Stephanie McGrath | Neurooncology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Stephanie McGrath | Neurooncology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at  Colorado State University, United States

Dr. Stephanie McGrath is a distinguished veterinary neurologist and researcher at Colorado State University , serving as Associate Professor and Service Lead in Neurology. She is also the Director and Co-Founder of CSU’s Brain Research Center , where she leads pioneering studies on epilepsy, cognitive decline, and healthy aging in dogs. Internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work on cannabidiol (CBD) in veterinary neurology , she has published influential studies that have transformed clinical approaches to neurological disorders in animals. Beyond research, she is deeply committed to teaching the next generation of veterinarians , contributing to both education and global scientific advancement. Dr. McGrath plays a vital role in the Dog Aging Project , exploring therapies to enhance canine lifespan and brain health. With a blend of clinical expertise, innovative research, and compassionate care , she continues to make a lasting impact on veterinary medicine and the lives of pets worldwide.

Professional Profile

ORCID Profile | Scopus Profile | Google Scholar

Education 

Dr. Stephanie McGrath academic journey reflects a lifelong dedication to veterinary neurology and clinical science . She began with a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University  laying the foundation for her future in science and medicine. she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University , gaining essential clinical skills for animal healthcare. Her passion for advanced research led her to pursue a Master of Clinical Science at Colorado State University in  where she began focusing on neurological conditions in animals.  she achieved Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology) , marking her as a board-certified specialist in the field. This combination of elite academic training and professional certification has provided her with the expertise to lead innovative research, mentor veterinary students, and develop groundbreaking treatments for neurological diseases in companion animals .

Experience 

Dr. Stephanie McGrath has cultivated an extensive career in veterinary neurology, blending clinical expertise, research, and leadership . She began as a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Intern at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, followed by a Neurology Specialty Internship at VCA Alameda East . Her residency in Neurology at  solidified her expertise, after which she briefly served as Staff Veterinarian in Highlands Ranch. Returning to CSU, she advanced from Assistant Professor  to Tenure-Track Assistant Professor , and now Associate Professor and Service Lead in Neurology . She also co-leads the TRIAD Neurology Arm of the Dog Aging Project  , and is Director & Co-Founder of the Brain Research Center. Her career reflects a balance of patient care, academic teaching, and cutting-edge neurological research.

Research Interest

Dr. Stephanie McGrath research focuses on advancing veterinary neurology through innovative treatments and translational science . She specializes in epilepsy, canine cognitive dysfunction, and the role of cannabidiol (CBD) in neurological disease management . Her studies explore how CBD can be safely and effectively used for drug-resistant epilepsy, brain aging, and neuroprotection in dogs. She is deeply involved in neuroimaging (including diffusion tensor imaging) to better understand brain structure and function in aging canines . As a leader in the Dog Aging Project, she examines how therapeutic interventions like rapamycin may improve lifespan and cognitive health in pets. Her broader interests include neuro-oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, and biomarkers for early detection of neurological disease . Through this work, Dr. McGrath bridges human and animal medicine, aiming to develop therapies that enhance both veterinary and comparative neurology, ultimately improving quality of life for animals and potentially humans .

 Award and Honor

Dr. Stephanie McGrath career is distinguished by numerous prestigious awards recognizing her impact on veterinary neurology . she received JVIM’s “Top Cited Article” Award for her groundbreaking CBD epilepsy studies  and Veterinary Ophthalmology’s “Top Cited Article” Award for ocular CBD research, her student’s work on canine cognitive decline biomarkers earned the Association for Clinical and Translational Science Poster Award . She won the George Fleming Prize in for the year’s most meritorious article in The Veterinary Journal . Her mentorship has led students to multiple first-place awards in clinical and poster presentations , while she herself has received the Zoetis Award for Research Excellence . She has delivered keynote speeches at major scientific events  and earned recognition for innovative neuroimaging, cannabinoid research, and translational veterinary science . These accolades highlight her leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing veterinary medicine.

