Rafita Haque | Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Ms. Rafita Haque | Diseases | Best Researcher Award

PHD Student at Florida International University, United States

Rafita Haque is a dynamic researcher and Ph.D. candidate in Computer and Electrical Engineering at Florida International University (FIU), USA. With a solid background in software and computer science engineering, her academic and professional pursuits are centered around Artificial Intelligence (AI), biomedical sensors, cardiovascular health management, and blockchain-based healthcare communication systems. Rafita has served as a lecturer at renowned institutions in Bangladesh, including Daffodil International University and the Asian University of Bangladesh. She has also gained valuable industry experience as a Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineer. Her research contributions span interdisciplinary domains with a strong focus on technological innovation for health and information security. Rafita has authored several impactful publications indexed in Scopus, Springer, and Web of Science. Her work has earned her multiple honors, including the Best Paper Award in Malaysia and Best Project Award in Bangladesh. She continues to push boundaries in AI-driven health technologies and secure data systems

Professional Profile 

 Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile | Goolge Scholar

Education

Rafita Haque is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Computer and Electrical Engineering at Florida International University (FIU), USA, where her research is focused on AI, biomedical sensors, PPG signal analysis, optical systems, and cardiovascular health. She is under the supervision of Dr. Nezih Pala. She previously completed her M.Sc. in Software Engineering from Daffodil International University, Bangladesh, with a thesis centered on consumer-to-consumer (C2C) information quality in Facebook-based purchasing decisions. Her academic focus was in Management Information Systems and data analysis, graduating with a CGPA of  Rafita earned her B.Sc. in Computer Science and Engineering from Gono Bishwabidyalay, where she developed a secure intra-university network management system for her final year project, graduating with a CGPA of Throughout her academic journey, she has integrated software engineering fundamentals with applied machine learning and security domains to develop impactful research in interdisciplinary technologies.

Experience

Rafita Haque has held multiple roles combining academia and industry. She served as a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Asian University of Bangladesh (AUB), and earlier at Daffodil International University. Her teaching repertoire included core courses like Operating Systems Design, Theory of Computing, and Programming Languages. Her role extended beyond classroom instruction to research collaboration and student mentoring. Before transitioning to academia, Rafita worked as a Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineer at Data-Soft Systems Bangladesh Ltd. and Cloud Production Ltd., where she was involved in banking and insurance-related AML (Anti-Money Laundering) software solutions. She applied her technical acumen in Python, ASP.NET, MySQL, and NoSQL technologies to modify, test, and document large-scale enterprise systems. These diverse experiences across teaching, research, and software engineering have shaped her into a versatile technology expert with a strong understanding of software reliability, cybersecurity, and academic innovation.

Award and Honor

Rafita Haque has received several academic and research distinctions. Most notably, she was awarded the Best Paper Award in the Internet of Things (IoT) Track at the 1st International Conference on Technology Innovation and Data Sciences (ICTIDS) in Malaysia. Earlier in her academic career, Rafita’s innovative project titled “Intra University Secure Network Management System” won the Best Project Award during the Spring  Project Fair at Gono Bishwabidyalay. Her excellence in research communication was also acknowledged through a Paper Presentation at Blockchain Olympiad Bangladesh (BCOLBD). These recognitions highlight her commitment to combining technical rigor with real-world applications. Her work has earned visibility and praise in both academic and public forums, establishing her as a promising researcher with both innovation potential and academic integrity. These accolades continue to drive her motivation toward impactful, ethical, and scalable technological solutions in the fields of health, AI, and cybersecurity.

Research Focus

Rafita Haque’s interdisciplinary research integrates Artificial Intelligence, biomedical sensors, signal processing, and data security. Her primary work at FIU focuses on using PPG signal analysis to improve cardiovascular health monitoring through AI-enhanced biomedical devices. Rafita also explores the integration of blockchain in securing Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), improving privacy and interoperability in healthcare communication systems. Previously, her research delved into Ajax vulnerability, session management flaws, and remote code execution, aligning with web application security. She has contributed to several Scopus and Springer-indexed publications on blockchain integration, CoT (Cloud of Things), and data-driven decision systems in smart environments. Rafita’s broader research vision is to harness intelligent, secure technologies to bridge healthcare gaps in under-resourced communities. Her future plans include advancing predictive models in biomedical engineering using deep learning and exploring real-time health monitoring systems powered by wearable sensors and blockchain infrastructure.

