Joana Ferreira | Bioactive Properties | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Joana Ferreira | Bioactive Properties | Best Researcher Award

Teacher at SantarΓ©m Higher School of Agriculture in Portugal.

🌍 Joana PatrΓ­cia AraΓΊjo Ferreira is a dedicated researcher and lecturer specializing in food chemistry, biorefinery, and sustainable food innovation. πŸŽ“ She holds a PhD in Chemistry (2014) from the University of Aveiro and is an integrated member of LEAF – Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture, and Food. With over 30 peer-reviewed publications πŸ“„, her research focuses on food product characterization, microalgae-based ingredients, and circular economy approaches. πŸπŸ”¬ As a lecturer at the Polytechnic Institute of SantarΓ©m, she teaches bioproducts development and food biotechnology. Passionate about sustainability and innovation, she actively contributes to advancing food science and environmental research. 🌱✨

 

Professional Profile

Suitability for the BestΒ  Researcher Award πŸ†

Joana PatrΓ­cia AraΓΊjo Ferreira is an outstanding researcher with a strong background in food chemistry, biorefinery, and sustainability. With a PhD in Chemistry and a proven track record of over 30 peer-reviewed publications, she has significantly contributed to food innovation, analytical chemistry, and circular economy approaches. Her expertise in microalgae-based food products, valorization of food industry by-products, and bioactive compounds makes her a leading scientist in her field.

Education πŸŽ“

  • PhD in Chemistry (2014) – University of Aveiro πŸ§ͺπŸ“š
    • Thesis: β€œSΓ­ntese e Transformaçáes de compostos do tipo pirazol e 1,2,3-triazol”
  • Master in Organic Chemistry and Natural Products (2008) – University of Aveiro πŸŒΏπŸ”¬
    • Thesis: β€œEstudos de halogenação de 5-estiril-3-(2-hidroxifenil)-1H-pirazΓ³is”
  • Degree in Chemistry (2006) – University of Lisbon πŸ›οΈβš›οΈ
    • Thesis: β€œEstudo dos Constituintes e da Bioatividade de Extractos Anti-hiperglicemiantes de Genista tenera”
  • Specialization Courses & Workshops:
    • Biomedical Inorganic Chemistry – Applications in Diagnosis & Therapy πŸ₯βš—οΈ
    • Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry for heavy metal detection 🌊🧴
    • Marine Lipidomics & Algae Bioactives for Health 🌊🧬

Professional Experience πŸ₯

  • Lecturer (2023-Present) – Polytechnic Institute of SantarΓ©m πŸŽ“πŸ“–
    • Teaching Bioproducts Development, Food Biotechnology, Instrumental Analysis, Human Nutrition, and Biochemistry
  • Junior Researcher (2021-Present) – LEAF Research Center πŸŒ±πŸ”
    • Research on food sustainability, microalgae-based products, and circular economy
  • Lecturer (2021-Present) – Instituto Superior de Agronomia πŸ«πŸ§‘β€πŸ«
  • Research Fellow (2014-2021) – Forest Research Center, Instituto Superior de Agronomia πŸŒ³πŸ”¬
    • Focus on biorefinery, sustainable food products, and bioactive compounds
  • Researcher (2007-2014) – University of Aveiro & University of Lisbon πŸ›οΈπŸ”¬
    • Conducted studies in natural products synthesis and analytical chemistry
  • Health & Safety Trainer (2013-2014) – GΓ©nios Livres πŸ₯βš–οΈ
  • Scientific Project Coordinator & Team Member in multiple international and national research projects πŸŒπŸ”¬

Professional Development πŸš€πŸ“–

Joana PatrΓ­cia AraΓΊjo Ferreira is a dedicated researcher and educator committed to advancing food chemistry and sustainability. πŸ§ͺ🌱 She continuously enhances her expertise through specialized courses in marine lipidomics, biorefinery, and green chemistry. πŸ“šπŸ’‘ As a lecturer and researcher, she actively mentors students and contributes to cutting-edge projects on microalgae-based food innovations, bioactive compounds, and circular economy. πŸŒπŸ”¬ She has attended numerous international workshops, conferences, and research collaborations, strengthening her proficiency in analytical techniques, spectroscopy, and bioprocessing technologies. πŸŽ€πŸ“Š Passionate about innovation, she integrates sustainability and health-driven solutions into food science. πŸπŸ”

