Michael Leoncio | Neuroscience & Education | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Michael Leoncio | Neuroscience & Education | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Michael Leoncio, NIcklaus Childrne’s Hospital, United States.

Dr. Michael Leoncio is a dedicated pediatric critical care physician whose academic and professional journey reflects a deep passion for child health. Beginning with a dual degree in Chemistry and Physical Therapy, he went on to earn his D.O. from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. His clinical training took him from a pediatric residency in New Jersey to specialized fellowships at Miami Children’s Hospital, focusing on both general and cardiac pediatric critical care. Throughout his career, Dr. Leoncio has made significant contributions in the high-intensity environment of pediatric ICUs, shaping protocols, mentoring new clinicians, and improving outcomes for countless children.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Born in Hialeah, Florida, Dr. Michael Leoncio’s educational journey began with a strong dual foundation in Chemistry and Physical Therapy at the University of Miami, where he earned both his BHS and BA degrees. Driven by a passion for healing and science, he advanced to the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, obtaining his Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) in 2004. These formative years were marked by his unwavering dedication to medicine and a growing interest in pediatric health, setting the stage for his future specialization in pediatric critical care.

🏥 Professional Endeavors

Following medical school, Dr. Leoncio completed a pediatric internship and residency at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey. His experiences under the mentorship of Dr. Josh Rosenblatt solidified his commitment to caring for children facing complex health challenges. He then pursued advanced fellowship training in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine from July 2007 to June 2010 at Miami Children’s Hospital, under Dr. Balaganghadar Totapally. Continuing his pursuit of excellence, he further specialized with an additional year as a Clinical Fellow in Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Medicine, guided by Dr. Anthony Rossi. These rigorous training years provided Dr. Leoncio with extensive hands-on experience in managing critically ill children with cardiac conditions.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Leoncio’s fellowship years were not only defined by clinical mastery but also by his engagement in cutting-edge pediatric and cardiac intensive care research. Working within high-acuity settings, he contributed to innovations in the care of neonates and children requiring intensive monitoring and support. His clinical insights have contributed to protocol advancements in cardiac intensive care, especially in the nuanced management of post-operative pediatric patients.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his academic and professional career, Dr. Leoncio has garnered recognition for his commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care. His peers and mentors have consistently praised his diligence, leadership qualities, and dedication to the field of pediatric critical care. These commendations reflect not only his technical expertise but also his empathetic approach to both patients and their families during the most vulnerable times.

Publication

  • Prevalence of Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency among Children and Adolescents Declared Dead by Neurologic Criteria
    Cesar Esteban Larancuent; Valandrea Merilan; Michael Leoncio; Juan Manuel Lozano; Balagangadhar R. Totapally | 2025

 

  • Epidemiology and outcomes of children with accidental hypothermia: A propensity-matched study
    Totapally A; Leoncio M; Beltramo F; Keith Meyer; Raszynski A; Totapally BR | 2017

 

  • Serial cardiac troponin concentrations as marker of cardiac toxicity in children with status asthmaticus treated with intravenous terbutaline
    Kalyanaraman M; Bhalala U; Leoncio M | 2011

 

  • Therapeutic hypercapnia enhances the inflammatory response to endotoxin in the lung of spontaneously breathing rats
    Norozian FM; Leoncio M; Torbati D; Keith Meyer; Raszynski A; Totapally BR | 2011

 

🏁 Conclusion

Driven by compassion, expertise, and a vision for innovation, Dr. Leoncio stands as a beacon in the field of pediatric medicine. His commitment to critical care continues to inspire those around him and set new standards for excellence in child health. As he looks to the future, his ongoing efforts promise to elevate pediatric intensive care—ensuring that every child, no matter how critically ill, receives the best possible chance at recovery and life.

Soumya Pahari | Clinical Neuroscience | Young Researcher Award

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Dr. Soumya Pahari | Clinical Neuroscience | Young Researcher Award

Dr. Soumya Pahari,  Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal.

Dr. Soumya Pahari, MBBS, is a globally engaged physician with a deep-rooted passion for neurosurgery, clinical research, and public health advocacy. From excelling in medical school on a full academic scholarship to completing hands-on neurosurgical training in both Nepal and the U.S., Dr. Pahari has built a career that blends clinical excellence with scholarly rigor. Their dedication to global neurosurgical research, reflected through projects with Vanderbilt University and Mission Brain Foundation, demonstrates a commitment to solving complex medical challenges through evidence-based innovation. Beyond the operating theater, their work as a mental health advocate and educator underscores a holistic approach to medicine that prioritizes human connection, education, and equity.

