Ayesha Saeed | Public Health | Applied Science Scholar Award

Published on by Applied Scientist

Dr. Ayesha Saeed | Public Health | Applied Science Scholar Award

Public Health Officer at Foundation University Islamabad | Pakistan

Ayesha Saeed is a dynamic and goal-driven biotechnology professional based in Islamabad, Pakistan, with a deep-rooted passion for advancing scientific research and public health. Her academic background is enriched with a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and hands-on research experience both nationally and internationally, including at the University of Florida, USA. She possesses a diverse skill set ranging from molecular biology and microbiology to bioinformatics and next-generation sequencing. Her dedication to scientific excellence is reflected in numerous publications across peer-reviewed journals and her contribution to global conferences and symposia. Ayesha is currently serving as a Public Health Officer at Foundation University Islamabad, where she manages clinical research and health response strategies. Her collaborative nature, leadership potential, and ability to work under minimal supervision make her a valuable asset to any scientific community. With a strong work ethic, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning, she aims to bridge research and real-world health solutions through innovative biotechnology applications.

Professional Profile

Scopus | ORCID

Education

Ayesha Saeed holds a rich academic background in biotechnology and bioinformatics. She completed her Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, where she focused on the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics from human milk. Her MPhil in Biotechnology from the same institution involved comparative studies of probiotic bacteria from olives. She earned her BS in Bioinformatics from the International Islamic University, Islamabad. Throughout her academic journey, she developed strong capabilities in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing. Ayesha also earned multiple merit-based scholarships and scored within the top percentiles in national Graduate Assessment Tests. Her educational trajectory reflects a strong integration of biological sciences, computational tools, and health-related applications, laying a robust foundation for her research and professional pursuits.

Professional Experience

Ayesha Saeed has accumulated diverse professional experience in both research and academic roles. Currently, she serves as a Public Health Officer at Foundation University Islamabad, where she leads clinical research projects, manages campus-wide healthcare responses, and provides guidance on disease management strategies. Her role emphasizes infection mitigation, data evaluation, and team mentorship. Prior to this, she worked as a Research Officer at BJ Micro Lab, Rawalpindi, contributing to DNA/RNA extractions, in silico PCR analysis, reagent preparation, and training students in molecular techniques. Her tenure as a Visiting Fellow at the University of Florida expanded her expertise in molecular microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, and cell line studies, with active participation in symposia and workshops. Earlier in her career, she served as a Lecturer at Minhaj Post Graduate College and conducted indigenous Ph.D. research under a Higher Education Commission fellowship. Ayesha’s career reflects a balanced blend of laboratory expertise, teaching, mentorship, and international exposure, making her a versatile and impactful professional.

Research Interest

Ayesha Saeed’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular biology, microbiology, and public health. Her primary focus is on the isolation and characterization of probiotic bacteria and their immunomodulatory effects, particularly those derived from human milk and fermented foods. She is passionate about exploring the therapeutic potential of probiotics in enhancing gut health, modulating immune responses, and contributing to disease prevention. Her doctoral work centered on investigating the interactions between host cells and probiotic strains using molecular and cellular techniques. Ayesha also has a keen interest in antimicrobial resistance, genome sequencing, and predictive bioinformatics. Her experience at the University of Florida further shaped her research vision, particularly in the areas of microbial diversity, host-pathogen interaction, and functional genomics. Ayesha seeks to contribute to translational research that addresses global health challenges through microbial therapeutics and biotechnological interventions, aiming for innovations that improve patient outcomes and public health strategies.

Research Skills

Ayesha Saeed is equipped with a comprehensive set of research skills encompassing molecular, microbiological, computational, and analytical techniques. Her molecular biology proficiency includes DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, ELISA, HPLC, Western blotting, and working with human cell lines such as Caco-2. In microbiology, she has expertise in isolating bacterial strains, antibiotic resistance profiling, and conducting phenotypic and biochemical characterizations. She is adept in next-generation sequencing data analysis, including RNA-Seq and whole-genome sequencing for bacterial strains. Ayesha also brings substantial experience in computer-aided drug design, including molecular docking, pharmacophore screening, and homology modeling. Her programming knowledge spans R, C/C++, JavaScript, and SQL, with advanced skills in Microsoft Office, MEGA7, LaTeX, and bioinformatics platforms such as BLAST and PAST. Additionally, she has strong documentation, problem-solving, and presentation skills, along with soft skills like teamwork and time management, making her a well-rounded researcher capable of leading complex projects.

Awards and Honors

Ayesha Saeed has received several accolades that underscore her academic excellence and research capabilities. She was a recipient of the prestigious HEC Indigenous Ph.D. Fellowship and the International Research Support Initiative Program fellowship, which supported her research at the University of Florida. Earlier in her career, she earned merit scholarships from Fauji Foundation and IIUI. She is a reviewer for several high-impact journals including BMC Microbiology, Gut Pathogens, and Future Microbiology, reflecting her scientific credibility. Her research output includes multiple publications in reputed journals like PLoS One, BioMed Research International, and Cytokine. She has also authored book chapters in areas of bioinformatics and gut-brain axis studies. These recognitions highlight her consistent commitment to advancing biotechnology and public health through rigorous research and academic engagement.