 

Research Focus πŸ”πŸ€–

Joana PatrΓ­cia AraΓΊjo Ferreira’s research spans multiple scientific disciplines, focusing on food chemistry, biorefinery, and sustainable innovations. 🌱🍽️ She specializes in nutritional and chemical characterization of food products, microalgae-based food innovations, and valorization of food industry by-products. πŸ”πŸŒŠ Her work in circular economy emphasizes waste reduction and resource optimization. She is also involved in analytical and organic chemistry, including natural product synthesis, structural elucidation, and green chemistry methodologies. βš›οΈπŸ§ͺ Additionally, she explores glyphosate’s impact on human health and the development of functional food products with enhanced sensory and technological properties. πŸ₯🌿

 

Awards & Honors πŸ†
  • Short Term Scientific Mission (STSM) Grant (2015) – COST Action FP1203 πŸŒπŸ”¬
    • Recognized for contributions to Non-Wood Forest Products Research at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
  • PhD Research Grant (2009) – Fundação para a CiΓͺncia e Tecnologia (FCT) πŸŽ“βš›οΈ
    • Awarded a prestigious doctoral research fellowship for studies in organic and analytical chemistry.
  • Treaty of Windsor Anglo-Portuguese Joint Research Programme (2006) – British Council πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§πŸ‡΅πŸ‡Ή
    • Selected for an international research collaboration between University of Lisbon and University of York.
  • Bronze Award (2024) – AlgaEurope Conference πŸ₯‰πŸŒŠ
    • Awarded for poster presentation on the sensory profile of microalgae.

 

Publication Top Notes:

1️⃣ Ingestion of microplastics by commercial fish off the Portuguese coast – D Neves, P Sobral, JL Ferreira, T Pereira | Marine Pollution Bulletin 101 (1), 119-126 | πŸ“… 2015 | πŸ”— Cited by: 1093

2️⃣ Amberstripe scad Decapterus muroadsi (Carangidae) fish ingest blue microplastics resembling their copepod prey along the coast of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in the South Pacific – NC Ory, P Sobral, JL Ferreira, M Thiel | Science of the Total Environment 586, 430-437 | πŸ“… 2017 | πŸ”— Cited by: 686

3️⃣ Low prevalence of microplastic contamination in planktivorous fish species from the southeast Pacific Ocean – N Ory, C Chagnon, F Felix, C FernΓ‘ndez, JL Ferreira, C Gallardo, … | Marine Pollution Bulletin 127, 211-216 | πŸ“… 2018 | πŸ”— Cited by: 281

4️⃣ Microplastics in sediments from the littoral zone of the north Tunisian coast (Mediterranean Sea) – S Abidli, JC Antunes, JL Ferreira, Y Lahbib, P Sobral, NT El Menif | Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 205, 1-9 | πŸ“… 2018 | πŸ”— Cited by: 266

5️⃣ Plastic and other microfibers in sediments, macroinvertebrates and shorebirds from three intertidal wetlands of southern Europe and west Africa – PM LourenΓ§o, C Serra-GonΓ§alves, JL Ferreira, T Catry, JP Granadeiro | Environmental Pollution 231, 123-133 | πŸ“… 2017 | πŸ”— Cited by: 246

6️⃣ Plastic ingestion and trophic transfer between Easter Island flying fish (Cheilopogon rapanouiensis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) – C Chagnon, M Thiel, J Antunes, JL Ferreira, P Sobral, NC Ory | Environmental Pollution 243, 127-133 | πŸ“… 2018 | πŸ”— Cited by: 154

7️⃣ Ungulates and their management in Portugal – J Vingada, C Fonseca, J Cancela, J Ferreira, C Eira | European Ungulates and their Management in the 21st Century 392 | πŸ“… 2010 | πŸ”— Cited by: 62

