Mini Dahiya, Neuroscience, Young Researcher Award

Asst. Prof. Mini Dahiya: Assistant Professor (Guest Faculty) at Panjab University, India

Dr. Mini Dahiya is a passionate academic and neuropharmacology researcher with over six years of experience in pharmaceutical sciences. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor (Guest Faculty) at the University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, she is also a Ph.D. scholar under the guidance of Prof. Anil Kumar. Her work integrates molecular neuroscience, pharmacology, and disease modeling to explore novel therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease. Recognized for her academic excellence, Dr. Dahiya is a gold medalist in M.Pharmacy and has presented her research at prestigious platforms including the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). Her work is grounded in both basic science and translational goals, contributing meaningfully to the neurodegenerative disease research landscape in India and globally.

Online Profiles

Scopus Profile

Dr. Mini Dahiya actively maintains a professional digital footprint to share her research and academic work. Her Google Drive portfolio provides open access to select publications, conference materials, and project updates (view here). She is also a registered pharmacist with the Haryana State Pharmacy Council (Reg. No. 26370), and a member of ISTAART, the Alzheimer’s Association’s International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ID: 200067175673).

University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. Her Scopus record includes 15 published documents, which have collectively received 17 citations, reflecting the growing recognition of her contributions to neuropharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences. She holds an h-index of 3, indicating a consistent citation impact across multiple works.

Education

Dr. Dahiya’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from G.V.M. College of Pharmacy, Sonipat, affiliated with UHS Rohtak, where she achieved a solid academic standing. She then pursued her M.Pharmacy in Pharmacology at Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani, graduating with distinction as a Gold Medalist in 2019. Her doctoral research, currently underway at Panjab University, focuses on targeting insulin signaling in Alzheimer’s-type dementia, blending behavioral neuroscience, pharmacological intervention, and biochemical assay techniques. Throughout her studies, she has demonstrated consistent academic performance, intellectual curiosity, and a growing research impact in neuropharmacology.

Research Focus

Her primary research revolves around the insulin signaling mechanism in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the context of sporadic dementia. Using ICV-STZ-induced models, she investigates how brain insulin resistance contributes to memory loss, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. She is exploring phytochemical-based therapeutic interventions such as β-pinene and fenchone, aiming to reverse or mitigate neurodegenerative changes through multi-targeted strategies. In addition, her research portfolio includes drug repurposing, nanomedicine formulation, and mitochondrial biology, with a translational focus on developing novel treatment approaches for age-related cognitive disorders.

Experience

Dr. Dahiya brings a strong blend of academic, research, and pharmaceutical experience. Since July 2020, she has served as Assistant Professor (Guest Faculty) at Panjab University, contributing to undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacology education while actively conducting research in the Pharmacology Lab. From 2019 to 2020, she worked as an Assistant Professor at Shri Gopichand College of Pharmacy, Baghpat, where she delivered lectures and mentored students in pharmaceutical sciences. Earlier, from 2014 to 2017, she gained industry exposure as a pharmacist at Sunor Medi International, Sonipat. This combination of teaching, laboratory, and clinical experience shapes her as a well-rounded pharmaceutical professional.

Research Timeline

Dr. Mini Dahiya began her formal research journey during her M.Pharmacy (2017–2019) with a dissertation on herbal nanoformulations for prostate cancer therapy. In 2020, she enrolled as a Ph.D. scholar at Panjab University, focusing on experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease. Over the years, she has contributed to several collaborative research projects involving natural products, drug repurposing, and mechanistic studies related to memory impairment, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage. Her growing publication record, conference presentations, and textbook authorship demonstrate a continuous and evolving engagement in pharmaceutical research from bench to bedside.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Dahiya’s academic and research excellence has been recognized through multiple prestigious awards and fellowships. She was honored with a Gold Medal during her M.Pharm degree and secured First Rank in the Panjab University Ph.D. entrance exam. She has been a PU Ph.D. Fellow (2020–2023) and received international travel grants from the Alzheimer’s Association to attend AAIC conferences in Amsterdam (2023) and Philadelphia (2024). Notably, she served as an abstract review committee member at AAIC 2024—an exceptional recognition for an early-career researcher. Her participation in SERB-DST ‘Karyashala’ workshops and national-level conferences further underlines her commitment to academic excellence.