Publications Top Notes

Title: CRISPR-Cas: From bacterial immunity to precision genome engineering
Year: 2025

Title: Resistance trend in bacteria isolated from corneal ulcers: A retrospective analysis from Pakistan
Year: 2025

Title: Bioinformatics Applied to Microbiology (Book Chapter in Microbiology in the Era of Artificial Intelligence)
Year: 2025

Title: Microbial goldmine: Investigating probiotic floral diversity in human breast milk
Year: 2024

Title: Unveiling the Antibiotic Susceptibility and Antimicrobial Potential of Bacteria from Human Breast Milk of Pakistani Women: An Exploratory Study
Year: 2023

Conclusion

In summary, Ayesha Saeed exemplifies a dedicated, knowledgeable, and globally experienced researcher in the field of biotechnology. With a Ph.D., diverse international collaborations, and a robust publication record, she combines scientific rigor with practical applications in public health and microbiology. Her expertise spans molecular biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics, backed by strong programming and analytical capabilities. Ayesha’s professional journey, including roles in academia, clinical research, and global symposia, reflects her commitment to leveraging science for societal benefit. She is driven by a vision to develop innovative solutions in probiotic therapy, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic analysis, aiming to impact human health at both individual and community levels. Through continued research, collaboration, and mentorship, Ayesha aspires to contribute to biotechnology advancements that foster sustainable and resilient healthcare systems. Her passion, perseverance, and multidisciplinary approach make her a promising leader in the scientific community.

Shijia Lu | Medical Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Applied Scientist

Mr. Shijia Lu | Medical Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, China

Shijia Lu is an emerging biomedical researcher and Associate Editor of the Guide to Biomedical Research Tools, affiliated with Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University. With a foundational academic background in Biotechnology, she has focused her expertise on tumor-targeted therapy and drug resistance mechanisms. As a Student Member of the Chinese Society for Biotechnology, she actively contributes to bridging computational biology with clinical oncology. Her research integrates network pharmacology, molecular dynamics, and in silico simulations to explore anti-cancer drug discovery. Shijia has led and participated in several significant research projects, including a Henan Province Science and Technology Innovation initiative. Her contributions as first author to a peer-reviewed SCI journal article on PCNA-targeted inhibitors have drawn national recognition. She has won three national research awards and two provincial translation honors, reflecting her interdisciplinary proficiency. Known for developing dual-ligand inhibitors that counteract mutation-based resistance, her work has received acclaim in innovation competitions and scientific circles alike. Passionate about leveraging bioinformatics for real-world medical challenges, Shijia promotes tool-based translational cancer research through editorial leadership. Her professional trajectory demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing oncology therapeutics through an integrative and experimental lens, making her an excellent candidate for the Young Scientist Award.

Professional Profile

ORCID Profile

 Education

Shijia Lu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, where she built a solid foundation in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning disease, especially cancer. During her academic tenure, she distinguished herself by merging theoretical coursework with hands-on laboratory research, focusing on tumor biology and pharmacological interventions. Her keen interest in bioinformatics led her to independently master essential research software such as AutoDock Vina, STRING, Cytoscape, and others, allowing her to translate genomic and proteomic data into therapeutic insights. As part of her academic progression, she actively engaged in university-sponsored research competitions and projects that emphasized the intersection of computational biology and experimental science. Her education was not confined to the classroom—she collaborated across departments on interdisciplinary initiatives, strengthening her expertise in network pharmacology, molecular simulation, and drug-target interaction studies. Her early exposure to grant-funded projects and her participation in the Henan Province Science and Technology Innovation Program further solidified her academic profile. With a rigorous academic background paired with a practical grasp of translational biomedical research, Shijia Lu is well-prepared for a long-term career in developing innovative solutions for drug-resistant cancer therapies.

 Professional Experience

Shijia Lu has cultivated an impressive blend of editorial, research, and project leadership experience. Currently serving as the Associate Editor of the Guide to Biomedical Research Tools, she curates and reviews innovative bioinformatics and molecular biology tools for cancer research, aiding scientists across disciplines. Beyond editorial responsibilities, Shijia has actively led three major university-level research projects and collaborated on a province-level scientific initiative, demonstrating both autonomy and teamwork in research execution. Her landmark role as Principal Investigator on the 2025–2026 PCNA-targeted inhibitor project marks a high point in her professional experience, where she designed dual-ligand molecules to overcome drug resistance mutations. She also oversaw the development of a patented anti-tumor drug screening system, highlighting her capacity for product-oriented research. Her consultancy work in national innovation contests, where she secured second place for a novel cancer treatment strategy, further underscores her practical contributions. Shijia’s experience spans laboratory-based experimental verification, high-level simulation, and tool development. Her engagement in both academic and translational science demonstrates a maturity beyond her years, making her an asset to collaborative biomedical innovation. Her multifaceted career blends scientific rigor with editorial insight, contributing meaningfully to cancer research advancement.

