William Usaquén | Population Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. William Usaquén | Population Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia

Prof. Dr. William Usaquén is a distinguished Colombian researcher specializing in genetics, population studies, and forensic science, with a strong academic foundation that includes advanced degrees in biology and statistics. His career spans decades at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, complemented by international training in forensic genetics. He has led and contributed to numerous impactful research projects, including the genetic characterization of human populations and forensic applications, while actively advancing scientific methodologies. As an educator, he has taught at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, designed specialized courses, and supervised numerous student research projects. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges biology, statistics, anthropology, and forensic science, contributing to both academic knowledge and applied problem-solving. Recognized for excellence in teaching and scientific achievement, Prof. Dr. Usaquén combines rigorous scholarship with a commitment to developing future scientists, making him a respected figure in Colombian and Latin American scientific communities and a strong candidate for prestigious research awards.

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Education

Prof. Dr. William Usaquén holds a Doctorate and Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, where he specialized in genetic population studies. His doctoral and master’s research involved advanced genetic characterization of Colombian populations using microsatellite markers. He also earned a specialization in statistics from the same university, enabling him to apply quantitative methods to genetic and forensic studies. His undergraduate degree in biology laid the foundation for his multidisciplinary approach, integrating molecular biology, genetics, anthropology, and statistics. Over the course of his academic training, he developed expertise in genetic analysis, biostatistics, and population genetics, which has informed his later research in both human and animal populations. Complementing his national education, he undertook international training in forensic genetics at the Institute for Legal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, broadening his technical proficiency and exposure to advanced forensic methodologies, further solidifying his expertise in interdisciplinary scientific research.

Experience

Prof. Dr. William Usaquén has built an extensive academic and professional career primarily at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, where he has served as a professor, researcher, and administrator for over two decades. His roles have included teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in genetics, experimental design, forensic medicine, and statistical applications in genetics. He has also coordinated specialized courses and training programs, contributing to capacity building in forensic and population genetics. Beyond academia, he has held leadership roles in national forensic science institutions, including coordinating laboratories and developing scientific information systems. His international experience includes training in forensic genetics in Austria, enhancing his global scientific perspective. Throughout his career, he has maintained an active presence in both research and applied science, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world forensic and genetic investigations. His career reflects a sustained commitment to research excellence, education, and the advancement of forensic and population genetics.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. William Usaquén’s research centers on genetics, with a strong emphasis on population genetics, forensic genetics, and molecular anthropology. His work involves genetic characterization of human populations, particularly in Colombia, using microsatellite markers and other molecular tools. He has investigated genetic diversity, ancestral lineages, and population structures, contributing to understanding human migration, ancestry, and identity. In forensic contexts, his research applies genetic markers to individual identification, paternity testing, and criminal investigations, enhancing accuracy and reliability in legal medicine. Additionally, he has studied genetic traits in animal populations, such as cattle breeds, linking population genetics to agricultural and biodiversity conservation applications. His expertise in statistical genetics allows him to develop and refine methodologies for data analysis in complex genetic studies. By integrating molecular biology, statistics, anthropology, and forensics, his research contributes to both academic knowledge and practical solutions in fields ranging from evolutionary biology to judicial processes.

Award and Honor

Prof. Dr. William Usaquén has received multiple recognitions for his contributions to research, teaching, and forensic science. His awards include the title of Best Teacher in the Specialization in Forensic Medicine program at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, acknowledging his excellence in education. He has been honored for scientific contributions in population genetics and forensic entomology by the Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses. His research has also earned top placements at national scientific congresses, reflecting the quality and impact of his work. Academic excellence awards further highlight his dedication to rigorous scholarship. These distinctions not only recognize his technical expertise but also his ability to mentor and inspire students and colleagues. His awards demonstrate a career marked by both scientific achievement and a commitment to advancing the quality of education and research in Colombia, reinforcing his reputation as a leading figure in genetics and forensic science.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Succession pattern of cadaverous entomofauna in a semi-rural area of Bogotá, Colombia
    Authors: NA Segura, W Usaquen, MC Sanchez, L Chuaire, F Bello
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 125

  • Title: Entomofauna resource distribution associated with pig cadavers in Bogotá DC
    Authors: NA Segura, MA Bonilla, W Usaquén, F Bello
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 45

  • Title: Allele frecuencies for thirteen SRT’S from to Colombian population: Bogotá and Boyacá
    Authors: BI William Usaquen Martinez, Giraldo A, Mauricio Rey M, Gutierrez A
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 23

  • Title: Paternal portrait of populations of the middle Magdalena River region (Tolima and Huila, Colombia): New insights on the peopling of Central America and northernmost South America
    Authors: LA Alonso Morales, A Casas-Vargas, M Rojas Castro, R Resque, W Usaquén
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 22

