Laura Madeo | Biotechnology Awards | Applied Scientist Award

Dr. Laura Madeo | Biotechnology Awards | Applied Scientist Award

Health Researcher at Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche, Italy

Dr. Laura Madeo is a dedicated Italian molecular biologist with extensive experience in laboratory diagnostics, clinical biochemistry, and applied research in veterinary and food safety fields. Born on August 10, 1978, she currently holds a permanent position as a Healthcare Researcher at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche (IZSUM). Her expertise spans from immunodiagnostics to molecular biology techniques, particularly real-time PCR, ELISA, and protein expression systems. Over the years, she has made significant contributions to animal health and zoonotic disease research, focusing on tuberculosis diagnosis, OGM detection, and vaccine development. Her work has led to numerous publications in peer-reviewed international journals and participation in key national and European conferences. Registered in the Italian Biologists Register (Section A), Dr. Madeo is also proficient in data analysis, scientific writing, and quality assurance processes in laboratory settings. Alongside her scientific achievements, she demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and a passion for the arts, including music and photography. Her professional journey illustrates a firm commitment to integrating academic research with practical applications in public and animal health, showcasing her as a competent and versatile figure in molecular and diagnostic biology.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Laura Madeo has cultivated a rich academic background that underpins her extensive scientific expertise. She earned her Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences with a specialization in ecological biology from the University of Perugia in 2005, graduating with full honors (110/110 e lode). Her thesis focused on the taxonomy and geographic distribution of freshwater bryozoans in Lake Trasimeno, utilizing advanced microscopy techniques. In 2006, she passed the state examination to become a certified biologist. Further enhancing her qualifications, she completed her Ph.D. in Plant Biology and Agro-environmental Biotechnology in 2009 at the University of Perugia, conducting experimental research on cysteine-rich receptor kinases in Arabidopsis under stress conditions. Continuing her education, she specialized in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” in 2016, acquiring in-depth knowledge of diagnostic pathology and molecular techniques applicable to human and veterinary medicine. These educational achievements have provided her with the theoretical foundation and technical skillset necessary to conduct high-level research, develop diagnostic assays, and contribute meaningfully to both academic and applied scientific domains.

Professional Experience

Dr. Madeo has a comprehensive and varied professional trajectory spanning over fifteen years, marked by progressive responsibilities in both research and laboratory diagnostics. Since January 2024, she serves as a permanent Healthcare Researcher at IZSUM, leading bovine tuberculosis diagnosis through Gamma Interferon testing and contributing to method validation, interlaboratory circuits, and scientific publications. From 2019 to 2023, she held the same position on a fixed-term basis, focusing on clinical chemistry, hematology, and COVID-19 testing. Previously, from 2016 to 2019, she worked on zoonotic pathogen detection in wildlife through innovative diagnostic methods. Her earlier roles include key contributions to recombinant vaccine development, OGM traceability methods, and gene expression studies in plants. Notably, her international experience at the John Innes Centre in the UK broadened her research on plant-pathogen interactions. Additional experiences range from teaching science and math to middle school students to providing technical support for pharmaceutical master programs. Her professional versatility is further reflected in her participation in multiple EU and national research initiatives, highlighting her ability to bridge laboratory practice with real-world applications in veterinary and food safety sectors.

Research Interests

Dr. Laura Madeo’s research interests reflect a strong commitment to improving diagnostic tools and understanding molecular mechanisms underpinning animal and plant health. Her primary focus lies in the application of molecular biology to veterinary diagnostics, particularly for the detection of zoonotic diseases such as bovine tuberculosis. She has shown a long-standing interest in the development and validation of rapid diagnostic assays, including ELISA, real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence methods, for both infectious diseases and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Her academic background in plant biotechnology continues to influence her interdisciplinary approach, evidenced by her research on Arabidopsis thaliana receptor kinases and plant-pathogen signaling pathways. Dr. Madeo is also invested in the development of recombinant vaccines and the production of virus-like particles for immunization and diagnostics. Her recent studies on biomarkers, such as microRNAs and immune profiling in cattle, underline her engagement with translational research. Additionally, her collaboration with international and national partners has expanded her research into animal welfare and food safety, placing her at the intersection of basic research and its practical implementation in public health.

