Heba Aboelsoud | Social and Cultural Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Heba Aboelsoud | Social and Cultural Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. heba Aboelsoud | Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz | Saudi Arabia

Heba Abd-Elnaser Abo-Elsoud is a dedicated academic and researcher in anatomy and embryology, with a strong background in both clinical and teaching roles. Her career spans over a decade of service in leading Egyptian universities, where she has taught a wide range of medical and allied health students, including international cohorts. Her research contributions include anatomical studies on human deep fascia and experimental histological work on the neurotoxic effects of formaldehyde, offering valuable insights into both basic and applied medical sciences. She is recognized for her academic mentorship, versatility in teaching, and sustained contributions to advancing anatomical education and research.

Profiles

Scopus
Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

From the very beginning of her academic journey, Heba Abd-Elnaser Abo-Elsoud demonstrated a deep fascination with the structural and developmental aspects of the human body. Her foundational studies in medicine laid the groundwork for a career rooted in both scientific inquiry and teaching excellence. She specialized in anatomy and embryology, progressing through advanced academic qualifications that refined her expertise in these fundamental medical sciences.

Professional Endeavors

Her professional career has been centered on academic service and medical education, where she has held key teaching and research positions within reputable institutions. She has contributed significantly to the Faculty of Medicine for Girls at Al-Azhar University, as well as to the Misr University for Science & Technology. In these roles, she has been responsible for delivering comprehensive courses in general biology, anatomy, and embryology to students across diverse disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and nursing.

Contributions and Research Focus

Her research has explored critical areas within anatomical and embryological sciences, bridging basic structural knowledge with applied biomedical relevance. Early in her academic career, her master’s work examined the deep fascia of the human limbs and back through detailed anatomical investigation. Later, her doctoral research advanced into experimental histology, focusing on the effects of formaldehyde—a common preservative—on the cerebellar cortex of laboratory animals, contributing valuable insights into neurotoxicology and public health considerations.

Academic Mentorship and Teaching Excellence

Beyond research, her teaching has been marked by a commitment to inspiring and equipping future generations of healthcare professionals. She has taught a diverse range of students, including international cohorts, and has been instrumental in integrating foundational anatomical sciences with modern clinical applications. Her ability to adapt her teaching to different educational contexts reflects both her versatility and dedication to academic excellence.

Accolades and Recognition

Her professional growth within the academic hierarchy, from demonstrator to lecturer, reflects the recognition of her capabilities and contributions within the scientific community. Her sustained tenure in leading educational institutions stands as a testament to her professional reputation, pedagogical skill, and commitment to advancing anatomical education.

Impact and Influence

Through her research, Heba Abd-Elnaser has contributed to the understanding of both structural anatomy and histological pathology, influencing fields such as toxicology, neuroscience, and public health awareness. Her teaching has shaped the academic and professional readiness of countless medical and allied health students, instilling in them a strong anatomical foundation essential for clinical practice.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, her career trajectory suggests a continued commitment to advancing anatomical sciences through both teaching and research. With a foundation built on rigorous academic training and a clear passion for her discipline, she is poised to further her contributions in neuroanatomy, developmental biology, and histopathology, ensuring that her work leaves a lasting impact on both the scientific community and medical education.

Publication

Potential protective effect of phycocyanin against gibberellic acid-induced cerebellar toxicity in female rats and their offspring
Heba Abdelnaser Aboelsoud; Ebtihal Kamal; Shaimaa R. Abdelmohsen; Amany M. Abo-Ouf; Ayman Geddawy; Mikail Akbulut; Shaimaa M. Hafez
2025

Is there a relationship between low back pain and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy?
Ali A. H.; Serhan O.; Ali Amer H.; Salem Aldosari H.; Alodaib A.; Hazazi T.; Albogami A.; Alyamni A.; Alkanaan S.; Albassam A. et al.
2024

