Carmen Berenguer | Behavioral Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Carmen Berenguer | Behavioral Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Carmen Berenguer | Universitat de Valencia | Spain

Dr. Carmen Berenguer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology at the University of Valencia. She holds a degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience and Special Educational Needs, and a Ph.D. in Psychology with the distinction of Cum Laude and International Doctorate from the same university. Her research has consistently focused on neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), exploring cognitive, social, communication, and learning dimensions. In recent years, she has extended her work to examine comorbid conditions such as sleep difficulties and to design psychosocial intervention programs for families of children with ASD and ADHD. Dr. Berenguer has completed or participated in nine research projects and authored 20 books. She holds two patents related to psychosocial programs and augmented reality applications for educational and therapeutic purposes. With 54 published documents, her work has been cited in 994 scientific papers, accumulating a total of 1,077 citations and achieving an h-index of 17, reflecting her significant impact in developmental psychology and neurodevelopmental research.

Profiles: Scopus | orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

(2025). Characteristics, motivations and attitudes of students using ChatGPT and other language model-based chatbots in higher education. Education and Information Technologies.

(2025). Parenting stress in autistic and ADHD children: Implications of social support and child characteristics. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

(2025). Sleep disturbances in autistic children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

(2025). Augmented reality and learning-cognitive outcomes in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.

(2025). Occupational stress, burnout, and job satisfaction amongst Spanish speech-language pathologists. International Journal of Speech Language Pathology.

Maansi Solanky | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Maansi Solanky | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Maansi Solanky | LSU Health New Orleans | United States

Maansi Solanky is a dedicated medical scholar pursuing her Doctor of Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans, with a strong interdisciplinary background in health and human sciences from the University of Southern California. Her academic journey integrates medicine, analytics, and public health, reflected in her extensive research and operational experience across multiple institutions. As an Operations Analyst at Evergreen Nephrology, she contributed to improving healthcare delivery through data-driven solutions, process optimization, and interdepartmental collaboration. Her research at the USC Keck School of Medicine explored neural communication mechanisms underlying schizophrenia and analyzed food insecurity in Los Angeles County using advanced data analytics. Additionally, her work with the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency led to actionable insights enhancing organ donation efficiency through comparative data modeling in R, SQL, and SAS. With teaching experience as a Chemistry Supplemental Instruction Leader for over 700 students, she demonstrates a passion for mentorship and education. Maansi is also deeply engaged in community initiatives promoting public health and equitable healthcare access. She has authored 5 research documents, accumulated 42 citations, and holds an H-index of 3, underscoring her growing influence in medical research and data-driven healthcare innovation.

Profile: Oricd

Featured Publication

Solanky, M., Khosla, M., & Alahari, S. K. (2025). Assessing the tumor suppressive impact and regulatory mechanisms of SPDEF expression in breast cancer. Cancers, 17(21), 3556.

Kaviya Chinnappa | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kaviya Chinnappa | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kaviya Chinnappa | Institute of Fer a Moulin (NeuroSU), Paris | France

Dr. Kaviya Chinnappa is a neuroscientist whose research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cerebral cortex development, cortical progenitor dynamics, and neurodevelopmental disorders. She completed her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH) in Alicante, Spain, and currently serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institut du Fer à Moulin (Inserm), Paris, where she investigates the role of ceramide synthase in neocortex formation and its association with cortical malformations such as heterotopia. Her work integrates advanced genetic, molecular, and imaging approaches to uncover regulatory pathways controlling neuronal proliferation, polarity, and differentiation. Dr. Chinnappa has contributed to several high-impact publications in journals including Nature, Science Advances, Journal of Cell Biology, Cells, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, BioEssays, Cerebellum, and Journal of Neurochemistry. Her studies have provided key insights into the roles of miRNAs, centrosomal proteins, and sphingolipid metabolism in brain development. She has received multiple distinctions, including the Extraordinary PhD Thesis Award and the Valérie Chamaillard Fellowship. With an h-index of 5, 4 i10-index publications, and 164 citations across 156 documents, Dr. Chinnappa continues to advance translational neuroscience through her innovative research on cortical development and neurogenetic disorders.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Camargo Ortega, G., Falk, S., Johansson, P. A., Peyre, E., Broix, L., Sahu, S. K., … (2019). The centrosome protein AKNA regulates neurogenesis via microtubule organization. Nature, 567(7746), 113–117.

