Shaghayegh Baradaran Ghavami | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shaghayegh Baradaran Ghavami | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

IBD research, Research institutes gastroenterology and liver, Iran 

Shaghayegh Baradaran Ghavami is a dedicated researcher with over 10 years of expertise in immunology, microbiology, and molecular biology. Specializing in autoimmune diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), her work focuses on innovative therapies such as probiotics, nanocomposites, and viral infection impacts on immune responses in autoimmune patients. She is highly skilled in advanced molecular techniques, including RNA/DNA extraction, flow cytometry, microbiological assays, and animal model studies. With a strong background in mentoring Master’s and Ph.D. students, she has contributed significantly to multiple high-impact publications. Passionate about advancing knowledge in immune-mediated diseases, Shaghayegh’s work has led to groundbreaking approaches in diagnostics and therapeutic development.

Profile

Education

Shaghayegh Baradaran Ghavami holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran (2010-2015). Prior to that, she completed her M.Sc. in Microbiology at Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Iran (2008-2010). Her extensive academic background laid the foundation for her research in immunology and microbiology, specifically focusing on autoimmune diseases. Throughout her education, Shaghayegh demonstrated a commitment to deepening scientific understanding, leading her to pursue a career in both laboratory and clinical research, where she has made significant contributions to advancing medical practices and patient outcomes.

Experience

Shaghayegh Baradaran Ghavami has over a decade of experience in both clinical and academic research. She is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Disease at Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (2018-2026), where she oversees research design, data analysis, and project dissemination. Previously, she served as a Clinical Research Fellow at the same institution (2016-2018), where she coordinated research teams and contributed to numerous publications. Additionally, she worked as a tutor at Azad University, Tehran, supporting students through complex microbiological concepts and promoting critical thinking. Her professional experience spans across experimental research, research proposal development, grant management, and academic mentoring.

Awards and Honors

Shaghayegh Baradaran Ghavami has received several prestigious recognitions in her research career. In 2020, she was awarded a $30,000 research grant from Orchid Life Company for her project on IBD and COVID-19. Her work has also earned her opportunities to present at major international conferences, such as the “Advanced Immunology 2023” congress in London and the “Microbiota MI 2020” meeting in Milan. Her research achievements are consistently acknowledged through citations in high-impact journals, showcasing her contributions to the fields of immunology and microbiology. Shaghayegh’s awards and honors reflect her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and therapeutic innovations in autoimmune diseases.

Research Focus

Shaghayegh Baradaran Ghavami’s research is focused on advancing the understanding of immune-mediated diseases, particularly Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Her work explores the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics, the role of the gut microbiota, and the use of nanocomposite-based therapies to manage autoimmune diseases. She investigates the mechanisms underlying the interaction between viral infections and immune responses in IBD patients, providing insights into new therapeutic approaches. Shaghayegh’s research aims to develop novel diagnostic tools and interventions that can improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from autoimmune conditions. Her studies have contributed to enhancing the understanding of dendritic cells, immunological markers, and their potential as therapeutic targets for IBD.

Publication Top Notes

  • “Alterations of the human gut Methanobrevibacter smithii as a biomarker for inflammatory bowel diseases” 📚🦠
  • “Evaluation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA expression level and the rs1799964 polymorphism of the TNF-α gene in peripheral mononuclear cells of patients with inflammatory…” 🔬🧬
  • “The emerging epidemic of inflammatory bowel disease in Asia and Iran by 2035: a modeling study” 🌏📊
  • “Mesenchymal stem cell spheroids embedded in an injectable thermosensitive hydrogel: an in situ drug formation platform for accelerated wound healing” 🧫💉
  • “Immunomodulation and generation of tolerogenic dendritic cells by probiotic bacteria in patients with inflammatory bowel disease” 🦠🧘‍♀️
  • “Cross-talk between immune system and microbiota in COVID-19” 🦠🌍
  • “Overview of three proliferation pathways (Wnt, Notch, and Hippo) in intestine and immune system and their role in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs)” 🔬🧬
  • “Probiotics and probiotic-based vaccines: A novel approach for improving vaccine efficacy” 💊🦠
  • “Probiotic-induced tolerogenic dendritic cells: a novel therapy for inflammatory bowel disease?” 💉🔬
  • “Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and inflammatory bowel disease; Beneficial or malpractice” 🤔💊
  • “The critical role of gut-brain axis microbiome in mental disorders” 🧠🌱

 

 

Emily Sabo | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Emily Sabo | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Previous Student, Colorado School of Mines, United States

Dr. E.T. Sabo is a graduate student at Colorado School of Mines, pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Holz. Their research focuses on the sulfur mobilization mechanisms for Fe-S cluster biosynthesis in Staphylococcus aureus, aiming to uncover critical insights into bacterial biochemistry and potential antibiotic targets. With a solid background in chemical and biochemical techniques, Dr. Sabo has developed expertise in protein purification, enzyme kinetics, crystallography, and computational modeling. Throughout their career, they have mentored undergraduate and high school students, participated in outreach programs, and contributed to community-building efforts within the academic environment. With multiple publications and presentations in leading journals and conferences, Dr. Sabo is recognized for their scientific acumen, leadership, and passion for advancing biochemistry.

