Julio Chagas | Computational Chemistry | Best Scholar Award

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Dr. Julio Chagas | Computational Chemistry | Best Scholar Award 

Postdoctoral Scholar | Northwestern University | United States

Dr. Julio Cesar Verli Chagas is an emerging scholar in theoretical and computational chemistry whose research advances the understanding of molecular electronic structure, excited-state dynamics, and frontier spectroscopic phenomena. His academic influence continues to grow, with 8 peer-reviewed journal publications, 7 completed or ongoing research projects, and a citation impact reflected by 26 citations, an h-index of 3, and additional Scopus metrics indicating 19 citations across 14 documents. His work centers on multireference quantum chemistry methods, enabling accurate modeling of electronically complex systems and contributing to improved predictive capabilities in chemical physics. Chagas has notably elucidated excited-state manifolds in conjugated and photoactive molecules, providing insights that support the development of advanced optical materials and next-generation photonic applications. His research portfolio integrates high-level theory with cutting-edge experimentation, particularly through investigations of molecular optical responses and entangled-photon spectroscopy—an emerging direction that strengthens the interface between quantum chemistry and quantum optics. International collaborations have been central to his scientific contributions, including work with Prof. Hans Lischka on excited-state computational methodologies and Prof. George Schatz on optical and nonlinear spectroscopic modeling, enhancing the interdisciplinary reach and global relevance of his research. He has presented at over 25 scientific conferences and actively contributes to collaborative scientific initiatives in the United States, Brazil, and Europe. Through rigorous modeling, innovative methodological development, and cross-disciplinary research, Chagas’ work provides foundational insights with potential societal impact in areas such as photonic materials, spectroscopy-driven chemical sensing, and quantum-enhanced measurement technologies. His growing scholarly footprint reflects a trajectory of continued excellence and expanding international recognition.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Milanez, B. D., Chagas, J. C. V., Pinheiro Jr, M., Aquino, A. J. A., & Lischka, H. (2020). Effects on the aromaticity and on the biradicaloid nature of acenes by the inclusion of a cyclobutadiene linkage. Theoretical Chemistry Accounts, 139(7), 113. Citations: 7

  2. Dos Santos, L. G. F., Chagas, J. C. V., Ferrão, L. F. A., Aquino, A. J. A., Nieman, R., & Lischka, H. (2025). Tuning aromaticity, stability and radicaloid character of periacenes by chemical BN doping. Journal of Computational Chemistry, 46(3), e70039. Citations: 5

  3. Chagas, J. C. V., Milanez, B. D., Oliveira, V. P., Pinheiro Jr, M., Ferrão, L. F. A., & Aquino, A. J. A. (2024). A multi-descriptor analysis of substituent effects on the structure and aromaticity of benzene derivatives: π-conjugation versus charge effects. Journal of Computational Chemistry, 45(12), 863–877. Citations: 4

  4. Plasser, F., Lischka, H., Shepard, R., Szalay, P. G., Pitzer, R. M., Alves, R. L. R., Chagas, J. C. V., … (2025). COLUMBUS─An efficient and general program package for ground and excited state computations including spin–orbit couplings and dynamics. The Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 129(28), 6482–6517. Citations: 2

  5. Pimentel, J. V. M., Chagas, J. C. V., Pinheiro Jr, M., Aquino, A. J. A., & Lischka, H. (2025). Thermally activated delayed fluorescence in B, N-substituted tetracene derivatives: A theoretical pathway to enhanced OLED materials. The Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 129(2), 470–480. Citations: 2

Eveline Bezerra | Computational Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Eveline Bezerra | Computational Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid | Brazil

Dr. Eveline Matias Bezerra is a Brazilian physicist and researcher recognized for her interdisciplinary work bridging atomic and molecular physics, quantum biochemistry, and nanotechnology applied to health. Her research integrates advanced computational simulations and molecular modeling to explore the structural, electronic, and optical properties of molecules, biomolecules, and nanostructured materials, contributing to the development of novel therapeutic and technological applications. With a focus on neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and Chagas disease, her studies have provided quantum-level insights into drug-protein interactions and the behavior of bioactive compounds at the nanoscale. She has published 20 scientific papers, which have collectively received 391 citations by 285 documents, and she holds an h-index of 13, demonstrating her growing international impact in computational and theoretical biophysics. Dr. Bezerra’s contributions have been featured in prominent journals, including ACS Chemical Neuroscience and RSC Advances, where her recent works addressed molecular mechanisms in Alzheimer’s therapy and optical properties of donor–acceptor systems. Actively engaged in national and international collaborations, she plays a pivotal role in advancing quantum biochemistry and materials science research in Brazil. Beyond her publications, Dr. Bezerra has made significant contributions to scientific mentoring and academic development, guiding students in physics, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sciences. Her work exemplifies the integration of computational physics and biomedical innovation, contributing to societal health solutions and technological progress through interdisciplinary science.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Da Costa, R. F., Freire, V. N., Bezerra, E. M., Cavada, B. S., Caetano, E. W. S., & others. (2012). Explaining statin inhibition effectiveness of HMG-CoA reductase by quantum biochemistry computations. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 14(4), 1389–1398. [Citations: 98]

