Prof. Dr. Mehdi Nasr Esfahani - Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - Best Researcher Award

Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) - Iran

AUTHOR PROFILE

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Prof. Dr. Mehdi Nasr Esfahani's academic journey began with his passion for agriculture and molecular plant pathology. Born in Isfahan, Iran, he pursued a Ph.D. in Agriculture, specializing in Molecular Plant Pathology and Biotechnology. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in plant science, where he developed an immense expertise in crop protection and molecular biology. His studies became the cornerstone for his distinguished career in agricultural research and education.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 💼

Dr. Nasr Esfahani has made significant strides in both academic and executive roles. As a full professor at the Research and Education Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Isfahan, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing agricultural science. Throughout his career, he has led over 80 research projects at provincial and national levels, including his role as the head of the Isfahan Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Publications Council. Additionally, his position as the head of various departments, such as Plant Protection Research and the Isfahan University of Science and Applied Sciences, underscores his commitment to fostering growth in the agricultural sector.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🌱

Dr. Nasr Esfahani’s research has significantly impacted the field of agriculture, particularly in plant pathology and biotechnology. His scientific work includes the publication of over 239 valid domestic and international papers, with numerous contributions in top-tier journals. His research focuses on agricultural biotechnology, plant diseases, and enhancing crop protection Molecular Biology and Biotechnology systems, with particular emphasis on improving plant resistance. His work on the development of novel approaches to tackling plant diseases has positioned him as a key figure in the global agricultural research community.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION 🏆

Prof. Dr. Nasr Esfahani has received multiple prestigious accolades throughout his career. Notably, he was among the top 2% most cited scientists globally in 2022. He has been recognized as the Top Iranian National Researcher multiple times, from 1998 to 2015. Additionally, his contributions to Isfahan’s agricultural research community have earned him recognition as the top Molecular Biology and Biotechnology researcher for various years. His substantial H-index of 22 and the publication of 12% of his papers in the world’s top 10% journals further solidify his place as a leading researcher in his field.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Dr. Nasr Esfahani’s work extends beyond the academic realm, with a profound influence on both local and international agriculture. His research has played a pivotal role in shaping plant protection and biotechnology strategies, influencing national agricultural policies and research agendas. His active participation in international organizations such as the International Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Association of Plant Diseases and the African-Asian Nematology Association demonstrates his commitment to global collaboration. Additionally, his role in supervising over 60 master's and doctorate theses has contributed to the development of future generations of researchers and professionals in the field.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🔮

As a dedicated educator and researcher, Prof. Dr. Nasr Esfahani has built a legacy that continues to inspire advancements in agricultural biotechnology and plant pathology. His supervision of numerous graduate theses and the publication of seven specialized books and ten extension booklets reflect his commitment to knowledge dissemination. Moving forward, he is expected to continue influencing agricultural research, particularly in the areas of crop disease management, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture practices. His leadership in both academic and executive roles promises ongoing contributions to the field of agriculture, ensuring the growth and evolution of research in this vital area.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Title: Assessing genetic diversity and population structure of Iranian melons (Cucumis melo) collection using primer pair markers in association with resistance to Fusarium wilt
Author(s): Sadeghpoor, Neda; Gharneh, Hosseinali Asadi; Nasr-Esfahani, Mehdi; Khankahdani, Hamed Hassanzadeh; Golabadi, Maryam
Journal: Functional Plant Biology
Year: 2023
DOI: 10.1071/FP22131
Title: Biochemical defense mechanism associated with host-specific disease resistance pathways against Rhizoctonia solani AG3-PT potatoes canker disease
Author(s): Soheili-Moghaddam, Bita; Nasr-Esfahani, Mehdi; Mousanejad, Sedigheh; Hassanzadeh-Khankahdani, Hamed; Karbalaie-Khiyavie, Houssein
Journal: Planta
Year: 2023
DOI: 10.1007/S00425-022-04039-2
Title: Transcriptome-based analysis of resistance mechanisms to Bipolaris sorokiniana, a common wheat root-rot disease
Author(s): Qalavand, F.; Nasr-Esfahani, M.; Vatandoost, J.; Azarm, D. A.
Journal: Plant Biology
Year: 2023
DOI: 10.1111/PLB.13470
Title: An IPM plan for early blight disease of potato Alternaria solani sorauer and A. alternata (Fries.) Keissler
Author(s): Nasr-Esfahani, Mehdi
Journal: Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection
Year: 2022
DOI: 10.1080/03235408.2018.1489600
Title: Antioxidant enzymes associated with resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis race 1.2 in melon
Author(s): Sadeghpour, Neda; Asadi-Gharneh, Hossein Ali; Nasr-Esfahani, Mehdi; Khankahdani, Hamed Hassanzadeh; Golabadi, Maryam
Journal: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology
Year: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.PMPP.2022.101880