Top-Noted Publication

Among her numerous peer-reviewed publications, the most cited and influential work is the study titled “β-pinene ameliorates ICV-STZ induced Alzheimer’s pathology via antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and mitochondrial protective effects”, accepted in the European Journal of Pharmacology. This comprehensive research combines in-silico docking studies, behavioral assessments, and biochemical evaluations to validate the neuroprotective potential of β-pinene in Alzheimer’s disease models. The paper highlights the multi-target pharmacological approach and strengthens the relevance of phytochemicals in neurodegenerative disease therapy, positioning it as a cornerstone of her current research impact.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

  1. Dahiya, M., Kumar, A., Yadav, M., Chauhan, S. (2025). β-pinene ameliorates ICV-STZ induced Alzheimer’s pathology via antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and mitochondrial protective effects: In-silico and in-vivo studies. European Journal of Pharmacology. (Accepted)

  2. Dahiya, M., Goyal, C., Kumar, A. (2025). Insulin Resistance and Alzheimer’s Disease: Unraveling the Link Between Metabolism and Memory. Journal of Pharmacology & Clinical Research, 10(5), 555800. (Accepted)

  3. Mini, M. (2024). Exploring the neuroprotective effects of fenchone against ICV-STZ-induced sporadic Alzheimer’s disease in rats. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 20, e091350.

  4. Dahiya, M., Yadav, M., Kumar, S., Chauhan, S., Lamba, D. (2024). GC–MS Analysis and Fabrication of Nanoparticles of Buchanania lanzan Oil for the Anticancer Activity. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 17(10), 4699–4706. [DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2024.00724]

  5. Yadav, M., Parle, M., Lamba, D., Kumar, S., Dahiya, M., Joshi, K. (2024). Neuroprotective effect of dark chocolate on ketamine-induced psychosis. Journal of Advanced Zoology, 45(2).

  6. Yadav, M., Dahiya, M., Dagar, J., Singh, N., Sharma, N., Rawat, N., Dhakla, P., Minocha, N., Kumar, A. (2022). Role of mitochondria in brain functions and related disorders. Exploration of Medicine. [DOI: 10.37349/emed.2022.00110]

  7. Kaushik, J., Yadav, M., Sharma, N., Jindal, D.K., Joshi, K., Dahiya, M., Deep, A. (2022). Phytochemical analysis and biological activities of Emblica officinalis. Anti-Infective Agents, 20(4). [DOI: 10.2174/2211352520666220318091023]

  8. Yadav, M., Kumar, A., Kumar, N., Jindal, D.K., Dahiya, M. (2021). Possible biomarkers and contributing factors of psychosis: A review. Current Pharmacology Reports, 1–12.

  9. Dahiya, M., Kumar, A., Yadav, M. (2020). Role of insulin signaling in Alzheimer’s disease. International Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Science, 16(1), 555926.

  10. Yadav, M., Dahiya, M., Rawat, N., Kumar, A. (2020). Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR): An Emerging Drug Target for Neurological Disorders. SunText Review Neuroscience Psychology, 1(3), 120.

  11. Dhull, S., Ishu, Dahiya, M., Kadian, M., Yadav, M. (2019). Authentication of edible oils using analytical techniques. Clinical Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, 1, 035–040.

Mahamat Nour Issa Abdallah, Engineering, Young Researcher Award

Asst. Prof. Mahamat Nour Issa Abdallah: Student at Beijing Jiaotong University, China

 

Nourissa Abdallah is a dedicated civil engineer with a strong academic foundation and diverse practical experience across China and the United Arab Emirates. He has demonstrated expertise in site supervision, fit-out inspection, project documentation, and coordination with regulatory authorities. His professional journey reflects a consistent focus on project delivery, construction quality assurance, and stakeholder communication. Nourissa is recognized for his organizational skills, multilingual communication abilities (English, Arabic, Mandarin), and in-depth understanding of local construction standards. He is currently serving as the Engineering Department Supervisor at Origin International Management L.L.C, where he leads multidisciplinary coordination efforts for commercial fit-out and building approval projects.

