Sara Ouari | Ethnomedicine | Young Researcher Award

Ms. Sara Ouari | Ethnomedicine | Young Researcher Award

PhD Student at Setif 1 University Ferhat Abbes, Algeria

Ms. Sara Ouari is a dedicated third-year PhD student at Setif 1 University Ferhat Abbes, Algeria, specializing in biochemistry with a research focus on the anti-inflammatory effects of medicinal plants. Her academic journey is marked by high academic achievement and hands-on training in advanced molecular biology techniques through internships in Algeria and Italy. She has published two peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals—Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology—and actively participates in national and international conferences. Her research is part of a government-funded project (PRFU) and involves in vitro and in vivo studies to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms of Inula viscosa. Sara is also collaborating with international institutions, including the University of Messina and the University of West Attica. With a solid foundation in research, international exposure, and a clear focus on phytotherapy, Ms. Ouari shows significant promise as a young scientist in the fields of immunology and molecular pharmacology.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓

Ms. Sara Ouari has pursued a strong academic path in the field of biochemistry and life sciences. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Abderrahmane Mira University of Bejaia in 2019 with a commendable grade of 16.09, followed by a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and Biology in 2021 from the same institution, graduating with distinction (final grade: 17.70). Her master’s thesis focused on the epidemiological and immunohistochemical study of breast cancer in young Algerian patients. Currently, she is a PhD student at Setif 1 University Ferhat Abbes, where she is conducting research on the anti-inflammatory properties of medicinal plants. Alongside her formal degrees, Sara has enriched her academic experience with several certifications, including training in animal experimentation (Pasteur Institute of Algeria), statistics with R (University of Paris-Saclay), cancer diagnostics, and clinical biology. Her educational background reflects both academic excellence and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary learning and research development.

Professional Experience 💼

Ms. Sara Ouari has gained diverse and valuable professional experience in both academic and clinical research environments. She has served as a part-time teacher at Abderrahmane Mira University of Bejaia and University of Setif 1, delivering practical and directed work sessions in cellular biology, genetics, immunological engineering, biochemistry, and animal biology. Her hands-on laboratory experience includes internships at the Plant Biotechnology and Ethnobotany Laboratory and the Cancer Biological Engineering Laboratory in Bejaia, where she conducted molecular biology and biochemical tests. Currently, she is interning at the Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (Navarra’s Lab) at the University of Messina, Italy, focusing on cell culture, PCR, and flow cytometry. She has also undergone clinical training in oncology, histopathological analysis, and central medical laboratory diagnostics in various hospital settings. This blend of teaching, laboratory research, and clinical exposure highlights her practical expertise and commitment to advancing biomedical and pharmacological research through applied science.

Research Interest 🔬

Ms. Sara Ouari’s research interests lie at the intersection of biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, and phytotherapy. She is particularly focused on exploring the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants, with an emphasis on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Her PhD research investigates the pharmacological mechanisms of Inula viscosa through in vitro and in vivo models, aiming to identify bioactive compounds and their molecular pathways involved in inflammation control. She is also interested in the histological and immunohistochemical analysis of disease models, bridging traditional plant-based medicine with modern biomedical research. Her scientific curiosity extends to cancer biology, especially in understanding the molecular and immunohistochemical profiles of breast cancer in young patients. Sara actively participates in interdisciplinary collaborations, integrating molecular techniques such as PCR, flow cytometry, and biochemical assays into her work. Her long-term goal is to contribute to the development of plant-derived therapeutic agents and improve diagnostic strategies in chronic and inflammatory diseases.

Research Skill🔎

Ms. Sara Ouari possesses a strong and well-rounded set of research skills in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. She is proficient in a variety of laboratory techniques, including PCR, DNA extraction, electrophoresis, cell culture, and flow cytometry, which she has applied in both clinical and academic research settings. Her experience with in vivo experimentation and histopathological analysis demonstrates her competence in handling animal models and evaluating tissue responses, particularly in studies involving inflammation and cancer. Sara is also skilled in immunohistochemical staining and biochemical assays, essential for understanding molecular mechanisms of disease and therapeutic effects. She has strong data analysis capabilities using software like SPSS and GraphPad, and she has completed training in statistical analysis with R. Additionally, her ability to design and execute complex experiments, interpret scientific data, and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences reflects her growing expertise and promise as a biomedical researcher.