 

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Soumya Pahari’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in science, nurtured during their high school years at St. Xavier’s College, Nepal,  Their passion for medicine soon led them to pursue an MBBS degree at the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences (NAIHS), where they not only excelled academically but also earned the prestigious NAIHS Academic Scholarship in 2016. Throughout medical school, they developed a keen interest in neuroscience and surgical disciplines, which laid the groundwork for their future specialization in neurosurgery and global neurosurgical initiatives.

🧠 Professional Endeavors in Neurosurgery

Driven by an unrelenting commitment to clinical excellence, Dr. Pahari’s professional training includes a year-long position as House Officer in the Department of Neurosurgery at Shree Birendra Hospital, Nepal’s only neurosurgical unit under the Nepalese Army. Here, they performed critical procedures such as EVD insertion, burr hole evacuation, and tracheostomy, while actively assisting in advanced surgeries like aneurysm clipping and tumor resections. Later, as a Visiting Scholar in Neurosurgery at West Virginia University (WV, USA) under Dr. P. David Adelson, they broadened their exposure by shadowing surgeons, presenting clinical cases, and initiating a quality improvement project focused on vagal nerve stimulators for refractory epilepsy patients. These experiences have collectively enriched Dr. Pahari’s surgical acumen and global neurosurgical insight.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Research forms a core pillar of Dr. Pahari’s career, with a focus on pediatric cerebrovascular disorders, endovascular interventions in extradural hematomas, and quality improvement in epilepsy care. As a Research Collaborator with Vanderbilt Global Neurosurgery Program, they are leading a systematic review to assess the global burden of pediatric cerebrovascular diseases, contributing meaningfully to evidence-based global neurosurgical strategies. Simultaneously, their work with the Mission Brain Foundation aims to analyze the emerging utility of endovascular techniques in traumatic brain injury management. Earlier, they also contributed as an administrator and content developer at the Abdulrauf University of Neurosurgery’s Research Institute in California, helping curate educational content for aspiring neurosurgeon-scientists.

🌍 Advocacy, Mental Health & Global Impact

Dr. Pahari’s commitment to health extends beyond the operating room into the domain of mental health and psychosocial well-being. As a Founding Board Member of Antardhoni Nepal, they’ve played a vital role in promoting mental health awareness and support services in underserved communities. Their leadership also reflects through media engagement as a Podcast Host for ‘Behind White Coats’, a platform where pressing global health issues and common illnesses are discussed with clarity and compassion. These endeavors underline their belief in a holistic approach to health, where mental, social, and physical well-being are equally prioritized.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout their academic and professional career, Dr. Pahari has garnered several accolades, notably being ECFMG Certified in August 2024 and scoring an impressive 253 on USMLE Step 2. Their achievements are further supported by certifications such as the Diploma in Neurotrauma Care from the Global Neuro Foundation, which granted them 43.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credits, enhancing their preparedness for managing acute neurotrauma in global contexts. These recognitions reflect their unwavering commitment to clinical excellence and continuous learning.

📢 Influence Through Education and Media

An inspiring communicator and educator, Dr. Pahari has invested time in peer tutoring through Medlife Stories, where they guided junior students through complex medical concepts. Their innovative spirit also led them to head marketing strategies for The SET Exhibition during their early college years—an event that showcased student innovation in science and technology. Through educational content creation, public speaking, and mentoring, Dr. Pahari continues to shape the next generation of healthcare leaders while making medicine more accessible and engaging for all.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Soumya Pahari looks ahead, their vision is clearly anchored in the intersection of clinical neurosurgery, global health equity, and academic research. With ongoing collaborations in global neurosurgical research and growing experience in both developed and developing healthcare systems, they are uniquely positioned to bridge disparities in neurosurgical care. Their future contributions are expected to amplify the voices of underrepresented populations in global health discourse, enhance neurosurgical systems through data-driven quality improvement, and inspire young physicians to approach medicine with both empathy and rigor. Their legacy, still unfolding, promises to be one of profound impact, innovation, and inclusion.