Research Skills

Dr. Madeo is highly skilled in a broad range of molecular biology and diagnostic techniques. She excels in PCR-based technologies, including end-point PCR, real-time PCR with TaqMan probes, and multiplex assays, particularly for pathogen detection and GMO identification. She is proficient in DNA/RNA extraction from complex matrices, protein expression and purification using baculovirus-insect cell systems, ELISA assay development, comet assay for DNA damage, and immunofluorescence techniques. Dr. Madeo has extensive experience with chromatographic purification methods, ultracentrifugation, and analytical validation of new diagnostic protocols. She is adept at data analysis using software such as SDS 2.4, BioEdit, FASTPCR, and statistical tools like ANOVA and SIGMAPLOT. Furthermore, she has managed interlaboratory circuit evaluations and participated in method accreditation processes under European SOP standards. Beyond technical prowess, she brings strong documentation and scientific writing skills, as evidenced by her peer-reviewed publications. Her ability to integrate wet lab research with bioinformatics tools and quality management systems makes her a versatile and reliable figure in research-driven laboratory environments.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Dr. Laura Madeo has been the recipient of several prestigious fellowships and research opportunities. She was awarded multiple research scholarships and contracts from national agencies, including those funded by the Ministry of Health and the European Social Fund. Notably, she won a competitive Erasmus LLP scholarship to conduct experimental research at the renowned John Innes Centre in the UK, where she explored gene expression mechanisms in Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, her participation in major EU-funded projects such as SMART HORSE and national veterinary initiatives underscores her valuable contributions to science and public health. Her co-authorship in high-impact journals like Plant Physiology, New Phytologist, and Poultry Science demonstrates peer recognition of her scientific work. She has also been invited to present at numerous international conferences, including the EAVLD and WAVLD, and contributed significantly to the development of national diagnostic protocols, particularly for OGM detection and tuberculosis surveillance. These accolades reflect her commitment to excellence in research and her status as a recognized professional in the fields of veterinary diagnostics and molecular biology.

Conclusion

Dr. Laura Madeo’s career exemplifies the fusion of scientific rigor, diagnostic innovation, and commitment to public and animal health. With a solid academic foundation, enriched by a Ph.D. and a specialization in clinical biochemistry, she has navigated diverse research domains—from plant genetics to zoonotic diseases. Her role at IZSUM underscores her ability to apply molecular diagnostics to real-world health challenges, notably in the fight against bovine tuberculosis and in the evaluation of animal welfare. Her versatile skill set, ranging from protein expression systems to PCR-based pathogen detection, positions her as a valuable asset in both research and diagnostic settings. Recognized through scientific publications and international collaborations, Dr. Madeo continues to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of veterinary and food safety sciences. Her trajectory reflects not only professional competence but also a profound passion for scientific inquiry, collaboration, and societal impact. Through her work, she bridges the gap between laboratory science and field application, making her a key contributor to interdisciplinary research aimed at safeguarding both animal and human health.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: How the kinetic behavior of organic chickens affects productive performance and blood and meat oxidative status: a study of six poultry genotypes
    Authors: Simona Mattioli, Alice Cartoni Mancinelli, Laura Menchetti, Alessandro Dal Bosco, Laura Madeo, Monica Guarino Amato, Livia Moscati, Elisa Cotozzolo, Claudia Ciarelli, Elisa Angelucci, et al.
    Year: 2021

  2. Title: Fatal systemic toxoplasmosis in a 3-month-old young tibetan goat (Capra hircus)
    Authors: Laura Madeo et al.
    Year: 2020

  1. Title: Tecniche diagnostiche “non convenzionali” per l’identificazione di dermatofiti in campo umano e veterinario: sequenziamento genico vs MALDI-TOF MS
    Author: Laura Madeo
    Year: 2017

  2. Title: Diagnosis of ovine foot rot in Italian sheep farms
    Author: Laura Madeo
    Year: 2017

  3. Title: Il DNA comet assay nell’identificazione di alimenti irradiati: primo approccio con i vegetali
    Author: Laura Madeo
    Year: 2011

  4. Title: The Arabidopsis thaliana cysteine-rich receptor-like kinase CRK20 modulates host responses to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 infection
    Authors: Ederli L., Madeo L., Calderini O., Gehring C., Moretti C., Buonaurio R., Paolocci F., Pasqualini S.
    Year: 2011

  5. Title: Deciphering cGMP signatures and cGMP-dependent pathways in plant defence
    Authors: Meier S., Madeo L., Ederli L., Donaldson L., Pasqualini S., Gehring C.
    Year: 2009

  1. Title: NO release by nitric oxide donors in vitro and in planta
    Authors: Ederli L., Reale L., Madeo L., Ferranti F., Gehring C., Fornaciari M., Romano B., Pasqualini S.
    Year: 2009

  2. Title: Ozone and nitric oxide induce cGMP-dependent and -independent transcription of defence genes in tobacco
    Authors: Pasqualini S., Meier S., Gehring C., Madeo L., Fornaciari M., Romano B., Ederli L.
    Year: 2009