Award and Honor🏆

Ms. Sara Ouari, though early in her scientific career, has begun to earn recognition for her promising contributions to biomedical and phytotherapy research. She is a nominee for the prestigious Young Scientist Award, reflecting her active engagement in innovative research and international collaboration. Her academic excellence has been consistently evident throughout her studies, graduating with distinction at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. She has successfully published her research in reputable international journals such as Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Elsevier) and Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology (Springer), a notable achievement for a doctoral student. Moreover, she has presented her work at numerous national and international scientific conferences across Algeria, Italy, and Türkiye, showcasing her commitment to scientific dissemination and networking. Sara’s research has also been selected for support under the PRFU program by the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, affirming the national value and relevance of her doctoral work.

Conclusion📝

Sara Ouari demonstrates strong potential and merit as a young researcher. Her academic foundation, publication record, international collaborations, and dedication to ethnopharmacological research position her as a worthy candidate for the Young Researcher Award. While she is still in the early stages of her career, her trajectory suggests promise, particularly if she broadens her research scope and deepens engagement with the scientific and professional community.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Chemical composition, biological activities, and molecular mechanism of Inula viscosa (L.) bioactive compounds: a review
    S. Ouari, N. Benzidane
    Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology, Vol. 397(6), pp. 3857–3865
    Year: 2024
    Cited by: 6

  • Histological and Immunohistochemical study of Anti-Inflammatory effect of Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton Leaf Extract in Formaldehyde-induced arthritis in Mice
    S. Ouari, N. Benzidane, C. Bencharif, N. Bribi
    MDPI Biomedicines (ECB2025 Conference)
    Year: 2025

  • Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton leaves extract ameliorate arthritis by antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in formaldehyde-induced arthritis in mice
    S. Ouari, N. Benzidane, M.S. Merakeb, C. Bencharif, L. Arrar, N. Bribi
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Vol. 339, Article 119154
    Year: 2025

  • Epidemiological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Study of Breast Cancer in Young Algerian Patients from “Bejaia”
    C.B.C.M. Sara Ouari, Hania Ouahmed-Boudaoud
    International Conference on Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Technological Developments (ICENSTED)
    Year: 2024

  • Epidemiological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Study of Breast Cancer in Young Algerian Patients from “Bejaia”
    S. Ouari, H. Ouahmed-Boudaoud, C. Bencharif, C. Mazouzi
    Conference Proceedings
    Year: 2024

Minahil Khalid | Ethnobotany | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Minahil Khalid | Ethnobotany | Best Researcher Award

Resercher at Women University Multan, Pakistan

Mrs. Minahil Khalid is a dedicated researcher specializing in microbiology and molecular genetics, with a strong focus on antimicrobial resistance, drug design, and nanomaterial synthesis. She recently completed her MPhil at The Women University Multan, where her thesis explored the antimicrobial potential of biogenic silver nanoparticles combined with plant secondary metabolites against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Minahil has demonstrated technical expertise in advanced laboratory techniques and bioinformatics tools, alongside proficiency in data analysis using Python. She has published research in reputable journals and actively participates in international conferences, often as an invited speaker, reflecting her growing recognition in the scientific community. Her academic excellence is complemented by various awards and scholarships, highlighting her commitment to continuous learning and innovation. With a promising research trajectory addressing urgent global health challenges, Minahil is a rising scientist whose work bridges microbiology, nanotechnology, and infectious disease control, making her a strong candidate for research awards and further academic advancement.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓 

Mrs. Minahil Khalid completed her MPhil in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at The Women University Multan, Pakistan, from 2021 to 2023, achieving a CGPA of 3.70/4. Her MPhil thesis focused on the antimicrobial potential of nanoparticles mediated by secondary metabolites from Linum usitatissimum and Pimpinella anisum, investigating their effectiveness against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Prior to this, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from the same university between 2017 and 2021, with a CGPA of 3.34/4. During her undergraduate studies, she actively engaged in research projects, including work on the diagnosis and treatment of typhoid fever and studies related to COVID-19, which earned her first place in departmental competitions. Her strong academic foundation is further supported by internships and research training at reputable institutions like the University of Health Sciences Lahore and Nishtar Hospital Multan, where she gained practical experience in clinical microbiology and molecular diagnostics.

