Zsuzsanna Zsengeller | Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zsuzsanna Zsengeller | Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zsuzsanna Zsengeller | BIDMC/ Nephrology | United States

Dr. Zsuzsanna Kinga Zsengeller is a physician–scientist holding both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. She currently serves as Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, focused on nephrology and mitochondrial research. Her background includes postdoctoral research in pulmonary biology and respiratory diseases, followed by faculty and staff roles at Harvard and BIDMC. Her dual commitment to clinical (medicine) and science (research) highlights her as an innovator dedicated to advancing translational medicine.

Profile

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Education & Training

Dr. Zsengeller obtained her M.D. and subsequently her Ph.D. in Medical Science from Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University in Szeged, Hungary, emphasizing microbiology. She completed advanced research training at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital, placing her at the intersection of pulmonary and respiratory scientific exploration. This robust training provided both clinical knowledge and technical skill, forming the foundation for her later work in mitochondrial dysfunction and redox biology research.

Experience

Dr. Zsengeller professional journey includes academic appointments at Harvard Medical School, ascending from Instructor in Pediatrics and Medicine to Assistant Professor of Medicine. She held a staff scientist role at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and served as a senior scientist and consultant in pharmaceutical and biotech organizations. These roles reflect her aptitude for bridging academic research with industry applications, consummating in a track record of translational collaboration and leadership in therapeutic discovery.

Research Interests

Dr. Zsengeller’s research investigates mitochondrial mechanisms, redox imbalance, and oxidative stress, particularly in preeclampsia and APOL1-related kidney disease. Her projects include the development of mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants and dual-function nitric oxide donors to counter oxidative pathology. Her interest in placental biology and trophoblast physiology underscores her commitment to improving maternal and fetal outcomes through novel therapeutic strategies grounded in mechanistic understanding.

Awards & Recognition

Dr. Zsengeller work has been supported by prestigious funding programs, including institutional, federal, and foundation grants focused on maternal health and mitochondrial innovation. As a mentor, she has guided trainees to earn distinguished awards such as trainee science prizes and scholarships, reflecting her dedication to developing new scientific talent. Her portfolio demonstrates both peer recognition and success in advancing research through team-based and individual accomplishments.

Selected Publications

Title: Mitigating Oxidative Stress and Anti-Angiogenic State in an In Vitro Model of Preeclampsia by HY-12, an Organofluorine Hydrazone Antioxidant
Journal: Current Issues in Molecular Biology 
Authors: Zsuzsanna K. Zsengellér; Maxim Mastyugin; Adrianna R. Fusco; Bernadett Vlocskó; Maximilian Costa; Coryn Ferguson; Diana Pintye; Réka Eszter Sziva; Saira Salahuddin; Brett C. Young, et al.

Title: A Novel Dual-Function Nitric Oxide Donor Therapy for Preeclampsia—A Proof-of-Principle Study in a Murine Model
Journal: Antioxidants 
Authors: Diana Pintye; Réka E. Sziva; Lauren A. Biwer; Esilida Sula Karreci; Sonako Jacas; Maxim Mastyugin; Marianna Török; Brett C. Young; Prakash Jagtap; Garry J. Southan; Zsuzsanna K. Zsengellér, et al.

Title: A Novel Dual-Function Redox Modulator Relieves Oxidative Stress and Anti-Angiogenic Response in Placental Villus Explant Exposed to Hypoxia—Relevance for Preeclampsia Therapy
Journal: Biology 
Authors: Diana Pintye; Réka E. Sziva; Maxim Mastyugin; Brett C. Young; Sonako Jacas; Marianna Török; Saira Salahuddin; Prakash Jagtap; Garry J. Southan; Zsuzsanna K. Zsengellér.

Title: Nitroxide—HMP—Protects Human Trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo Cells from H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress by Reducing the HIF1A Signaling Pathway
Journal: Antioxidants 
Authors: Diana Pintye; Réka Eszter Sziva; Maxim Mastyugin; Marianna Török; Sonako Jacas; Agnes Lo; Saira Salahuddin; Zsuzsanna K. Zsengellér.

Title: PGC1α Drives NAD Biosynthesis Linking Oxidative Metabolism to Renal Protection
Journal: Nature 
Authors: Tran MT; Zsengeller ZK; Berg AH; Khankin EV; Bhasin MK; Kim W; Clish CB; Stillman IE; Karumanchi SA; Rhee EP.

Conclusion

Dr. Zsuzsanna Kinga Zsengeller represents an exceptional scholar whose integrated clinical and scientific expertise fuels her translational research pursuits. Her leadership in mitochondrial and oxidative stress research, along with her success as a mentor, positions her as an outstanding candidate for recognition. Her trajectory reflects enduring promise for advancing science and training the next generation of biomedical innovators.