Research Skill

Dr. Stephanie McGrath possesses a diverse and advanced set of research skills in veterinary neurology and translational science . She is highly experienced in clinical trial design, particularly large-scale studies assessing CBD and other therapeutics for neurological conditions . Her expertise includes neuroimaging techniques such as MRI and diffusion tensor imaging , enabling precise evaluation of structural and functional brain changes. She is adept at biomarker identification for early disease detection and tracking of neurodegenerative progression . Dr. McGrath excels in comparative neurology, translating findings from canine models to benefit human medicine as well. She has strong capabilities in data analysis, scientific writing, and mentoring research teams, fostering the next generation of veterinary scientists . Her work integrates clinical expertise, innovative methodologies, and collaborative research leadership, positioning her as a driving force in the advancement of both veterinary and comparative neuroscience .

Publication Top Notes

Title: Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in …
Authors: S. McGrath, L.R. Bartner, S. Rao, R.A. Packer, D.L. Gustafson
Journal: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 254(11), 1301-1308
Year: 2019
Cited by: 236

Title: Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol administered by 3 delivery methods at 2 different dosages to healthy dogs
Authors: L.R. Bartner, S. McGrath, S. Rao, L.K. Hyatt, L.A. Wittenburg
Journal: Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, 82(3), 178-183
Year: 2018
Cited by: 190

Title: Evaluation of the effect of cannabidiol on naturally occurring osteoarthritis-associated pain: a pilot study in dogs
Authors: S. Mejia, F.M. Duerr, G. Griffenhagen, S. McGrath
Journal: Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 57(2), 81-90
Year: 2021
Cited by: 101

Title: A report of adverse effects associated with the administration of cannabidiol in healthy dogs
Authors: S. McGrath, L.R. Bartner, S. Rao, L.R. Kogan, P.W. Hellyer
Journal: Veterinary Medicine, 1, 6-8
Year: 2018
Cited by: 92

Title: Scientific validation of cannabidiol for management of dog and cat diseases
Authors: I. Corsato Alvarenga, K.S. Panickar, H. Hess, S. McGrath
Journal: Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, 11(1), 227-246
Year: 2023
Cited by: 58

Title: Cannabidiol induces apoptosis and perturbs mitochondrial function in human and canine glioma cells
Authors: C. Gross, D.A. Ramirez, S. McGrath, D.L. Gustafson
Journal: Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 725136
Year: 2021
Cited by: 52

Title: Metagenomic investigation of idiopathic meningoencephalomyelitis in dogs
Authors: L.L. Hoon‐Hanks, S. McGrath, K.L. Tyler, C. Owen, M.D. Stenglein
Journal: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 32(1), 324-330
Year: 2018
Cited by: 52

Title: Cannabis in veterinary medicine: a critical review
Authors: T. Hazzah, C. Andre, G. Richter, S. McGrath, F. Collins
Journal: AHVMA, 61(220), 25
Year: 2020
Cited by: 42

Title: Cannabidiol in canine epilepsy
Authors: H. Potschka, S.F.M. Bhatti, A. Tipold, S. McGrath
Journal: The Veterinary Journal, 290, 105913
Year: 2022
Cited by: 37

Title: Clinical and imaging findings, treatments, and outcomes in 27 dogs with imaging diagnosed trigeminal nerve sheath tumors: a multi‐center study
Authors: K.E. Swift, S. McGrath, M.W. Nolan, M. Young, M. Reese, S. Rao, E. Randall, …
Journal: Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, 58(6), 679-689
Year: 2017
Cited by: 36

Title: The effects of iatrogenic blood contamination on total nucleated cell counts and protein concentrations in canine cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: A.L. MacNeill, B.G. Andre, Y. Zingale, R.A. Packer, S. McGrath
Journal: Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 47(3), 464-470
Year: 2018
Cited by: 30

Title: Drug-drug interaction between cannabidiol and phenobarbital in healthy dogs
Authors: C.E. Doran, S. McGrath, L.R. Bartner, B. Thomas, A.E. Cribb, D.L. Gustafson
Journal: American Journal of Veterinary Research, 83(1), 86-94
Year: 2022
Cited by: 27

Title: The efficacy and safety of cannabidiol as adjunct treatment for drug‐resistant idiopathic epilepsy in 51 dogs: A double‐blinded crossover study
Authors: A.J. Rozental, B.G. Weisbeck, I. Corsato Alvarenga, D.L. Gustafson, …
Journal: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 37(6), 2291-2300
Year: 2023
Cited by: 23

