Dr. Mohamed-Zakaria Assani | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania

Mohamed-Zakaria Assani is a dedicated and academically accomplished medical professional from Craiova, Romania. A graduate of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova with a Doctor of Medicine degree, he is currently pursuing a PhD in Immunology, focusing on the implications of inflammation and atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease. His academic excellence is reflected in his high GPAs and his master’s dissertation on population exposure to ionizing radiation. Mohamed-Zakaria has demonstrated leadership and community engagement through roles such as Project Coordinator for ONCOHELP and active volunteer work within student medical societies. He has participated in numerous congresses and clinical workshops, enhancing his practical and theoretical knowledge. Proficient in English and skilled in digital tools, he is well-equipped for research communication and collaboration. With a strong foundation in clinical research and a growing academic profile, he stands out as a promising early-career researcher committed to advancing medical science.

Professional Profile

ORCID Profile

Education

Mohamed-Zakaria Assani has an impressive academic background rooted in medical sciences. He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, achieving an outstanding overall GPA of 9.69 and a dissertation exam GPA of 9.92. His academic excellence dates back to high school, where he earned a Baccalaureate GPA of 9.50 from the National College Frații Buzești in Craiova. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Immunology at the same university, where his research explores the interplay between inflammation, atherosclerosis, and chronic kidney disease—an area of critical importance in modern healthcare. His educational journey demonstrates consistent high performance, intellectual curiosity, and a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of medicine. He has also earned English language certifications (C1 level), further supporting his ability to engage with international research communities and access global academic resources effectively.

Professional Experience

Mohamed-Zakaria Assani has gained practical medical and leadership experience through a series of impactful roles. Currently, he serves as a resident in Laboratory Medicine at Filantropia Clinical Hospital and the Clinical Hospital of Neuropsychiatry in Craiova. These roles have enabled him to develop core diagnostic and analytical skills essential for laboratory-based and clinical research. Earlier in his academic journey, he demonstrated initiative and community engagement as a project coordinator for ONCOHELP within SSM Craiova and as a volunteer for various student-led projects, including TRANSMED and university-wide events such as the Freshman Ball. His participation in medical workshops and congresses—like the Annual Congress of Surgery for Students and CIMSC—further underscores his dedication to continuous professional development. These experiences have not only broadened his clinical perspective but also allowed him to build strong interpersonal and organizational skills, both crucial for team-based medical research and healthcare practice.

Research Interest

Mohamed-Zakaria Assani’s research interests lie at the intersection of immunology, cardiovascular pathology, and nephrology, focusing specifically on how inflammation and atherosclerosis contribute to chronic kidney disease (CKD). This multidisciplinary approach highlights his commitment to understanding complex disease mechanisms and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based research. His PhD work delves into the cellular and molecular pathways that drive disease progression in CKD, a pressing global health challenge. Additionally, his master’s dissertation explored population exposure to ionizing radiation from high-performance radiological investigations, demonstrating his early concern for public health and medical safety. Mohamed-Zakaria is driven by a desire to bridge laboratory findings with clinical applications, and his work holds the potential to inform diagnostic tools, therapeutic strategies, and preventive measures. His research aims not only to contribute new knowledge to the scientific community but also to enhance clinical practice, particularly in the management of chronic and systemic diseases.

Award and Honor

Although specific formal awards are not listed, Mohamed-Zakaria Assani’s academic record and extracurricular achievements position him as a strong candidate for recognition in research and leadership. Graduating with distinction from both high school and medical school, and earning high scores on his dissertation, he has consistently demonstrated academic excellence. His selection as a Project Coordinator within SSM Craiova for the ONCOHELP initiative, along with his active participation in prestigious student congresses such as CIMSC and the Annual Congress of Surgery, reflects peer and institutional acknowledgment of his capabilities. He also holds English proficiency certifications (Cambridge C1), further validating his readiness for international academic participation. His combination of scholarly commitment, volunteer service, and leadership roles speaks to a well-rounded and motivated individual deserving of early-career honors, such as young researcher awards or medical innovation fellowships. His profile illustrates promise and preparedness for future accolades in the field of medical research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mohamed-Zakaria Assani is a highly motivated and capable early-career medical researcher with a commendable blend of academic achievement, clinical experience, and leadership involvement. His educational accomplishments and current doctoral work in immunology place him at the forefront of critical research on chronic kidney disease. He has proactively contributed to both academic and volunteer communities, showing a strong sense of responsibility and dedication to healthcare. While he would benefit from expanding his research portfolio through publications and international collaborations, his foundational strengths are undeniable. With a clear focus on impactful, multidisciplinary research and a history of academic excellence, he is exceptionally well-positioned to contribute to the future of medical science. He is a promising candidate for research awards and a strong example of emerging talent in laboratory and clinical medicine. His continued progress will no doubt lead to significant contributions in the medical and scientific fields.

Publications Top Notes

1. Association Between Pentraxins and Obesity in Prediabetes and Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

• Authors: Roxana-Viorela Ahrițculesei, Lidia Boldeanu, Daniel Cosmin Caragea, Mihaela Vladu, Diana Clenciu, Adina Mitrea, Anca Marilena Ungureanu, Constantin Cristian Văduva, Anda Lorena Dijmărescu, Alin Iulian Silviu Popescu, et al.

• Year: 2025

• Citation: Ahrițculesei, R.-V., Boldeanu, L., Caragea, D. C., Vladu, M., Clenciu, D., Mitrea, A., Ungureanu, A. M., Văduva, C. C., Dijmărescu, A. L., Popescu, A. I. S., et al. (2025). Association Between Pentraxins and Obesity in Prediabetes and Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(8), 3661. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083661

2. Potential Association Between Atherogenic Coefficient, Prognostic Nutritional Index, and Various Obesity Indices in Diabetic Nephropathy

• Authors: Mohamed-Zakaria Assani, Marius Bogdan Novac, Anda Lorena Dijmărescu, Constantin Cristian Văduva, Mihaela Vladu, Diana Clenciu, Adina Mitrea, Roxana-Viorela Ahrițculesei, Alexandra-Ștefania Stroe-Ionescu, Alexandru-Dan Assani, et al.

• Year: 2025

• Citation: Assani, M.-Z., Novac, M. B., Dijmărescu, A. L., Văduva, C. C., Vladu, M., Clenciu, D., Mitrea, A., Ahrițculesei, R.-V., Stroe-Ionescu, A.-Ș., Assani, A.-D., et al. (2025). Potential Association Between Atherogenic Coefficient, Prognostic Nutritional Index, and Various Obesity Indices in Diabetic Nephropathy. Nutrients, 17(8), 1339. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081339

3. Radiation Exposure of Patients Undergoing Multiple-Slice CT Scans in Romania

• Authors: I. Prejbeanu, M. Z. Assani, F. Niculescu, L. A. Prunariu, R. G. Prejbeanu

• Year: 2024

• Citation: Prejbeanu, I., Assani, M. Z., Niculescu, F., Prunariu, L. A., & Prejbeanu, R. G. (2024). Radiation Exposure of Patients Undergoing Multiple-Slice CT Scans in Romania. European Journal of Public Health, 34(Supplement 1), ckae144.2140. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckae144.2140