Irena Roterman | Computational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Irena Roterman | Computational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Irena Roterman, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Poland.

Prof. Irena Roterman-Konieczna is a distinguished scientist whose academic roots in theoretical chemistry and biochemistry evolved into groundbreaking contributions in bioinformatics. With a Ph.D. and habilitation in biochemistry, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell University, she developed a unique perspective on protein structure and folding. Her most notable innovation is the Fuzzy Oil Drop (FOD) model, which simulates protein folding by incorporating environmental effects using a 3D Gaussian function to map hydrophobicity distribution. This model has wide applicability—from understanding membrane proteins and amyloids to analyzing domain-swapping and receptor anchoring.

Profile

Scopus

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Irena Roterman-Konieczna began her academic journey in theoretical chemistry at the prestigious Jagiellonian University, graduating from the Faculty of Chemistry in 1974. Her early interest in molecular structure and the physicochemical underpinnings of biological systems laid a strong foundation for her interdisciplinary career. She deepened her scientific expertise by earning a Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1984 from Nicolaus Copernicus Medical Academy in Krakow, focusing on the structure of the recombinant IgG hinge region. Her postdoctoral studies at Cornell University from 1987 to 1989, under the mentorship of Harold A. Scheraga, further shaped her academic development. There, she explored force fields used in prominent computational programs like AMBER, CHARMM, and ECEPP, bridging theoretical modeling with biomolecular reality.

🧬 Professional Endeavors in Bioinformatics

Throughout her career, Prof. Roterman-Konieczna has been at the forefront of bioinformatics, dedicating herself to unraveling the mysteries of protein structure and amyloid formation. Following her habilitation in biochemistry at the Jagiellonian University Faculty of Biotechnology in 1994 and the conferment of her professorial degree in medical sciences in 2004, she continued to pioneer innovative methods in structural bioinformatics. Her hallmark contribution, the Fuzzy Oil Drop (FOD) model, revolutionized the understanding of protein folding. The model uniquely incorporates environmental influence into folding simulations by using a 3D Gaussian function to describe hydrophobicity distribution—proposing that hydrophobic residues form a central core while hydrophilic residues remain exposed. This paradigm introduced a more realistic, dynamic framework for simulating in silico protein folding.

đŸ§Ș Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Roterman-Konieczna’s research has explored how proteins behave not only in aqueous environments but also within membranes and under the influence of external force fields. By modifying the Gaussian-based FOD model, she extended its applicability to membrane proteins, enabling quantification of their anchoring mechanisms and mobility. Her investigations into chaperonins and domain-swapping phenomena further illustrate the power of her model to decode complex folding and protein-protein interactions. She introduced a dual-variable simulation function—accounting for both internal forces (non-bonded interactions within the protein chain) and external forces (environmental effects)—to guide structural transformation toward energy minima. These ideas are foundational in modern computational biology, where realistic folding predictions are critical for understanding disease mechanisms and therapeutic targeting.

📘 Scholarly Publishing and Intellectual Outreach

A prolific author, Prof. Roterman-Konieczna has made significant contributions to scientific literature. She has authored several influential books, many published in Open Access to promote knowledge sharing. These works include “Protein Folding In Silico” (Elsevier), “Systems Biology – Functional Strategies of Living Organism” (Springer), and “From Globular Proteins to Amyloids” (Elsevier, 2020). Her books elegantly communicate complex bioinformatic strategies, such as ligand binding site identification, protein-protein interactions, and computer-aided diagnostics. Moreover, her editorial leadership from 2005 to 2020 as Chief Editor of the journal Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems cemented her influence in shaping interdisciplinary dialogues at the intersection of medicine, biology, and computation.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Roterman-Konieczna’s work has earned international acclaim. Notably, she is listed among the Top 2% scientists worldwide by Stanford University and Elsevier—a testament to her influential research and academic reputation. With 149 publications indexed in PubMed, her impact on the bioinformatics community is both broad and profound. Over the course of her career, she has also served as a mentor to 14 doctoral students, many of whom continue to contribute to research and innovation across various fields of biomedicine.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Her research has advanced global understanding of how proteins fold, interact, and misfold—a process central to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The FOD model continues to provide a computational lens for studying amyloid formation and supramolecular assemblies. Her model is also pivotal in studying receptor anchoring in membranes and exploring domain-swapping mechanisms critical to protein complex formation. By integrating thermodynamic theory, statistical modeling, and structural biology, her work bridges theoretical research with biomedical applications, pushing the boundaries of in silico experimentation.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Irena Roterman-Konieczna’s legacy is rooted in her visionary approach to molecular biology, championing models that blend computational precision with biological realism. Her commitment to open access publishing and academic mentoring reflects a deep dedication to inclusive, sustainable scientific progress. As systems biology and personalized medicine continue to evolve, her models and insights will remain cornerstones for future explorations in disease modeling, drug design, and molecular diagnostics. Her career exemplifies how interdisciplinary thinking and computational ingenuity can transform the life sciences, leaving a legacy that will guide future generations of scientists.