  • Title: Rutas migratorias hacia Suramérica y el poblamiento de las cuencas de los ríos Amazonas y Orinoco deducidas a partir de estudios genéticos moleculares
    Authors: G Keyeux, W Usaquén
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 19

  • Title: Y-chromosome and surname analysis of the native islanders of San Andrés and Providencia (Colombia)
    Authors: LA Alonso, W Usaquén
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 17

  • Title: Structure analysis of the La Guajira-Colombia population: a genetic, demographic and genealogical overview
    Authors: MY Rojas, LA Alonso, VA Sarmiento, LY Eljach, W Usaquén
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 16

  • Title: Contrasting the ancestry patterns of three distinct population groups from the northernmost region of South America
    Authors: F Mogollon Olivares, J Moncada Madero, A Casas‐Vargas, W Usaquén
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 15

  • Title: Diversidad del ADN mitocondrial en restos óseos prehispánicos
    Authors: A Casas-Vargas, LM Romero, W Usaquén, S Zea, M Silva, I Briceño
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 15

  • Title: Population genetic analysis of the Brahman cattle (Bos indicus) in Colombia with microsatellite markers
    Authors: MA Novoa, W Usaquén
    Year: 2010
    Citations: 14

  • Title: Ciclo de vida de Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) como primera especie colonizadora presente en hígado humano realizado en el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y …
    Authors: W Usaquen, G Camacho
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 13

  • Title: Curvas de crecimiento y desarrollo de los primeros insectos colonizadores (Diptera: Calliphoridae) sobre cadáveres de cerdo (Sus scrofa) en Bogotá, Colombia
    Authors: N Segura, W Usaquén, M Sánchez, R Narváez, L Chuaire, G Camacho
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 12

  • Title: Next-generation sequencing of host genetics risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity and long-COVID in Colombian population
    Authors: M Angulo-Aguado, JC Carrillo-Martinez, NC Contreras-Bravo, A Morel, W Usaquén
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 11

  • Title: Evaluación de la variabilidad genética con marcadores microsatélites del bocachico
    Authors: D Santacruz, W Usaquen, C Burbano
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 11

  • Title: Ciclo de vida de Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) como primera especie colonizadora presente en hígado humano realizado en el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y …
    Authors: GP Camacho, W Usaquén
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 9

Conclusion

The publication record of Prof. Dr. William Usaquén demonstrates a sustained and diverse research output spanning forensic entomology, population genetics, molecular anthropology, and applied forensic science. His work includes both foundational studies in Colombian population genetics and innovative applications of genetic tools in criminal investigations and biodiversity analysis. Many of his publications have appeared in reputable international journals and have attracted significant citations, with several studies serving as reference points in their respective fields. The breadth of topics—from cadaverous entomofauna succession patterns to next-generation sequencing in COVID-19 research—shows adaptability and a capacity to address both classical and emerging scientific questions. This body of work reflects a researcher with strong interdisciplinary integration, impactful scientific contributions, and a capacity to produce knowledge that informs both academia and applied sectors. Collectively, his publications provide strong evidence of research excellence and international relevance, reinforcing his candidacy for prestigious research recognitions.

maria livia ognean | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr.  maria livia ognean | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof., Lucian Blaga University Sibiu, Romania

Dr. Maria Livia Ognean , an accomplished neonatologist from Romania, is an Associate Professor at Universitatea Lucian Blaga din Sibiu and has been affiliated with the Clinical County Emergency Hospital Sibiu since 1994. Known for her expertise in neonatal intensive care (NICU), neonatal ultrasound, nursing, and nutrition, Dr. Ognean has greatly contributed to neonatal healthcare through her research and clinical work.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Ognean holds an MD and PhD in medicine from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Tg. Mures 🎓. Her academic background has been pivotal in her work, supporting her specialized focus on neonatology and neonatal health.

Experience

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Ognean has been deeply involved in neonatology at the Clinical County Emergency Hospital Sibiu 🏥, where she has provided essential care to newborns in critical conditions. Since 2017, she has also served as an Associate Professor, imparting her knowledge to the next generation of medical professionals.

Research Focus

Dr. Ognean’s research primarily revolves around neonatology and neonatal care 💡. Her focus areas include NICU care, neonatal ultrasound, and neonatal nutrition, where she continuously works to improve outcomes for newborns. Her recent studies cover neonatal respiratory conditions, congenital infections, and innovative NICU practices.

Awards and Honours

Dr. Ognean has been recognized for her dedication to neonatology and healthcare advocacy 🏆. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Comisia Neonatologie a Ministerului Sanatatii and the Romanian Association of Neonatology, underscoring her leadership in the field.

