I am a Professor in the Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunityat Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. In the past 30 years, my research has been focusing on elucidating the mechanisms that underlie the neurodegenerative diseases and substance use disorder-associated neuro-pathophysiology in the mesocorticolimbic/nigrostriatal systems(a.k.a. the Reward Pathway); and age-linked functional changes in the prefrontal cortex(PFC) and subcortical regions that receive, and therefore are regulated by, the glutamatergic inputs from the PFC. In the past ten years, I applied my research expertise to define the mechanisms by which the comorbid conditions of neuroAIDS, drugs of abuse, aging, and the side effects of anti-retroviral drugs alter the function of the medial PFC (mPFC),a key regulator of neuro-cognition and addiction. My earlier studies reveal a critical role of voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channel(L-channel) dysregulation (e.g., overactivation/overexpression of L-channels and their consequential effects on HIV-induced dysfunction of glutamatergic pyramidal neurons); and psychostimulants-induced Ca2+ and K+ dysregulation mediated by L-channels and certain subtypes of K+ channels in cortical and striatal neurons. My recent study focuses on defining the mechanisms by which methamphetamine, cocaine, HIV/ HIV-1 proteins, and the site effects of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) alter the functional activity of mPFC and striatal neurons and astrocytes, especially during aging. Further, I also initiate studies to evaluate potential novel therapeutic strategies that will exploit the usefulness of reducing the hyperactivity of mPFC neurons mediated by dysfunctional L-channels in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) during aging. Most recently, I started to determine the dysfunction of live cortical neurons and astrocytes in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) modeled in 3xTg-AD mice that is co-funded by NIA and NIDA. To date, I have published 68 peer-reviewed scientific articles, and 10 invited book chapters, plus three manuscripts currently under review for publication.

Dr. Manuela Calin studied Physics at the University of Bucharest and graduated with an M.S. in Biophysics in 1996. She then joined the research group of the Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology “N. Simionescu” (ICBP-NS), Bucharest where she received her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences in 2005. She performed a 3-year post-doc in "Biomaterials: nanocarriers for controlled drug release" at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry "Petru Poni", Iasi, Romania (POSDRU/89/1.5/S/55216, 2010-2013). She received her Habilitation degree in Biology and Biochemistry in 2021. She is currently head of the “Medical and Pharmaceutical BioNanoTechnologies” laboratory and a member of the Scientific Council of ICBP-NS. The research interests lie within the field of Nanomedicine and are focused on developing new and effective targeted drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles for cardiovascular disease treatment. In recognition of the impact of her work in the nanomedicine field, Dr. Calin received ten awards, the most important being the “Nicolae Simionescu” prize from the Romanian Academy (2015), Herbert-Berler Prize of Excellence offered by the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences (2015), “Constantin Velican” Award of the Romanian Society for Cellular Biology (2012) and Prize of Excellence offered by Romanian Medical Association (2010). Published ISI papers >60 papers (cited >1900 times, h-index: 26, as per Google Scholar), 3 book chapters, and 1 EPO patent (EP2832373).

Ed is a co-founder and CEO of a new stealth biotechnology company focused to overcome the difficulties of bringing new therapies to patient care. He is also a Research Scientist in the Dartmouth Cancer Center and the Department of Molecular Systems Biology at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College. He completed his Ph.D. in the Program in Experimental & Molecular Medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College. Born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, he completed his BS at Boston College with double Majors in Economics and Biochemistry. He studies the mechanisms of oncogenic transformation, focusing on the functional interaction between the MYC transcription factor family and the TRRAP-containing histone acetyltransferase complexes, with the goal of targeting this protein-protein interaction therapeutically in cancer.

He is developing translational research programs in order to identify alternative therapies for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancers and new markers of sensitivity to anticancer drugs that are used or developed in that indication. Following a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a postdoctoral stay in the laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology (Dr Y. Pommier) at the National Cancer Institute, Dr Pourquier acquired a solid experience in the field of DNA topoisomerases and their inhibitors used in cancer chemotherapy. In 2001 he obtained a senior investigator position at INSERM. He is currently the head of the molecular pharmacology group of the INSERM U916 unit at the Bergonié Cancer Institute of Bordeaux, France.

Dr. Mihail Lucian Birsa is currently a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania. In 2003 he was selected as a member of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, working with Professor Henning Hopf in TU Braunschweig - Germany. Since then numerous return fellowships were granted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. He has more than 125 publications in peer-review journals and published +45 books/book chapters (John Wiley & Sons, Thieme etc). Also, is editorial board member in more than 50 journals such as Applied Sciences, Arkivoc, BioChem, Edelweiss Chemical Science Journal, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design, Journal of Fine Chemical Engineering, Modern Approaches in Drug Designing, Pharmaceutical Toxicology.