Zaidi, D., Chinnappa, K., & Francis, F. (2022). Primary cilia influence progenitor function during cortical development. Cells, 11(18), 2895.

Chinnappa, K., Cárdenas, A., Prieto-Colomina, A., Villalba, A., … (2022). Secondary loss of miR-3607 reduced cortical progenitor amplification during rodent evolution. Science Advances, 8(2), eabj4010.

Prieto-Colomina, A., Fernández, V., Chinnappa, K., & Borrell, V. (2021). MiRNAs in early brain development and pediatric cancer: At the intersection between healthy and diseased embryonic development. BioEssays, 43(7), 2100073.

Chatterjee, A., Chinnappa, K., Ramanan, N., & Mani, S. (2018). Centrosome inheritance does not regulate cell fate in granule neuron progenitors of the developing cerebellum. The Cerebellum, 17(5), 685–691.

Zaidi, D., Chinnappa, K., Yigit, B. N., Viola, V., Cifuentes-Diaz, C., Jabali, A., … (2024). Forebrain Eml1 depletion reveals early centrosomal dysfunction causing subcortical heterotopia. Journal of Cell Biology, 223(12), e202310157.

Chinnappa, K., Márquez-Galera, Á., Prieto-Colomina, A., Nomura, Y., … (2019). MIR3607 regulates cerebral cortex development via activation of Wnt/βCat signaling. bioRxiv, 729939.

Chinnappa, K., Ballorin, F., & Francis, F. (2025). Fundamental Neurochemistry Review: Sphingolipids and ceramides in brain development. Journal of Neurochemistry, 169(10), e70262.

Eleonora Bieber | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Eleonora Bieber | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Eleonora Bieber | IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris | Italy

Dr. Eleonora Bieber is a highly experienced neurodevelopmental disorder therapist and biomedical scientist based in Livorno, Italy, with over 15 years of expertise in pediatric neurorehabilitation, higher education, and clinical research. Her professional work integrates clinical practice with academic innovation, focusing on motor learning and imitation processes in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Developmental Coordination Disorders (DCD). At the IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation in Pisa, she has played a key role in conducting clinical evaluations, designing individualized rehabilitation programs, and leading research initiatives that bridge clinical and academic environments. Her involvement in cutting-edge projects, such as INNOVATivE Technologies in Neurorehabilitation and the Artificial Intelligence and Cerebral Palsy (AINCP) project, underscores her commitment to technological innovation in neurorehabilitation. With strong skills in research design, SPSS-based data analysis, and interdisciplinary coordination, Dr. Bieber continues to contribute significantly to advancing evidence-based practices in neurodevelopmental therapy. Her scholarly impact includes 5 publications, 78 citations, and an h-index of 4, reflecting her influence in the field of neurodevelopmental research and her dedication to improving therapeutic outcomes for children through collaborative, technology-enhanced approaches.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Bieber, E., Smits-Engelsman, B. C. M., Sgandurra, G., Martini, G., Guzzetta, A., Cioni, G., Feys, H., & Klingels, K. (2023). Insights on action observation and imitation abilities in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder and typically developing children. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 136, 104556.

Bieber, E., Smits-Engelsman, B. C. M., Sgandurra, G., Di Gregorio, F., Guzzetta, A., Cioni, G., Feys, H., & Klingels, K. (2021). A new protocol for assessing action observation and imitation abilities in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A feasibility and reliability study. Human Movement Science, 78, 102717.

Buchignani, B., Beani, E., Pomeroy, V., Iacono, O., Sicola, E., Perazza, S., Bieber, E., Feys, H., Klingels, K., & Cioni, G. (2019). Action observation training for rehabilitation in brain injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurology, 19, 186.

Bieber, E., Smits-Engelsman, B. C. M., Sgandurra, G., Cioni, G., Feys, H., Guzzetta, A., & Klingels, K. (2016). Manual function outcome measures in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): Systematic review. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 55, 53–63.

