Karen Kikuta | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Karen Kikuta | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Karen Kikuta | UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine | United States

Ms. Karen Kikuta is an accomplished MD Candidate at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine with expertise in neuroscience, immunology, and global health research. She earned her B.S. in Neuroscience with minors in Public Health and Biology from Santa Clara University and conducted advanced immunological studies at Stanford University’s Binns Program for Cord Blood Research, investigating immune cell subsets using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. Her work has resulted in publications in high-impact journals, including Frontiers in Immunology and the International Journal of Infectious Diseases. Karen has contributed to seven major research projects spanning neurodevelopment, infectious disease, and translational medicine, notably pioneering studies on antenatal Zika virus exposure and its long-term neurobehavioral and cardiac outcomes in children. Her research portfolio includes 2 published documents, 45 citations, and an h-index of 2. She has presented findings at national and international conferences, reflecting her dedication to bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical application. As a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neurological Association, Karen is committed to integrating scientific innovation with compassionate care to advance understanding and treatment of neuroinfectious and developmental disorders.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Research Gate | Linked In

Featured publication

Kikuta, K., Hernandez, C. J., Dunshee de Abranches, A., Damasceno, L., de Britto, J. A., Jardim Duarte, C., Vasconcelos, Z., Zin, A., Brasil, P., Moreira, M. E., & Nielsen-Saines, K. (2025). Academic and social-behavioral assessment in a prospective cohort of normocephalic school-aged children with antenatal Zika virus exposure. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 159, Article 108026.

Rania Awadi | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rania Awadi | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rania Awadi |  Higher Institute of Medical Technologies of Tunis | Tunisia

Dr. Rania Awadi is a biophysics and medical imaging researcher whose work centers on cardiac biomechanics and non-invasive diagnostic techniques. With a PhD in biophysics and medical imaging, she has conducted advanced studies on left ventricle biomechanics using finite element modelling and gained international experience through research internships in France and collaborations with leading medical institutions in Tunisia. Her research expertise lies in cardiovascular MRI, image processing, and myocardial strain assessment, particularly in pediatric populations where diagnostic challenges are more pronounced. Among her significant contributions is a study on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, where she applied cardiac MRI feature tracking to identify early subclinical myocardial dysfunction without contrast agents, an advancement with meaningful clinical impact.

Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

From the outset of her academic journey, Dr. Rania Awadi cultivated a strong foundation in biophysics, medical physics, and medical imaging. Her doctoral studies at the Higher Institute of Medical Technologies of Tunis were marked by a deep focus on the biomechanics of the left ventricle, where she applied finite element modelling to explore complex cardiac dynamics. Early research internships at prestigious institutions such as IMT Atlantique in France and Sorbonne University enriched her academic profile, enabling her to refine her expertise in advanced imaging and computational modelling techniques.

Professional Endeavors

Building upon her academic training, Dr. Awadi advanced into professional roles that merged teaching and research. She joined the Higher Institute of Medical Technologies of Tunis as a lecturer in biomechanics, where she has contributed to shaping future professionals in medical physics and imaging. Her work also extended to clinical collaborations, including her involvement with the Principal Military Hospital of Tunis and Monji Ben Hmida Center, emphasizing translational research that bridges scientific innovation with patient care.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Awadi’s contributions to medical science are anchored in cardiovascular imaging and cardiac biomechanics. Her expertise lies in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, image processing, and computational modelling, with a particular focus on assessing myocardial strain. She has addressed the unique challenges of pediatric populations, where smaller heart sizes, higher heart rates, and variability in strain demand precise methodologies. Her research has sought to make early diagnosis more accessible and reliable, especially in vulnerable groups affected by genetic and muscular disorders.