Research Skill

Rafita Haque brings a well-rounded skillset combining academic, technical, and analytical competencies. Her programming expertise includes Python, C/C++, JavaScript, Node.js, and ASP.NET. She is well-versed in blockchain platforms such as Ethereum, MetaMask, and Remix Framework, enabling secure and decentralized applications, especially in healthcare. In data analysis, she leverages tools like SPSS, PLS, and research methodology frameworks to conduct evidence-based studies. Her background in network and information security is bolstered by training in CCNA, RCE vulnerabilities, and cybersecurity practices. She has applied her knowledge in projects involving cloud computing, AML solutions, and secure communication systems. Rafita’s pedagogical skills include course design and student mentorship. Her interdisciplinary mindset allows her to excel in areas such as cardiovascular signal analysis, AI model development, project management, and system validation. She continuously upgrades her expertise through professional development and collaborative projects, ensuring a skillset aligned with industry and research trends.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Broken Authentication and Session Management Vulnerability: A Case Study of Web Application
Cited by: 48
Year: 2018

Title: Blockchain-based Information Security of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) in a Healthcare Communication System
Cited by: 36
Year: 2021

Title: Integration of Blockchain and Remote Database Access Protocol-Based Database
Cited by: 14
Year: 2020

Title: Modeling the Role of C2C Information Quality on Purchase Decision in Facebook
Cited by: 13
Year: 2018

Title: A Cloud of Things (CoT) Approach for Monitoring Product Purchase and Price Hike
Cited by: 10
Year: 2021

Title: Identification of Construction Era for Indian Subcontinent Ancient and Heritage Buildings by Using Deep Learning
Cited by: 10
Year: 2020

Title: Performance Analysis of Different Feature Detection Techniques for Modern and Old Buildings
Cited by: 9
Year: 2018

Title: A Study of Ajax Template Injection in Web Applications
Cited by: 9
Year: 2018

Title: A Combined Model of Blockchain, Price Intelligence and IoT for Reducing the Corruption and Poverty
Cited by: 8
Year: 2018

Conclusion

Rafita Haque’s academic progression, research diversity, and consistent involvement in impactful projects position her as a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award. Her ability to synthesize knowledge from software engineering, data science, and biomedical applications demonstrates her cross-disciplinary research potential. She is not only contributing to the academic domain but also aligning her research with societal needs—especially in healthcare innovation. With ongoing doctoral work in the U.S. and an expanding publication record, Rafita shows strong potential for future leadership in AI-driven biomedical research and academia.

Beatriz Pires da Silva | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Ms. Beatriz Pires da Silva | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Master’s student in Parasitic Biology at Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Brazil

Beatriz Pires da Silva is a passionate biomedical scientist and Master’s student in Parasitic Biology at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (Fiocruz), Brazil 🧪. From her undergraduate days, she has worked closely with the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), a reference center in the extra-Amazon region 🇧🇷. Beatriz’s early scientific contributions focus on zoonotic malaria transmission and molecular diagnostic markers for Plasmodium falciparum. Her first-author publication has contributed to raising awareness of lesser-known transmission pathways of malaria in Brazil, with implications for public health policies. She has collaborated with respected international scientists such as Didier Menard and George Snounou 🌍. Though at the beginning of her career, Beatriz exhibits exceptional dedication to research, public health, and scientific development. Her goal is to continue building knowledge that supports malaria control, elimination, and innovation through evidence-based molecular research and collaborative science 🤝.

Professional Profiles📖

ORCID

Education 🎓

Beatriz Pires da Silva is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Parasitic Biology at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute / Fiocruz in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 📘. Her educational journey began during her undergraduate studies in Biomedical Sciences, where she engaged in research at the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), a leading center for malaria studies in the Brazilian extra-Amazon region 🔬. During this time, she was actively involved in molecular diagnostic activities, gaining hands-on training in techniques crucial to infectious disease analysis. Her graduation thesis focused on zoonotic malaria transmission and has since evolved into a published scientific article 📝. Through her academic path, Beatriz has demonstrated a commitment to mastering the molecular aspects of parasitology and developing research that bridges field data with laboratory science. She continues to expand her academic skills in genetics, epidemiology, and malaria diagnosis, setting a strong foundation for a career in tropical disease research 🌿.