Online Profiles

ORCID Profile

Nourissa maintains an active online presence through LinkedIn, where he shares insights on construction management, authority approval processes, and project execution strategies. He is open to networking with professionals and industry leaders in the fields of engineering, architecture, and infrastructure development.

Education

  1. Nourissa earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Shenyang Jianzhu University, China, in 2020. During his undergraduate years, he developed strong foundational skills in structural analysis, construction materials, and project supervision. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering at Beijing Jiaotong University, with a focus on advanced construction management and sustainable urban infrastructure. His education blends technical coursework with practical case studies, preparing him for high-impact roles in engineering and development sectors in international environments.

Research Focus

Nourissa’s research interests revolve around modern civil engineering practices that integrate smart technologies, energy efficiency, and safety systems into commercial and residential building projects. He is particularly focused on the optimization of fit-out procedures, fire safety compliance (such as FACP and Hassantuk systems), and the alignment of shop drawing designs with regulatory authority standards like ADDC, ADCD, and DMT. He is also exploring how digital tools and BIM (Building Information Modeling) can improve coordination, reduce project delays, and ensure long-term sustainability in urban construction.

Experience

Over the span of four years, Nourissa has held multiple technical and supervisory roles in the construction sector. He started as an intern at Shenyang ZhongHeng Construction Engineering L.L.C, where he gained exposure to quality control, drawing reviews, and site inspections. He then served as a Site Engineer at DHCN Construction L.L.C in Dubai, managing daily reports, material requests, inspection coordination, and NCR follow-ups. Currently, he is employed as the Engineering Department Supervisor at Origin International Management L.L.C in Abu Dhabi. In this role, he manages authority submissions, organizes annual shop inspections, handles tenant billing for utilities, and ensures timely project handovers to clients. His cross-functional skills bridge engineering execution with regulatory compliance.

Research Timeline

  • 2019–2020: Participated in an internship at Shenyang ZhongHeng Construction Engineering, engaging in technical drawing reviews, labor monitoring, and on-site QC reporting.
  • 2021–2022: Worked as a Site Engineer with DHCN Construction L.L.C in Dubai, focusing on material estimation, RFI submissions, NCR resolutions, and site supervision of security fencing and concrete works.
  • 2022–Present: Serves as Engineering Department Supervisor at Origin International in Abu Dhabi, responsible for project documentation, coordination with consultants, shop drawing approvals, and managing inspection processes with local authorities such as ADDC and ADCD.

Awards & Honors

Throughout his professional journey, M. Nourissa has received internal recognition from project managers and department heads for his proactive problem-solving and reliable execution. At Origin International Management L.L.C, he was commended for successfully managing multiple authority approvals and efficiently coordinating fire system installations across complex commercial projects. He has also been appreciated for his leadership in handling cross-functional teams, his commitment to safety standards, and his effective communication with clients and contractors.

Top-Noted Publication

While Nourissa’s career has been heavily focused on practical site engineering and project execution, he is currently drafting a technical report titled “Fit-Out Compliance and Fire Safety Integration in UAE Commercial Projects”. This upcoming publication will highlight challenges and solutions in obtaining authority approvals, the role of engineering documentation in fire control compliance (Hassantuk & FACP systems), and lessons learned from his experience managing fit-out inspections in Abu Dhabi. The publication aims to support engineers and project managers working within the UAE’s rigorous regulatory framework.

One of M. Nourissa Abdallah’s most notable scholarly contributions is the journal article titled “Mitigation Measures for Wind Erosion and Sand Deposition in Desert Railways: A Geospatial Analysis of Sand Accumulation Risk,” published in Sustainability on April 29, 2025. This research presents a comprehensive geospatial analysis of sand accumulation risks affecting railway infrastructure in desert environments, emphasizing preventive engineering strategies and spatial planning. The study identifies high-risk zones for sand deposition using GIS-based modeling and proposes mitigation techniques such as optimized fencing, vegetation barriers, and landform adjustments. Co-authored with Tan Qulin, Mohamed Ramadan, and Providence Habumuremyi, this work advances knowledge on sustainable infrastructure development in arid regions. DOI: 10.3390/su17094016

Vinícius Urbano, Biology, Young Researcher Award

Prof. Vinícius Urbano: Master Student at UFLA, Brazil

Dr. Shuangyin Zhang’s innovative work focuses on utilizing cutting-edge technologies like hyperspectral imaging and deep learning for sustainable environmental solutions. His research addresses critical challenges such as carbon neutrality assessments, water resource management, and agricultural pollution control, earning him a prominent role in academia and industry.

