Mar Villamiel | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mar Villamiel | Agricultural and Biological Sciences |Best Researcher Award

Director | Food Science Research Institute | Spain

Dr. Mar Villamiel Guerra is a distinguished researcher in carbohydrate chemistry and functional food sciences, leading innovative work on sustainable food preservation, bioactive compound extraction, and the valorization of agri-food by-products. She has directed a highly productive research group, contributing to numerous national and international projects, patents, and collaborations with industry and academic institutions. Her work emphasizes eco-friendly methodologies, structural characterization, and technological and biological evaluation of functional carbohydrates. Dr. Villamiel Guerra has also played a pivotal role in mentoring doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of scientific talent. Her prolific publication record in high-impact journals and active participation in international networks underline her global influence in the field. According to Scopus, her research impact is reflected in 8,789 citations by 6,948 documents, across 191 published documents, with an h-index of 50.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

  • A. C. Soria and M. Villamiel, “Effect of ultrasound on the technological properties and bioactivity of food: a review,” Trends in Food Science & Technology, vol. 21, no. 7, pp. 323-331, 2010.

  • M. Corzo-Martínez, N. Corzo, and M. Villamiel, “Biological properties of onions and garlic,” Trends in Food Science & Technology, vol. 18, no. 12, pp. 609-625, 2007.

  • M. Villamiel and P. de Jong, “Influence of high-intensity ultrasound and heat treatment in continuous flow on fat, proteins, and native enzymes of milk,” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 472-478, 2000.

  • L. Jiménez-Castaño, M. Villamiel, and R. López-Fandiño, “Glycosylation of individual whey proteins by Maillard reaction using dextran of different molecular mass,” Food Hydrocolloids, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 433-443, 2007.

  • E. Valero, M. Villamiel, B. Miralles, J. Sanz, and I. Martínez-Castro, “Changes in flavour and volatile components during storage of whole and skimmed UHT milk,” Food Chemistry, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 51-58, 2001.

Vadim Yakhnitsa | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Vadim Yakhnitsa | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Research, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, United States

Yakhnitsa Vadim, M.D., Ph.D., is a dedicated Research Assistant Professor at TTUHSC’s Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience. With over 40 peer-reviewed publications, Vadim has significantly contributed to understanding neuroplasticity and pain mechanisms, employing multidisciplinary approaches that span electrophysiology, imaging, optogenetics, and pharmacology. His recent work on sex-specific pro-nociceptive pathways in chronic pain highlights his commitment to advancing neurological and psychiatric research. Vadim’s mentorship of MD/PhD and graduate students exemplifies his dedication to nurturing future leaders in neuroscience.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

  • M.D. in Medicine (State Medical University, Ukraine, 1980) – Vadim began his academic journey studying medicine, setting the foundation for his future research.
  • Ph.D. in Physiology & Biophysics (Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Ukraine, 1987) – He deepened his understanding of physiological processes.
  • Postdoctoral Studies in Physiology (Karolinska Institute & Hospital, Sweden, 1996-1999) – Expanded his expertise with cutting-edge research in European settings.
  • Postdoctoral Studies in Pharmacology (Oregon Health & Sciences University, USA, 1999-2005) – Further specialized in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of pain and pharmacological treatments.

💼 Experience

  • 2023-Present: Research Assistant Professor, TTUHSC, Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience.
  • 2015-2023: Senior Research Associate, TTUHSC.
  • 2005-2014: Senior Research Associate, Oregon Health & Sciences University.
  • 1996-1999: Postdoctoral Researcher, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
  • 1987-1995: Research Scientist, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Ukraine.
  • 1980-1984: Intern, Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Zaporojie Hospital, Ukraine.

🔬 Research Interests

Vadim’s research explores neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain and neuroplasticity, focusing on:

  • Amygdala and hypothalamus signaling in pain and emotional processing.
  • The role of Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and CRF signaling pathways.
  • Neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory responses contributing to pain.
  • Developing potential therapeutic approaches using techniques such as optogenetics, chemogenetics, and gene therapy.

🏆 Awards and Recognitions

  • 2008: Featured publication in the Journal of Neuroscience.
  • 1998: Best Poster Presentation at the American Pain Society’s 19th Annual Congress.
  • 1996: Travel Grant for the 8th World Congress on Pain, IASP, Vancouver.
  • 1993: Travel Fellowship Award from the International Science Foundation.
  • 1992: ISF Fellowship Award for outstanding contributions to physiology research.

📚 Publications Top Notes

Yakhnitsa V., Linderoth B., Meyerson BA. Modulation of dorsal horn neuronal activity by spinal cord stimulation in a rat model of neuropathy: the role of the dorsal funiculus. Neurophysiology, 1998, PMID: 10068168.

Thompson JM, Yakhnitsa V., Ji G., Neugebauer V. Small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel dependent and independent effects of riluzole on neuropathic pain-related amygdala activity and behaviors in rats. Neuropharmacology, 2018, Doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.06.015.

Yakhnitsa V., Thompson JM, et al. Dysfunction of Small-Conductance Ca2+-Activated Potassium (SK) Channels Drives Amygdala Hyperexcitability and Neuropathic Pain Behaviors: Involvement of Epigenetic Mechanisms. Cells, 2024, PMID: 38920682.

Navratilova E, Ji G, Phelps C, et al. Kappa opioid signaling in the central nucleus of the amygdala promotes disinhibition and aversiveness of chronic neuropathic pain. Pain, 2019, PMID: 30681985.

Hein M., Ji G., Tidwell D., et al. Kappa opioid receptor activation in the amygdala disinhibits CRF neurons to generate pain-like behaviors. Neuropharmacology, 2021, PMC: PMC7887082.