  2. Dantas, D. S., Oliveira, J. I. N., Neto, J. X. L., da Costa, R. F., Bezerra, E. M., Freire, V. N., & others. (2015). Quantum molecular modelling of ibuprofen bound to human serum albumin. RSC Advances, 5(61), 49439–49450. [Citations: 52]

  3. Zanatta, G., Nunes, G., Bezerra, E. M., da Costa, R. F., Martins, A., Caetano, E. W. S., & others. (2014). Antipsychotic haloperidol binding to the human dopamine D3 receptor: Beyond docking through QM/MM refinement toward the design of improved schizophrenia medicines. ACS Chemical Neuroscience, 5(10), 1041–1054. [Citations: 46]

  4. Tessarolo, L. D., Mello, C. P., Lima, D. B., Magalhães, E. P., Bezerra, E. M., & others. (2018). Nanoencapsulation of benznidazole in calcium carbonate increases its selectivity to Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitology, 145(9), 1191–1198. [Citations: 34]

  5. Zanatta, G., Barroso-Neto, I. L., Bambini-Junior, V., Dutra, M. F., Bezerra, E. M., & others. (2012). Quantum biochemistry description of the human dopamine D3 receptor in complex with the selective antagonist eticlopride. Journal of Proteomics & Bioinformatics, 5, 155–162. [Citations: 32]

Saika Farook | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Saika Farook | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Ibrahim Medical College | Bangladesh

Dr. Saika Farook is a distinguished Bangladeshi microbiologist and academic, currently serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Ibrahim Medical College, Dhaka, and as Adjunct Faculty at BRAC University. She earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Microbiology from BIRDEM Academy, affiliated with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in 2020, following her MBBS from Noakhali Medical College under Chittagong University in 2014. Her foundational education includes H.S.C. from Rajuk Uttara Model College. Professionally, Dr. Farook has accumulated extensive clinical and research experience, having served as a Junior Consultant and Virologist at DMFR Molecular Lab & Diagnostics, an MD resident at BIRDEM Academy, and an intern doctor at Jananeta Nurul Haque Adhunik Hospital. Her research focuses on molecular microbiology, infectious diseases, and the epidemiology of Burkholderia pseudomallei, with ongoing projects on detection, molecular epidemiology, and clinical characterization of melioidosis in Bangladesh. Dr. Farook has led and participated in numerous workshops, including bacterial genomics, antimicrobial resistance, bioinformatics, molecular techniques, and infection prevention and control, and she has organized the 3rd South Asian Melioidosis Congress-2023. Her scholarly contributions include 18 publications in peer-reviewed journals, covering diagnostics, molecular epidemiology, and clinical case reports, with presentations at national and international conferences. She is a life member of the Bangladesh Society of Medical Microbiologists and a contributing member of the Global Outreach of the American Society for Microbiology. Dr. Farook’s work has significantly advanced microbiology research and public health awareness in Bangladesh, bridging clinical findings to laboratory investigations and global collaboration. Her academic excellence is further reflected in her research impact, with 6 citations across 4 documents and an h-index of 2.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

 

Featured Publications

Moutusy, S. I., Farook, S., Mazumder, S., & Jilani, M. S. A. (2024, Jan). Modified MacConkey agar: A simple selective medium for isolation of Burkholderia pseudomallei from soil. [Full text]. IMC Journal of Medical Science.

Jilani, M. S. A., Farook, S., Bhattacharjee, A., & Tuanyok, A. (2023, Dec). Phylogeographic characterization of Burkholderia pseudomallei isolated from Bangladesh. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0011823

Farook, S., Jilani, M. S. A., Islam, M. K., Rawal, S. K., & Mendiratta, N. (2023, Aug). IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis: A case report of a challenging disease. Clinical Case Reports, 11(9), e7865.

Farook, S., Hoque, F., Anwar, S., & Jilani, M. S. A. (2022, Dec). Melioidosis: Bridging the gap from bedside to bench in Bangladesh. Z H Sikder Women’s Medical College Journal, 5(1), 53–57.

Muhib, F., Farook, S., Hossain, M. B., & Jilani, M. S. A. (2025, Sep). Septicemic melioidosis in a young adult with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major. Current Research in Microbial Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100464