Dilek Sönmezer Açıkgöz | Tissue engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dilek Sönmezer Açıkgöz | Tissue engineering | Best Researcher Award

Phd at Çukurova University, Turkey

Dr. Dilek Sönmezer Açıkgöz is a Lecturer at Çukurova University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, specializing in biomaterials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. She holds a PhD from Erciyes University and has contributed to cutting-edge research on pericardial fluid applications in tissue engineering. Dr. Sönmezer has published extensively in SCI-indexed journals and presents regularly at international conferences.

Publication Profile

orcid

🎓 Education

PhD: Biomedical Engineering, Erciyes University (2012-2022)MSc: Biomedical Engineering, Erciyes University (2008-2011)BSc: Biology, Erciyes University (2004-2008)Internship: Eindhoven University of Technology (2010-2011)

💼 Experience

Lecturer: Çukurova University (2014-present)Research: Tissue engineering, pericardial fluid characterization, biomaterial developmentPatent Holder: Ultrasonic system for coronary bypass surgery

🏆 Awards & Honors

Patent: Ultrasonic vascular measurement system (2015)Key Publications: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, Biotechnology Applied BiochemistryRecognitions: Frequent presenter at international biomedical conferences

🔬 Research Focus

Biomedical Engineering: Biomaterials, tissue engineering, pericardial fluid studiesBioprinting: Developing biocompatible bioinks for 3D printingRegenerative Medicine: Exploring extracellular matrix applications for tissue regeneration

Publications 📖

Applications of a Biocompatible Alginate/Pericardial Fluid-Based Hydrogel for the Production of a Bioink in Tissue Engineering
Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry | 2024-12-02
DOI: 10.1002/bab.2697
Contributors: Dilek Sönmezer Açıkgöz, Fatma Latifoğlu, Güler Toprak, Münevver Baran

Production of Hydrogel with Alginate and Pericardial Fluid for Use in Tissue Engineering Applications
Çukurova Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Dergisi | 2023-12-28
DOI: 10.21605/cukurovaumfd.1410697
Contributors: Dilek Sönmezer, Fatma Latifoğlu

A Native Extracellular Matrix Material for Tissue Engineering Applications: Characterization of Pericardial Fluid
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials | 2023-09
DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35260
Contributors: Dilek Sönmezer, Fatma Latifoğlu, Güler Toprak, Münevver Baran

 

Conclusion

Dr. Dilek Sönmezer Açıkgöz stands out as a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with substantial contributions to biomedical engineering, tissue engineering, and biomaterials. Her dedication to research, publications in top journals, and development of patented technology make her a strong contender. Strengthening international partnerships and focusing on high-impact translational research can further enhance her candidacy for future recognitions.

Ruben Pellicer-Guridi | Biomedical engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ruben Pellicer-Guridi |  Biomedical engineering | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc at Asociacion de Investigacion MPC, Spain

🌍 Passionate physicist advancing affordable MRI and NMR technologies using innovative quantum sensing with NV centers in diamond. 📍Based in Spain, drives impactful projects for health, environment, and food sectors through groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial ventures. 🌟 Award-winning expert with a strong focus on real-world applications.

 

Publication Profile

orcid

scopus

Education🎓 

Ph.D. in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of Queensland, Australia (2014–2019) Internship & Research Assistant, ETH Zurich, Switzerland (2011)  Associate Fellow, Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) for teaching excellence.  Built expertise in magnetic resonance instrumentation and quantitative imaging across leading European institutions.

Experience💡 

PostDoc Fellow, Quantum Nanophotonics Lab, Spain (2021–present): Revolutionizing quantum-based NMR.  Principal Investigator, I3M Valencia (2020–2021): Developed cost-effective, portable MRI prototypes.  Visiting Academic, Charité Berlin (2020): Enhanced hyperthermia devices for cancer treatment. Ph.D. Candidate & Fellow, University of Queensland (2014–2019): Advanced low-field MRI methods with groundbreaking patents.

