Beatriz Pires da Silva | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

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 Masterโ€™s student in Parasitic Biology at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (Fiocruz), Brazil ๐Ÿงช. From her undergraduate days, she has worked closely with the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), a reference center in the extra-Amazon region ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ท. Beatrizโ€™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 ๐ŸŒ. 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 ๐Ÿค.

Professional Profiles๐Ÿ“–

ORCID

Education ๐ŸŽ“

Beatriz Pires da Silva is currently pursuing a Masterโ€™s degree in Parasitic Biology at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute / Fiocruz in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ๐Ÿ“˜. 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 ๐Ÿ”ฌ. 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 ๐Ÿ“. 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 ๐ŸŒฟ.

Work Experience๐Ÿ’ผ

Beatrizโ€™s research experience began at the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), where she worked during her undergraduate years as a student researcher ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ. 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 ๐Ÿงฌ. Her main contribution during this time was compiling and analyzing data related to zoonotic malaria transmission in Brazil’s extra-Amazon region โ€” 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 โš•๏ธ. 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 ๐ŸŒŽ.

Awards and Honors ๐Ÿ†

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 ๐ŸŒŸ. While she has not yet received major individual awards, her recent first-author publication and active research involvement at one of Brazilโ€™s premier public health institutions (Fiocruz) are testaments to her growing impact ๐Ÿงฌ. Her collaborations with leading global malaria experts such as Didier Menard and George Snounou are prestigious achievements that reflect her research potential. Beatrizโ€™s current nomination for the Best Researcher Award stands as her first significant external recognition โ€” 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 ๐Ÿ†.

Skills๐Ÿ’ก

Beatriz Pires da Silva brings a strong foundation in molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and molecular diagnostics ๐Ÿงช. 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 ๐Ÿ“–. 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 ๐Ÿค. 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 ๐ŸŒ.

Research Focus ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Beatriz Pires da Silvaโ€™s research is centered on the molecular biology of malaria, with particular attention to zoonotic transmission and gene deletions affecting diagnostic tools ๐Ÿ”. Her first major contribution involved a review of zoonotic malaria in Brazilโ€™s extra-Amazon region, where she synthesized ecological, entomological, and molecular data to clarify underreported transmission pathways ๐ŸฆŸ. This work addresses a gap in malaria control strategies and has implications for Brazilโ€™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) โ€” a key issue in malaria diagnosis and treatment ๐Ÿ“Š. 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 ๐Ÿงซ.

Conclusionโœ…

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 โ€” zoonotic malaria โ€” 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 Notes๐Ÿ“š

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

Glory Adebayo | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Glory Adebayo | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Research Associate at Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Nigeria

Glory Pipeloluwa Adebayo is a dedicated biomedical researcher specializing in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and malaria drug discovery. She is currently a Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), where she leads studies on Plasmodium falciparum resistance and antimalarial therapeutics. With extensive expertise in molecular diagnostics, immunology, and in vitro drug assays, she has contributed significantly to infectious disease research. Her work has resulted in multiple high-impact publications, and she has trained several young scientists in laboratory techniques. She has also participated in international research collaborations, including training at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. Her contributions to malaria research extend to both computational and laboratory-based studies, making her a prominent figure in the field. She aspires to develop innovative treatment strategies for infectious diseases through interdisciplinary research and technological advancements.

Professional Profiles๐Ÿ“–

Scopus

Education ๐ŸŽ“

Glory is a dedicated researcher with a strong academic background in biological sciences. She earned her B.Sc. (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, with a commendable GPA of 4.08/5.00. She then pursued an M.Sc. in Cell Biology and Genetics at the same institution, graduating with a stellar GPA of 4.29/5.00. Currently, she is completing her Ph.D. in Biology at Covenant University, where her research is centered on antimalarial drug discovery. Her work integrates both computational and laboratory-based approaches to experimental drug development, positioning her at the forefront of innovative biomedical research. Beyond her academic achievements, Glory has gained valuable hands-on experience, including her service at the Abia State Hospital and Diagnostic Centre during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year. She has honed her expertise in molecular techniques, bioinformatics, and pharmaceutical research, contributing to international collaborations, conference presentations, and high-impact scientific publications. With a passion for advancing global health through cutting-edge research, she remains committed to making significant contributions to drug discovery and disease treatment.