  3. Title: Ectopic expression of a basic helix-loop-helix gene transactivates parallel pathways of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis. Structure, expression analysis, and genetic control of leucoanthocyanidin 4-reductase and anthocyanidin reductase genes in Lotus corniculatus
    Authors: Paolocci F., Robbins M.P., Madeo L., Arcioni S., Martens S., Damiani F.
    Year: 2007

Nisha Amarnath Jonniya | Biotechnology Awards | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya | Biotechnology Awards | Women Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at National Institute of Technology Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya is a dynamic and accomplished academician and researcher, currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at NIT Andhra Pradesh. With a profound expertise in computational biophysics and drug discovery, she has built a commendable research career focused on unraveling the conformational dynamics of biomolecules, particularly protein kinases implicated in various diseases. Dr. Jonniya obtained her Ph.D. from IIT Indore, where she investigated molecular modeling and simulation approaches for discovering inhibitors against hypertension-related kinases. Her professional journey spans prestigious institutions, including a current postdoctoral tenure at the University of California, San Diego under NIH funding. Her collaborative projects have addressed critical topics such as dengue virus inhibition and protein kinase regulation in Cushing’s syndrome. With over 30 high-impact publications and significant mentoring experience, Dr. Jonniya continues to contribute meaningfully to the fields of structural biology and computational drug design. Her dedication to translational research, coupled with active involvement in academic development programs and scientific outreach, underscores her commitment to both science and education.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya’s academic journey exemplifies excellence and dedication. She completed her Ph.D. in Computational Biophysics from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, with a stellar CPI of 8.88. Her research, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Parimal Kar, focused on the conformational dynamics of kinases implicated in hypertension and involved molecular modeling and simulations to identify potent inhibitors. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned an M.Tech in Bioinformatics from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) Bhopal. Her M.Tech dissertation revolved around the application of support vector machine models for genotype classification in Hepatitis C Virus. Dr. Jonniya laid the foundation of her academic career with a B.Tech in Biotechnology from NIT Raipur, where she graduated with honors and departmental rank I. Her strong academic performance throughout her educational tenure, including top ranks at Kendriya Vidyalaya Kusmunda, reflects her consistent commitment to academic excellence and sets the groundwork for her future in high-impact research and teaching.

Professional Experience

Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya’s professional experience spans prestigious institutions across India and the United States. Currently, she is serving as a Postdoctoral Employee at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she is funded by the NIH to explore how disease-associated mutations affect the structure and function of Protein Kinase A. Under the mentorship of Prof. Susan Taylor, she is applying advanced computational techniques to elucidate allosteric regulations in kinases. Prior to this, Dr. Jonniya worked as a Research Associate at IIT Indore, focusing on antibody redesign and inhibitor identification against the dengue virus using in silico methods under a DST-funded project. She also served as a Lecturer at NIT Raipur from 2010 to 2015, where she taught undergraduate courses in biotechnology. Additionally, she held a teaching assistantship at IIT Indore during her Ph.D. studies. Her professional journey reflects a seamless integration of teaching, mentoring, and advanced research. Across these roles, she has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary biomedical research, mentored budding scientists, and fostered an academic environment conducive to collaborative innovation and scientific inquiry.

Research Interest

Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya’s research interests lie at the intersection of structural biology, computational biophysics, and molecular drug design. Her work focuses on understanding the structural and thermodynamic properties of biomolecular systems, particularly proteins and glycans. She explores conformational dynamics using enhanced sampling molecular dynamics methods, providing insight into protein flexibility and function. A key emphasis of her research is on computational modeling of biomolecular recognition processes, including protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions, which are crucial for elucidating disease mechanisms and identifying therapeutic targets. Her projects have addressed critical biological problems, such as kinase regulation in hypertension and structural alterations in dengue virus proteins. Through structure-based drug discovery approaches, she has contributed to the identification of novel inhibitors and antibody enhancements. Dr. Jonniya’s ability to bridge theoretical modeling with translational biomedical applications underscores her long-term goal to contribute to precision medicine. Her research remains driven by the motivation to harness computational power for decoding complex biological phenomena and translating them into clinically relevant solutions.