Awards & Honors🏆

2022 Spin-Off Award, Valencian Community: Portable MRI innovation. BioMedTech Horizons Grant ($1M AUD): For low-field MRI development. Marie Skłodowska-Curie MSCA Fellowship: Quantum sensing for NMR systems.  Recognized by prestigious European institutions for pioneering affordable, cutting-edge MRI systems.

Research Focus🔬

Quantum NMR methods with NV centers for next-gen sensing.  Low-field portable MRI for affordable diagnostics.  RF antenna development for optimized electron spin control.  Bridging high-tech innovation with real-world medical, environmental, and societal needs.

 

Publication  Top Notes

Quantum-inspired Clustering with Light: Explores clustering methods inspired by quantum computing, applying light-based technologies. Published in Scientific Reports (2024).

Open-source MRI: Highlights the benefits of open-source MRI technology for improving global access, science, and education. Published in NMR in Biomedicine (2024).

Machine Learning for Magnetometry: Discusses automatic optimization of nitrogen vacancy center-based magnetometry using machine learning, presented at the Optica Sensing Congress 2024.

MaRCoS System for Low-field MRI: Focuses on MaRCoS, an open-source electronic control system for low-field MRI. Published in Journal of Magnetic Resonance (2023).

Benchmarking Low-cost MRI Systems: Reviews the performance of low-cost MRI control systems across multiple sites. Published in NMR in Biomedicine (2023).

Prepolarized MRI for Hard Tissues: Studies MRI techniques for imaging hard tissues and solid-state matter. Published in NMR in Biomedicine (2022).

Portable MRI Systems: Explores portable MRI systems for indoor, outdoor, and home use. Published in Scientific Reports (2022).

CNN for Noise Reduction in Low-field MRI: Proposes a convolutional neural network (CNN) for electromagnetic noise reduction in MRI applications. Published in IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging (2022).

Magneto-stimulation in Rapid Field Dynamics: Examines magneto-stimulation limits in MRI applications involving rapid field changes. Published in Physics in Medicine and Biology (2022).

Fast 0.5 T Prepolarizer Module: Discusses a fast prepolarizer module for preclinical MRI applications. Published in IEEE Transactions on Magnetics (2022).

 

Conclusion

The candidate is an outstanding contender for the Best Researcher Award, with a proven track record of impactful research, leadership, and innovation in medical and quantum technologies. Their work addresses critical gaps in current medical imaging and quantum sensing technologies, with the potential to bring profound benefits to healthcare systems globally. With a well-rounded approach that blends research, commercialization, and education, they exemplify the qualities of an exceptional researcher. Further expansion into diverse medical applications and commercial scalability could elevate their contributions even further.

Michael Honaker | Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Michael Honaker | Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at , East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, United States

Dr. Michael Honaker is an Associate Professor of Surgery at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine. Specializing in colorectal surgery, Dr. Michael Honaker serves as Co-Director of Colorectal Surgery at ECU Health and oversees multiple clinical committees. With extensive experience in both academic and clinical roles, Dr. Michael Honaker is dedicated to advancing colorectal cancer care through innovative techniques and improving patient outcomes. A recipient of numerous accolades for excellence in surgery and research, Dr. Michael Honaker is also committed to mentoring medical students and residents. Dr. Michael Honaker actively participates in national surgical societies, contributing to significant clinical research and educational efforts.

Publication Profile

orcid

Education  🎓

Dr. Michael Honaker completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology, magna cum laude, at West Virginia University, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from the West Virginia University School of Medicine, graduating in the top quartile of their class. 🏥 Post-medical education,  Dr. Michael Honaker completed a General Surgery residency at Carolinas Medical Center and subsequently a Fellowship in Colorectal Surgery at William Beaumont Hospital. Dr. Michael Honaker further refined their surgical skills and academic focus during residency and fellowship training, excelling in colorectal surgery.

