Prof. Dr. Waldo Ullah | Biochemical Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award
Assistant professor at Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaรญso, Chile.
๐ฌ Short Biographyย ๐ฟ๐๐
Dr. Waldo Acevedo Castillo ๐งโ๐ฌ is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Catรณlica de Valparaรญso ๐จ๐ฑ. With a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Engineering Sciences from Pontificia Universidad Catรณlica de Chile ๐, Dr. Acevedo has established himself as a pioneer in food chemistry and structural bioinformatics ๐งช. His research focuses on the molecular characterization of organoleptic food additives ๐ฌ and rational drug design ๐. He has published extensively in high-impact journals and contributed to multiple interdisciplinary projects in biochemistry and pharmacology. Passionate about teaching and mentoring ๐จโ๐ซ, he guides undergraduate and graduate students in bioinformatics and biochemical research. Dr. Acevedo also plays an active role in academic peer review, editorial boards, and science outreach ๐. His career blends deep scientific inquiry with educational innovation and societal engagement, making him a dynamic force in the global chemistry community ๐.
PROFILEย
๐ Summary of Suitability:
Dr. Waldo Acevedo Castillo exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher, with a strong foundation in computational bioinformatics, food chemistry, and biochemical pharmacology. As an Associate Professor at Pontificia Universidad Catรณlica de Valparaรญso, he has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, interdisciplinary innovation, and impactful research. His academic background, scientific publications, mentorship, and leadership roles underscore a career devoted to advancing molecular science and contributing to global health and nutrition challenges.
๐ Education & Experience
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๐ Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Catรณlica de Chile (2017)
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๐ M.Sc. in Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Catรณlica de Chile (2016)
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๐ Diploma in University Teaching, PUCV (2019)
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๐ Diploma in Virtual University Training, PUCV (2020)
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๐ป Graduate in Bioinformatics, Universidad de Talca (2009)
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๐จโ๐ซ Associate Professor, Institute of Chemistry, PUCV
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๐งฌ Bioinformatics Engineer, Universidad de Talca (2009)
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๐ Scientific Reviewer, multiple journals including Food Chemistry and Scientific Reports
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๐ฌ Editorial Board Member, Pharmaceutics and Drug Innovation, Journal of Drug Design and Research
Professional Development ๐๐
Dr. Waldo Acevedo continuously enhances his professional skills through diverse academic and research activities ๐. He has completed numerous training programs in virtual education, AI in teaching, curriculum development, and project formulation at PUCV ๐. His involvement in interdisciplinary projects spans vertical farming ๐ฟ, enzymatic hydrolysis, and drug formulation for dermatological conditions ๐งด. As a mentor, he has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate theses ๐งโ๐. Dr. Acevedo actively contributes to international research communities as a reviewer and editorial board member ๐ฐ. He is also a dedicated science communicator, promoting STEM outreach through the Explora Academies of Research and School Innovation ๐ง . His collaborative spirit has led to roles in national research grants and innovation-driven projects ๐ก. His work bridges cutting-edge science, education, and public engagement, positioning him as a multifaceted professional in molecular chemistry, bioinformatics, and pharmacological sciences ๐.
Research Focus ๐๐ค
Dr. Waldo Acevedoโs research centers around Food Chemistry, Biochemical Pharmacology, and Structural Bioinformatics ๐. He investigates the molecular interactions of food additives, especially sweeteners, with human taste receptors ๐ญ. His research applies computational tools like molecular docking and dynamics to understand taste perception and improve food quality. Additionally, Dr. Acevedo explores the rational design of anticancer and antimicrobial agents ๐งฌ, targeting enzymes and proteins like SIRT2, EGFR, COX-2, and bitter taste receptors. He has participated in drug discovery efforts and virtual screening campaigns that integrate in silico and in vitro approaches ๐. His interdisciplinary projects have included work on skin microbiome modulation, environmental toxicology, and salmon immunology ๐. With a strong computational background, he brings innovation to molecular modeling, offering insights into bioactive compound mechanisms and receptor-ligand interactions ๐ฌ. His research contributes significantly to both health and food sciences ๐ฟ.