Paula Abola | Neuroscience & Education | Neuroscience Academic Distinction Award

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Mrs. Paula Abola | Neuroscience & Education | Neuroscience Academic Distinction Award

Mrs. Paula Abola | University of Jamestown | United States

Paula Abola is a clinical researcher and academic with a strong focus on Parkinson’s disease, clinical drug development, and chemical biology. She has earned advanced degrees in Clinical Research, Clinical Drug Development, and Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology, completing dissertations that explored knowledge disparities and shared decision-making in Parkinson’s disease, as well as comparative efficacy studies of pharmacological interventions and novel synthetic approaches in chemical biology. Paula has extensive experience in higher education, serving as an adjunct professor at multiple international universities, where she designs and delivers graduate- and doctorate-level courses in systematic reviews, meta-analyses, survey research, research proposal writing, study design, statistical methods, and chemical biology, while also mentoring and supervising student research projects. Her work emphasizes bridging methodological rigor with practical applications in clinical and social research, including applications in pharmacological management and vaccine development. Paula’s research contributions are documented in 2 scholarly works, which have collectively received 2 citations, giving her an h-index of 1 and an i10-index of 0. Her academic and research endeavors reflect a dedication to advancing knowledge in clinical pharmacology, research methodology, and chemical biology while fostering the development of future researchers through mentorship and teaching.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid | Research Gate | Linked In

Featured Publications

Abola, P., Lefebvre, K., & Wolden, M. (2025). Influence of sociodemographic variables on patient and practitioner knowledge of pharmacological management options for Parkinson’s disease. American Journal of Medical and Clinical Research & Reviews, 4(1), 1–16.

Abola, P., Wolden, M. (2024). Monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor rasagiline effects on motor and non-motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Advances in Parkinson’s Disease, 13(3), 27–56.

Abola, P., & Jabishvili, G. (2025). Incidence of adverse and safety events in individuals with Parkinson’s disease treated with catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor opicapone as an add-on to levodopa treatment. Prospects in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Abola, P., & Lefebvre, K. (2025). Technological advancements in the reduction of Parkinsonian tremor: A scoping review. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 41(3), 162–170.

Abola, P., Wolden, B., & Wolden, M. (2025). Journal of Neurology & Neuropsychiatry. Neuropsychiatry, 2(1).

Abola, P., & Lefebvre, K. (2025). Technological advancements in the detection and quantification of Parkinsonian tremor: A scoping review. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 41(3), 154–161.

Abola, P., & Wolden, M. (2025). Intra-individual variations in voice variables among individuals with and without Parkinson’s disease. Cureus, 17(3).

Abola, P., & Lefebvre, K. M. (2025). Technological advancements in the rehabilitation of Parkinsonian tremor: A systematic review. 2025 Combined Sections Meeting (CSM).

Wagdy Khalil | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Wagdy Khalil | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Wagdy Khalil |  National Research Centre | Egypt

Dr. Wagdy Khalil is a Professor of Animal Genetics specializing in Molecular Genetics at the Cell Biology Department, National Research Centre, Egypt. His research focuses on genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying animal reproduction, gene expression, and environmental genotoxicity. He has significantly contributed to the understanding of oocyte maturation, preovulatory hormonal regulation, and molecular responses to toxins, nanoparticles, and natural therapeutic agents. Dr. Khalil’s work integrates molecular biology, biotechnology, and animal genetics to explore the genetic basis of fertility, mutagenicity, and disease resistance. He has published 161 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus, reflecting his consistent research productivity and international collaboration. His studies have advanced knowledge in fields such as reproductive biology, toxicogenomics, molecular diagnostics, and genetic engineering. Dr. Khalil’s impactful research has earned him 2,055 citations from 1,801 documents, demonstrating wide recognition within the scientific community. With an h-index of 27, his work continues to influence emerging research in molecular genetics and biotechnology, bridging fundamental discoveries with applied biomedical and agricultural innovations.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar | Research Gate | Linked In

Featured Publications

  • Antiarthritic activities of berberine in a rat model of gouty arthritis. (2025). Scientific Reports.

  • Unravelling the mechanism by which vildagliptin and linagliptin inhibit pyroptosis in lung injury through the NLRP3 inflammatory pathway in type 1 diabetic rats. (2025). Scientific Reports.

