shahla shahbazi | Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by TOT Awards

Dr. Shahla Shahbazi | Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

kerman university of medical sciences | Iran

Dr. Shahla Shahbazi, an accomplished Iranian scientist, is a dedicated researcher at the Infectious Diseases Research Center, Health Policy and Promotion Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. Her career is built on deep expertise in medical microbiology, bacteriology, and infectious disease research. With extensive experience in vaccine design, molecular epidemiology, and antimicrobial resistance studies, she has contributed to peer-reviewed publications, authored books, and actively participated in national and international scientific congresses. She has also served as a reviewer for numerous respected journals and contributed to academic training, highlighting her role in advancing both research and education. Dr. Shahbazi has collaborated in multidisciplinary projects focusing on bacterial pathogenesis, nanotechnology-based vaccines, and phage therapy, positioning herself at the forefront of innovative solutions against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Her work reflects a commitment to improving public health and advancing medical science through rigorous research, mentorship, and scientific leadership.

Profile:

Google Scholar

Education:

Dr. Shahla Shahbazi academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Alzahra University, which laid the foundation for her strong interest in infectious disease biology and laboratory research. She further advanced her academic training by pursuing a Master’s degree in Medical Microbiology at the Pasteur Institute of Iran, where her research focused on the distribution of extended-spectrum β-lactamase, quinolone, and carbapenem resistance genes in Escherichia coli. Building on her passion for understanding antimicrobial resistance, she went on to complete her PhD in Medical Bacteriology at the Pasteur Institute of Iran, where her thesis centered on designing and fabricating a vaccine candidate based on OmpA from Klebsiella pneumoniae encapsulated in silk/alginate-based nanoadjuvants for pneumonia prevention. Her academic path not only highlights her expertise in microbiology and bacteriology but also reflects her commitment to integrating molecular biology, immunology, and biotechnology to tackle pressing challenges in infectious disease research and vaccine development.

Experience:

Dr. Shahla Shahbazi has accumulated rich experience through her roles as a researcher, educator, and scientific contributor in medical microbiology and infectious diseases. At the Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, she has been actively engaged in pioneering projects on antimicrobial resistance, vaccine development, and nanoparticle-based therapeutics. She has also served as an executive member and reviewer in international congresses, demonstrating her influence within the scientific community. Her expertise extends beyond research, as she has contributed to teaching specialized courses, including oral health, biosafety regulations, reverse vaccinology, probiotics, and the role of AI in antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Shahbazi has also mentored postgraduate students as a thesis advisor, guiding research on carbapenem-resistant bacteria, parasitology, and emerging infections. Her publication record, editorial contributions, and involvement in global collaborations underscore her role as a dynamic scientist who bridges research, innovation, and teaching while advancing healthcare solutions through interdisciplinary approaches.

Awards and Honors:

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Dr. Shahla Shahbazi has been recognized for her excellence and contributions to science. She graduated as the top student in her Master of Science program at the prestigious Pasteur Institute of Iran, a recognition of her outstanding academic performance and research dedication. Her scientific contributions have earned her invitations to present her work at major national and international congresses, where she has shared innovative findings on antimicrobial resistance, vaccine design, and phage therapy. As a corresponding author and lead researcher on several high-impact studies, her expertise has been acknowledged by peers in her field. Beyond academic achievements, she has actively contributed to national service through her role as a reviewer for top journals, including BMC Microbiology, Journal of Basic Microbiology, and Industrial Biotechnology. These distinctions, combined with her leadership roles in scientific congresses, highlight her status as a rising figure in microbiology and medical research.

Research Focus:

Dr. Shahla Shahbazi research focuses on addressing global challenges in infectious diseases through innovative approaches in microbiology, molecular biology, and immunology. Her primary interest lies in vaccine design against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, using advanced nanotechnology-based delivery systems. She also explores molecular epidemiology by studying phenotypic and genotypic markers of bacterial infections to track resistance mechanisms and virulence factors. Her work in bioinformatics and reverse vaccinology enables the identification of novel immunogenic targets for therapeutic development. Additionally, Dr. Shahbazi has contributed significantly to the exploration of phage and endolysin therapies as alternatives to antibiotics in combating resistant bacteria. Her projects also extend to green nanotechnology, utilizing plant-derived nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties. By integrating molecular biology, biotechnology, and clinical applications, her research not only advances scientific understanding but also provides practical solutions to tackle the urgent issue of antimicrobial resistance and improve public health outcomes.

