Verica Aleksic Sabo | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Verica Aleksic Sabo | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences, Serbia

Dr. Verica Aleksic Sabo is an accomplished Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, with over ten years of experience in the field of microbiology. Her research and teaching expertise are centered around combating antimicrobial resistance, focusing on drug-resistant bacteria, biofilms, and the efficacy of various antimicrobial agents, including essential oils, phytochemicals, and bacteriophages. Dr. Aleksic Sabo is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative solutions to one of the most pressing global health issues.

Author Metrics

Scopus Profile

ORCID Profile

Dr. Aleksic Sabo has achieved significant recognition in the scientific community, reflected in her impressive author metrics. She has published over 60 scholarly references, including 19 peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter, demonstrating her prolific contributions to microbiological research. Her work has garnered 932 citations and earned her an H-index of 10, indicating a substantial impact on the field through her highly cited publications.

Education

Dr. Aleksic Saboā€™s educational background is firmly rooted in microbiology and molecular biology. She obtained her Ph.D. from the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, where her research focused on the sensitivity of multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains to unconventional antimicrobial agents. Her M.Sc. in Molecular Biology, also from the same institution, involved studying the biofilm-forming potential of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Her foundational B.Sc. work explored the application of mitomycin C in bacteriophage induction, setting the stage for her advanced research.

Research Focus

Dr. Aleksic Saboā€™s research focus is primarily on addressing the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance. She investigates the behavior of drug-resistant bacteria and the role of biofilms in their persistence. Her research explores the effectiveness of various antimicrobial agents, including essential oils, phytochemicals, and bacteriophages, both individually and in combination. Her goal is to identify new strategies to mitigate antimicrobial resistance and develop effective treatments.

Professional Journey

Dr. Aleksic Saboā€™s professional journey began as a Research Assistant at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, where she gained initial research experience. She advanced to the role of Teaching Assistant, honing her teaching skills while continuing her research. Her current position as an Assistant Professor reflects her growth in both research and academia, where she leads significant projects, teaches a range of microbiology courses, and contributes to the scientific community through publications and conference presentations.

Honors & Awards

Dr. Aleksic Sabo has received notable recognition for her contributions to microbiology. She has been invited to guest edit a special issue on antibiofilm activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens in the journal Antibiotics. Her work has been acknowledged through various invitations to speak at international conferences and her involvement in significant national and international research projects, highlighting her status as a leading researcher in her field.

Publications Noted & Contributions

Dr. Aleksic Saboā€™s publications have made a substantial impact on the field of microbiology. Her research has been published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals and has contributed to the broader scientific understanding of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation. Her work has been cited extensively, reflecting its importance and relevance. Additionally, her contributions include a chapter in an international monograph, further demonstrating her expertise and influence.

“Essential oils cause membrane disruption and autoaggregation of MDR Acinetobacter baumannii cells”

  • Journal: South African Journal of Botany
  • Date: November 2024
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.09.016
  • Contributors: Verica Aleksic-Sabo, Neda Mimica-Dukic, Rok Kostanjsek, Petar Knezevic

“Exploring Biofilm-Related Traits and Bile Salt Efficacy as Anti-Biofilm Agents in MDR Acinetobacter baumannii”

  • Journal: Antibiotics
  • Date: September 13, 2024
  • DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13090880
  • Contributors: Verica Aleksic-Sabo, DuÅ”an Å korić, Suzana Jovanović-Å anta, Petar Knezevic

“An Optimized Checkerboard Method for Phage-Antibiotic Synergy Detection”

  • Journal: Viruses
  • Date: July 14, 2022
  • DOI: 10.3390/v14071542
  • Contributors: Verica Aleksic-Sabo, Isidora Nikolic, Darija Vukovic, Damir Gavric, Jelena Cvetanovic, Sonja Gostimirovic, Jelena Narancic, Petar Knezevic

“Anti-Acinetobacter baumannii activity of selected phytochemicals alone, in binary combinations and in combinations with conventional antibiotics”

  • Journal: Natural Product Research
  • Date: 2021
  • DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1808635
  • Contributors: Verica Aleksic-Sabo, Isidora Nikolic, Neda Mimica-Dukic, Petar Knezevic

“Are Bordetella bronchiseptica siphoviruses (Genus Vojvodinavirus) appropriate for phage therapyā€”bacterial allies or foes?”

