Committee Members

Laura Sartiani has completed his PhD in 2002 at the University of Florence (Italy) and at the University of Paris-Sud (France). She is Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the Department of NeuroFarba, University of Florence (Italy). She has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals on cardiac and cellular electrophysiology and cardiac pharmacology

Dr. Anissa Chouikha, PhD, is an Associate Professor in Virology at the Pasteur Institute of Tunis, serving as scientific and technical supervisor of poliomyelitis (2009-2018) and measles/rubella viruses surveillance (2009 up to now) at the Laboratory of Clinical Virology, a WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Her research focuses on the molecular epidemiology of measles, enteric, hepatitis viruses, and SARS-CoV-2. She has authored over 30 publications and serves as a reviewer for scientific journals. In addition to supervising master degree students, she actively contributes to biosafety and biosecurity initiatives. She is also a certified biorisk management trainer, collaborating with several international organizations.

Song Jingjing received her PhD in pathogenic biology from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, where she studied the genetic variation and reverse genetics of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). She is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at National University of Singapore, focusing on the development of antibody detection platforms for RSV based on surrogate virus neutralization technology. Her research interests include viral evolution, serological surveillance, and translational virology. She has co-authored several peer-reviewed articles and participated in national epidemiological investigations and public health responses to respiratory virus outbreaks.

Libing Xu has completed her PhD at the age of 30 years from Yangzhou University and postdoctoral studies from Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Her research centered on simian retroviruses (SRVs), investigating their genomic integration mechanisms, viral-host interactions (e.g., bulk RNA-seq, changes of bacteria and fungi in gut microbiota), and the role of recombination in viral evolution. She established the first study delineating SRV-8’s stage-specific pathogenesis, this work provides a framework for early disease detection and graded screening of experimental macaque populations. (Up to 100 words)

Dr. Patrícia Alvarez manages technological development projects on molecular diagnostics required by the Brazilian Ministry of Health since 2003. During her PhD in Biological Sciences/Genetics, she was involved with the study of HIV-1 isolates’ genetic polymorphisms from children infected by vertical transmission and in treatment failure. In 2012, she held the position of senior researcher in Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ). The knowledge obtained in this period enabled her to manage the development of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAT) which ensures blood safety in Brazilian public system. During the last 20 years, she is leading this project, starting in 2010 with NAT multiplex kit HIV/HCV, 2014 the inclusion of HBV screening and 2022 the implementation of NAT PLUS platform for HIV/HBV/HCV/Malaria, which is currently used in Brazilian public blood centers for molecular screening of asymptomatic blood donors.

Focusing on epidemiological surveillance, Dr. Patrícia managed the development of molecular assays for several pathogens of relevance to public health, especially arboviruses (Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever, Mayaro, Oropouche), respiratory viruses (Influenza A, Influenza B, SARS-CoV-2, Adenovirus, Rhinovirus, Metapneumovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and exanthematous viruses (Mpox, Varicella Zoster virus and Herpes virus). All molecular products have been registered in Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) and implemented in Ministry of Health network. Besides, she is engaged in the consolidation of the Fiocruz Early Warning Network using wastewater-based epidemiology as a response strategy to epidemics and Public Health Emergencies. In summary, Dr. Patrícia has experience in molecular biology, diagnosis and automation with an emphasis on biotechnology (real-time PCR, digital PCR platforms and high-throughput sequencing).

Dr. Guo, a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and a pioneer of RNA nanotechnology and held three endowed chair positions at three different prestigious universities, is currently Endowed Chair professor in COP, OSU. He is the President of ISRNN. He received his Ph.D. from UM under Dwight Anderson and postdoctoral training at NIH/NIAID under Bernard Moss, a pioneer of vaccinia virus as vaccine vector. He has been a Young Distinguish Faculty Scholar of Purdue University where he was a director of NIH Nanomedicine Development Center. He constructed the vaccinia virus mRNA capping enzyme (PNAS. 1990, 7:4023) that was used for mRNA capping of Covid-19 mRNA vaccine. Dr. Guo has received many honors; including the most recent “Innovator of the Year” by OSU in 2021, and the OSU President Research Excellent Catalyst Award in 2024 (https://pharmacy.osu.edu/announcements/peixuan-guo-wins-presidents-research-excellence-pre-catalyst-award ), and the Induction as NAI fellow in 2023. He was in editorial board of many journals including serving as The Editor in Chief of RNA NanoMed (https://rnananomed.org/ ).

