Innovative Research Award

Michel Stéphane Heya is a researcher at the Faculty of Public Health and Nutrition of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL), Mexico, whose work addresses the bioprospecting of natural compounds and the development of therapeutic alternatives based on bioactive ingredients and nanomedicines.[1] His research profile integrates nanotechnology, natural product chemistry, biostatistics, and instrumental chemical analysis, and he is a member of the National System of Researchers (SNII-Candidate).[2] This article presents his academic background, research contributions, bibliometric profile, and the rationale for consideration of the Innovative Research Award associated with the Popular Engineer Awards event.[3]

Abstract

This article examines the academic and scientific trajectory of Michel Stéphane Heya, a professor-researcher at the Faculty of Public Health and Nutrition of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Mexico. His work focuses on the bioprospecting of natural compounds, the design and development of nanomedicines to improve bioavailability and pharmacological efficacy, and the integration of nanotechnology and natural products under the One Health approach.[1] Bibliometric indicators from Scopus record 23 documents, 177 citations, and an h-index of 6, with nanotechnology as the principal subject area.[2] The article evaluates the alignment of this profile with the Innovative Research Award associated with the Popular Engineer Awards.[3]

Keywords

• Nanotechnology
• Natural products
• Bioactive compounds
• Nanomedicine
• One Health
• Public health nutrition

Introduction

The integration of nanotechnology with natural product chemistry has become a productive area of translational research, particularly for improving the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of bioactive compounds.[4] Researchers working at the interface of public health and nutrition are increasingly expected to connect molecular-level characterization with applied health outcomes.[5] The trajectory of Michel Stéphane Heya illustrates this convergence through work on polymeric nanoparticles, phytochemical characterization, and the evaluation of antimicrobial and cytoprotective activity.[1] The present article documents this profile in a neutral, evidence-based format and considers its relevance to a research award.[3]

Research Profile

Michel Stéphane Heya obtained a Doctorate in Sciences with orientation in Biotechnology from the Institute of Biotechnology of UANL (2017–2021) with Summa Cum Laude distinction, following a Bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics-Biostatistics in Douala, Cameroon, later revalidated as Engineer in Biotechnology at the Faculty of Agronomy, UANL.[1] He is a member of the National System of Researchers (SNII-Candidate) and serves as professor-researcher at the Faculty of Public Health and Nutrition, where he coordinates research stays since 2025 and the Doctorate in Public Health and Nutrition.[2] He is a member of the Editorial Community and Research Communities of Springer Nature since 2026, and a member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society (2026) and the Multidisciplinary Network of Applied Research of Mexico (2026).[6]

His declared competencies include the development and physicochemical characterization of polymeric nanoparticles for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds, quantification of encapsulated compounds by FTIR spectroscopy, extraction and phytochemical characterization of secondary metabolites and dietary fibers, and biostatistical analysis using SPSS, Statgraphics, and OriginLab.[1] He has participated in the training of human resources as external director and co-director of bachelor’s and master’s theses at UANL faculties.[2]

Research Contributions

A central contribution is the development of nanocarrier systems loaded with plant-derived compounds for therapeutic applications, including inorganic nanoparticles containing plant-derived compounds for kidney treatment and nanocarriers of natural and synthetic ixodicides against Rhipicephalus microplus.[7][8] Related work addresses the nephroprotective effect of Sansevieria trifasciata and the improved therapeutic potential of plant-based compounds in colon cancer using nanotechnology.[9][10] He has also examined the overcoming of tumor and mucosal barriers through active-loaded nanocarriers, including nanoparticles and exosomes.[11]

In natural product chemistry, he has reported in vitro antifungal and antibacterial activity of partitions from Euphorbia tirucalli L. and the antifungal activity of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with E. tirucalli extract.[12][13] Additional contributions include phytotherapeutic evaluations of Artemisia ludoviciana and Cordia boissieri against Microsporum canis and analytical methods such as an HPLC-UV method to assess human plasma 25(OH)D3.[14][15] He edited the Springer volume Natural Alternatives and Nanotechnology Applied to the One Health Approach, which consolidates this research line.[16]

Publications

Scopus records 23 documents authored or co-authored by Michel Stéphane Heya, spanning nanotechnology, natural product pharmacology, parasitology, and nutrition-related analytical chemistry.[2] Representative articles include studies in Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Scientia Pharmaceutica, Veterinary Parasitology, Pharmaceuticals, Applied Nanoscience, Analytica, Molecules, Antioxidants, and Nutrients.[7][9][10][11][12][15] He has contributed book chapters, including work on optimizing the therapeutic action of natural compounds using nanoparticles and on microalgae as a sustainable supply of food bioactive ingredients.[17][18] Science dissemination outputs include a 2026 article in Milenio on nanomedicine and medicinal plants.[19]

Research Impact

According to Scopus, the profile has accumulated 177 citations across 23 documents, with an h-index of 6 and nanotechnology as the primary subject area.[2] These indicators are consistent with an early-to-mid career researcher whose output is concentrated in indexed international journals with assigned DOIs.[7][11] Beyond bibliometrics, impact is evidenced by editorial and peer-review roles in journals such as International Journal of Food Properties, Chemistry & Biodiversity, Microchimica Acta, and Archives of Microbiology, and by service as an external evaluator of master’s and doctoral programs at UANL.[6] These activities support the interpretation of a sustained and verifiable scholarly contribution.[3]