Publication

 

  • Title: Gallstone among patients presenting to the department of surgery in a tertiary care center: a descriptive cross-sectional study
    Authors: S Pahari, S Basukala, U Piya, Y Khand, B Thapa, O Thapa, S Thapa
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: A rare case of retroperitoneal extension in Fournier’s gangrene: A case report and review of literature
    Authors: S Basukala, Y Khand, S Pahari, KB Shah, A Shah
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Large posterior mediastinal ganglioneuroma with intradural cervical spine extension: a rare case report and review of literature
    Authors: A Dahal, JJ Malla, D Neupane, N Lageju, LS Jaiswal, S Chaudhary, …
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Complicated pylephlebitis secondary to perforated appendicitis in a child-A rare case report
    Authors: S Pahari, M Shrestha, S Basukala, P Kafle, K Rai, Y Khand, O Thapa, …
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: A life-threatening complication of biliary peritonitis following T-tube removal: A case report and review of literature
    Authors: Y Khand, S Basukala, U Piya, P Mainali, S Pahari, KB Shah
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Spontaneous splenic hematoma secondary to dengue infection: a rare case report
    Authors: S Pahari, S Basukala, P Kunwar, K Thapa, Y Khand, O Thapa
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: An unusual case of perforated stump appendicitis: a case report
    Authors: S Basukala, BD Pathak, S Pahari, S Gurung, B Basukala, BB Rayamajhi, …
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Acute Pancreatitis among Patients Visiting the Department of Surgery in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
    Authors: S Basukala, BD Pathak, P Dawadi, S Bohara, A Tamang, S Pahari, …
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: Patient Safety and organizational Safety Culture in Surgery: A Need of an Hour in the developing countries
    Authors: S Basukala, S Bohara, A Thapa, A Shah, S Pahari, Y Khand, O Thapa, …
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Acute recurrent pancreatitis in a child with pancreatic divisum–A case report
    Authors: O Thapa, S Basukala, M Shrestha, Y Khand, S Pahari, S Bohara, A Thapa, …
    Year: 2022

 

✅ Conclusion

With a powerful blend of academic distinction, surgical skill, and compassionate advocacy, Dr. Soumya Pahari stands at the forefront of a new generation of physician-leaders. Their journey is a testament to the impact that global collaboration, research, and empathy can have on healthcare. As they continue to pursue excellence in neurosurgery and global health, their work promises not only to improve lives in the operating room but to inspire systemic change across borders. The future undoubtedly holds even greater contributions from this rising medical changemaker.

Tahereh Momeni Isfahani | Neuroscience & Education | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tahereh Momeni Isfahani | Neuroscience & Education | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tahereh Momeni Isfahani,  Ar.C.,Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University,  Iran.

Dr. Taherh Momeni Isfahani is a distinguished chemist and academic affiliated with the Islamic Azad University, Arak Branch. Her academic journey is rooted in Iran’s top institutions, where she earned her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Chemistry. Her research focuses on the development of advanced electrochemical sensors, with a strong emphasis on medical and environmental applications. Her recent work, involving a novel pencil graphite electrode electrospun with Poly-Sudan Black-B for dopamine analysis, has garnered significant recognition and was provisionally nominated for the Best Researcher Award. In addition to her active research output, she contributes to the scientific community as a faculty member and mentor, fostering innovation and academic excellence within her field.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Taherh Momeni Isfahani’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in chemistry, which she pursued with unwavering dedication at the Islamic Azad University of Arak, Iran. Her passion for analytical chemistry was evident from her undergraduate years, and she continued to build on that foundation with a Master’s degree from the University of Isfahan, where she worked on the development of an optical sensor for nickel (II) ion detection. Her intellectual curiosity and academic discipline culminated in a Ph.D. in Chemistry from her alma mater in Arak, where she focused on advanced spectrophotometric techniques and chemometric methods for the simultaneous determination of cations and equilibrium studies.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Momeni currently serves as a member of the Science Committee at the Arak Branch of the Islamic Azad University, where she contributes both as a researcher and academic. Her professional role reflects a balance between teaching, research, and academic leadership. With deep expertise in analytical chemistry and instrumentation, she plays a pivotal role in guiding students and contributing to the scientific community through her research initiatives. Her involvement in the academic landscape of Iran has enriched the scientific discourse within her institution and beyond.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