Title: Tolerability of long‐term cannabidiol supplementation to healthy adult dogs
Authors: I. Corsato Alvarenga, K.M. Wilson, S. McGrath
Journal: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 38(1), 326-335
Year: 2024
Cited by: 21

Title: Reprogramming the canine glioma microenvironment with tumor vaccination plus oral losartan and propranolol induces objective responses
Authors: D.T. Ammons, A. Guth, A.J. Rozental, J. Kurihara, A.J. Marolf, L. Chow, …
Journal: Cancer Research Communications, 2(12), 1657-1667
Year: 2022
Cited by: 21

Title: Generation of neural progenitor cells from canine induced pluripotent stem cells and preliminary safety test in dogs with spontaneous spinal cord injuries
Authors: L. Chow, S. McGrath, C. de Arruda Saldanha, L.R. Whalen, R. Packer, S. Dow
Journal: Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 575938
Year: 2020
Cited by: 20

Title: Pharmacokinetics of escalating single‐dose administration of cannabidiol to cats
Authors: A.J. Rozental, D.L. Gustafson, B.R. Kusick, L.R. Bartner, S.C. Castro, S. McGrath
Journal: Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 46(1), 25-33
Year: 2023
Cited by: 19

Title: Plasma and joint tissue pharmacokinetics of two doses of oral cannabidiol oil in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: A.P. Spittler, J.E. Helbling, S. McGrath, D.L. Gustafson, K.S. Santangelo, …
Journal: Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 44(6), 967-974
Year: 2021
Cited by: 18

Title: Targeting neuroinflammation by pharmacologic downregulation of inflammatory pathways is neuroprotective in protein misfolding disorders
Authors: S.J. Risen, S.W. Boland, S. Sharma, G.M. Weisman, P.M. Shirley, A.S. Latham, …
Journal: ACS Chemical Neuroscience, 15(7), 1533-1547
Year: 2024
Cited by: 16

Title: Use of handheld Raman spectroscopy for intraoperative differentiation of normal brain tissue from intracranial neoplasms in dogs
Authors: C.E. Doran, C.B. Frank, S. McGrath, R.A. Packer
Journal: Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8, 819200
Year: 2022
Cited by: 16

Conclusion

Dr. Stephanie McGrath reflects an exceptional and sustained contribution to veterinary medicine, particularly in advancing the understanding and therapeutic application of cannabidiol in animals. Her studies cover a wide range of topics including pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, and mechanistic insights of cannabidiol across multiple species, with results published in high-impact veterinary and biomedical journals. The citation record is impressive, with several landmark papers exceeding , underscoring the global influence and applicability of her work. Beyond cannabinoid research, she has contributed significantly to neuro-oncology, neuroinflammation, advanced diagnostic tools, and regenerative medicine in veterinary science. This breadth, coupled with translational relevance, innovation, and consistent scholarly output, positions her as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her research not only advances scientific knowledge but also has direct implications for improving clinical outcomes in animal health.

Ms Himani Shah | Cancer cell biology | Best Researcher Award | 1255

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Ms Himani Shah | Cancer cell biology | Best Researcher Award

PhD student at Institute for Molecular Bioscience,Australia

Himani Shah is a doctoral candidate in the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) at The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, with expertise in cancer research, molecular biology, and biotechnology. She is investigating the cellular mechanisms of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their role in cancer progression. Her academic journey has been marked by outstanding performance, earning top grades and recognition. Her research has significant clinical implications for cancer therapy, especially women’s cancers.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar 

Education 🎓

  • Doctor of Philosophy (2021-Present), IMB, UQ, Australia (Supervisors: Prof. David Fairlie & Dr. Junxian Lim). Thesis submission by November 2024.
  • Master of Biotechnology Research Extensive (2019-2020), SCMB, UQ, Australia, GPA 6.56/7.0 (Supervisors: Dr. Roberta Mazzieri, Prof. David Fairlie, Dr. Junxian Lim).
  • Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (2015-2018), Mithibai College, University of Mumbai, India, GPA 7.0/7.0.

Professional Experience 💼

Himani has gained extensive experience in both research and teaching roles. She is currently a casual academic staff member at SCMB, UQ, tutoring in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, and biochemistry. Additionally, she has worked as a research tutor at TRI, mentoring high school students in molecular biology techniques. Her practical experience includes extensive laboratory management, training, and mentoring junior researchers.