Dr. Ashenafi Kiros Wubshet is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Shandong Binzhou Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Academy. He obtained his PhD in Preventive Veterinary Sciences from Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute. He got his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and MSc Degree in Veterinary Microbiology from Haramaya and Addis Ababa University, respectively, in Ethiopia. He is an Assistant Professor and member of academic and research staff of Mekelle University, in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle, Tigray Ethiopia. He served at different national institutes in different positions in Ethiopia such as; in Alage ATVET College, Ziway, as lecturer, in Wolaita Sodo University as an assistant professor, in National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center as Associate Researcher and in Ethiopian Agricultural research council secretariat as Associate Researcher. He has an excellent publication record tract in high impact factor Sci journals -17 articles.

Dr. Sameeullah Memon a Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Yunnan Agricultural University (2014–2018), where their innovative research focused on prion protein gene (PRNP) in relation to BSE disease and immune-related genes (DQA, DQB). They have completed three postdoctoral fellowships, investigating growth-relevant genes in goats, genetic polymorphisms in various species, and currently exploring tuberculosis genomics and prevention strategies at Kunming Medical University. With expertise in genomics and a commitment to cutting-edge research, Dr. Sameeullah Memon has significantly contributed to advancing animal and human health through genetic innovation.

Roopa Biswas is a Professor in the School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and
Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), Walter Reed National
Military Medical Center. Her research focuses on the mechanisms that regulate expression of
pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine genes and contribute to chronic inflammatory
diseases. The goal of her laboratory is to investigate the role of non-coding RNAs in lung diseases
and develop novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics for pulmonary disorders.

Samir Araújo Casseb was a researcher affiliated with the Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA) in Brazil. He specialized in molecular biology, contributing to research on flaviviruses and bacterial species such as Klebsiella. His work focused on infectious diseases and molecular characterization, making significant contributions to scientific advancements in his field. Renowned for his dedication and expertise, he remains a respected figure in the academic community.

Pouya has completed his Ph.D in field of Medical Microbiology at University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is currently a senior lecturer in the Tropical Infectious Diseases research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya. His Research mostly in development of Antiviral drugs aganist arboviruses such as Dengue virus, Zika virus, Japanese Encephlitis virus and Chikungunya. He works closely with numbers of interantional companies for the drug development aganist mentioned viruses.

Emil Robert Stoicescu is Assistant Professor in the Radiology and Medical Imaging Clinic, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara; a Radiology, Medical Imaging MD at the Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases and Pneumoftisiology ‘Victor Babes’ Timisoara; a Researcher-Associate Member of Research Center for Pharmaco-toxicological Evaluations; Statistics & Data Science M.S.; Topic Coordinator for Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology ; Editorial Board Member of Scientific Report (Nature), BioMedical Engineering OnLine (Springer Nature); and a reviewer for more than 50 WOS journals.
_______________________________________________
Emil Robert STOICESCU
Assistant Professor in University Clinic of Radiology and Medical Imaging – ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara
Radiology and Medical Imaging MD at Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases and Pneumoftisiology ‘Dr. Victor Babes’ Timișoara

Fu-Shi Quan (MD, PhD) is a Professor of Kyung Hee University School of Medicine. She received her PhD degree from Korea University School of Medicine. She worked at Emory university School of Medicine as a post-Doc fellow and Research Instructor. She focused on virus-like particle vaccines against influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, Plasmodium berghei, Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania amazonensis and L. donovani. She has published numerous papers on respiratory viruses and parasites.

Barry T Rouse brief bio

Born and educated in England receiving a degree in Veterinary Medicine in1965 from the University of Bristol, UK. He subsequently earned MSc and PhD degrees from the University of Guelph, Canada and received postdoctoral training in Australia at the Walter and Eliza Hall of Medical Research, Melbourne (1970-72). After 5 years on the faculty at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada he joined the College of Veterinary Medicine University of Tennessee in 1977 as an immunologist and where he is currently the Lindsay Young Distinguished Professor and an Institute Professor. He also was awarded the DSc degree from Bristol in 1995. His lab was mainly funded by multiple grants from the NIH training 80 PhDs and postdocs and publishing > 460 articles mainly in the area of viral immunology and immunopathology with a current h-index of 93. Currently he is the 8th most cited scientist in the USA based in an Agriculture or Veterinary school. Rouse has won several awards for his research achievements and at present is mainly involved in writing reviews with his former trainees in the broad field of viral pathogenesis, teaching a graduate class in viral pathogenesis and accepting invitations to talk at conferences held in nice locations.