Research Skills

Dr. Jonniya possesses a robust and versatile skill set in computational and bioinformatics tools essential for modern biomedical research. She is proficient in programming languages like Python, R, and shell scripting, and has advanced experience with molecular dynamics software such as AMBER and GROMACS. She routinely employs simulation and modeling tools like Schrodinger-Suite, Autodock, AlphaFold, UCSF Chimera, and PyMOL for structure-based drug design and protein analysis. Her skill set also includes visualization tools (VMD), plotting libraries (Matplotlib, Gnuplot), and LaTeX for scientific documentation. She has expertise in techniques such as sequence alignment, molecular docking, phylogenetic analysis, network analysis, virtual screening, and homology modeling. Dr. Jonniya is well-versed in both Windows and Linux operating systems, enhancing her adaptability across computational environments. Her command over enhanced sampling techniques, free energy calculations, and allosteric network mapping uniquely positions her for high-resolution insights into protein dynamics. These technical competencies, combined with a deep understanding of biomolecular interactions, empower her to lead impactful projects in structural biology and rational drug discovery.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her academic and professional career, Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya has earned several notable accolades. She secured first rank in both her undergraduate (B.Tech in Biotechnology) and postgraduate (M.Tech in Bioinformatics) programs at NIT Raipur and MANIT Bhopal respectively, reflecting her exceptional academic abilities. She qualified the prestigious Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in 2007 and was a consistent top performer from school through higher education. Dr. Jonniya received the Best Oral Presentation award at IIT Indore’s Symposium on Advances in Biosciences and Bioengineering in 2019. She has delivered invited talks and presented her research at renowned national and international platforms, including the Gordan Research Conference (USA) and Max Planck Institute (Germany). Her scientific contributions have been published in prestigious journals such as PNAS, eLife, and the Journal of Physical Chemistry B. In recognition of her expertise, she has served as a reviewer for reputed journals including ACS Omega and the Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics. These honors underscore her academic excellence, leadership in research, and ongoing contributions to the scientific community.

Conclusion

Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya represents the epitome of dedication, innovation, and academic brilliance in the field of computational biology. Her multidisciplinary background, encompassing biotechnology, bioinformatics, and biophysics, has enabled her to address pressing biomedical challenges through in silico approaches. From top academic ranks to international collaborations and high-impact publications, her journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for scientific inquiry. As an educator, she has not only taught and mentored students at premier institutions but also organized and participated in numerous scientific workshops and conferences, contributing to knowledge dissemination and capacity building. Her research continues to break new ground in understanding molecular mechanisms of diseases and designing targeted therapeutics. Moving forward, Dr. Jonniya is well-positioned to make transformative contributions to personalized medicine, drug development, and molecular therapeutics. Her career serves as a model for aspiring researchers aiming to blend computational skills with biological insight to tackle complex healthcare problems of the 21st century.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Current and novel therapeutic molecules and targets in Alzheimer’s disease
    Authors: A. Kumar, C.M. Nisha, C. Silakari, I. Sharma, K. Anusha, N. Gupta, P. Nair, …
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 191

  • Title: Molecular Docking and In Silico ADMET Study Reveals Acylguanidine 7a as a Potential Inhibitor of β‐Secretase
    Authors: C.M. Nisha, A. Kumar, P. Nair, N. Gupta, C. Silakari, T. Tripathi, A. Kumar
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 166

  • Title: Docking and ADMET prediction of few GSK-3 inhibitors divulges 6-bromoindirubin-3-oxime as a potential inhibitor
    Authors: C.M. Nisha, A. Kumar, A. Vimal, B.M. Bai, D. Pal, A. Kumar
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 119

  • Title: Elucidating biophysical basis of binding of inhibitors to SARS-CoV-2 main protease by using molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations
    Authors: M.F. Sk, R. Roy, N.A. Jonniya, S. Poddar, P. Kar
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 86

  • Title: Investigating phosphorylation-induced conformational changes in WNK1 kinase by molecular dynamics simulations
    Authors: N.A. Jonniya, M.F. Sk, P. Kar
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 51

  • Title: Computational investigation of structural dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 methyltransferase-stimulatory factor heterodimer nsp16/nsp10 bound to the cofactor SAM
    Authors: M.F. Sk, N.A. Jonniya, R. Roy, S. Poddar, P. Kar
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 44

  • Title: Identification of potential inhibitors against Epstein–Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1): An insight from docking and molecular dynamic simulations
    Authors: S. Jakhmola, N.A. Jonniya, M.F. Sk, A. Rani, P. Kar, H.C. Jha
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 40

  • Title: Immunoinformatics approach to design multi-epitope-subunit vaccine against bovine ephemeral fever disease
    Authors: S. Pyasi, V. Sharma, K. Dipti, N.A. Jonniya, D. Nayak
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 35*

  • Title: Investigating specificity of the anti-hypertensive inhibitor WNK463 against With-No-Lysine kinase family isoforms via multiscale simulations
    Authors: N.A. Jonniya, P. Kar
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 30

  • Title: Finding potent inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 main protease through virtual screening, ADMET, and molecular dynamics simulation studies
    Authors: R. Roy, M.F. Sk, N.A. Jonniya, S. Poddar, P. Kar
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 23