Research Interests 🔬

Himani’s primary research interests focus on the role of GPCRs in cancer biology. She is investigating how protease-activated receptors, particularly PAR2, influence cancer cell apoptosis and could be leveraged as therapeutic targets, especially in women’s cancers. Her past research projects have also included the role of C3aR in kidney cancer and the characterization of a preclinical metastatic breast cancer model.

Awards and Honors 🏆

  • 2024: HDR IMB Completion Award, Best Poster Presentation at CCDD Symposium.
  • 2023: 3MT IMB Heats – People’s Choice Winner.
  • 2021: SPARQ-ed Research Immersion Scholarship, TRI; Research Training Program UQ Graduate School Scholarship.
  • 2020: Dean’s Commendation for Academic Excellence, UQ.

Achievements 🌟

Himani has achieved success in both research and community engagement. She was awarded People’s Choice at the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition at UQ in 2023. Additionally, her participation in various conferences and symposia, both as an oral and poster presenter, highlights her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

Upcoming Projects 🚀

Himani’s upcoming work focuses on investigating new therapeutic avenues for women’s cancers, particularly through the modulation of protease-activated receptors. She will also be presenting her research findings at various conferences in 2024, including the European Association for Cancer Research Congress in Rotterdam.

Publication📚

  • Shah, H., Hill, T. A., Lim, J., & Fairlie, D. P. (2023). Protease-activated receptor 2 attenuates doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling, 17, 1293-1307.
  • Shah, H., Fairlie, D. P., & Lim, J. (2024). Protease-activated receptor 2: A promising therapeutic target for women’s cancers. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. DOI: 10.1124/jpet.124.002176. Special edition: Breaking barriers in Women’s Cancer Treatment: Innovative Approaches and Experimental Therapeutics.

 

Mr Dharmendra Bhargava | Esophageal cancer and Inflammation | Best Paper Award

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Mr Dharmendra Bhargava | Esophageal cancer and Inflammation | Best Paper Award

Senior research Investigator at University of Pennsylvania,United States

Dr. Dharmendra Kumar Bhargava is a Senior Research Investigator at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in cancer biology, immunology, and molecular medicine. He focuses on understanding the cytoprotective mechanisms in esophageal squamous epithelial cells and their role in cancer progression, particularly the impact of smoking and alcohol. With extensive experience in translational cancer research, he has made significant contributions in areas like tissue repair, cancer metastasis, and immune modulation. His work is guided by a passion for identifying novel therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes in cancer therapy.
📍 Current Role: Senior Research Investigator, University of Pennsylvania (since 2023)

Publication Profile

Orcid

Scopus

Google Scholar

Education🎓

  • PhD in Life Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences, India (2016). Dissertation: Crosstalk of Estrogen Receptor and Estrogen Receptor-Related Receptor Family Members in Breast Cancer.
  • MSc in Biotechnology, Calicut University, India (2006).
  • BSc in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry, BSA College, Dr. B.R.A. University, India (2004).
    Research Focus: Breast cancer, estrogen receptors, molecular pathways in cancer.

Professional Experience💼

  • Senior Research Investigator, University of Pennsylvania (2023-Present): Leading research projects focused on the KLF5-p53 axis, wound healing, and immune modulation in cancer and inflammation.
  • Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Pennsylvania (2019-2023): Investigated cytoprotective pathways in esophageal squamous epithelial cells.
  • Postdoctoral Researcher, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute (2019): Developed a prostate cancer prognostic kit using NanoString technology.
  • Researcher, University of Iowa (2017-2019): Studied WDR26’s role in breast tumor growth and lung metastasis.
  • Researcher, University of Houston (2016-2017): Explored GPR110’s involvement in cancer stem cells and HER2-resistant breast cancer.
    Expertise: Cancer research, immunology, tissue repair, drug resistance mechanisms.

Research Interests🔬

Dr. Bhargava’s research spans molecular oncology, immunology, and cellular biology. His work focuses on understanding how cellular pathways, such as the KLF5-p53 axis, regulate cell survival and tissue repair in the context of cancer. He also investigates how these pathways influence immune cell functions and their potential as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment and inflammation.
Key Areas: Cancer biology, molecular signaling, tissue regeneration, immunomodulation.