Pioneering Research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Among her notable achievements, Dr. Awadi conducted a pioneering study on myocardial strain assessment for early diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in pediatric patients using cardiac MRI. Through the application of feature tracking techniques, she demonstrated the feasibility of detecting subclinical myocardial dysfunction without the use of contrast agents, reducing risks in younger patients. Her findings, published in Applied Sciences, underscored significant associations between myocardial strain parameters and structural cardiac changes, providing a non-invasive tool for monitoring disease progression in affected children.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Awadi’s scholarly contributions have been recognized in the international research community through publication in high-impact journals. Her work in Applied Sciences has strengthened her standing as an emerging researcher in cardiac imaging and biomechanics. Her collaborations with European and Tunisian research institutions reflect her growing reputation as a scientist capable of fostering cross-border innovation in medical imaging and biomechanics.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Dr. Awadi’s research extends beyond academic recognition to meaningful influence on clinical practices. By offering new insights into myocardial strain assessment, she has contributed to refining diagnostic approaches for conditions like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, where early intervention can significantly alter outcomes. Her teaching and mentorship also shape a new generation of researchers and clinicians, further amplifying the reach of her work across academia and healthcare.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Awadi’s career continues to chart a path of scientific advancement and clinical relevance. With expertise spanning biomechanics, MRI, and computational modelling, she is poised to deepen investigations into cardiac function across diverse patient populations. Her future contributions are expected to expand the frontiers of non-invasive diagnostics, ensuring that her legacy in cardiovascular biomechanics and imaging is defined by both innovation and tangible impact on patient health.

Publications

Numerical study of two microwave antennas dedicated to superficial cancer hyperthermia
N. Benameur, R. Awadi, A. Bouabidi, M.A. Mohammed, M.U. Rehman, … – 2024

A quasi-static biomechanical model of the human myocardium based on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance images
R. Awadi, N. Benameur, T. Kraiem, L. Salam – 2023

Comparison of Left Ventricle Deformation Analysis Using Abaqus and CVi42 Software: Insights from Healthy Subjects and patients with Myocardial Infarction
R. Awadi, N. Benameur, A. Sleimi, L. Salam – 2025

Myocardial Strain Assessment for Early Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosis in Pediatric Patients Using Cardiac MRI
R. Awadi, N. Benameur, H. Hafsi, T.B. Younes, Y. Arous, S. Labidi, … – 2024

Left Ventricle Wall Motion Abnormalities Detection in Cardiac MRI
N. Benameur, R. Awadi, R. Mahmoudi, M. Deriche, M. Al Betar – 2023

Finite Element of Biomechanical Model of the Human Myocardium from a Cardiac MRI Images
A. Rania, N. Benameur, T. Kraiem, S. Labidi – 2022

of the Human Myocardium from a Cardiac MRI Images
A. Rania, N. Benameur, T. Kraiem, S. Labidi – 2022

Conclusion

Dr. Awadi’s career reflects a blend of academic rigor, professional dedication, and innovative research that addresses pressing clinical needs in pediatric cardiology. Her work has advanced the understanding of myocardial strain assessment, offering tools that improve early diagnosis and patient care. Through her teaching, collaborations, and published research, she has established herself as a promising figure in cardiac imaging and biomechanics. Looking forward, her contributions are set to further bridge the gap between research and clinical application, reinforcing her role as a driving force in the development of non-invasive diagnostic technologies.

Huaqian Xu | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Huaqian Xu | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Huaqian Xu,  Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China.

Xu Huaqian is a dedicated and accomplished joint master’s and doctoral student at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, specializing in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics. Under the mentorship of Professor Zeng Kuo and Professor Yang Haiping, he has cultivated a strong academic and research foundation focused on high-temperature thermal energy storage. With over 20 published research papers in leading journals such as Energy, Chemical Engineering Journal, and Journal of Energy Storage, Xu has significantly contributed to advancing knowledge in sustainable thermal systems and energy efficiency. He has received multiple prestigious awards including the First-Class Academic Scholarship, Weichai Power Scholarship, Zhixing Scholarship, and the Outstanding Graduate Award, reflecting both academic excellence and research impact.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Xu Huaqian embarked on his academic journey with a keen interest in energy systems and thermal sciences. Demonstrating outstanding aptitude early in his studies, he was admitted into the prestigious joint master’s and doctoral program at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 2021. This rigorous academic environment, paired with his innate curiosity and analytical mindset, laid a strong foundation for his future contributions in power engineering and engineering thermophysics. Guided by esteemed mentors, Professor Zeng Kuo and Professor Yang Haiping, Xu’s early academic years were marked by intellectual growth, precision in scientific inquiry, and a deepening commitment to sustainable energy research.