  • Journal: Viruses
  • Date: 2021
  • DOI: 10.3390/v13091732
  • Contributors: Aleksic-Sabo, V., Petrovic Fabijan, A., Gavric, D., Doffkay, Z., Rakhely, G., Knezevic, P.

Research Timeline

Dr. Aleksic Saboā€™s research timeline showcases her commitment to advancing microbiological science. Beginning with her early studies on bacteriophages and biofilms, she has progressively expanded her research focus to tackle emerging issues in antimicrobial resistance. Her research has evolved through various projects and collaborations, marking significant milestones and contributions to the field over the years.

Collaborations and Projects

Dr. Aleksic Sabo has been actively involved in numerous national and international research projects, working with a diverse range of collaborators. Her role as a Principal Investigator in several projects underscores her leadership and expertise. Her collaborative efforts enhance the scope and impact of her research, fostering advancements in understanding and addressing antimicrobial resistance. Through these projects, she has contributed to the development of new strategies and solutions in microbiology.

Conclusion

Dr. Verica Aleksic Saboā€™s impressive accomplishments and contributions to microbiology make her a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award. Her significant research on antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation, coupled with her high-impact publications and leadership roles, highlights her exceptional standing in the field. To further enhance her impact, Dr. Aleksic Sabo could focus on broadening her research dissemination, pursuing interdisciplinary collaborations, increasing grant acquisition, expanding her research focus, and engaging more with industry stakeholders. These improvements would complement her already substantial achievements and contribute to continued advancements in microbiological research.

Shgahidul Islam | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

 

Prof Dr. Shgahidul Islam | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Professor at UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF, United States

Dr. Shahidul Islam is a distinguished scholar with over 34 years of expertise in interdisciplinary areas such as plant biochemistry, food sciences, and biological sciences. He earned his Doctorate in Biochemistry with a minor in Food Science from Ehime University in Japan, following Bachelorā€™s and Masterā€™s degrees in Agriculture from Bangladesh Agricultural University. As a Tenured Full Professor and Director of the USDA Regulatory Science Center at the University of Arkansas, Dr. Islam leads research, education, and extension programs in food and agricultural sciences. He has published over 200 scientific articles, presented at more than 100 international and national conferences, and received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions, including the Best Researcher Award from the University Chancellor and Gama Sigma Delta. Dr. Islam’s research interests focus on sustainable agricultural practices, biochemistry, and biotechnology, aiming to enhance food security and develop nutritionally enriched crops.

Professional Profile:

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Education

Dr. Shahidul Islam has an extensive and impressive educational background that has laid the foundation for his prolific career in plant biochemistry and food sciences. He earned his Doctorate in Biochemistry with a minor in Food Science from the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences at Ehime University in Japan in 1996, where he was awarded a Gold Medal for overall excellence in his Ph.D. course. Prior to this, Dr. Islam completed his Masterā€™s and Bachelorā€™s degrees in Agriculture, with a minor in Food Science, at Bangladesh Agricultural University in 1988 and 1985, respectively. His academic journey has been marked by numerous merit scholarships, including those from the Ministry of Science, Government of Japan, and Bangladesh Agricultural University, reflecting his consistent dedication to academic excellence and research.

Professional Experience

Dr. Shahidul Islam’s professional experience spans over three decades, marked by significant roles in academia and research. He currently serves as a Tenured Full Professor and Director at the USDA Regulatory Science Center, University of Arkansas, where he also coordinates graduate programs. From 2002 to 2020, he was a Tenured Full Professor in the Department of Agriculture and Food Sciences at the same university. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Islam has demonstrated a strong commitment to research and administration in agriculture, plant biochemistry, and food sciences. He has led numerous interdisciplinary and international research projects, supervised graduate students, post-docs, and research technicians, and taught courses in plant biochemistry, postharvest technology, and food safety. His earlier career includes significant positions in Japan, such as Agriculturist.

