Seyed Hassan Nikookar | Medical Entomology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Seyed Hassan Nikookar | Medical Entomology | Best Researcher Award

Mazandaran University of Medical sciences | Iran

Dr. Seyed Hassan Nikookar is a distinguished researcher and Assistant Professor at the Health Sciences Research Center, School of Public Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. His research primarily focuses on medical entomology, vector ecology, and the molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance in disease-transmitting mosquitoes. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of vector biodiversity, ecology, and control strategies for arboviral and parasitic diseases such as dengue, malaria, leishmaniasis, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Iran. Dr. Nikookar’s research integrates field-based entomological surveillance with molecular diagnostic tools to develop innovative and sustainable approaches for vector monitoring and management. His pioneering work on invasive Aedes mosquitoes has supported national health authorities in developing effective strategies to mitigate vector-borne disease transmission, enhance community participation, and promote integrated vector management systems. With over 80 scientific publications in internationally recognized journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, he is among Iran’s leading experts in medical entomology and vector control. His scholarly impact is reflected by over 824 citations and an h-index of 16 on Google Scholar, along with 439 citations across 336 Scopus-indexed documents and an h-index of 13, demonstrating his sustained scientific influence. Beyond research, he contributes as an editorial board member and peer reviewer for several journals and collaborates with national and international institutions on multidisciplinary research projects. Dr. Nikookar’s work exemplifies scientific excellence and practical impact in public health entomology, earning him recognition as a Best Researcher Award recipient for his contributions to vector-borne disease research and control initiatives in Iran.

Publication Profile

Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Nikookar, S. H., et al. (2025). Laboratory evaluation of the larvicidal activity of essential oils from three Mentha species against Anopheles stephensi. Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.

Nikookar, S. H., et al. (2024). Kdr genotyping and the first report of V410L and V1016I kdr mutations in voltage-gated sodium channel gene in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from Iran. Parasites and Vectors, 17(1), Article 152.

Nikookar, S. H., et al. (2024). Molecular detection of Leishmania DNA in wild-caught sand flies, Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia spp. in northern Iran. Parasite Epidemiology and Control, 26, e00472.

Nikookar, S. H., et al. (2024). Association between fasting and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 14(7), 11592.

Nikookar, S. H., et al. (2023). Current status of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and its vectors in Iran: A narrative review. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 8(12), 589.*

Samar al nahhas | Parasitology | Best Faculty Award

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Prof. Samar al nahhas | Parasitology | Best Faculty Award

professor at Damascus University, Syria

Prof. Samar Al Nahhas is a distinguished professor specializing in Parasitology and Animal Biology. With a career spanning over three decades, she has made significant contributions to the study of parasitic diseases, particularly in Syria. Her expertise lies in investigating the molecular and immunological aspects of parasites, aiming to enhance diagnostic and preventive strategies. She has held key academic positions, including Head of the Department of Animal Biology at Damascus University (2000-2007), and has been involved in mentoring numerous students at various academic levels. Prof. Al Nahhas is also an active reviewer for international journals and has served as an arbiter for master’s and doctoral theses. Her work is widely recognized in the field, and she has been involved in various scientific collaborations focusing on infectious diseases, epidemiology, and molecular biology.

professional profiles📖

Education 🎓

Prof. Al Nahhas pursued her academic journey across Syria and France, developing a strong foundation in biological sciences. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in General Biology (Biochemistry) from Damascus University (1978-1982), followed by a DEA (Diplôme d’Études Approfondies) in Animal Biology & Physiology from Lille University, France (1984-1985). She then completed her PhD in Animal Biology (Parasitology) at Montpellier University, France (1985-1988), where she conducted groundbreaking research on parasitic interactions and their developmental biology. Her education laid the groundwork for her later research in immunodiagnostics, molecular epidemiology, and parasitology. Over the years, she has continued to expand her expertise through advanced training in molecular biology, immunological techniques, and diagnostic methodologies, making her an authority in the field of parasitology.

work Experience💼

With an illustrious academic career, Prof. Al Nahhas has held multiple positions at Damascus University. She started as a Lecturer (1989-1994), then became an Associate Professor (1994-2000), and was later promoted to Professor (2000-present). From 2000 to 2007, she served as Head of the Department of Animal Biology, overseeing research and curriculum development. Throughout her career, she has conducted extensive research on parasitic diseases, including malaria, leishmaniasis, and echinococcosis, using advanced microscopy and molecular techniques. She has also worked with a wide range of laboratory equipment, including PCR, ELISA, electrophoresis, and blotting techniques, and has experience in microbial culture and biochemical analysis of parasites. Her contributions extend beyond academia, as she has actively participated in disease prevention strategies in Syria and collaborated on international research projects.

Research Focus

Prof. Al Nahhas specializes in parasitology, infectious diseases, and molecular diagnostics. Her research primarily focuses on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and immunology of parasitic infections, particularly leishmaniasis, malaria, giardiasis, toxoplasmosis, and echinococcosis. She has conducted extensive studies on the serodiagnosis of leishmaniasis, developing and comparing various immunological tests for its detection. She has also worked on molecular characterization of Giardia species and the genotypic analysis of Blastocystis to understand its impact on human health. Additionally, she has explored the interactions between parasites and host immune cells, using microscopy and molecular techniques to study parasite development in vitro and in vivo. Her research contributes significantly to public health strategies, helping identify effective diagnostic tools and preventive measures for parasitic diseases.

Conclusion

is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Faculty Award, with an outstanding academic and research profile. Her work has significantly advanced parasitology and infectious disease studies, particularly in Syria’s public health sector. While she has strong research output and expertise, enhancing global collaborations, securing more grants, and increasing international recognition would further solidify her standing. Given her contributions to education, research, and public health, she is a strong contender for the award.

Prof. Samar Nahhas

📚Publications to Noted

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis Assemblages and Sub-Assemblages in Symptomatic Patients from Damascus City and Its Suburbs

Authors: Samar Nahhas, Dania Skhal, Hanadi Saliba

Journal: Infection, Genetics and Evolution

Year: 2017

DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.11.030

Giardia duodenalis in Damascus, Syria: Identification of Giardia Genotypes in a Sample of Human Fecal Isolates Using Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analyzing Method

Authors: Samar Nahhas, Dania Skhal, Hanadi Saliba

Journal: Acta Tropica

Year: 2016

DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.10.008

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Central Provinces of Hama and Edlib in Syria: Vector Identification and Parasite Typing

Authors: Samar Nahhas, Hanadi Saliba, Ghalia Aboualchamat

Journal: Parasites & Vectors

Year: 2015

DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1147-0

Sarcoptes-World Molecular Network (Sarcoptes-WMN): Integrating Research on Scabies

Authors: Samar Nahhas, Ayman Al-Mariri, Mahmood Al-Mendalawi

Journal: International Journal of Infectious Diseases

Year: 2011

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2011.01.012

Serodiagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Syrian Arab Republic

Authors: Samar Nahhas, Atef Altawil

Journal: Saudi Medical Journal

Year: 2009

Assessment of the Direct Agglutination Test, Fast Agglutination Screening Test, and rK39 Dipstick Test for the Sero-Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Syria

Authors: Samar Nahhas, Atef Altawil

Journal: Saudi Medical Journal

Year: 2008

Contribution Study of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Syria

Authors: Samar Nahhas, Atef Altawil

Journal: Saudi Medical Journal

Year: 2005

Visceral Leishmaniasis in the Syrian Arab Republic: Early Detection Using rK39

Authors: Samar Nahhas, Atef Altawil

Journal: Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal

Year: 2003