Awards and Honors🏆

  • Best Poster Presentation, Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa (2018).
  • National Eligibility Test (NET), Qualified for Lectureship, CSIR-UGC (2006, 2007, 2008).
  • GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), All India Rank 335 (2006) and 261 (2007). Recognition: Awarded for scientific excellence and contributions to pharmacology and cancer research.

Achievements🎯

Dr. Bhargava’s work has led to significant advancements in understanding cancer metastasis and immune responses in inflammatory diseases. His role as a reviewer for prestigious journals such as BMC Cancer and Cellular Signaling highlights his influence in the scientific community. He is also involved in grant reviews and serves as an editor for several scientific journals. Impact: Contributed to scientific knowledge in cancer prognosis, therapeutic development, and immunotherapy.

Upcoming Projects🚀

Dr. Bhargava is currently engaged in several innovative research projects, including exploring the role of KLF5 in extracellular matrix remodeling and its potential as a therapeutic target for wound healing and cancer. He is also investigating the modulation of immune responses in inflammatory conditions, focusing on KLF5’s impact on cytokine production and immune cell signaling. Future Focus: KLF5-targeted therapies, cancer immunotherapy, molecular mechanisms in wound healing.

Publications📚

  1. Bhargava, D.; Rusakow, D.; Zheng, W.; Awad, S.; Katz, J.P.
    KLF5 inhibition initiates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in non-transformed human squamous epithelial cells.
    BBA-Molecular Cell Research, 2024
  2. Jiao, X.; Di Sante, G.; Casimiro, M.; Tantos, A.; Ashton, A.; Li, Z.; Quach, Y.; Bhargava, D.; DiRocco, A.; et al.
    A cyclin D1 intrinsically disordered domain accesses modified histone motifs to govern gene transcription.
    Oncogenesis, 2024;
  3. Dutta, A.; Bhagat, S.; Paul, S.; Katz, J.P.; Sengupta, D.; Bhargava, D.
    Neutrophils in Cancer and Potential Therapeutic Strategies Using Neutrophil-Derived Exosomes.
    Vaccines (Basel), 2023
  4. Yang, Y.; Bhargava, D.; Chen, X.; Zhou, T.; Dursuk, G.; Jiang, W.; Wang, J.; Zong, Z.; Katz, S.I.; Lomberk, G.A.; Urrutia, R.A.; Katz, J.P.
    KLF5 and p53 comprise an incoherent feed-forward loop directing cell-fate decisions following stress.
    Cell Death Dis., 2023
  5. Bhat, R.R.; Yadav, P.; Sahay, D.; Bhargava, D.K.; Creighton, C.J.; Yazdanfard, S.; Al-Rawi, A.; Yadav, V.; Qin, L.; Nanda, S.; Sethunath, V.; Fu, X.; De Angelis, C.; Narkar, V.A.; Osborne, C.K.; Schiff, R.; Trivedi, M.V.
    GPCRs profiling and identification of GPR110 as a potential new target in HER2+ breast cancer.
    Breast Cancer Res Treat., 2018
  6. Sengupta, D.; Bhargava, D.K.; Dixit, A.; Sahoo, B.S.; Biswas, S.; Biswas, G.; Mishra, S.K.
    ERRβ signalling through FST and BCAS2 inhibits cellular proliferation in breast cancer cells.
    Br J Cancer, 2014
  7. Mishra, S.K.; Sengupta, D.; Sar, P.; Bhargava, D.K.
    Molecular Basis of Aging and Breast Cancer.
    J Cancer Sci Ther, 2013;
  8. Mishra, S.K.; Kanchan, K.; Bhargava, D.K.
    A Review on EZH2 and its Epigenetic Association with Breast Cancer.
    Journal of Cancer Research Updates, 2012;
  9. Sar, P.; Bhargava, D.K.; Sengupta, D.; Rath, B.; Chaudhary, S.; et al.
    In Human Breast Cancer Cells TRβ Competes with ERα for Altering BCl2/Bax Ratio through SMP30-Mediated p53 Induction.
    J Cancer Sci Ther, 2012;