Neuroprotective effects of punicalagin and/or micronized zeolite clinoptilolite on manganese-induced Parkinson’s disease in a rat model: Involvement of multiple pathways
Karema Abu-Elfotuh; Ashwaq N. Abbas; Mazin A. A. Najm; Qutaiba A. Qasim; Ahmed M. E. Hamdan; Amany B. Abdelrehim; Ayah M. H. Gowifel; Aya H. Al-Najjar; Ahmed M. Atwa; Magy R. Kozman et al.
2024

The possible effects of chronic administration of amiodarone hydrochloride on the seminiferous tubules of adult male albino rats: histological and biochemical study
Amany M. Abo-Ouf; Amany F. Mohamed; Heba Abdelnaser Aboelsoud; Ayman Geddawy; Heba F. Ibrahim
2024

The potential protective effect of propolis on diabetic nephropathy induced by streptozotocin in adult albino rats
Shaimaa M. Hafez; Heba F. Ibrahim; Shaimaa R. Abdelmohsen; Noha A. E. Yasin; Yara S. Abouelela; Heba Abdelnaser Aboelsoud
2024

Effect of High Fat Diet Induced Metabolic Syndrome and Treatment with Insulin like Growth Factor 1 on Biochemical and Immunohistochemical Parameters Related to Neuronal Functions in Adult Male Albino Rats
A.F. Yousuf; S.Z. Elshora; M.G. Abdallah; N.F. Elmongy; H.A. Aboelsoud; H.H. Mosallam; A.M.M. Algendy; A.E.L.S.A. El-Lateef; A.M. El-Sharkawy; N. Seliem et al.
2023

Histological Effect of Formaldehyde as Food Preservative on Cerebellar Cortex of Albino Rat
Hayam M. Farhoud; Amany M. Abo Ouf; Heba A. Abo El-Soud
2019

Conclusion

With her solid academic foundation, extensive teaching experience, and meaningful research in neuroanatomy and histopathology, Heba Abd-Elnaser Abo-Elsoud stands as a significant contributor to medical education and anatomical sciences. Her work not only enriches scientific understanding but also shapes the next generation of healthcare professionals, ensuring her ongoing influence in both academic and clinical domains.

Arpana Church | Social and Cultural Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Arpana Church | Social and Cultural Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Arpana Church, University of California Los Angeles, United States.

Dr. Arpana Church (P.K.A. Gupta, Arpana, Ph.D.) is a distinguished scientist and researcher based at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. Her academic path began with a Bachelor’s degree in 1998 and evolved into a dynamic career centered on the gut-brain-microbiome connection. With professional appointments at the UCLA Goodman Luskin Microbiome Center and the Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Dr. Church plays a pivotal role in advancing research related to stress, digestive health, metabolic disorders, and behavioral conditions. Her scientific contributions bridge disciplines, offering innovative insights into how microbiota influence both emotional and physical well-being. She is recognized for her leadership, collaborative spirit, and commitment to shaping future research directions in microbiome science and neurogastroenterology.

Profile

Google Scholar

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Arpana Church’s academic journey began with a solid foundation in the sciences, earning her Bachelor’s degree in 1998. With an innate curiosity for the biological underpinnings of health and disease, she embarked on a rigorous academic trajectory that would eventually culminate in a Ph.D. Her early academic pursuits were characterized by a strong commitment to multidisciplinary learning, laying the groundwork for her future focus on microbiome research and neurogastroenterology. These formative years not only refined her scientific thinking but also ignited her passion for translational research, bridging laboratory insights with clinical outcomes.