  • Comparative study of pyridine and pyrimidine derivatives as promising anti-inflammatory agents: Design, synthesis, and LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. (2025). Drug Development Research.

  • Expression of growth factors in buffalo ovarian tissue across different follicular developmental stages. (2025). Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

  • Estrus, preovulatory LH surge and oocyte maturation in Goettingen miniature pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). (2025). Theriogenology.

  • Targeting apoptotic pathways in cancer: Design, synthesis, and molecular docking studies of 1,3,5-trisubstituted-1H-pyrazole derivatives with Bcl-2 inhibition and DNA damage potential. (2025). RSC Advances.

  • Assessment of the gold nanoparticles biosynthesized using Casuarina equisetifolia bark extract against the ethion-induced hepato- and neurotoxicity in rats. (2025). Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.

  • In vitro and in vivo antidiabetic evaluation of new coumarin and chromone derivatives: Design, synthesis, and molecular modeling. (2025). Bioorganic Chemistry.

  • Potential therapeutic effects of interleukin-1 receptor type 1 antagonist and the ethyl acetate fraction of Murraya exotica leaves against κ-carrageenan-induced vein thrombosis in rats. (2025). Phytomedicine Plus.

  • The ability of stressor factors of environmental pollution to induce ROS and 8-OHdG mediated apoptosis in fish species of Suez Gulf, Red Sea. (2025). Egyptian Journal of Chemistry.

Sofia Gandolfi | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Sofia Gandolfi | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sofia Gandolfi | Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta | Italy

Ms. Sofia Gandolfi is an Italian Speech and Language Therapist specializing in the assessment and management of swallowing disorders, particularly in children with neurogenic and neuromuscular conditions such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She has gained extensive clinical experience at the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta in Milan, where she performs swallowing screenings, clinical evaluations, and develops individualized rehabilitation plans involving therapy, compensatory strategies, and dietary recommendations in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams that include neurologists, ENT specialists, gastroenterologists, dietitians, and physiotherapists. Her work emphasizes evidence-based interventions to enhance swallowing safety, efficiency, and quality of life for patients. Sofia also has experience in assessing and treating children and adults with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, both in outpatient settings and home-based care. Beyond clinical practice, she has contributed to research on swallowing physiology, intervention efficacy, and quality improvement initiatives in dysphagia services. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Speech and Language Studies with a specialization in Dysphagia from Trinity College Dublin. Her academic contributions are reflected in 1 published document, 1 citation, and an h-index of 1, demonstrating her emerging engagement in research and her commitment to advancing clinical practices in speech and swallowing therapy.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid | Research Gate | Linked In

Featured Publications

Mozzanica, F., Pizzorni, N., Gitto, M., Dosi, C., Mandelli, A., Gandolfi, S., & others. (2024). Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1: Feasibility, swallowing safety and efficacy, and dysphagia phenotype. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 281(12), 6523–6532.

Gandolfi, S., Dosi, C., Parravicini, S., Arnoldi, M. T., Zanin, R., Biagi, S., Rinaldi, L., & others. (2025). Exploring the trajectory of swallowing within psychomotor development in spinal muscular atrophy: Moving toward integrated care. Audiology Research.

Masson, R., Dosi, C., Parravicini, S., Scopelliti, M., Arnoldi, M., Zanin, R., & others. (2025). 519P The challenge of swallowing assessment in SMA1: Dysphagia clinical features and available assessment tools. Neuromuscular Disorders, 53, 105608.

Edris Hoseinzadeh | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr.Edris Hoseinzadeh | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Edris Hoseinzadeh | Saveh University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Edris Hoseinzadeh is an Associate Professor of Environmental Health Engineering at Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Iran. He is a highly accomplished environmental health engineer recognized for his innovative research on sustainable solutions for water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, and waste valorization. His scientific expertise spans advanced oxidation processes, electrochemical systems, nanotechnology applications, and the integration of artificial intelligence in smart remediation technologies. Dr. Hoseinzadeh has authored over 90 research papers, holds multiple patents, and has achieved an h-index of 18 with more than 2,500 citations, reflecting his significant impact in the field. His work addresses critical global challenges such as emerging contaminants, pharmaceutical pollutants, microplastics, and antibiotic-resistant genes, with a focus on resource recovery and circular economy principles. As Head of the Department of Environmental Health Engineering at Saveh University, he has also demonstrated strong leadership and academic mentorship, guiding over 15 graduate theses and serving as Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the HOZAN Journal of Environmental Sciences. Dr. Hoseinzadeh’s research combines scientific rigor with practical innovation, contributing to the advancement of environmental sustainability and public health protection.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar | Research Gate | Linked In

