and the immunosuppressive microenvironment influencing therapeutic resistance in ovarian cancer. Her work also explores immunotherapeutic pathways, including immune-modulating targets such as VEGF-related mechanisms and iNKT cell activation. Beyond laboratory research, she brings interdisciplinary insight by connecting biomedical innovation with educational and community-based scientific engagement, aiming to expand representation and access in STEM. She has presented her research at major scientific conferences, contributing posters, keynote sessions, and interdisciplinary discussions in cancer research and infectious disease. Her publication record continues to grow, with measurable scholarly impact reflected in early citation activity, She is recognized for advancing research that integrates molecular oncology, health equity, and translational immunology, contributing to scientific dialogue on precision medicine for diverse populations. Her trajectory reflects a strong commitment to scientific innovation, academic leadership, and equitable STEM advocacy, positioning her as a promising young scientist contributing meaningfully to global biomedical research. She is widely recognized for excellence in research innovation and impactful scientific contributions, making her a strong nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

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Featured Publications

Muinde, J. M., Yamauchi, C. R., Cruz, J., McQuarter, A. A., Miller, K., Sharma, U., Schiff, S., Kremsky, I., Mirshahidi, S., Carter, C. S., et al. (2025). MicroRNA signatures in serous ovarian cancer: A comparison of prognostic marker targets in African Americans and Caucasians. Diseases, 13(11), 360.

Sibusisiwe Nkomonde | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Sibusisiwe Nkomonde | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Durban University of Technology | South Africa

Ms. Sibusisiwe Nkomonde is an emerging researcher specializing in microbiology and post-harvest biotechnology, with a focus on sustainable biocontrol strategies for agricultural and food systems. Her research integrates applied biological sciences and microbial ecology to explore the potential of natural yeasts and their metabolites as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides. Through her innovative studies, she has identified several phyllospheric yeast strains with strong antagonistic effects against key post-harvest pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium fujikuroi, marking the first documented evidence of yeast antagonism against F. fujikuroi. Her findings contribute to the advancement of environmentally responsible post-harvest disease management and align with global goals for sustainable food production and waste reduction. Sibusisiwe collaborates internationally with institutions including the Durban University of Technology, Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, and Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania, enhancing the interdisciplinary impact of her work. She is a member of the South African Society for Microbiology (SASM) and actively participates in research initiatives fostering innovation in microbial biocontrol. Her recent publication in Fermentation has attracted citations in Google Scholar and Scopus, reflecting growing academic recognition. Her citation metrics demonstrate an increasing research impact, with a developing h-index based on her growing number of referenced works and international collaborations. Sibusisiwe’s dedication to eco-innovation and biotechnological advancement positions her as a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award, recognizing excellence in sustainable scientific discovery.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Featured Publications

Nkomonde, S. N., du Plessis, H. W., Bhagwat, P., Amobonye, A., Gomomo, Z., Mewa-Ngongang, M., Hoff, J. W., & Pillai, S. (2025). Biocontrol potential of selected phyllospheric yeasts against Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium fujikuroi. Fermentation, 11(10), 606.