Sylvia Mangani | Medical Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Sylvia Mangani | Medical Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sylvia Mangani | University of Patras | Greece

Sylvia Mangani is a biochemist–biotechnologist and PhD candidate in Biochemistry at the University of Patras, whose research centers on cancer biology, particularly the influence of the extracellular matrix on tumor growth and regulation through 3D cell culture systems. Her academic journey combines strong foundations in biochemistry and biotechnology (BSc, MSc) with advanced experimental and analytical expertise. Her work integrates a broad range of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including quantitative PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, functional assays, and RNA sequencing, complemented by bioinformatics analysis for gene expression and signaling pathway interpretation. Her research has significantly contributed to understanding how 3D cellular microenvironments influence cancer progression, focusing on breast cancer models. She has authored 12 peer-reviewed publications in recognized international journals, with her work cited over 55 times according to Google Scholar, reflecting growing recognition within the scientific community. Her contributions have also supported award-winning synthetic biology initiatives under the iGEM program and have been presented at national and international scientific conferences. She has established productive collaborations with prominent research institutions in Greece and abroad. Notably, she completed a funded Erasmus+ research placement at the University Hospital of Münster, Germany, under the supervision of Prof. Martin Götte, where she engaged in experimental oncology projects exploring cancer cell behavior and matrix interactions. She has also collaborated with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens on biochemical and molecular analyses within the Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Molecular Analysis. A member of the Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (HSBMB), she actively contributes to the advancement of biochemical and cancer research in Greece and Europe. Her ongoing studies aim to deepen the understanding of tumor–matrix dynamics in breast cancer, offering new insights for therapeutic innovation and cancer model development, positioning her among emerging researchers in molecular oncology.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications 

Mangani, S., Piperigkou, Z., Mangani, S., Koletsis, N. E., Koutsakis, C., Mastronikolis, N. S., Franchi, M., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025, August). Principal mechanisms of extracellular matrix‐mediated cell–cell communication in physiological and tumor microenvironments. The FEBS Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.70207

Mangani, S., Vetoulas, M., Mineschou, K., Spanopoulos, K., Vivanco, M. d. M., Piperigkou, Z., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025, July 15). Design and applications of extracellular matrix scaffolds in tissue engineering and regeneration. Cells, 14(14), 1076. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14141076

Franchi, M., Masola, V., Onisto, M., Franchi, L., Mangani, S., Zolota, V., Piperigkou, Z., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025, July 7). Ultrastructural changes of the peri-tumoral collagen fibers and fibrils array in different stages of mammary cancer progression. Cells, 14(13), 1037. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14131037

Karamanos, N. K., Piperigkou, Z., Gourdoupi, C., Mangani, S., & Vivanco, M. d. M. (2025, June 1). Extracellular matrix matters: Matrix-based bioscaffolds in advancing translational cancer research and targeted therapy. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 328(6), C1235–C1251. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00050.2025

Ciampelli, C., Mangani, S., Nieddu, G., Formato, M., Ioannou, P., Kremmydas, S., Karamanos, N., & Lepedda, A. J. (2025, March). Effects of acidic polysaccharide-enriched extracts from Holothuria tubulosa on two- and three-dimensional invasive breast cancer cell models. Biology, 14(4), 334. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14040334

Mangani, S., Kremmydas, S., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025, March). Mimicking the complexity of solid tumors: How spheroids could advance cancer preclinical transformative approaches. Cancers, 17(7), 1161. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17071161

Diane Harper | Precision Medicine | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Prof. Dr Diane Harper | Precision Medicine | Distinguished Scientist Award