Publication

  • Title: Aquaporins as Membrane Proteins: The Current Status
    Authors: I.K. Roterman (Irena K.), K. Stapor (Katarzyna), D. DuƂak (Dawid), G. Szoniec (Grzegorz), L. Konieczny (Leszek)
    Year: 2025

 

  • Title: DisorderUnetLM: Validating ProteinUnet for efficient protein intrinsic disorder prediction
    Authors: K. Kotowski (Krzysztof), I.K. Roterman (Irena K.), K. Stapor (Katarzyna)
    Year: 2025

 

  • Title: Protein folding: Funnel model revised
    Authors: I.K. Roterman (Irena K.), M. Slupina (Mateusz), L. Konieczny (Leszek)
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Domain swapping: a mathematical model for quantitative assessment of structural effects
    Authors: I.K. Roterman (Irena K.), K. Stapor (Katarzyna), D. DuƂak (Dawid), L. Konieczny (Leszek)
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Chameleon Sequences─Structural Effects in Proteins Characterized by Hydrophobicity Disorder
    Authors: I.K. Roterman (Irena K.), M. Slupina (Mateusz), K. Stapor (Katarzyna), K. Gądek (Krzysztof), P. Nowakowski (Piotr)
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Transmembrane proteins—Different anchoring systems
    Authors: I.K. Roterman (Irena K.), K. Stapor (Katarzyna), L. Konieczny (Leszek)
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: External Force Field for Protein Folding in Chaperonins─Potential Application in In Silico Protein Folding
    Authors: I.K. Roterman (Irena K.), K. Stapor (Katarzyna), D. DuƂak (Dawid), L. Konieczny (Leszek)
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Structural features of Prussian Blue-related iron complex FeT of activity to peroxidate unsaturated fatty acids
    Authors: M. Lasota (MaƂgorzata), G. Zemanek (Grzegorz), O. Barczyk-WoĆșnicka (Olga), L. Konieczny (Leszek), I.K. Roterman (Irena K.)
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Editorial: Structure and function of trans-membrane proteins
    Authors: I.K. Roterman (Irena K.), M.M. Brylinski (Michal Michal), F. Polticelli (Fabio), A.G. de Brevern (Alexandre G.)
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Model of the external force field for the protein folding process—the role of prefoldin
    Authors: I.K. Roterman (Irena K.), K. Stapor (Katarzyna), L. Konieczny (Leszek)
    Year: 2024

 

🧠 Conclusion

Prof. Roterman-Konieczna’s career stands as a testament to how deep scientific insight and computational innovation can revolutionize biological understanding. Her FOD model not only enriches the study of protein dynamics but also provides a versatile framework for medical and pharmaceutical applications. With a legacy built on rigorous research, educational outreach, and academic leadership, her influence will continue to guide future advances in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biomedical science.

 

Saba Hesaraki | Neurotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Saba Hesaraki | Neurotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Saba Hesaraki,  Islamic Azad University science and research branch, Iran.

Saba Hesaraki is a computer engineer specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in medical imaging and generative AI. She holds a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, where her thesis focused on breast cancer image segmentation using an improved 3D U-Net++ model. She has a strong academic background with high GPAs in both her bachelor’s and master’s programs.

Profile

Google Scholar

đŸŒ± Early Academic Pursuits

Saba Hesaraki embarked on her academic journey with a deep passion for computer engineering, earning her Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering from Islamic Azad University, West Tehran Branch. With an outstanding GPA of 17.22 out of 20.0, she demonstrated an early inclination toward problem-solving and artificial intelligence. Her intellectual curiosity and commitment to innovation led her to pursue a Master’s degree in the same domain at Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran. Her thesis, titled “Segmentation of Breast Cancer Images Using Improved 3D U-Net++ Model,” under the supervision of Dr. Maryam Rastgarpour, showcases her dedication to advancing medical imaging technologies through AI-driven solutions. With an exceptional GPA of 18.12 out of 20.0, her academic excellence laid the foundation for a remarkable research career.