Profile

Education

Dr. E.T. Sabo is currently completing a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry at Colorado School of Mines (Aug 2019–Dec 2024), under the supervision of Dr. Richard Holz. Their dissertation explores the sulfur mobilization mechanisms for Fe-S cluster biosynthesis in Staphylococcus aureus, an area of great interest for antimicrobial research. Prior to their graduate studies, Dr. Sabo earned a B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Georgia (Aug 2015–May 2019). This foundational training set the stage for their extensive work in biochemistry and molecular biology, equipping them with a deep understanding of both chemical and biological systems. The combination of rigorous academic training and hands-on research experience allows Dr. Sabo to bridge the gap between theoretical chemistry and practical laboratory applications in their work on sulfur biochemistry and enzyme function.

Experience

Dr. Sabo’s research experience includes a diverse set of skills in applied chemistry and biochemistry. As a Graduate Research Assistant at Colorado School of Mines (2020–2024), Dr. Sabo focused on studying sulfur mobilization in bacterial enzymes, such as cysteine desulfurases. This involved advanced techniques such as protein purification, enzyme kinetics, protein crystallography, and computational docking. Notably, they developed assays for high-throughput screening (HTS) to study enzyme inhibition and optimized crystallography screens for structural analysis. Additionally, Dr. Sabo has significant experience with UV-Vis and EPR spectroscopy and molecular modeling, crucial tools in biochemistry research. Their undergraduate experience at the University of Georgia (2015–2019) also involved working on mass spectrometry-based analyses of glycan metabolites in human kidney cells, further strengthening their broad skillset. Dr. Sabo has consistently demonstrated an ability to mentor and collaborate with students, as well as present complex research findings at conferences.

Awards and Honors

Dr. E.T. Sabo has earned several accolades recognizing their outstanding contributions to research and academics. They received the Mines GRADS Best Oral Talk award in March 2024, securing 2nd place in Biological, Health, and Social Sciences. Their work was recognized for its depth and clarity in communicating complex scientific concepts. Dr. Sabo also received the prestigious ACS travel award in August 2022, facilitating their participation in the American Chemical Society’s Division of Inorganic Chemistry conference. As an undergraduate, Dr. Sabo was awarded the Classic Scholar Award at the University of Georgia, which acknowledged their academic excellence. Their dedication to advancing scientific understanding and contributing to the academic community has been instrumental in the recognition they’ve received. These honors highlight Dr. Sabo’s growing reputation as an emerging leader in the field of applied chemistry and biochemistry, especially in the study of bacterial biochemistry.

Research Focus

Dr. E.T. Sabo’s research is focused on understanding sulfur mobilization mechanisms for Fe-S cluster biosynthesis in Staphylococcus aureus, a critical process for bacterial survival and virulence. By studying the cysteine desulfurase complex in this pathogenic bacterium, Dr. Sabo aims to uncover potential targets for novel antimicrobial therapies. Their work delves into enzyme kinetics, protein-protein interactions, and the structural characterization of sulfur transfer pathways, with the goal of improving our understanding of microbial biochemistry. The research also extends to the study of small molecule inhibitors and their effect on sulfur metabolism, which could offer insights into the development of new antibiotic strategies. Additionally, Dr. Sabo is exploring computational approaches to model protein-ligand interactions, further enhancing the ability to predict and design compounds that interfere with sulfur cluster biosynthesis. This interdisciplinary approach promises to advance both basic biochemistry and applied pharmaceutical research.

Publications

  1. Boncella, A. E.; Sabo, E. T.; Santore, R. M.; Carter, J.; Whalen; Hudspeth, J. D.; Morrison, C. N. “The expanding utility of iron-sulfur clusters: Their functional roles in biology, synthetic small molecules, maquettes and artificial proteins, biomimetic materials, and therapeutic strategies.” Coordination Chemistry Reviews, 453, 2022. 🔬⚛️
  2. Hudspeth, J.D.; Boncella, A. E.; Sabo, E. T.; Andrews, T.; Boyd, J.; Morrison, C.N. “Structural and Biochemical Characterization of the Cysteine Desulfurase Complex SufSU.” ACS Omega, 7(48), 44124-44133, 2022. 🧬🧪
  3. Sabo, E.T. and Nelson, C.; Stark, V.; Aasman, K.; Boyd, J.; Holz, R. “Practical Spectrophotometric Assay for the Cysteine Desulfurase SufS from Staphylococcus aureus, a Potential Antibiotic Target.” Antibiotics. Accepted. 💊🦠
  4. Sabo, E.T.; Gerlich, G.; Nelson, C.; Stark, V.; Aasman, K.; Morrison, C.; Boyd, J.; Holz, R. “Kinetic Analysis of Cysteine Desulfurase SaSufS from Staphylococcus aureus.” In preparation. 🧑‍🔬🔎
  5. Sabo, E.T., Nelson, C.; Bennet, B.; Holz, R. “Cobalt Substitution of the Zinc-dependent Sulfur Transferase SaSufU from Staphylococcus aureus.” In preparation. ⚙️💡