A core focus of Dr. Momeni’s work lies in electrochemical sensing and analytical techniques, particularly for biomedical applications. Her research includes the fabrication of electrochemical sensors, development of polymeric membrane-based sensors, and exploration of chemometric methods in chemical analysis. In her most recent study, she designed a sensitive electrochemical sensor using a pencil graphite electrode electrospun with poly-Sudan Black-B, aimed at detecting dopamine in plasma samples—a critical advancement in bioanalytical chemistry. Her work stands at the intersection of innovation and application, addressing real-world challenges in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Momeni’s recent publication in the Journal of Cluster Science (2025) has garnered recognition and was provisionally nominated for the prestigious ‘Best Researcher Award’. This acknowledgment highlights the scientific merit and practical value of her research. It serves as a testament to her perseverance and commitment to pushing the boundaries of sensor development in analytical chemistry. Her growing list of publications reflects both depth and relevance in her chosen field.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through her contributions, Dr. Momeni has significantly influenced the field of analytical chemistry within the academic and applied research settings in Iran. Her work has not only advanced sensor technologies but also impacted how chemical analysis is approached in complex biological and environmental systems. By designing cost-effective and accessible sensing platforms, she paves the way for more accurate and affordable diagnostic tools, especially in regions with limited access to high-end technology.

👩‍🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Momeni’s research legacy is rooted in her dedication to solving practical problems through precise scientific inquiry. As she continues to explore advanced materials and electrode technologies, her future work promises to delve deeper into biosensor innovation and multi-ion detection systems. Her mentorship of young scientists and contributions to curriculum development ensure that her impact extends beyond the lab, inspiring the next generation of chemists and researchers.

Publication

  • Spectrophotometric determination of mercury in water samples after cloud point extraction using nonionic surfactant Triton X-114 – A Niazi, T Momeni-Isfahani, Z Ahmari – 2009

 

  • Decolorization of crystal violet from aqueous solutions by a novel adsorbent chitosan/nanodiopside using response surface methodology and artificial neural network-genetic – SG Nasab, A Semnani, A Teimouri, MJ Yazd, TM Isfahani, S Habibollahi – 2019

 

  • Removal of Congo red from aqueous solution by hydroxyapatite nanoparticles loaded on zein as an efficient and green adsorbent: response surface methodology and artificial – S Ghanavati Nasab, A Semnani, A Teimouri, H Kahkesh, … – 2018

 

  • Development of an optical chemical sensor based on 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino) phenol in Nafion for determination of nickel ion – MK Amini, T Momeni-Isfahani, JH Khorasani, M Pourhossein – 2004

 

  • Prediction of oral acute toxicity of organophosphates using QSAR methods – M Kianpour, E Mohammadinasab, TM Isfahani – 2021

 

  • Spectrophotometric determination of acidity constants of 2-(2-Thiazolylazo)-Cresol in various water–organic solvent media mixtures using chemometrics methods – T Momeni-Isfahani, A Niazi – 2014

 

  • Superparamagnetic core‐shell metal–organic framework Fe3O4@Ni‐MOF as efficient catalyst for oxidation of 1,4‐dihydropyridines using hydrogen peroxide – M Janani, MA Senejani, TM Isfahani – 2021

 

  • Hofmann N‐alkylation of aniline derivatives with alcohols using ferric perchlorate immobilized on SiO2 as a catalyst through Box–Behnken experimental design – M Ghanimati, M Abdoli Senejani, TM Isfahani, MA Bodaghifard – 2018

 

  • Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) investigation of camptothecin drugs derivatives – N Ahmadinejad, F Shafiei, TM Isfahani – 2018

 

  • Application of robust syringe-to-syringe dispersive liquid-phase microextraction method for preconcentration and determination of mercury with the aid of an experimental design – M Hayati, M Ramezani, G Rezanejade Bardajee, T Momeni Isfahani – 2022

 

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Taherh Momeni Isfahani exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and innovative researcher. Her consistent focus on solving real-world problems through advanced sensor technologies, coupled with her academic contributions and recent recognition at an international level, makes her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work not only advances the field of analytical chemistry but also inspires future research aimed at practical, impactful solutions in healthcare and environmental monitoring. With her strong academic foundation, innovative mindset, and growing influence, Dr. Momeni is poised to continue making meaningful contributions to science and society.