Online Profiles

Scopus Profile

Vinícius De Andrade Urbano is affiliated with the Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil, where he contributes to advancing academic research. With an h-index of 1, his work has garnered citations from three documents across five publications, showcasing his growing impact in his field. Urbano is actively building his research profile, integrating his expertise through platforms like ORCID and Mendeley for broader academic recognition and collaboration.

Education

With a Ph.D. from Wuhan University in Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Dr. Zhang combined rigorous academic training with real-world problem-solving. His Master’s in Surveying and Mapping Engineering and undergraduate studies in Cartography further solidified his expertise in geospatial technology and environmental systems.

Research Focus

Dr. Zhang’s research portfolio spans diverse areas, including carbon sequestration in wetlands, rapid water depth assessment under extreme climatic events, and the use of hyperspectral imaging to detect and manage heavy metal contamination in agriculture. His multidisciplinary approach drives impactful solutions.

Experience

In his leadership role at the Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Dr. Zhang oversees large-scale projects that integrate advanced geospatial methodologies with practical applications. His efforts in carbon storage and contamination monitoring have been pivotal in shaping sustainable resource management practices.

Research Timeline

Recent research highlights include his groundbreaking study from 2023–2026 on carbon neutrality in the Three Gorges Reservoir. During 2021–2024, he focused on developing hyperspectral imaging techniques for agricultural contamination, building on his doctoral research (2018–2022) in geospatial modeling and environmental monitoring.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Zhang’s accolades underscore his academic and professional excellence. Recognitions like the Yugang·Songxiao Scholarship, the Outstanding Graduate Award at Wuhan University, and multiple scholarships for academic distinction are a testament to his dedication and achievements.

Top-Noted Publications

Among Dr. Zhang’s notable works, “Rapid Water Depth Monitoring Using Deep Learning” (Remote Sensing, 2024) and “Heavy Metal Stress Detection in Rice Canopies” (Sensors, 2019) stand out for their methodological innovations and practical impact on environmental sustainability.

  • Anthropogenic Land Uses Lead to Changes in Limnological Variables in Neotropical Streams
    Co-authored with B.B. Contieri, J. Rosa, M.M.R. Scoarize, and E. Benedito, this 2024 article, published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (196(8), 702), examines how human activities influence key limnological parameters in Neotropical stream ecosystems.
    Citations: 1
  • Determinant Variables on the Isotopic Values of Particulate Organic Matter in a Neotropical Floodplain
    Published in Journal of Oceanology and Limnology (2024, 42(4), pp. 1173–1185), this work explores isotopic shifts in particulate organic matter within floodplain environments. Co-authors include G. Henrique Zaia Alves, M. Maximilian Ratz Scoarize, and M. da Silva Caetano.
  • Dams and Agricultural Lands Affect Energy Sources and the Trophic Position of Fish in a Floodplain
    This open-access article, featured in Neotropical Ichthyology (2024, 22(3), e230084), investigates the dual impacts of dam construction and agricultural practices on fish ecology in floodplain habitats. It was co-authored with D. Delanira-Santos, M.M.R. Scoarize, and E. Benedito.
  • Diet-Tissue Discrimination Factors of Three Neotropical Freshwater Fishes and a Comparison of the Trophic Position
    Featured in Journal of Limnology (2023, 82), this study provides insights into the trophic dynamics of Neotropical freshwater fish species. The article was co-authored with G.I. Manetta, M.M.R. Scoarize, D. Delanira-Santos, and E. Benedito.
    Citations: 1
  • The Role of Cladocerans in Green and Brown Food Web Coupling
    Published in Iheringia – Série Zoologia (2022, 112, e2022022), this open-access article examines the ecological significance of cladocerans in linking green and brown food webs. Co-authored with D. Delanira-Santos and E. Benedito.
    Citations: 2