Prof. Dr. Waldo Ullah | Biochemical Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award
Assistant professor at Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso, Chile.
🔬 Short Biography 🌿💊📚
Dr. Waldo Acevedo Castillo 🧑🔬 is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso 🇨🇱. With a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Engineering Sciences from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile 🎓, Dr. Acevedo has established himself as a pioneer in food chemistry and structural bioinformatics 🧪. His research focuses on the molecular characterization of organoleptic food additives 🍬 and rational drug design 💊. He has published extensively in high-impact journals and contributed to multiple interdisciplinary projects in biochemistry and pharmacology. Passionate about teaching and mentoring 👨🏫, 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 🌍. His career blends deep scientific inquiry with educational innovation and societal engagement, making him a dynamic force in the global chemistry community 🌐.
PROFILE
🔍 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 Católica de Valparaíso, 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.
📘 Education & Experience
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🎓 Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (2017)
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🎓 M.Sc. in Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (2016)
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📚 Diploma in University Teaching, PUCV (2019)
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📚 Diploma in Virtual University Training, PUCV (2020)
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💻 Graduate in Bioinformatics, Universidad de Talca (2009)
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👨🏫 Associate Professor, Institute of Chemistry, PUCV
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🧬 Bioinformatics Engineer, Universidad de Talca (2009)
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📖 Scientific Reviewer, multiple journals including Food Chemistry and Scientific Reports
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🔬 Editorial Board Member, Pharmaceutics and Drug Innovation, Journal of Drug Design and Research
Professional Development 🚀📖
Dr. Waldo Acevedo continuously enhances his professional skills through diverse academic and research activities 📈. He has completed numerous training programs in virtual education, AI in teaching, curriculum development, and project formulation at PUCV 🎓. His involvement in interdisciplinary projects spans vertical farming 🌿, enzymatic hydrolysis, and drug formulation for dermatological conditions 🧴. As a mentor, he has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate theses 🧑🎓. Dr. Acevedo actively contributes to international research communities as a reviewer and editorial board member 📰. He is also a dedicated science communicator, promoting STEM outreach through the Explora Academies of Research and School Innovation 🧠. His collaborative spirit has led to roles in national research grants and innovation-driven projects 💡. His work bridges cutting-edge science, education, and public engagement, positioning him as a multifaceted professional in molecular chemistry, bioinformatics, and pharmacological sciences 🌍.
Research Focus 🔍🤖
Dr. Waldo Acevedo’s research centers around Food Chemistry, Biochemical Pharmacology, and Structural Bioinformatics 🔍. He investigates the molecular interactions of food additives, especially sweeteners, with human taste receptors 🍭. 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 🧬, 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 💊. His interdisciplinary projects have included work on skin microbiome modulation, environmental toxicology, and salmon immunology 🐟. With a strong computational background, he brings innovation to molecular modeling, offering insights into bioactive compound mechanisms and receptor-ligand interactions 🔬. His research contributes significantly to both health and food sciences 🌿.
Awards and Honors 🏆🎖️
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🧑⚖️ Peer Evaluator, CNA-Chile Postgraduate Area (2024–Present)
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🧠 Advisory Committee Member, Explora Academies of Research and School Innovation (2024–Present)
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🧬 Review Editor, Frontiers in Genome Editing (2024–Present)
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📝 Editorial Board Member, Pharmaceutics and Drug Innovation & Journal of Drug Design and Research (2023–Present)
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🌐 Chief of Outreach, Institute of Chemistry, PUCV (2023–Present)
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🧪 Member, Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Chile (SBBMCh) (2022–Present)
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📚 Board Collaborator, Doctorate Program in Chemistry, PUCV (2018–Present)
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🏆 Best Graduate Award, Universidad de Talca (2009)
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🌟 Stimulus to Effort Award, Gabriel & Mary Mustakis Foundation (1999)
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🗣️ CONICYT Doctoral Scholarship, Chile (2013–2016)
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🇬🇧 CORFO English Scholarship, for Global Services Industry (2010)
Publications & Citations 📚
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Golcienė, 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).
3,3′-((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., Guzmán, 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., Morán-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), 1–24. 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., Guzmán, L. (2021).
Genetic Diversity of Curcuma longa from Rapa Nui.
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 28, 707–716. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.10.062 -
Acevedo, W., Cañón, P., Gómez, F., Huerta, J., Aguayo, D., Agosin, E. (2020).
L-Malate Protonation and Malolactic Enzyme Activity in Oenococcus oeni.
Molecules, 25(15), 3431–3447. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25153431
🔍 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 relevance—from drug development to food safety—and 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.