Research Interest

Shijia Lu’s research is deeply rooted in the mechanisms of tumor-targeted therapy and overcoming resistance through computational and experimental synergy. She is particularly interested in how network pharmacology, molecular docking, and bioinformatics can converge to inform drug discovery for aggressive cancers. Her ongoing work explores PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) as a pivotal target in anticancer therapy, focusing on its mutations, druggability, and protein interaction networks. Shijia leverages cutting-edge tools such as ESM-Fold, MM/GBSA simulations, and AutoDock Vina to identify novel compounds and validate them through simulation-driven predictions. Her interdisciplinary curiosity extends to toxicogenomics, as seen in her research on ribavirin-induced hemolytic anemia. A key facet of her research interest is “multi-dimensional synergy,” a concept she introduced to integrate dual-ligand designs and structural-functional coupling strategies. She also utilizes multi-omics datasets to pinpoint plant-derived bioactives, such as from pomegranate peel, offering eco-sustainable therapeutic options. This combination of wet-lab experiments and dry-lab modeling makes her approach both innovative and pragmatic. Shijia’s vision is to bridge in silico drug design with clinical applicability, ultimately reducing trial costs and improving therapeutic precision. Her research ambition is to contribute meaningfully to the fight against cancer by creating data-validated, mutation-resistant therapeutic options.

 Research Skills

Shijia Lu possesses an advanced set of interdisciplinary research skills that span computational biology, molecular pharmacology, and bioinformatics. She is proficient in molecular docking (AutoDock Vina), protein interaction analysis (STRING), pathway visualization (Cytoscape), and structure prediction (ESM-Fold). These skills have enabled her to develop innovative inhibitors, simulate their interactions under mutation conditions, and validate their potential efficacy in silico. Her command over MM/GBSA free energy calculations has been crucial in quantifying ligand-protein binding affinities in mutation scenarios. Beyond software, she is experienced in network pharmacology frameworks, toxicogenomic analysis, and data-driven compound screening, using multi-omics datasets to identify phytochemicals for anti-cancer properties. Shijia is also skilled in designing and conducting wet-lab experiments, including molecular cloning and cell-based assays, for validating computational predictions. Her capabilities extend to scientific writing, patent filing, and data visualization—key components that have facilitated her publication in an SCI-indexed journal and the development of a research reference book. Furthermore, her leadership as a principal investigator in multiple research projects shows her competence in proposal writing, budget management, and collaborative project execution. Her comprehensive skill set equips her to tackle multifaceted biomedical challenges and positions her as a strong contributor to translational cancer research.

Awards and Honors

Shijia Lu has received multiple prestigious recognitions that affirm her contributions to biomedical research and innovation. She is the recipient of three national-level awards from competitive research and innovation contests in the medical health category, including second place at the Fourth National College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Her project, “A New Anti-Cancer Strategy Targeting PCNA,” earned national acclaim for its novel approach to overcoming drug resistance using dual-ligand inhibitors. Additionally, she has won two provincial awards for excellence in scientific translation, demonstrating her ability to convey complex biomedical content across languages—a skill vital in international research collaboration. Shijia has also been recognized through institutional grants and provincial-level research sponsorships, such as the Henan Province Science and Technology Innovation Project (No: 252102310194), for which she played a leading role in experimental verification. Her achievements extend to academic publishing, with her first-author SCI paper being widely cited and referenced in cancer pharmacology studies. These accolades reflect her exceptional interdisciplinary capacity, scientific communication proficiency, and innovative mindset. Through consistent recognition at institutional, provincial, and national levels, Shijia Lu has proven herself a rising leader in biomedical research deserving of the Young Scientist Award.

Conclusion

In summary, Shijia Lu exemplifies the ideal profile of a young and dynamic biomedical researcher dedicated to tackling some of the most pressing challenges in oncology. With a robust academic background, hands-on project leadership, and deep technical skills in computational drug design and network pharmacology, she has already made notable contributions to the field of tumor-targeted therapy. Her research on PCNA-targeted inhibitors has not only earned her national recognition but also holds translational promise in overcoming cancer drug resistance. As an Associate Editor and an active member of academic societies, Shijia promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Her commitment is evident in her editorial work, her numerous research outputs, and her continuous quest for merging digital simulation with practical experimentation. Through her combination of creativity, technical mastery, and academic leadership, she represents the new generation of scientists driving biomedical progress forward. With several national awards and published research to her credit, she is poised to contribute significantly to future breakthroughs in cancer treatment. For her excellence in research, leadership potential, and impactful contributions.

Publications Top Notes

Title:
Design and Anti-Drug Resistance Research of Novel PCNA-Targeted Inhibitors Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Authors:
Shijia Lu, YiRan Zhen, Jinwen Sima, Jinle Wang, Qihao Zhu, Miaoyan Han, Mengdan Sang, Xuejiao Li, Bing Zhang, Zihan Wang, et al.

Year:
2025