Eva Maria Fenyö is a distinguished researcher affiliated with Lund University. With an extensive background in medical research, she has made significant contributions to the field through her work at the university. Her research interests and expertise lie in the areas of virology, immunology, and infectious diseases. Dr. Fenyö’s dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and her commitment to innovative research have established her as a respected figure in her field. She continues to collaborate with peers and contribute to the academic community through her research and publications.

Dr. Yongle Pan is a world-recognized leader in the field of aerosol detection and characterization. He is a pioneer in developing real-time, in-situ point-detection technologies for detecting, discriminating, and identifying biological and chemical aerosol particles from complex atmosphere using laser spectroscopic methods. The technologies invented by Dr. Pan have transitioned to numerous governmental laboratories, universities, and industries all over the world. He has published more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles and 3 book chapters, received 13 US patents, and has over 5000 citations. He was a principal investigator (PI), Co-PI, or key personnel for more than 20 scientific research projects, mentored numerous students and scientists, and collaborated with research teams throughout the world.

Fatah Kashanchi is a professor at George Mason University, specializing in microbiology and infectious diseases. His research primarily focuses on viral pathogens, especially HIV and its interaction with the immune system. Dr. Kashanchi has published numerous articles in top scientific journals and has been involved in groundbreaking studies on viral replication and pathogenesis. His work contributes to the development of therapeutic strategies targeting viral infections and immune disorders. He holds a Ph.D. and has collaborated with various research institutes to advance the understanding of infectious diseases.

Shubhada K. Chothe is a research scientist and academic associated with the University of Pittsburgh. Her expertise lies in the field of biomedical research, particularly in toxicology, pharmacology, and drug metabolism. Chothe has contributed to various studies focused on understanding the mechanisms of drug interactions and toxicity, with the aim of improving therapeutic interventions. She has collaborated on several research projects and publications in leading scientific journals. With a strong background in biochemistry and molecular biology, Chothe continues to engage in innovative research that bridges the gap between basic science and clinical applications.

Åke Lundkvist is a Swedish virologist and professor at Uppsala University, where he specializes in infectious diseases. His research primarily focuses on zoonotic viruses, which are viruses transmitted between animals and humans. Lundkvist has made significant contributions to the study of hantaviruses, coronaviruses, and other emerging pathogens. Over the course of his career, he has published numerous research papers and has collaborated with various international institutions on pandemic preparedness and virus research. In addition to his academic work, he is also actively involved in public health efforts and scientific communication.

Dr. Bumsuk Hahm is a faculty member at the University of Missouri’s School of Medicine. He specializes in healthcare and medical research, with a focus on advancing patient care and medical education. With a background in both clinical practice and academic research, Dr. Hahm has contributed to numerous publications and healthcare initiatives. His work aims to bridge the gap between clinical innovations and practical applications, ensuring improved outcomes for patients and the broader healthcare system.

Giancarlo Cappellini is an academic and researcher at the University of Cagliari, associated with the Department of Physics. His research focuses on areas of condensed matter physics, computational physics, and material science. He has contributed to numerous publications and research projects, advancing the understanding of the electronic and optical properties of materials. Giancarlo is involved in both teaching and research, fostering innovation and collaboration within his field.

Isadora Cristina de Siqueira is a researcher associated with Fiocruz (Oswaldo Cruz Foundation), one of Brazil’s leading public health and biomedical research institutions. Her work focuses on advancing health sciences and contributing to public health improvements. With a strong background in research, she is actively engaged in scientific initiatives aimed at addressing key health challenges.

Shadi Salloum is affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University, where he contributes to medical research and clinical care. With a focus on advancing healthcare, Salloum is involved in innovative projects that aim to improve patient outcomes. His academic and professional pursuits reflect a dedication to both scientific inquiry and practical applications in the medical field.

Dr. Walid Basha is an Assistant Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at An-Najah National University. He holds a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Kanazawa University-Japan. With extensive experience in the field, Dr. Basha has supervised numerous Master’s and PhD students, contributing significantly to the advancement of research in Microbiology. His expertise and dedication to teaching and research have made him a respected figure in his field.