🧠 Professional Endeavors in Neuroscience & Gut-Brain Axis

Currently, Dr. Church serves at the prestigious UCLA Goodman Luskin Microbiome Center and the G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience. Her role spans across several key initiatives, including the Obesity, Metabolic Disorders and Eating Behaviors Research Program, all housed within the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Her work within the Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases exemplifies her commitment to exploring how brain–gut–microbiome interactions influence metabolic and behavioral outcomes. Her professional life is immersed in academic medicine, where she actively contributes to cutting-edge clinical research and institutional growth.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Church’s research is at the intersection of microbiome science, stress neurobiology, and gastrointestinal health. She is a key contributor to studies investigating the gut–brain axis, particularly how microbiota affect emotional, cognitive, and metabolic health. Her innovative work explores mechanisms of resilience and vulnerability in the face of chronic stress, offering critical insights into conditions such as obesity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and eating disorders. Through her role at UCLA, she is deeply involved in collaborative projects that combine advanced imaging, biomarker analysis, and behavioral science to unravel complex biological pathways.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

While the document doesn’t detail specific awards, Dr. Church’s professional affiliation with UCLA and her active role in multiple research centers reflect a high level of peer recognition. Her expertise and leadership in high-impact research programs speak to her standing in the academic and clinical communities. She is frequently sought after for collaborative projects and research consultations, evidencing the respect she commands in the field of medical science and integrative health.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Church’s work has meaningful implications on both scientific knowledge and public health. Her research on stress and digestive health not only contributes to academic literature but also informs clinical interventions that improve quality of life for patients. Through mentorship and active participation in interdisciplinary research teams, she is shaping the next generation of scientists and physicians. Her influence extends beyond the lab and into broader discussions on the role of the microbiome in mental and metabolic health.

🧬 Legacy and Future Contributions

As science continues to uncover the profound links between the brain, gut, and microbiome, Dr. Arpana Church stands poised to be at the forefront of this revolution. Her future contributions will likely expand into precision medicine and integrative approaches that personalize treatment strategies based on microbiome and neurobiological profiles. With a vision grounded in holistic health and a career rooted in academic excellence, her legacy will be one of transformation—redefining how we understand and treat complex diseases of the mind and body.

Publication

  • Racism as a Determinant of Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Y Paradies, J Ben, N Denson, A Elias, N Priest, A Pieterse, A Gupta, …
    2015

 

  • Gut/brain axis and the microbiota
    EA Mayer, K Tillisch, A Gupta
    2015

 

  • Examining the relationship between multiple internalized oppressions and African American lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning persons’ self-esteem and psychological distress
    DM Szymanski, A Gupta
    2009

 

  • The “model minority myth”: Internalized racialism of positive stereotypes as correlates of psychological distress, and attitudes toward help-seeking
    A Gupta, DM Szymanski, FTL Leong
    2011

 

  • Differences in gut microbial composition correlate with regional brain volumes in irritable bowel syndrome
    JS Labus, EB Hollister, J Jacobs, K Kirbach, N Oezguen, A Gupta, …
    2017

 

  • Brain–gut–microbiome interactions in obesity and food addiction
    A Gupta, V Osadchiy, EA Mayer
    2020

 

  • Influence of early life, diet, and the environment on the microbiome
    TS Dong, A Gupta
    2019

 

  • Gut Microbiome and Obesity: A Plausible Explanation for Obesity
    C Sanmiguel, A Gupta, EA Mayer
    2015

 

  • Attitudes toward professional counseling among Asian-American college students: Acculturation, conceptions of mental illness, and loss of face
    FTL Leong, HHW Kim, A Gupta
    2011

 

  • Internalized misogyny as a moderator of the link between sexist events and women’s psychological distress
    DM Szymanski, A Gupta, ER Carr, D Stewart
    2009

 

📝 Conclusion

Dr. Arpana Church’s career is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research in uncovering the biological basis of complex health issues. Her work not only deepens our understanding of the brain–gut connection but also paves the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Rooted in academic excellence and driven by a passion for discovery, she continues to inspire through her contributions to science, medicine, and mentorship. As microbiome and neurobiology research gain momentum globally, Dr. Church remains a vital force in shaping the future of integrative health research and translational medicine.