Experience  💼 

Dr. Michael Honaker has held various academic appointments, currently serving as an Associate Professor of Surgery at ECU’s Brody School of Medicine.
🚑 Previous roles include Assistant Professor of Surgery at Mercer University School of Medicine and Clinical Associate Professor at ECU, where they have also coordinated surgical clerkships for medical students. Clinically,  Dr. Michael Honaker has served at ECU Health as Co-Director of Colorectal Surgery, and prior positions include leadership roles at Navicent Health in Georgia.

Awards & Honors 🏅 

Dr. Michael Honaker has received multiple awards for clinical excellence, including 2nd Place in Best Poster at the William Davidson Medical Education Week in 2016 and an Honorable Mention at Minimally Invasive Week in 2017. Their research on rectal cancer earned them recognition at the Graduate Medical Education Research Week, 2023, for Best Poster. Notably,  Dr. Michael Honaker was elected to the Diseases of the Colon and Rectum Reviewer’s Guild Editorial Board and featured in Digestive Disease Week’s Top Abstracts.

Research Focus 🔬  

Dr. Michael Honaker’s research is centered on colorectal cancer, including clinical trials like JANUS, exploring innovative approaches to improve chemotherapy outcomes.
🚑 Key research areas include improving access to cancer care for rural patients, addressing transportation barriers, and enhancing organ preservation in elderly patients with rectal cancer. Their work also involves developing validated measures for patient risk in cancer care and contributing to precision medicine solutions, funded by Lilly USA.

Publication  Top Notes

  1. Perianal Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma – A Rare Case
    Clinical Case Reports, September 2024
    DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.9437
    Contributors: Anas Taha, Amjad Maeky, Larissa Wentzler, Stephanie Taha‐Mehlitz, Robert Rosenberg, Michael D. Honaker.
  2. Postoperative BMI Predictive Model in Bariatric Surgery
    Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, July 2024
    DOI: 10.1016/j.soard.2024.06.012
    Contributors: Vincent Ochs, Anja Tobler, Julia Wolleb, Florentin Bieder, Baraa Saad, Bassey Enodien, Laura E. Fischer, Michael D. Honaker, Susanne Drews, Ilan Rosenblum, et al.
  3. Colorectal Cancer Screening and Mortality Disparities
    Journal of Surgical Research, June 2024
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.03.040
    Contributors: Michael D. Honaker, Ashley E. Burch, Jan H. Wong, Warqaa M. Akram, William D. Irish.
  4. Virtual Reality in Abdominal Surgery – A Scoping Review
    International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery, February 2024
    DOI: 10.1002/rcs.2623
    Contributors: Vincent Ochs, Baraa Saad, Stephanie Taha‐Mehlitz, Sebastian Staubli, Katerina Neumann, Laura Fischer, Michael D. Honaker, et al.
  5. Rectal Cancer Presentation During COVID-19
    PLOS ONE, September 2023
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291447
    Contributors: Tia S. Sutton, Marianna De Camargo Cancela, Scarlett Hao, Mizuki Suzuki, Aimei Chua, Anna Lisa Ciarrocca, Michael D. Honaker.
  6. Rural–Urban Disparities in Colon Cancer Care
    Annals of Surgical Oncology, June 2023
    DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-13381-y
    Contributors: Michael D. Honaker, William Irish, Alexander A. Parikh, Rebecca A. Snyder.
  7. Emergency Surgery for Diverticulitis – Age and Procedure Outcomes
    Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, April 2022
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.02.001
    Contributors: Seth Quinn, Warqaa Akram, Scarlett Hao, Michael D. Honaker.

Conclusion:

Overall, the candidate presents a well-rounded and distinguished profile, excelling in clinical practice, research, and education. Their leadership in colorectal surgery, research on cancer care, and numerous accolades position them as a highly qualified contender for the Best Researcher Award. With continued growth in securing high-impact grants and international collaborations, their contributions to medical research could expand even further, making them an exemplary researcher and clinician.