Publication:

Title: Distribution of extended-spectrum β-lactam, quinolone and carbapenem resistance genes, and genetic diversity among uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates in Tehran, Iran
Year: 2018
Citation: 83

Title: The Challenge of Global Emergence of Novel Colistin-Resistant Escherichia coli ST131
Year: 2021
Citation: 45

Title: Evaluation of multidrug efflux pump expression in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus
Year: 2020
Citation: 27

Title: Zinc oxide nanoparticles impact the expression of the genes involved in toxin–antitoxin systems in multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Year: 2023
Citation: 22

Title: Time-variable expression levels of mazF, atlE, sdrH, and bap genes during biofilm formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis
Year: 2019
Citation: 21

Title: Detection of ESBL and AmpC producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST11 and ST147 from urinary tract infections in Iran
Year: 2022
Citation: 19

Title: Identification of novel putative immunogenic targets and construction of a multi-epitope vaccine against multidrug-resistant Corynebacterium jeikeium using reverse vaccinology
Year: 2022
Citation: 18

Title: Design and fabrication of a vaccine candidate based on rOmpA from Klebsiella pneumoniae encapsulated in silk fibroin-sodium alginate nanoparticles against pneumonia infection
Year: 2023
Citation: 17

Title: Evaluation of the prevalence of broad-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLS) and carbapenemase genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from burn wounds
Year: 2019
Citation: 16

Title: Polydopamine-based nano adjuvant as a promising vaccine carrier induces significant immune responses against Acinetobacter baumannii-associated pneumonia
Year: 2024
Citation: 15

Conclusion: 

Dr. Shahla Shahbazi has established herself as a dedicated and innovative researcher in microbiology and infectious diseases, with a strong emphasis on antimicrobial resistance and vaccine development. Her achievements in publications, research projects, teaching contributions, and scientific service make her highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. With further expansion into global collaborations and translational applications, she has the potential to significantly advance scientific knowledge and strengthen her leadership role in the international research community.

James Kim | Stemcells | Best Researcher Award

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Dr.James Kim | Stemcells | Best Researcher Award

Bioprocess Scientist at PBS Biotech Inc, United States.

Dr. James Kim is a distinguished bioprocess scientist specializing in chemical and biomolecular engineering. Currently serving at PBS Biotech Inc., he focuses on advancing bioprocessing techniques, downstream analytics, and stem cell research. His expertise extends from his postdoctoral research at the University of Washington, where he pioneered exosome analysis for cancer diagnostics using nano-flow cytometry. During his Ph.D. at Ohio State University, he explored magnetic cell separation for clinical applications and studied hydrodynamic stress in bioreactors. Dr. Kim has collaborated with prestigious institutions, including the NIH, and has made significant contributions to regenerative medicine and biomanufacturing. His research seamlessly integrates fundamental scientific principles with industrial applications, reinforcing his reputation as a leading expert in biomedical engineering.

professional profiles📖

ORCID

Education 🎓

Dr. Kim earned his Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Ohio State University (2015–2020) under the mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey Chalmers. His doctoral research focused on developing magnetic separation techniques for clinical applications and analyzing the impact of hydrodynamic stress on cell cultures in bioreactors. Before his doctoral studies, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan (2009–2015), graduating with cum laude honors. His undergraduate studies emphasized fluidics, flow cytometry, and bioprocess engineering, providing a solid foundation for his later research in cell separation, microfluidics, and assay development. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Kim demonstrated an interdisciplinary approach, integrating principles from engineering and biomedical sciences to drive innovation in biotechnology.

work Experience💼

With a diverse background in bioprocessing and analytical development, Dr. Kim currently works as a Bioprocess Scientist at PBS Biotech Inc., where he leads efforts in process scale-up, analytics development, and product testing for stem cell biomanufacturing. Prior to this, he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Washington (2020–2023), where he played a pivotal role in advancing nano-flow cytometry for exosome-based cancer diagnostics while collaborating with leading industry partners like Beckman Coulter and the NIH. His Ph.D. research at Ohio State University (2015–2020) involved pioneering work in magnetic separation for anemia and cancer diagnostics, as well as characterizing hydrodynamic stress in bioreactors. His extensive experience bridges fundamental research with industrial applications, making significant contributions to the fields of regenerative medicine, precision diagnostics, and biomanufacturing.

Research Focus

Dr. Kim’s research centers on advancing bioprocessing strategies, optimizing bioreactor performance, and developing innovative cell separation techniques. His work in bioprocessing and bioreactor optimization includes modeling oxygen transfer for stem cell culture to improve scalability in regenerative medicine. He has significantly contributed to flow cytometry and exosome characterization, focusing on the standardization of single-molecule flow cytometry techniques for early-stage cancer diagnostics. Additionally, his expertise in magnetic cell separation has led to novel applications in anemia, sickle cell disease, and cancer diagnostics. His interdisciplinary research aims to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and scalable biomanufacturing, facilitating advancements in cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and precision diagnostics.