Prof. Dr Diane Harper | University of MIchigan | United States

Prof. Dr. Diane M. Harper is a globally recognized physician-scientist, educator, and leader in women’s health, family medicine, and preventive oncology. She earned her SB and SM degrees in Chemical Engineering and Polymerics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), followed by her MD and MPH in Biostatistics/Epidemiology from the University of Kansas Medical School. Complementing her medical and public health expertise, she completed numerous prestigious postgraduate fellowships and executive leadership programs, including the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program, University of Michigan Ross School of Business Leadership Development, and US PHS Primary Care Fellowship in Washington, D.C. Over her distinguished career, Dr. Harper has held senior academic and administrative appointments at leading institutions including Dartmouth College, University of Missouri–Kansas City, University of Louisville, and currently the University of Michigan, where she serves as a Professor of Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Women’s and Gender Studies, and Affiliate Faculty in Biomedical Engineering. Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges medicine, engineering, and public health to improve women’s health outcomes worldwide. Internationally acclaimed for her pioneering work on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer prevention, Dr. Harper has been instrumental in the development and clinical validation of HPV vaccines, advancing screening technologies, and establishing evidence-based guidelines for HPV-associated disease management. Her research spans clinical trials, shared decision-making, health equity, and policy reform, emphasizing underserved and physically disabled populations.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Quinn, J. A., Munoz, F. M., Gonik, B., Frau, L., Cutland, C., Mallett-Moore, T., … & Harper, D. M. (2016). Preterm birth: Case definition & guidelines for data collection, analysis, and presentation of immunisation safety data. Vaccine, 34(49), 6047–6056.

Harper, D. M., DeMars, L. R. (2017). HPV vaccines – A review of the first decade. Gynecologic Oncology, 146(1), 196–204.

Tota, J. E., Struyf, F., Merikukka, M., Gonzalez, P., Kreimer, A. R., Bi, D., … & Harper, D. M. (2017). Evaluation of type replacement following HPV16/18 vaccination: pooled analysis of two randomized trials. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 109(7), djw300.

Gorin, S. S., Jimbo, M., Heizelman, R., Harmes, K. M., & Harper, D. M. (2021). The future of cancer screening after COVID‐19 may be at home. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Dykens, J. A., Peterson, C. E., Holt, H. K., & Harper, D. M. (2023). Gender neutral HPV vaccination programs: Reconsidering policies to expand cancer prevention globally. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1067299.

Alexis Koskan | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alexis Koskan | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alexis Koskan | Arizona State University | United States

Dr. Alexis M. Koskan, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University (ASU), specializing in behavioral oncology, cancer prevention, and implementation science. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in Behavioral Oncology at the Moffitt Cancer Center and earned her Ph.D. in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior from the University of South Carolina. Her research focuses on the prevention and control of cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), increasing cancer screening uptake, and developing community-engaged interventions that promote equitable access to cancer prevention services. Dr. Koskan has led and collaborated on numerous NIH- and industry-funded projects, including initiatives addressing vaccine hesitancy, digital health interventions, and culturally tailored cancer education for underserved populations. Her scholarship has produced over 45 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Vaccine, JMIR, and Journal of Cancer Education. Through interdisciplinary and community-based approaches, Dr. Koskan’s work advances the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based strategies to reduce cancer disparities and improve public health outcomes.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Azugbene, E. A., Koskan, A. M., Williams, E., Patton, T., Liu, L., Nizigiyimana, J., … (2025). Facilitators of COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant and lactating refugee women: A qualitative study using a community-based approach. Patient Education and Counseling, 136, 108778.

Kim, S. W., Lozano, F., Todd, M., Larkey, L., Bahrami, R., Juwadi, K., & Koskan, A. (2025). Digital storytelling to reduce Hispanic parents’ COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Vaccines, 13(11), 1093.

Williams, E., Azugbene, E., Lozano, F., Liu, L., Patton, T., Nizigiyimana, J., … Koskan, A. M. (2025). COVID-19 vaccine barriers among pregnant and lactating refugee women: A case study. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1600107.

Koskan, A. M., Venetis, M. K., & Kim, S. W. (2025). Pilot testing digital stories to influence college men’s intentions to vaccinate against HPV. Journal of Cancer Education, 1–6.

James, D. L., Ahlich, E., Maxfield, M., Kechter, A., James, S. E., Koskan, A. M., … (2025). Perspectives of older adults with memory decline participating in a prolonged nightly fasting (PNF) pilot study: A qualitative exploration. Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, 9(1), e112.