Publication Top Notes

ABCA3 c.838C>T (p.Arg280Cys, R280C) and c.697C>T (p.Gln233Ter, Q233X, Q233) as Causative Variants for RDS: A Family Case Study and Literature Review*, published in Biomedicines, 2024, cited by articles on respiratory distress syndrome in neonates.

Effects of Prostaglandin E1 and Balloon Atrial Septostomy on Cerebral Blood Flow and Oxygenation in Newborns Diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries, published in Biomedicines, 2024, cited for advancements in neonatal cardiac care.

Congenital Sepsis with Candida albicans—A Rare Event in the Neonatal Period: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review, published in Microorganisms, 2024, cited in studies of neonatal fungal infections.

Ram Sagar | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ram Sagar | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Research fellow, Johns Hopkins University, United States

Dr. Ram Sagar is a distinguished researcher at the Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine. With a robust background in neurology and clinical microbiology, Dr. Sagar specializes in the molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. His work integrates advanced techniques in stem cell research and extracellular vesicle characterization to explore innovative treatment strategies. 🧬🧠

Publication Profile

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Strengths for the Award:

  • Extensive Research Experience: Dr. Ram Sagar has significant research experience in genetics, neurology, and neurobiology, with a particular focus on stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. His work at prestigious institutions like AIIMS, New Delhi, and Johns Hopkins University showcases his dedication and expertise.
  • Publications and Scientific Contributions: He has a strong publication record with articles in high-impact journals such as Molecular Psychiatry, Biomedicines, and Cells. His contributions include co-authored book chapters and research articles that explore innovative approaches to neurodegenerative disorders.
  • Technical Expertise: Dr. Sagar has developed advanced skills in various techniques, including RNA-Seq, lipidomics, 3D brain organoid modeling, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. His diverse technical proficiency supports his multidisciplinary approach to neurobiology and precision medicine.
  • Awards and Recognitions: He has received several prestigious awards, including the Young Investigator Award by the World Stroke Congress and multiple international travel grants. These accolades highlight his recognition and credibility in the field.
  • Professional Involvement and Leadership: As an editorial board member and manuscript reviewer for several leading journals, Dr. Sagar demonstrates significant contributions to scientific communities. His involvement in various professional societies further reflects his leadership and commitment to advancing research in his field.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Funding and Grants: Although Dr. Sagar has received several travel grants, there is a limited mention of independently secured research funding or grants as a principal investigator. Securing independent funding is often a critical criterion for research excellence awards.
  • Collaborative Networks: Expanding collaborations with international researchers and institutions beyond his current affiliations could enhance his research impact and global recognition.
  • Longitudinal Research Studies: Engaging in or leading more extensive longitudinal studies could further solidify his contributions to the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, which could strengthen his candidacy for the award.

Education

Dr. Sagar earned his Ph.D. in Neurology from AIIMS, New Delhi in 2019, with a focus on inflammatory gene polymorphisms and spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. He holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Microbiology from Punjab Technical University (2012) and a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Botany from Dr. RMLAU, Faizabad (2009). 🎓📚

Experience

Dr. Sagar has accumulated extensive research experience, including his current role as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins University, where he investigates the role of extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer’s disease. Previously, he served as a Senior Research Officer and Junior Research Fellow at AIIMS, contributing to stroke biomarker research and genetic studies. 🧪🔬

Research Focus

Dr. Sagar’s research focuses on the clinical neurobiology of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, utilizing human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for disease modeling and drug testing. His interests include extracellular vesicle characterization, transcriptomic and lipidomic profiling, and precision medicine approaches. 🧬🔍

Awards and Honours

Dr. Sagar has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to neurobiology with awards such as the Young Investigator Award from the World Stroke Congress and multiple international travel grants for presenting his research at renowned conferences. 🏅🌍

Publication Top Notes

iPSC-derived hindbrain organoids to evaluate escitalopram oxalate treatment responses targeting neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s diseaseMolecular Psychiatry, 2024.

Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approachesJournal of Extracellular Vesicles, 2024.

Generation and Characterization of a Human-Derived and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) Line from an Alzheimer’s Disease Patient with Neuropsychiatric SymptomsBiomedicines, 2023.

Excitatory neurons derived from human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells show transcriptomic differences in Alzheimer’s patients from controlsCells, 2023.

Association of SUMOlation Pathway Genes with Stroke in a Genome-wide Association Study in IndiaNeurology, 2021.

Conclusion:

Dr. Ram Sagar is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his extensive research background, impressive publication record, diverse technical expertise, and numerous professional recognitions. His current work on Alzheimer’s disease using innovative methodologies like iPSC-derived neuronal differentiation and 3D brain organoids places him at the forefront of neurobiology research. However, securing more independent funding and expanding collaborative efforts could enhance his profile further. Overall, his strong academic, technical, and professional credentials make him a compelling nominee for the award.