Awards & Honors🏆 

Dr. Kim has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Poster Presentation Scholarship at the prestigious ECI: Cell Culture Engineering XVIII Conference in 2023, which awarded him $2,000 for his research contributions. In 2016, he earned another Poster Presentation Scholarship ($500) at the International Advanced Course on Regenerative Medicine Manufacturing. He has actively presented his work at multiple AIChE Annual Meetings between 2017 and 2019, receiving recognition for his oral and poster presentations. His collaborative research efforts with the NIH and industry leaders in the field of exosome flow cytometry have also been acknowledged, further solidifying his standing as an expert in bioprocess engineering and regenerative medicine..

Conclusion✅

Dr. James Kim is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his significant contributions to bioprocess engineering and biomedical diagnostics. His work bridges fundamental science and industrial applications, demonstrating innovation in process and instrumentation development. While he excels in research output and industry collaboration, additional focus on patenting, professional memberships, and increasing citation impact could further strengthen his profile. Overall, he is a well-qualified contender for this award.

Publications to Noted 📚

Measurement of Oxygen Transfer Rate and Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate of h-iPSC Aggregates in Vertical Wheel Bioreactors to Predict Maximum Cell Density Before Oxygen Limitation (2025)
Authors: James Kim, Omokhowa Agbojo, Sunghoon Jung, Matt Croughan
Citations: Not available

Comparison of EV Characterization by Commercial High‐Sensitivity Flow Cytometers and a Custom Single‐Molecule Flow Cytometer (2024)
Authors: James Kim, Shihan Xu, Seung‐Ryoung Jung, Alya Nguyen, Yuanhua Cheng, Mengxia Zhao, Bryant S. Fujimoto, Wyatt Nelson, Perry Schiro, Jeffrey L. Franklin, et al.
Citations: Not available

Intrinsically Magnetic Susceptibility in Human Blood and Its Potential Impact on Cell Separation: Non-Classical and Intermediate Monocytes Have the Strongest Magnetic Behavior in Fresh Human Blood (2021)
Authors: J. Gómez-Pastora, J. Kim, V. Multanen, M. Weigand, N.A. Walters, E. Reátegui, A.F. Palmer, M.H. Yazer, M. Zborowski, J.J. Chalmers
Citations: Not available

Magnetophoretic and Spectral Characterization of Oxyhemoglobin and Deoxyhemoglobin: Chemical Versus Enzymatic Processes (2021)
Authors: M.R.H. Weigand, J. Gómez-Pastora, J. Kim, M.T. Kurek, R.J. Hickey, D.C. Irwin, P.W. Buehler, M. Zborowski, A.F. Palmer, J.J. Chalmers
Citations: Not available

Hyperferritinemia in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients – Is Ferritin the Product of Inflammation or a Pathogenic Mediator? (2020)
Authors: J. Gómez-Pastora, M. Weigand, J. Kim, X. Wu, J. Strayer, A.F. Palmer, M. Zborowski, M. Yazer, J.J. Chalmers
Citations: Not available

Quantification of the Mean and Distribution of Hemoglobin Content in Normal Human Blood Using Cell Tracking Velocimetry (2020)
Authors: James Kim, Jenifer Gómez-Pastora, Christopher J. Gilbert, Mitchell Weigand, Nicole A. Walters, Eduardo Reátegui, Andre F. Palmer, Mark Yazer, Maciej Zborowski, Jeffrey J. Chalmers
Citations: Not available

Single Cell Analysis of Aged RBCs: Quantitative Analysis of the Aged Cells and Byproducts (2019)
Authors: J. Kim, M. Weigand, A.F. Palmer, M. Zborowski, M.H. Yazer, J.J. Chalmers
Citations: Not available

Quantitative Characterization of the Regulation of Iron Metabolism in Glioblastoma Stem‐Like Cells Using Magnetophoresis (2019)
Authors: Kyoung‐Joo J. Park, James Kim, Thomas Testoff, Joseph Adams, Miranda Poklar, Maciej Zborowski, Monica Venere, Jeffrey J. Chalmers
Citations: Not available

A Subpopulation of Monocytes in Normal Human Blood Has Significant Magnetic Susceptibility: Quantification and Potential Implications (2019)
Authors: James Kim, Jenifer Gómez‐Pastora, Mitchell Weigand, Marnie Potgieter, Nicole A. Walters, Eduardo Reátegui, Andre F. Palmer, Mark Yazer, Maciej Zborowski, Jeffrey J. Chalmers
Citations: Not available

Correlation of Simulation/Finite Element Analysis to the Separation of Intrinsically Magnetic Spores and Red Blood Cells Using a Microfluidic Magnetic Deposition System (2018)
Authors: J. Sun, L. Moore, W. Xue, J. Kim, M. Zborowski, J.J. Chalmers
Citations: Not available