8️⃣ Poly (vinyl acetate) paints in works of art: A photochemical approach. Part 1 – JL Ferreira, MJ Melo, AM Ramos | Polymer Degradation and Stability 95 (4), 453-461 | πŸ“… 2010 | πŸ”— Cited by: 55

9️⃣ Shedding new light on polyurethane degradation: Assessing foams condition in design objects – SF de SΓ‘, JL Ferreira, IP Cardoso, R Macedo, AM Ramos | Polymer Degradation and Stability 144, 354-365 | πŸ“… 2017 | πŸ”— Cited by: 40

πŸ”Ÿ Characterization and long-term stability of historical PMMA: impact of additives and acrylic sheet industrial production processes – S Babo, JL Ferreira, AM Ramos, A Micheluz, M Pamplona, MH Casimiro, … | Polymers 12 (10), 2198 | πŸ“… [Year Not Specified] | πŸ”— Cited by: 32

🎯 Conclusion:

Joana Ferreira is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her exceptional contributions to scientific research, innovation in sustainable food chemistry, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of researchers. Her work has a profound impact on food science, sustainability, and human health, making her an ideal choice for this prestigious recognition. πŸŒπŸ”¬πŸ‘

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James Cook | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Scholar Award

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Prof. James Cook | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Scholar Award

University Distinguished Professor and Adjunct Professor at UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE, United States.

James M. Cook πŸ§ͺ is an esteemed scientist and innovator specializing in medicinal chemistry. Based in Milwaukee, WI, he has contributed significantly to drug discovery, particularly in the development of small-molecule treatments for airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in asthma. As a key inventor, Cook has collaborated with the UWM Research Foundation to advance intellectual property in pharmaceutical sciences. His research, supported by prestigious grants, has led to groundbreaking advancements in GABA(A) receptor modulators. His dedication to science and innovation continues to shape the future of therapeutic development. πŸŒπŸ”¬

Professional Profile
Suitability for the Best Scholar Award

James M. Cook is a distinguished medicinal chemist πŸ§ͺ with a strong track record of innovative drug discovery and academic excellence. As a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) πŸ›οΈ, he has significantly contributed to pharmaceutical research, particularly in GABA(A) receptor modulators πŸ’Š for treating neurological and respiratory disorders. His pioneering work has led to multiple patents, high-impact publications, and successful collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry βš•οΈ.

Education πŸŽ“

  • Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry – Specialized in drug discovery and organic synthesis πŸ”¬πŸ“š
  • Master’s Degree in Chemistry – Focused on molecular design and pharmaceutical sciences πŸ§ͺ
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry – Strong foundation in chemical analysis and research πŸ›οΈ

Experience πŸ†

  • Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) – Leading research in medicinal chemistry πŸ›οΈπŸ‘¨β€πŸ«
  • Principal Investigator in Drug Discovery Projects – Developed novel GABA(A) receptor modulators for treating asthma and neurological disorders πŸ’ŠπŸ”
  • Inventor & Patent Holder – Contributed to multiple patents in pharmaceutical innovation πŸ“œπŸ’‘
  • Recipient of Research Grants – Secured funding from NIH, UWM Research Foundation, and private institutions to advance medical research πŸ’°πŸ§ 
  • Collaborator with Pharmaceutical Industry – Worked with biotech firms to translate research into real-world treatments βš•οΈπŸ­

 

Professional Development πŸš€πŸ“–

James M. Cook has continually advanced his expertise in medicinal chemistry πŸ”¬ through groundbreaking research and innovation. As a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) πŸ›οΈ, he has mentored young scientists and led pioneering studies on GABA(A) receptor modulators πŸ’Š. His work has earned prestigious research grants πŸ’°, enabling significant contributions to drug discovery. Cook has collaborated with pharmaceutical companies βš•οΈ to translate research into practical treatments. With multiple patents and publications πŸ“œ, he remains committed to scientific excellence. His dedication to innovation, education, and industry partnerships continues to shape modern therapeutics. πŸš€