Awards and Honors ๐๐๏ธ
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๐งโโ๏ธ Peer Evaluator, CNA-Chile Postgraduate Area (2024โPresent)
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๐ง Advisory Committee Member, Explora Academies of Research and School Innovation (2024โPresent)
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๐งฌ Review Editor, Frontiers in Genome Editing (2024โPresent)
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๐ Editorial Board Member, Pharmaceutics and Drug Innovation & Journal of Drug Design and Research (2023โPresent)
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๐ Chief of Outreach, Institute of Chemistry, PUCV (2023โPresent)
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๐งช Member, Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Chile (SBBMCh) (2022โPresent)
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๐ Board Collaborator, Doctorate Program in Chemistry, PUCV (2018โPresent)
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๐ Best Graduate Award, Universidad de Talca (2009)
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๐ Stimulus to Effort Award, Gabriel & Mary Mustakis Foundation (1999)
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๐ฃ๏ธ CONICYT Doctoral Scholarship, Chile (2013โ2016)
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๐ฌ๐ง CORFO English Scholarship, for Global Services Industry (2010)
Publications & Citations ๐
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Golcienฤ, B., Kavaliauskas, P., Acevedo, W., et al. (2025).
Identification of 3-[(4-Acetylphenyl)(4-Phenylthiazol-2-Yl)Amino]Propanoic Acid Derivatives as Promising Anticancer Candidates Targeting SIRT2 and EGFR.
Pharmaceuticals, 18(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18050733 -
Kavaliauskas, P., Acevedo, W., et al. (2025).
3,3โฒ-((3-Hydroxyphenyl)azanediyl)dipropionic Acid Derivatives Against Drug-Resistant Pathogens and Cancer.
Pathogens, 14(5), 484. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14050484 -
Maldonado, J., Oliva, A., Guzmรกn, L., Molinari, A., Acevedo, W. (2024).
Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Hydroquinone-Chalcone-Pyrazoline Hybrids.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25, 7281. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137281 -
Kavaliauskas, P., Acevedo, W., et al. (2024).
Bis(thiazol-5-yl)phenylmethane Derivatives Against MDR Staphylococcus aureus.
PLOS ONE, 19(3), e0300380. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300380 -
Maldonado, J., Oliva, A., Molinari, A., Acevedo, W. (2023).
Naphthohydroquinone-Derived Chalcones as Anticancer Agents.
Molecules, 28, 7172. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207172 -
Acevedo, W., Morรกn-Figueroa, R., Vargas-Chacoff, L., Morera, F. J., Pontigo, J. P. (2023).
NLRP3 Inflammasome in Salmo salar: Structural and Transcriptomic Insights.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24, 14556. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914556 -
Maldonado, J., Acevedo, W., et al. (2022).
Naphthoisoxazolequinone Carboxamides as Antitumor Agents.
Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds, 42(4), 1โ24. https://doi.org/10.1080/10406638.2022.2095410 -
Kavaliauskas, P., Acevedo, W., et al. (2022).
Naphthoquinone Derivatives Targeting COX-2.
Pharmaceuticals, 15, 541. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15050541 -
Balada, C., Castro, M., Fassio, C., Zamora, A., Marchant, M. J., Acevedo, W., Guzmรกn, L. (2021).
Genetic Diversity of Curcuma longa from Rapa Nui.
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 28, 707โ716. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.10.062 -
Acevedo, W., Caรฑรณn, P., Gรณmez, F., Huerta, J., Aguayo, D., Agosin, E. (2020).
L-Malate Protonation and Malolactic Enzyme Activity in Oenococcus oeni.
Molecules, 25(15), 3431โ3447. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25153431
๐ Conclusion:
Dr. Waldo Acevedo Castillo stands out as a multidisciplinary researcher whose work bridges computational biology, food sciences, and pharmacology. His contributions have real-world relevanceโfrom drug development to food safetyโand his dedication to mentoring and collaborative science magnifies his impact. These attributes align perfectly with the ethos of the Best Researcher Award, making him a strong and deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.