Awards and Honors ๐Ÿ†

Glory’s dedication to research, international collaboration, and academic excellence in biomedical sciences is evident through her numerous prestigious awards and fellowships. In 2024, she was awarded a Research Fellowship at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), recognizing her contributions to malaria therapeutic efficacy studies and molecular diagnostics. Her commitment to global health research was further acknowledged in 2022 when she received the Swiss TPH Training Fellowship at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, where she honed her expertise in Plasmodium falciparum drug assays and mammalian cell culture techniques. Earlier in her career, Glory was recognized as the Best Graduate Research Intern at NIMR in 2019 for her outstanding work in molecular diagnosis and Plasmodium resistance studies. Her academic excellence was also celebrated at the University of Lagos, where she received the Academic Excellence Award in 2016. These accolades highlight her passion for scientific discovery, her ability to excel in competitive research environments, and her ongoing contributions to biomedical science and infectious disease research.

Work Experience๐Ÿ’ผ

Gloryโ€™s research experience spans academia, public health institutions, and international research centers, showcasing her interdisciplinary expertise in infectious disease research. Currently serving as a Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), she leads malaria therapeutic efficacy studies, molecular diagnostics, and ELISA-based immunological assessments. Prior to this, she worked as a Research Assistant at Covenant Universityโ€™s Bioinformatics Research Unit, where she conducted Plasmodium and mammalian cell cultures, toxicity assays, and molecular docking analyses. Her commitment to advancing malaria research led her to the Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute in 2022, where she received specialized training in Plasmodium falciparum drug assays and mammalian cell culture techniques. She also gained hands-on experience as a Graduate Research Intern at NIMR in 2019, assisting in the molecular diagnosis of human blood samples and Plasmodium resistance studies. Beyond her research-focused roles, she worked as a Pharmacy Assistant at Crest Health Pharmacy in 2017, managing drug inventory and supporting pharmaceutical services. With a solid foundation in both laboratory and clinical research, Glory continues to contribute meaningfully to global infectious disease control efforts.

Skills๐Ÿ’ก

Glory possesses a diverse skill set that spans molecular biology, cell culture, immunology, bioinformatics, animal studies, lab management, and scientific writing. Her expertise in molecular biology includes DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and molecular docking, enabling her to conduct precise genetic and protein-based analyses. She is also proficient in cell culture techniques, working with Plasmodium and mammalian cells to perform in vitro drug assays that contribute to antimalarial drug discovery. Her immunology experience includes ELISA-based assays and serological testing, crucial for evaluating immune responses in infectious disease research. In bioinformatics, she specializes in data mining, next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis, and omics data integration, allowing her to analyze large-scale biological data sets. Additionally, she has hands-on experience with murine malaria models, conducting toxicity assays and drug efficacy testing to validate therapeutic interventions. Beyond her technical skills, Glory is adept at lab management, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, maintaining accurate data records, and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs). She is also an accomplished scientific writer, with experience in manuscript preparation, grant writing, and proposal development, reinforcing her ability to contribute to high-impact research publications and secure funding for innovative projects.

Research Focus ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Glory Adebayo is a dedicated researcher specializing in malaria research, with a focus on molecular drug discovery, Plasmodium resistance characterization, and bioinformatics applications. Her work integrates computational drug design, in vitro and in vivo antimalarial assays, and genetic analysis of resistant strains to advance the fight against malaria. She is particularly interested in post-GWAS (genome-wide association study) analysis, where she develops omics-based tools to study malaria epidemiology and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Beyond malaria research, Glory has contributed to studies on viral infections and antimicrobial resistance, expanding her impact within infectious disease research. Her interdisciplinary approach seamlessly combines wet-lab techniques with computational biology, enabling her to bridge experimental and computational methodologies. Through her research, she aims to develop effective therapeutics and innovative strategies to combat infectious diseases, ultimately improving global public health outcomes.

Publications Top Notes๐Ÿ“š

 

Title: The Importance of Murine Models in Determining In Vivo Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Efficacy in Antimalarial Drug Discovery.โ€‹

Journal: Pharmaceuticals.โ€‹Preprints+1MDPI+1

Publication Date: March 2025.โ€‹

DOI: 10.3390/ph18030424.