Dr. Carolyn M. Salafia, MD, MS is a distinguished medical professional with extensive expertise in pathology and placental research. Dr. Salafia has devoted her career to advancing our understanding of the placenta’s role in pregnancy and fetal development. With a background in both medicine and science, she has contributed significantly to the field through her research, publications, and clinical work. Dr. Salafia’s work has been instrumental in uncovering the complexities of placental function and its impact on maternal and fetal health. She is also known for her commitment to educating the next generation of medical professionals and researchers.

Peng Zhang is a senior investigator affiliated with Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center in China . With a strong background in HIV vaccine and immunogen design, Dr. ZHANG has been dedicated to advancing the understanding of how to improve the vaccine efficacy in pre-clinical animal models. His research has led to the development of innovative approaches with combining mRNA vaccine and rational immunogen design to improve public health outcomes.( Peng Zhang – Google Scholar) You can reach him at zhangp@ihm.ac.cn.

Dr. Donna R. Mendez, MD, EdD is a distinguished medical professional and educator with extensive experience in pediatrics and emergency medicine. Dr. Mendez earned her medical degree from a prestigious institution and later pursued an EdD to enhance her expertise in medical education. She is currently affiliated with the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where she contributes to both clinical practice and academic leadership. Dr. Mendez is known for her dedication to improving patient care and advancing medical education through innovative teaching methods and research. Her commitment to the well-being of her patients and the education of future healthcare professionals is widely recognized.

Nathalie Sauvonnet is a renowned scientist based at the Institut Pasteur in Paris. Her research focuses on cellular microbiology, particularly the mechanisms of bacterial invasion and intracellular trafficking within host cells. She has contributed significantly to understanding how pathogens manipulate host cellular processes to establish infections. Sauvonnet’s work has implications for developing new therapeutic strategies against infectious diseases. She is also known for her collaborations and publications in high-impact scientific journals, making her a prominent figure in the field of microbiology.

Rogério Pereira is a dedicated professional and academic affiliated with UNEB (Universidade do Estado da Bahia). With a passion for education and research, Rogério has contributed significantly to his field, demonstrating a strong commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. He is known for his collaborative approach and expertise in his area of specialization. His professional journey at UNEB is marked by continuous learning and a drive to inspire others in the academic community.

Kathrin C. Meyer is an academic professional affiliated with the University of Missouri. She has an active role in research and education, contributing to her field with a focus on innovation and academic excellence. Kathrin is known for her dedication to advancing knowledge and supporting the academic community. You can reach her via email at km2dq@missouri.edu.

Dr. Suzanne Saffie-Siebert is the founder and CEO of SiSaf Ltd, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in RNA therapeutics and drug delivery technologies. With a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, she has over 20 years of experience in drug formulation and delivery, and is recognized for her innovative work in nanotechnology-based therapeutics. Under her leadership, SiSaf has developed proprietary Bio-Courier platforms that enhance the stability and delivery of RNA-based drugs, paving the way for new treatments in various medical fields. Dr. Saffie-Siebert is passionate about translating cutting-edge science into impactful healthcare solutions.

Amirhossein Karamoozian received the B.Sc. degree in Civil Engineering and the M.Sc. degree (Hons.) in Civil Engineering-Construction Management from Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Iran. He obtained the Ph.D. degree (Hons.) in Management Science and Engineering from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. Afterwards, he pursued a CAS President’s International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI) postdoctoral fellowship with the School of Economics and Management, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. He is currently a special research assistant fellow at the International College of the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China. His research interests are risk analysis, decision sciences, machine learning, supply chain management, artificial intelligence, and fuzzy theory.

Ikram Ayoub is a distinguished researcher affiliated with INSERM (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale) in France. With a strong background in biomedical research, Ikram has contributed significantly to the field through innovative studies and publications. Their work focuses on advancing medical science and improving public health outcomes. Known for their dedication and expertise, Ikram continues to be a vital part of the scientific community, driving forward important research initiatives at INSERM.

Rui Zhou is a dedicated professional affiliated with Johns Hopkins University. With a strong background in [your field or expertise], Rui has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in both academic and professional pursuits. Rui’s work focuses on [specific areas of interest or research], con

Fenyong Liu is a distinguished professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He is renowned for his research in molecular virology, particularly focusing on the mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenesis. Dr. Liu’s work has significantly advanced the understanding of how viruses interact with host cells and has implications for developing antiviral therapies.

Dr. Liu earned his PhD in Virology and has held various academic and research positions throughout his career. He has published numerous articles in high-impact scientific journals and is actively involved in teaching and mentoring students and researchers. His contributions to virology have been recognized with several awards and honors in the field.