Research Interest

Dr. Shahidul Islam’s research interests are deeply rooted in advancing the fields of plant biochemistry and food sciences to address global challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture. He focuses on exploring the biochemical properties of plants, developing nutritionally enriched and medicinally valuable food crops, and improving postharvest technologies to reduce food loss. His work also extends to the study of bioactive compounds in plants, aiming to discover and isolate new compounds with potential health benefits. Additionally, Dr. Islam is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices through innovative research on plant production and protection. His interdisciplinary approach often involves collaboration with multi-institute research teams, reflecting his dedication to finding comprehensive solutions to mission-critical priorities in the agricultural and food sciences sectors.

Award and Honor

Dr. Shahidul Islam has received numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his illustrious career, reflecting his outstanding contributions to research and academia. He has been twice awarded the Best Researcher Award by the University Chancellor, in 2014 and 2023, recognizing his exceptional research achievements. Additionally, he was honored by Gama Sigma Delta, the Honor Society of Agriculture, as the Best Researcher in 2008. His work has also been internationally acknowledged with the Science and Technology Agency International Merit Fellowship from the Japanese Government and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship. Dr. Islam has received several merit scholarships and medals, including a Gold Medal for overall excellence in his Ph.D. course at Ehime University, Japan. He serves as the Chief Editor of the Journal of Agricultural, Environmental, and Consumer Sciences, and is an editorial board member of several other scientific journals, further underscoring his influence and leadership in the scientific community.

Research Skills

Dr. Shahidul Islam possesses an extensive array of research skills cultivated over more than three decades of dedicated work in interdisciplinary fields such as plant biochemistry, food sciences, and biological sciences. His expertise encompasses all aspects of the research process, from conceptualization and project design to execution, analysis, and dissemination of findings. Dr. Islam has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in securing research funding, with a track record of successful grant proposals from prestigious organizations such as USDA, USAID, and the Japanese Government. He excels in leading collaborative research efforts, fostering partnerships across institutions and countries to address complex challenges in agriculture and food security. Dr. Islam’s research skillset also includes supervising and mentoring graduate students, post-docs, and research technicians, guiding them through rigorous scientific inquiry and ensuring the highest standards of research integrity and excellence.

Publications

  • Identification and Characterization of Foliar Polyphenolic Composition in Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Genotypes
    • Authors: MS Islam, M Yoshimoto, S Yahara, S Okuno, K Ishiguro, O Yamakawa
    • Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
    • Volume: 50
    • Issue: 13
    • Pages: 3718-3722
    • Year: 2002
    • Citations: 357
  • Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaf: its potential effect on human health and nutrition
    • Author: S Islam
    • Journal: Journal of Food Science
    • Volume: 71
    • Issue: 2
    • Pages: R13-R121
    • Year: 2006
    • Citations: 356
  • Antimutagenicity of mono-, di-, and tricaffeoylquinic acid derivatives isolated from sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaf
    • Authors: M Yoshimoto, S Yahara, S Okuno, MS Islam, K Ishiguro, O Yamakawa
    • Journal: Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry
    • Volume: 66
    • Issue: 11
    • Pages: 2336-2341
    • Year: 2002
    • Citations: 259
  • Fabrication, synthesis and mechanical characterization of nanoparticles infused polyurethane foams
    • Authors: H Mahfuz, VK Rangari, MS Islam, S Jeelani
    • Journal: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
    • Volume: 35
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 453-460
    • Year: 2004
    • Citations: 212
  • Total Phenolic Contents and Phenolic Acid Constituents in 4 Varieties of Bitter Melons (Momordica charantia) and Antioxidant Activities of their Extracts
    • Authors: R Horax, N Hettiarachchy, S Islam
    • Journal: Journal of Food Science
    • Volume: 70
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: C275-C280
    • Year: 2005
    • Citations: 207