Work Experience💼

Beatriz’s research experience began at the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), where she worked during her undergraduate years as a student researcher 👩‍🔬. She actively participated in the molecular diagnosis routine at CPD-Mal (Malaria Research, Diagnosis, and Training Center), gaining valuable practical exposure to real-time diagnostics, PCR, and gene analysis 🧬. Her main contribution during this time was compiling and analyzing data related to zoonotic malaria transmission in Brazil’s extra-Amazon region — a project that led to her first scientific publication. Currently, she is researching deletions and mutations in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes in Plasmodium falciparum, which are vital for improving rapid diagnostic tests in Brazil ⚕️. Although early in her career, Beatriz has already formed international collaborations and contributed meaningfully to understanding malaria transmission patterns. Her experience reflects a blend of laboratory precision, scientific writing, data interpretation, and an evolving understanding of global parasitic diseases 🌎.

Awards and Honors 🏆

As a rising early-career researcher, Beatriz Pires da Silva is now entering the stage of her academic journey where formal recognitions are beginning to emerge 🌟. While she has not yet received major individual awards, her recent first-author publication and active research involvement at one of Brazil’s premier public health institutions (Fiocruz) are testaments to her growing impact 🧬. Her collaborations with leading global malaria experts such as Didier Menard and George Snounou are prestigious achievements that reflect her research potential. Beatriz’s current nomination for the Best Researcher Award stands as her first significant external recognition — highlighting her commitment to science, molecular innovation, and public health improvement. As her publication count grows and her research reaches broader audiences, she is poised to earn academic and scientific honors in the near future for her efforts in neglected tropical diseases and molecular parasitology 🏆.

Skills💡

Beatriz Pires da Silva brings a strong foundation in molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and molecular diagnostics 🧪. She is skilled in scientific literature review, data analysis, and academic writing, as demonstrated by her first-author publication in the area of zoonotic malaria 📖. Her analytical thinking, precision in lab work, and structured approach to scientific inquiries allow her to handle complex datasets and molecular evidence efficiently. Beatriz is also adept at collaborating across disciplines and engaging with international research teams 🤝. Her experience at CPD-Mal equipped her with practical knowledge in real-time diagnostics and laboratory routines for parasitic diseases. Additionally, she is developing competencies in bioinformatics and gene analysis tools, specifically in studying genetic deletions in Plasmodium falciparum. Bilingual communication (Portuguese and English) adds to her strengths, enabling global academic collaboration. She continues to expand her skill set to support research excellence and innovation 🌐.

Research Focus 🔬

Beatriz Pires da Silva’s research is centered on the molecular biology of malaria, with particular attention to zoonotic transmission and gene deletions affecting diagnostic tools 🔍. Her first major contribution involved a review of zoonotic malaria in Brazil’s extra-Amazon region, where she synthesized ecological, entomological, and molecular data to clarify underreported transmission pathways 🦟. This work addresses a gap in malaria control strategies and has implications for Brazil’s elimination goals. Currently, Beatriz is investigating deletions in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes of Plasmodium falciparum, which can impair the accuracy of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) — a key issue in malaria diagnosis and treatment 📊. Her research bridges molecular genetics, epidemiology, and diagnostic innovation, reflecting a multidisciplinary and impactful approach to parasitic disease management. With strong analytical skills and a commitment to applied science, Beatriz is contributing to more effective public health interventions through molecular-level insights 🧫.

Conclusion✅

Beatriz Pires da Silva, although at the beginning of her academic career, demonstrates remarkable promise, rigor, and a deep commitment to solving real-world challenges in malaria research. Her work already contributes to an underrepresented but vital domain — zoonotic malaria — and has implications for national health strategies. While not yet seasoned enough to compete with established senior researchers for the “Best Researcher Award,” she stands out as an exceptional candidate for an early-career or emerging researcher category. Her profile suggests a bright future marked by meaningful contributions to parasitology and global health.

Publications Top Notes📚

Publication Title: Autochthonous malaria in Brazil outside the Amazon: Emergence, zoonotic transmission and implications for disease control

Journal: One Health

Publication Date: December 2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100928