Dr Rebeca Ruiz is the Principal Scientist at Pion Inc., where she has the overall responsibility to design and oversee research experiments, deciding which projects should be prioritised and present the results and conclusions at conferences and to international scientific publications. Rebeca obtained the European Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Barcelona in Spain. Her thesis, and Master's were focused mainly on pKa (ionisation constant) analysis, studying and evaluating a diversity of techniques (potentiometric and spectrophotometric), instrumentation (HPLC, CE, Spectrometers and Potentiometers), media and different calculation approaches for the determination of this property. Lipophilicity (logP/D) and solubility also formed part of her doctorate and Rebeca publishes her work in internationally recognised scientific journals. Rebeca worked at the pharmaceutical company Almirall A.S. as a Senior Scientist and as an Assistant Professor in the University of Barcelona obtaining a valuable understating of both worlds, the big pharma and academia. Her expertise in physiochemical properties has been expanded over the years increasing her knowledge in dissolution, permeability, absorption, and the study of the effect by different families of excipients on the physicochemical properties and its role in formulations

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Dr. Mehmet Polat, a distinguished expert in Mineral Preparation/Processing, Nano-Micro Particle Synthesis and Characterization, Hydrometallurgy, Leach Processes, Solid-Liquid Waste Treatment, and Surface and Colloid Chemistry, holds a remarkable academic and research record. Notably, Dr. Mehmet Polat secured the coveted 2nd place in the Mehmet Kemal Dedeman Research Prize, awarded by the Mehmet Kemal Dedeman Vakfi in 2004, a testament to their outstanding contributions to the field. Since 2006, Dr. Mehmet Polathas held the esteemed position of Professor within the Chemical Engineering Department at Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey. Throughout their career, Dr. Mehmet Polat has pioneered innovative solutions in mineral processing, nanotechnology, and environmental sustainability, leaving an indelible mark on academia and the scientific community.

General University Hospital of Larissa

Dr. Ali Zarrabi is Associate Professor and Principal Investigator in the Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Turkey. He holds a bachelor's degree of Chemical Engineering from Isfahan University of Technology, a master's degree of Chemical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, and a PhD of Nanobiotechnology from Sharif University of Technology. His group works at the interface of supramolecular chemistry, bioengineering, and medicine to develop approaches for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of diseases. He has been active as a faculty member for more than 10 years. His current research interests include nanomaterials,nanotheranostics, novel wound dressing and skin patches, and translational nanomedicine. Developing wearable biosensors and diagnostic patches has recently been considered in Zarrabi Lab.

Dr. David Galán is a scientific researcher (from 2004 up to nowadays) in the Department of Atmospheric Pollution (National Reference Laboratory for Air Quality in Spain) of the National Center for Environmental Health (Health Institute Carlos III). He is the head of functional unit in that Department and holds a PhD in Inorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry by Complutense University of Madrid (Mention of European Doctorate). Similarly, Dr. Galán is an expert in instrumental techniques by Faculty of Chemical Sciences (Complutense University of Madrid) and holds a Master in Computer Science and Management as well as 31 specific courses. Dr. Galán has published more than 190 scientific-technical reports as well as more than 36 oral communications in international congresses, including air quality issues. Dr. Galán has been served as a member of Directive Board of a Scientific Society such Spanish Society.

Hermona Soreq obtained her Ph.D. from The Weizmann Institute of Science in 1976 and joined the faculty of The Hebrew University in 1986. She holds a University Slesinger Chair and is also a founding member of the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Science. Soreq served as the elected Dean of the Faculty of Science from 2005-2008. She is the author of over 275 publications, including 55 published in Science, Nature, PNAS and other high-impact journals, has been the recipient of co-recipient of over $50M in funding from US, European and Israeli National and private foundations including an Advanced ERC Award and an Israeli I-Core on mass trauma. Soreq’s research is centered on acetylcholine functioning; she pioneered the application of molecular biology and genomics to the study of cholinergic signaling, with a recent focus on its microRNA regulation. She consistently collaborates with basic and clinician experts on cholinergic signaling in health and disease, was recently elected to head the International Organization of Cholinergic Mechanisms, and has one DNA-based drug in phase II clinical trials in a Jerusalem start-up. Soreq serves on The Hebrew University’s Executive Committee and has past and current appointments on scientific advisory boards for national and international bodies with significant interests in life sciences.

Dr. Farhan Ahmad Khan is a distinguished figure in the field of healthcare and research. Holding the dual roles of Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacology, as well as serving as a Consultant Diabetologist, he brings a wealth of expertise to the medical community. Dr. Khan's commitment to advancing medical knowledge is further evident through his role as the Editor-in-Chief of the esteemed International Archives of BioMedical and Clinical Research (IABCR). His dedication to excellence is underscored by his membership in the American College of Clinical Pharmacology. Dr. Khan's academic journey has seen him as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at TM Medical College & Research Centre in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. His commitment to continuing education is reflected in his achievement of a Continuing Medical Education Certificate from The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, earning him 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Dr. Khan's multidimensional contributions and expertise continue to have a significant impact on the medical and research communities.