🔬 Professional Endeavors

Xu Huaqian’s academic career is complemented by a professional research trajectory that reflects dedication and technical sophistication. His involvement in cutting-edge research within the domain of high-temperature thermal storage has allowed him to bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications. His work contributes to the development of efficient and robust thermal systems crucial for next-generation energy infrastructure. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he has actively participated in high-impact research projects that align with global efforts to address energy security and climate resilience.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Specializing in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics, Xu has focused his research on the challenging yet pivotal area of high-temperature thermal energy storage. His investigations delve into material behavior, system optimization, and thermodynamic performance of storage systems under extreme thermal conditions. Xu’s work not only contributes to the enhancement of renewable energy utilization but also supports the integration of solar thermal and industrial waste heat recovery technologies. With over 20 published research articles in reputed journals like Energy, Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal of Energy Storage, and Journal of the Energy Institute, he has consistently added valuable insights to the academic and industrial discourse on energy efficiency.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Xu Huaqian’s scholarly excellence has been widely recognized through numerous prestigious awards. He was honored with the First-Class Academic Scholarship by Huazhong University of Science and Technology, reflecting his top-tier academic standing. In 2023, he received the Weichai Power Scholarship, which acknowledges innovative contributions to the field of energy engineering. Additionally, accolades such as the Zhixing Scholarship and the Outstanding Graduate Award highlight his consistent commitment to excellence and research impact throughout his graduate education.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his prolific publishing record and focus on critical energy challenges, Xu has begun to establish a strong presence in the international research community. His studies have the potential to reshape how industries and energy providers view thermal energy storage, especially in the context of decarbonization and grid flexibility. Xu’s influence extends beyond the academic realm, touching on environmental sustainability and policy implications. His work encourages cross-sector collaboration, enabling innovations that can power industries more cleanly and efficiently.

🧠 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Xu Huaqian is poised to be a thought leader in sustainable thermal technologies. As the global demand for reliable and eco-friendly energy solutions intensifies, his research is expected to play a central role in developing scalable, high-performance energy storage systems. He is likely to contribute not only through future publications and patents but also by mentoring the next generation of energy scientists and engineers. His academic legacy will be marked by a steadfast dedication to science-driven innovation and societal advancement.

⚡ Advancing the Frontiers of Thermal Energy Science

At the intersection of engineering thermophysics and sustainable development, Xu Huaqian’s work exemplifies the potential of scientific research to solve pressing global problems. Whether through enhancing the efficiency of renewable energy storage systems or developing materials capable of withstanding high thermal loads, his work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the energy domain. With an unwavering focus on innovation and societal impact, Xu represents a new wave of researchers committed to building a smarter, cleaner energy future.

Publication

  • Title: Investigation of metal foam enhancement under multilayer interaction for large-scale latent heat storage

  • Authors: Zheyu Fang, Kuo Zeng, Huaqian Xu, Haiping Yang, Hanping Chen

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: Energy

 

📝 Conclusion

Xu Huaqian emerges as a promising figure in the field of energy research, particularly in the area of high-temperature thermal storage technologies. His blend of scientific rigor, innovative thinking, and strong academic mentorship positions him to make enduring contributions to the energy sector. Through his research, Xu not only addresses technical challenges in thermal engineering but also aligns with global sustainability goals. His achievements and ongoing work indicate a future filled with impactful discoveries and leadership in the advancement of clean and efficient energy systems.