Koskan, A. M., Vizcaino, M., Khatib, M., Brown, T. M., & Sears, D. D. (2025). Abstract B082: Design Studios for Health to identify distinct outreach events and interventions to reduce the burden of cancer among Hispanic/Latino and Black adults in a major southwestern city. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 33(9_Supplement), B082–B082.

 

Anne Ebri | Public Health | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anne Ebri | Public Health | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anne Ebri | Arthur Jarvis University | Nigeria

Dr. Anne Effiom Ebri is a seasoned public health optometrist, researcher, and educator with over 30 years of impactful service across Africa. She holds an OD from the University of Benin, an MSc in Public Health for Eye Care from LSHTM, and a PhD in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. As CEO of Charis Vision and former West Africa Manager at the Brien Holden Vision Institute, she has led major regional projects advancing inclusive eye care, low vision services, and education. Dr. Ebri has trained hundreds of health professionals, established vision centers, and developed national strategies to combat avoidable blindness. Her research on vision impairment and rehabilitation needs of older adults has shaped policy recommendations. A Fellow of both the Nigerian College of Optometrists and the American Academy of Optometry, she is a recipient of global awards, including the IAPB Eye Health Hero. Her work bridges clinical excellence with sustainable, community-centered solutions in global eye health.

Academic Profile 

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Anne Effiom Ebri has pursued a strong academic path in optometry and public health. She obtained her Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from the University of Benin, where she developed a solid foundation in clinical eye care. She later advanced her training with a Master’s degree in Public Health for Eye Care from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, equipping her with the skills to design and implement public health strategies. Further deepening her research capabilities, she earned a PhD in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on vision impairment and rehabilitation needs of older adults in Nigeria.

Experience

Dr. Ebri has more than three decades of professional experience spanning clinical practice, academic teaching, public health leadership, and international consultancy. She served as Sub-Regional Manager for West Africa at the Brien Holden Vision Institute, where she led multi-country projects on inclusive eye health. She is currently the CEO and Founder of Charis Vision and Health Mission, focusing on accessible eye care and disability-inclusive services. Her teaching roles include senior academic positions and curriculum development for several optometry schools. She has also contributed to national and regional policy development in collaboration with health ministries and global organizations.

Research Interests

Her research interests lie in public health optometry, low vision and rehabilitation, inclusive eye health, and health systems strengthening. She is particularly passionate about addressing the needs of underserved populations, including children with disabilities and older adults with vision impairment. Her academic work focuses on translating research into policies that promote equity in eye health services and rehabilitation.

Awards

Dr. Ebri has been recognized internationally for her contributions to eye health and inclusion. She received the Eye Health Hero award from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. She has also been honored with national awards for meritorious service and leadership in optometry. Her fellowships from reputable optometric bodies underscore her global professional standing.

Publications

Guardians’ decision-making for purchasing children’s spectacles

Author: VF Chan, AC Yong, C O’Neill, C Graham, N Congdon, L Lohfeld, AE Ebri, et al.

Journal: PLoS One 16(7): e0254517

Year: 2021

Caretakers’ willingness to pay and cross-subsidisation for children’s spectacles

Author: AE Ebri, C O’Neill, K Azubuike, N Congdon, C Graham, L Lohfeld, et al.

Journal: BMC Public Health 23(1): 1075

Year: 2023

Demographics and ocular needs of children attending clinics

Author: AC Yong, AE Ebri, SE O’Connor, D O’Donovan, N Congdon, C Graham, et al.

Journal: BMJ Open 12(5): e060379

Year: 2022

Reasons for nonadherence to follow-up eye care among schoolchildren

Author: L Lohfeld, C Graham, AE Ebri, N Congdon, VF Chan

Journal: medRxiv preprint

Year: 2021

Conclusion

Dr. Anne Effiom Ebri’s exceptional contributions to public health optometry, inclusive eye care, and rehabilitation reflect a rare integration of academic rigor, leadership, and grassroots impact. Her dedication to underserved populations, combined with her ability to influence policy and train future professionals, underscores her lasting impact in the field. As a transformative force in vision and public health across Africa, Dr. Ebri stands out as a compelling and worthy recipient of the Women Researcher Award.