Award Suitability

The Innovative Research Award, associated with the Popular Engineer Awards event, recognizes applied and translational research with demonstrable scientific and societal relevance.[3] The candidate’s record aligns with this scope through peer-reviewed publications on nanomedicine and natural products, a Springer-edited volume on the One Health approach, and documented training of human resources.[16][2] Bibliometric indicators of 23 documents, 177 citations, and an h-index of 6 provide quantifiable support for the nomination, while editorial and review activities indicate standing within the research community.[2][6] On this basis, the profile is suitable for consideration under the award’s research criteria.[3]

Conclusion

Michel Stéphane Heya presents a coherent research program linking nanotechnology, natural product chemistry, and public health nutrition, supported by indexed publications, an edited Springer volume, and verifiable bibliometric indicators.[1][16] His Scopus profile of 23 documents, 177 citations, and an h-index of 6, together with editorial and peer-review service, substantiates a case for recognition under the Innovative Research Award.[2][3]

External Links

• Scopus Author Profile
• ORCID Profile
• Popular Engineer Awards

References

1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Michel Stéphane Heya, Author ID 57340518200. Scopus.
   https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57340518200
2. Scopus. (2025). Author metrics: 23 documents, 177 citations, h-index 6, subject area Nanotechnology. Elsevier Scopus.
   https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57340518200
3. Popular Engineer Awards. (n.d.). Innovative Research Award: Award criteria and event information.
   https://popularengineer.org/
4. Heya, M. S., Cordero-Díaz, A., Galindo-Rodríguez, S. A., et al. (2022). Overcoming tumor and mucosal barriers through active-loaded nanocarriers: Nanoparticles and exosomes. Applied Nanoscience.
   https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-022-02724-y
5. Tijerina, A., Fonseca, D., Aguilera-González, C. J., Heya, M. S., et al. (2024). Plasma antioxidant capacity is related to dietary intake, body composition, and stage of reproductive aging in women. Antioxidants, 13(8), 940.
   https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080940
6. Springer Nature. (2026). Research Communities profile: Michel Stéphane Heya. Springer Nature.
   https://communities.springernature.com/users/michel-stephane-heya-7bc61e80-cee6-48c4-bde1-679251a6436b
7. Heya, M. S., García-Hernández, D. G., García-Ponce, R., & Fernandes, D. (2025). Inorganic nanoparticles containing plant-derived compounds for kidney treatment. Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications, 2025(1).
   https://doi.org/10.1155/bca/8743377
8. García-Ponce, R., Villarreal-Villarreal, J. P., Flores Suárez, A. E., Hernández Vidal, G., García-Hernández, D. G., Hernández-Escareño, J. J., & Heya, M. S. (2025). Nanocarriers of natural and synthetic ixodicides, new alternatives against Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae): A review. Veterinary Parasitology, 337, 110506.
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110506
9. Ramos Islas, J., Lomelí, M. L.-C., González Martínez, B. E., et al., & Heya, M. S. (2025). Nephroprotective effect of Sansevieria trifasciata. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(17), 8619.
   https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178619
10. López-Cabanillas Lomelí, M., Tijerina-Sáenz, A., García-Hernández, D. G., et al., & Heya, M. S. (2025). Colon cancer: Overview on improved therapeutic potential of plant-based compounds using nanotechnology. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 93(1), Article 1.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm93010001
11. Heya, M. S., Cordero-Díaz, A., Galindo-Rodríguez, S. A., et al. (2022). Overcoming tumor and mucosal barriers through active-loaded nanocarriers: Nanoparticles and exosomes. Applied Nanoscience.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-022-02724-y
12. Heya, M. S., Verde-Star, M. J., Galindo-Rodríguez, S. A., Rivas-Morales, C., Robledo-Leal, E., & García-Hernández, D. G. (2022). In vitro antifungal antibacterial activity of partitions from Euphorbia tirucalli L. Analytica, 3, 228–235.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/analytica3020016
13. Heya, M. S., et al. (2024). In vitro antifungal activity of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Euphorbia tirucalli extract. Brazilian Journal of Biology.
    https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.275974
14. Villarreal, J. P. V., Soto, B. A. M., Heya, M. S., Galindo-Rodríguez, S. A., et al. (2024). Phytotherapeutic potential of Artemisia ludoviciana and Cordia boissieri extracts against the dermatophyte Microsporum canis. Journal of Veterinary Research, 68(3), 389–394.
    https://doi.org/10.2478/jvetres-2024-0046
15. Heya, M. S., Bouzas, C., Tur, J. A., & Salas, R. (2024). An HPLC-UV method to assess human plasma 25(OH)D3. Nutrients, 16(14), 2304.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142304
16. Heya, M. S. (Ed.). (2025). Natural alternatives and nanotechnology applied to the One Health approach: Bridging ecology, technology, and medicine for sustainable solutions. Springer.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-03675-9
17. Lomelí, M. L. C., Martínez, B. E. G., Verde-Star, M. J., Salazar, M. C. A., & Heya, M. S. (2025). Optimizing the therapeutic action of natural compounds using nanoparticles. In M. S. Heya (Ed.), Natural Alternatives and Nanotechnology Applied to the One Health Approach. Springer.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-03675-9_10
18. García-Gómez, C., Morales-Landa, J., Luiz-Santos, N., Reyes-Vázquez, N., & Heya, M. S. (2024). Microalgae as a sustainable food bioactive ingredients supply. In Process Engineering in the Obtention and Preservation of Food Bioactive (pp. 131–329). Nova Science Publisher.
    https://doi.org/10.52305/QFIG3810
19. Heya, M. S. (2026, April 29). Nanomedicine and medicinal plants: An innovative alliance to combat emerging diseases. Milenio.
    https://www.milenio.com/ciencia-y-salud/nanomedicina-y-plantas-medicinales-contra-enfermedades-emergentes