Featured Publications

(2025). Factors influencing source separation intention for improving waste management in educational places: A case study for a university campus. International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering.

 (2024). Microplastics contamination in popular soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages marketed in Iran: Quantity and characteristics. Results in Engineering.

 (2024). Soil pollution indices and health risk assessment of metal(loid)s in the agricultural soil of pistachio orchards. Scientific Reports.

 (2024). Treatment of real carwash wastewater using high-efficiency and energy-saving electrocoagulation technique. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy.

(2024). Water recovery and treatment of spent filter backwash from drinking water using chemical reactor–ultrafiltration process. Journal of Water Process Engineering.

(2024). Utilization of local corn (Zea mays) wastes for bioethanol production by separate hydrolysis and fermentation. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances.

Ricardo Osorio | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ricardo Osorio | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ricardo S. Osorio is a tenured Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Radiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where he directs the Healthy Brain Aging and Sleep Center and serves as Director of the Biomarker Core within the NYU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. A physician-scientist, Dr. Osorio investigates the interplay of sleep, vascular, and inflammatory mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease, integrating multimodal biomarkers, neuroimaging, and detailed clinical phenotyping. He has led several landmark studies, including trials on sleep apnea, amyloid and tau accumulation, brain energetics, and locus coeruleus dysfunction, exploring how sleep and metabolic factors influence cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. His work has significantly advanced translational biomarker development, assay harmonization, and inclusive recruitment in aging research. Dr. Osorio has published over 130 peer-reviewed articles in top journals such as JAMA Neurology, Annals of Neurology, Sleep, Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Lancet, and Brain, contributing to more than 8,369 citing documents, with a total citation count of 9,893 and an h-index of 44. He serves on multiple editorial boards, including Sleep Medicine Reports, and has provided expert peer review for leading journals worldwide. His collaborative network spans the NYU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Mount Sinai, the ENIGMA-Sleep Consortium, and numerous national and international aging and sleep research initiatives, mentoring the next generation of clinician-scientists while shaping the field of sleep and neurodegeneration.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Author(s). (Year). Disordered sleep and painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN): A review of the literature on pathophysiology, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment options, and future directions. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages.

  2. Author(s). (2025). EEG slow oscillations and overnight spatial navigational memory performance in CPAP-treated obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep, Volume(Issue), pages.

  3. Author(s). (2025). High-frequency oscillations >250 Hz in people with Down syndrome and associated Alzheimer’s disease dementia. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Volume(Issue), pages.

  4. Author(s). (2025). Impact of Alzheimer’s disease on sleep in adults with Down syndrome. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Volume(Issue), pages.

  5. Author(s). (2025). Sleep-wake variation in body temperature regulates tau secretion and correlates with CSF and plasma tau. Journal of Clinical Investigation, Volume(Issue), pages.

  6. Author(s). (2025). The stability of slow-wave sleep and EEG oscillations across two consecutive nights of laboratory polysomnography in cognitively normal older adults. Journal of Sleep Research, Volume(Issue), pages.

  7. Author(s). (2025). Two-year longitudinal outcomes of subjective cognitive decline in Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, Volume(Issue), pages.

  8. Author(s). (Year). Enhancing sleep, wakefulness, and cognition with transcranial photobiomodulation: A systematic review. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages.

  9. Author(s). (2024). The relationship between anxiety and levels of Alzheimer’s disease plasma biomarkers. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Volume(Issue), pages.

  10. Author(s). (2024). The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio associates with markers of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in cognitively unimpaired elderly people. Immunity and Ageing, Volume(Issue), pages.

Karen Kikuta | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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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.