Forough Jafarian Dehkordi | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Forough Jafarian Dehkordi | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Forough Jafarian-Dehkordi | Medical Systems Technology/OVGU | Germany

Forough Jafarian-Dehkordi is a medical physicist with a strong academic and research foundation in radiation protection, nuclear medicine imaging, and biokinetic modelling. Her most notable achievement includes the development of the Radiation Risk Appraisal Tool for the SINFONIA-EU project—an innovative web-based platform aimed at quantifying radiation risks in medical diagnostics and therapy. With over a decade of experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, she has contributed significantly to research in nuclear medicine dosimetry and imaging analysis. Forough is known for her scientific rigor, having published in internationally recognized journals and presented at global conferences. Her work blends computational modelling, public health safety, and technological innovation to improve precision and reduce risks in medical imaging.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Forough began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Shahrekord University in 2009, followed by a Master’s in Medical Physics from Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2013. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Medical Technology at Otto-von-Guericke University in Magdeburg, Germany. Her educational pathway reflects a clear and determined focus on the intersection between medical technology and radiation physics. The combination of strong theoretical grounding and hands-on experience in interdisciplinary environments has equipped her with the tools to drive innovation in biokinetic modelling and dosimetry applications.

Experience

Forough brings international research and practical experience to her field. Between 2021 and 2024, she worked as an academic researcher at the Institute for Medical Technology, Otto-von-Guericke University, contributing to the SINFONIA-EU project and leading the development of the Radiation Risk Appraisal Tool. From 2013 to 2016, she was a researcher at the Nuclear Medicine Research Center in Bushehr, Iran, conducting and publishing multiple imaging studies. Additionally, her one-year tenure (2020–2021) as an interpreter in Magdeburg reflects her commitment to humanitarian and cross-cultural services, supporting Persian-speaking refugees through healthcare and administrative navigation. Her diverse experiences underscore her holistic perspective in science and society.

Research Interest

Forough Jafarian-Dehkordi’s research centers around radiation dosimetry, biokinetic modelling, and nuclear medicine imaging. She is particularly interested in low-dose radiation effects and risk modeling, contributing to evidence-based safety standards. Her recent work has explored advanced FDG-PET imaging techniques and secondary dose considerations in proton and photon therapy. She is also engaged in developing machine learning tools to enhance quantitative imaging outcomes. Her interdisciplinary collaboration extends to software development for web-based applications, notably in radiation risk assessment. Her work continues to evolve toward precision medicine, aiming to personalize diagnostics and therapeutic outcomes through data-driven modeling and simulation.

Awards

Forough has been consistently recognized for her scientific contributions through conference invitations, publication acceptances, and book authorship. Although specific competitive awards are not listed, her role in European research consortia like SINFONIA-EU, and her selection for international presentations, reflect her merit. She co-authored the book “A Comprehensive Medical Guide in Radiation Events,” highlighting her leadership in translating scientific knowledge into practical medical guidance. She is a strong candidate for recognition in areas such as “Emerging Leader in Medical Physics” or “Women in Science Excellence Award,” especially given her multi-country impact, public engagement, and technical innovation. Her award potential lies in bridging clinical application with computational physics.

Publication Top Notes

Low-Dose Radiation Risk in Medicine: A Look at Risk Models, Challenges, and Future Prospects, Zeitschrift für Medizinische Physik.

“Calculation of SUVs and TACs of Mice in FDG-PET,” Annual Conference of the German Society for Biomedical Engineering.

“U-Net Based SUV Calculation in FDG-PET Imaging of Mice Brain,” Annual Conference of the German Society for Biomedical Engineering.

 Radiation Dose Rate in I-131 Therapy Patients, World Journal of Nuclear Medicine, cited by 12 articles.

 Photoacoustic Molecular Imaging, Iranian South Medical Journal.

 Effect of Mobile EMF on SPECT Scanner, Clinical Nuclear Medicine.

 Evaluation of HiReSPECT Scanner, Frontiers in Biomedical Technologies.

 Thermal Distribution of Ultrasound in Prostate Tumor, ISRN Biomathematics.

Conclusion

Forough Jafarian-Dehkordi stands at the forefront of medical physics innovation. Her work in radiation dosimetry, safety modeling, and nuclear imaging integrates advanced simulation with real-world clinical applications. As a PhD researcher in Germany with deep roots in the Middle East, she exemplifies global collaboration and the fusion of science with public benefit. Her future aims include advancing AI-powered diagnostic tools and contributing to international radiation safety guidelines. With her combination of technical expertise, research leadership, and social responsibility, she is a strong candidate for awards, grants, and collaborative opportunities that push the boundaries of nuclear medicine.