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Jhuma Bhadra embarked on her academic journey with a keen interest in chemistry, which eventually led her to earn a Ph.D. in the subject. Her formative years were marked by rigorous academic training, setting a strong foundation in the fundamental and applied aspects of chemistry. Her early studies laid the groundwork for her future research endeavors in nucleolipid synthesis and antimicrobial therapeutics, areas that have profound implications in biomedical sciences.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 💼

Jhuma’s professional career commenced with impactful postdoctoral fellowships at prestigious institutions like Boston College and Clemson University. At Boston College, she explored bacteriophage modification using Boron warheads, while her tenure at Clemson University focused on designing and synthesizing aminoglycoside and Hoechst-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) to study their antibacterial activity. Her academic career progressed as she joined Kurseong College as an Assistant Professor, where she continued to contribute to the field of chemistry. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Sarojini Naidu College for Women, where she furthers her research and teaching responsibilities.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🤞

Jhuma Bhadra’s research is centered around the synthesis and biomedical application of nucleolipids. Her notable work includes the design of novel aminoglycoside-nucleolipid conjugates aimed at developing potential antimicrobial therapeutics. Her research is not just confined to theoretical aspects but extends to practical applications that have the potential to combat Chemical Biology antibiotic resistance, a critical global health challenge. Her dedication to advancing the field is evident in her role as a supervisor to two Junior Research Fellows, guiding the next generation of researchers.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION 🏆

Jhuma’s scholarly contributions have been recognized by the scientific community, notably through the receipt of a substantial grant from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB-DST) under the EMEQ scheme. The Rs. 48.9 lakh funding supports her groundbreaking project on antimicrobial therapeutics, underscoring the importance and potential impact of her work. Chemical Biology This recognition highlights her role as a leading researcher in her field.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Jhuma Bhadra’s research impacts both the scientific community and broader society. Her work on nucleolipids and antimicrobial therapeutics addresses pressing health issues, contributing to the development of new strategies to combat bacterial infections. By integrating her research findings into her teaching, she influences and inspires her students, fostering a new wave of Chemical Biology scientific inquiry and innovation in chemistry.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 💡

Jhuma’s legacy in the field of chemistry is characterized by her innovative approach to research and her commitment to education. As she continues her work at Sarojini Naidu College for Women, her contributions are poised to expand the frontiers of nucleolipid research and antimicrobial therapies. Her future endeavors will likely include further exploration of biomedical applications, continuing to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical healthcare solutions. Jhuma Bhadra’s dedication ensures her lasting influence in the realm of chemical sciences and beyond.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Title: Peptide Nucleic Acids: Recent Advancements and Future Opportunities in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Achinta Sannigrahi, Nayan De, Debmalya Bhunia, Jhuma Bhadra
Journal: Bioorganic Chemistry
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2025.108146

Title: Understanding Antisense Oligonucleotide Efficiency in Inhibiting Prokaryotic Gene Expression
Authors: Sandra Story, Sayantan Bhaduri, Sudakshina Ganguly, Rambabu Dakarapu, Sarah L. Wicks, Jhuma Bhadra, Simeon Kwange, Dev Arya
Journal: ACS Infectious Diseases
DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00645

Title: Self-Transfecting GMO-PMO Chimera Targeting Nanog Enable Gene Silencing In Vitro and Suppresses Tumor Growth in 4T1 Allografts in Mouse
Authors: Ujjal Das, Jayanta Kundu, Pallab Shaw, Chandra Bose, Atanu Ghosh, Shalini Gupta, Sudipta Sarkar, Jhuma Bhadra, Surajit Sinha
Journal: Molecular Therapy - Nucleic Acids
DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.03.011

Title: Cananginone Abrogates EMT in Breast Cancer Cells through Hedgehog Signaling
Authors: Chandra Bose, Ujjal Das, Tapan Kumar Kuilya, Joyanta Mondal, Jhuma Bhadra, Priyanjalee Banerjee, Rajib Kumar Goswami, Surajit Sinha
Journal: Chemistry & Biodiversity
DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202100823

Title: Self-Transfecting GMO-PMO and PMO-GMO Chimeras Enable Gene Silencing In Vitro and In Vivo Zebrafish Model and NANOG Inhibition Induce the Apoptosis in Breast and Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Jayanta Kundu, Ujjal Das, Chandra Bose, Jhuma Bhadra, Surajit Sinha
Journal: Preprint
DOI: 10.1101/2021.06.04.447039