đŸ’Œ Professional Endeavors

Saba’s professional journey reflects her deep expertise in artificial intelligence, particularly in the realms of generative AI and medical imaging. She has worked remotely in various esteemed organizations, contributing her skills to groundbreaking AI projects. Her role as a Generative AI Engineer at Care Vox in Mountain View, California, and Nexus in San Jose, California, enabled her to develop innovative AI-driven solutions. Prior to this, she made significant contributions as a Computer Vision Engineer at Koga Studio and the Quantitative MR Imaging and Spectroscopy Group in Tehran. Her engagement as an NLP Researcher at Asr Gooyesh Pardaz further showcases her versatility in the field of AI. Through these roles, she has gained profound experience in AI-based medical diagnostics, image segmentation, and sustainable AI development, paving the way for impactful innovations.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

As a dedicated researcher, Saba’s work has revolved around the intersection of AI and healthcare, particularly medical image segmentation and generative AI applications. Her research interests extend to AI-driven personalized medicine and sustainable AI solutions. She has co-authored multiple research papers, including “Capsule Fusion for Extracting Psychiatric Stressors for Suicide from Twitter” and “UNet++ and LSTM Combined Approach for Breast Ultrasound Image Segmentation.” Her work reflects a keen interest in leveraging AI to solve complex medical challenges, from cancer detection to mental health analysis. Her research on classifying 3D point cloud objects using hybrid neural networks also highlights her multidisciplinary expertise.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Saba’s dedication to AI research has been recognized through her academic achievements and professional contributions. Her IELTS score of 7.5 and GRE score of 332 underscore her strong analytical and communication skills, essential for global collaboration in AI research. Her research papers have been under review and submission in reputable scientific journals, further solidifying her presence in the AI and medical imaging research community. The recognition she has garnered through collaborations and innovative contributions establishes her as an influential figure in AI-driven healthcare solutions.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Saba’s work extends beyond research, as she actively contributes to the global AI community by developing cutting-edge AI applications for real-world problems. Her role in AI for sustainable development and AI-driven personalized medicine signifies her commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit. Her experience in deep learning frameworks like PyTorch and Keras, along with her expertise in machine learning algorithms, has allowed her to shape AI-driven healthcare innovations that have the potential to save lives and enhance medical diagnostics. Through collaborations and mentorship, she inspires the next generation of AI researchers to push the boundaries of technological advancements.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

As an AI researcher and engineer, Saba continues to drive innovation in medical imaging and generative AI. Her aspirations include advancing AI methodologies for early disease detection, improving healthcare accessibility through AI-driven solutions, and fostering AI applications in sustainable development. Her ability to blend technical expertise with a deep understanding of healthcare challenges positions her as a leader in the field. With a promising future ahead, she remains dedicated to exploring new AI frontiers that will revolutionize medical imaging, AI ethics, and beyond.

Publication

Title: A Comprehensive Analysis on Machine Learning based Methods for Lung Cancer Level Classification
Authors: S. Farshchiha, S. Asoudeh, M.S. Kuhshuri, M. Eisaeid, M. Azadie, S. Hesaraki
Year: 2025

Title: Breast Cancer Ultrasound Image Segmentation Using Improved 3D Unet++
Authors: S. Hesaraki, A.S. Mohammed, M. Eisaei, R. Mousa
Year: 2025

Title: BERTCaps: BERT Capsule for Persian Multi-Domain Sentiment Analysis
Authors: M. Memari, S.M. Nejad, A.P. Rabiei, M. Eisaei, S. Hesaraki
Year: 2024

Title: UNet++ and LSTM Combined Approach for Breast Ultrasound Image Segmentation
Authors: S. Hesaraki, M. Akbari, R. Mousa
Year: 2024

Title: Classifying Objects in 3D Point Clouds Using Recurrent Neural Network: A GRU LSTM Hybrid Approach
Authors: R. Mousa, M. Khezli, M. Azadi, V. Nikoofard, S. Hesaraki
Year: 2024

Title: CapsF: Capsule Fusion for Extracting Psychiatric Stressors for Suicide from Twitter
Authors: M.A. Dadgostarnia, R. Mousa, S. Hesaraki
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Saba Hesaraki is a highly skilled and motivated AI engineer with a strong academic and research background in medical imaging and generative AI. Her experience across various AI-driven projects, coupled with technical expertise in deep learning and computer vision, positions her as a valuable contributor to the field. With multiple publications and collaborations in AI and machine learning, she continues to make significant advancements in healthcare applications using AI.