Professional Experience 💼 

Mrs. Minahil Khalid has gained valuable professional experience through research internships and practical laboratory work in the field of microbiology and molecular genetics. She completed a summer internship at the University of Health Sciences Lahore in 2020, where she focused on family medicine and COVID-19 disease surveillance, enhancing her understanding of infectious disease monitoring in large populations. Additionally, she worked as an Assistant Microbiologist in the Pathology Department at Nishtar Hospital Multan from July to August 2019. There, she conducted crucial laboratory tests including culture tests for bacterial infections, PCR diagnostics for infectious diseases, and biochemical and hematological analyses. Her responsibilities also involved root cause analysis for tuberculosis and influenza pathogens, showcasing her ability to apply microbiological techniques in clinical settings. Mrs. Khalid’s technical expertise extends to advanced laboratory methodologies such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis, and various microscopic and spectral analyses, complemented by bioinformatics and data analysis skills using Python, positioning her as a skilled and versatile researcher.

Research Interest 🔬

Mrs. Minahil Khalid’s research interests lie at the intersection of microbiology, molecular genetics, and nanotechnology, with a strong emphasis on combating antimicrobial resistance—a critical global health issue. She focuses on the design and synthesis of bioactive metabolites and nanoparticles, particularly silver nanoparticles mediated by microorganisms, to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal . Her work explores the synergistic effects of these nanoparticles with secondary plant metabolites against multidrug-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Additionally, she is interested in multi-omics analysis and the application of computational tools like Python for medical data analysis, which helps in understanding infectious disease mechanisms and improving disease control strategies. Her research aims to bridge fundamental microbiology with innovative nanomaterial applications to develop novel therapeutic approaches. Overall, Mrs. Khalid is committed to advancing infectious disease management through interdisciplinary approaches, integrating drug design, molecular biology, and data-driven methodologies for impactful scientific contributions.

Research Skill🔎

Mrs. Minahil Khalid possesses a diverse set of research skills that combine experimental techniques with computational analysis. She is proficient in advanced laboratory methods, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, FTIR, SEM, and XRD analysis, which enable her to characterize nanoparticles and biological samples effectively. Her experience extends to molecular biology techniques such as PCR diagnostics and microbial culture tests used for identifying infectious agents. Additionally, Mrs. Khalid is skilled in bioinformatics tools like MEGA-X and BLAST for analyzing protein and DNA sequences, as well as interpreting evolutionary relationships. She is also adept at data analysis and visualization, utilizing software such as ORIGIN-PRO, Excel, PowerPoint, and Canva. Notably, she employs Python programming, using libraries like Pandas and NumPy, to perform statistical analyses and manage large datasets, demonstrating her capability to integrate computational approaches into biological research. This combination of practical and analytical skills underscores her competence in conducting interdisciplinary microbiological research.

Award and Honor🏆

Mrs. Minahil Khalid has received several awards and honors recognizing her academic excellence and research contributions. She was awarded first position in the online poster competition organized by the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at The Women University Multan, reflecting her strong presentation and research skills. She holds a Certificate of Membership as a Global Outreach Student Member of the American Society for Microbiology, highlighting her active engagement with the international scientific community. Mrs. Khalid has been honored with the Commonwealth of Learning Scholarship through Coursera, which supported her continuous professional development. Additionally, she received certificates of appreciation for outstanding academic performance from City Science School and College and Nishat High School, acknowledging her consistent excellence from early education stages. Her participation in prestigious international conferences and symposia further underscores her recognition as a promising researcher. These awards and honors collectively demonstrate her dedication, scholarly achievements, and growing impact in the field of microbiology and molecular genetics.

Conclusion📝

Minahil Khalid exhibits strong potential and current achievements that make her a competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award at this stage of her academic career. Her innovative research in antimicrobial resistance and nanotechnology, coupled with active participation in international forums and commendable academic record, clearly demonstrate research excellence and dedication.

To maximize her competitiveness for this award, focusing on expanding her publication impact, acquiring research funding, and pursuing further academic advancement would be beneficial. Overall, she is highly suitable for recognition as a promising and impactful young researcher contributing to critical global health challenges.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Title: Global, regional, and national prevalence of adult overweight and obesity, 1990–2021, with forecasts to 2050: a forecasting study for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
    Authors: M. Ng, E.E. Gakidou, J. Lo, M. Al-Wardat, Y.M. Al-Worafi, et al.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 9

  • Title: Global, regional, and national prevalence of child and adolescent overweight and obesity, 1990–2021, with forecasts to 2050: a forecasting study for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
    Authors: J.A. Kerr, G.C. Patton, K.I. Cini, F.J. Alvi, N.R. Alvis-Guzman, et al.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 9

  • Title: Microbial mediated silver nanoparticles enhance the potential of bioactive metabolites in the medicinal plant Linum usitatissimum
    Authors: M. Khalid, M. Noreen
    Journal: RSC Advances
    Year: 2025
    Citations: Not specified