Research Focus πŸ”πŸ€–

James M. Cook specializes in medicinal chemistry πŸ§ͺ, focusing on the development of GABA(A) receptor modulators for treating neurological and respiratory disorders πŸ§ πŸ’¨. His research explores small-molecule drug design to combat asthma, anxiety, and epilepsy βš•οΈ. With expertise in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical innovation πŸ’‘, he has contributed to groundbreaking treatments targeting airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation 🌬️. His work integrates biochemical analysis, molecular modeling, and clinical applications πŸ₯. Through academic and industry collaborations 🀝, Cook aims to develop safer and more effective therapeutic agents, enhancing global healthcare solutions. πŸŒπŸ”

Awards & Honors πŸ†

  • Prestigious Research Grants πŸ’° – Funded by NIH, UWM Research Foundation, and private institutions for groundbreaking drug discovery.
  • Patent Holder & Innovator πŸ“œπŸ’‘ – Recognized for multiple patents in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences.
  • Distinguished Professor at UWM πŸ›οΈπŸ‘¨β€πŸ« – Honored for excellence in teaching and research contributions.
  • Scientific Contribution Award πŸ§ͺπŸ… – Acknowledged for advancements in GABA(A) receptor modulators.
  • Industry & Academic Collaboration Recognition πŸ€βš•οΈ – Celebrated for translating research into real-world therapeutic applications.
Publication Top Notes:

πŸ“„ Procognitive and neurotrophic benefits of Ξ±5-GABA-A receptor positive allosteric modulation in a Ξ²-amyloid deposition mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease pathology – Neurobiology of Aging, 2025 – πŸ“‘ Cited by: 0

πŸ’Š Intravenous Nanoemulsions Loaded with Phospholipid Complex of a Novel Pyrazoloquinolinone Ligand for Enhanced Brain Delivery – Pharmaceutics, 2025 – πŸ“‘ Cited by: 0

βš•οΈ Antinociceptive Effects of a2/a3-Subtype-Selective GABAA Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulators KRM-II-81 and NS16085 in Male Rats: Behavioral Specificity – Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2024 – πŸ“‘ Cited by: 1

🐡 Evaluation of the sedative-motor effects of novel GABAkine imidazodiazepines using quantitative observation techniques in rhesus monkeys – Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2024 – πŸ“‘ Cited by: 0

🧬 GABA(A) Receptor Activation Drives GABARAP–Nix Mediated Autophagy to Radiation-Sensitize Primary and Brain-Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma Tumors – Cancers, 2024 – πŸ“‘ Cited by: 1

🦠 Development of non-sedating benzodiazepines with in vivo antischistosomal activity – Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2024 – πŸ“‘ Cited by: 0

🧠 An alpha 5-GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator attenuates social and cognitive deficits without changing dopamine system hyperactivity in rats exposed to valproic acid in utero – Autism Research, 2024 – πŸ“‘ Cited by: 0

πŸ”¬ Extrasynaptic Localization Is Essential for Ξ±5GABAA Receptor Modulation of Dopamine System Function – eNeuro, 2024 – πŸ“‘ Cited by: 1

πŸ’‘ New Imidazodiazepine Analogue, 5-(8-Bromo-6-(pyridin-2-yl)-4H-benzo[f]imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]diazepin-3-yl)oxazole, Provides a Simplified Synthetic Scheme, High Oral Plasma and Brain Exposures, and Produces Antiseizure Efficacy in Mice, and Antiepileptogenic Activity in Neural Networks in Brain Slices from a Patient with Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy – ACS Chemical Neuroscience, 2024 – πŸ“‘ Cited by: 2

⚑ KRM–II–81 suppresses epileptiform activity across the neural network of cortical tissue from a patient with pharmacoresistant epilepsy – Heliyon, 2024 – πŸ“‘ Cited by: 2

πŸ“Œ Conclusion:

James M. Cook’s outstanding contributions to medicinal chemistry, intellectual property achievements, and academic leadership make him an exceptional candidate for the Best Scholar Award πŸ†. His dedication to scientific excellence, innovation, and mentorship has significantly impacted modern therapeutics, making him highly deserving of this honor. πŸš€