Tag: Cancer Biology Excellence Award

Tanya Stoyanova | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by WSA Awards

Dr. Tanya Stoyanova | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

University of California, Los Angeles, United States

Dr. Tanya Stoyanova is an accomplished Associate Professor with tenure in the Departments of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology and Urology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she also serves as Department Vice Chair for Inclusive Excellence. She earned a B.S. in Ecology and Environmental Protection from the Technical University of Varna, Bulgaria (2001), a B.S. in Biology from the University of Kansas, USA (2003), and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from the University of Illinois, Chicago (2009), followed by a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology at UCLA under Prof. Owen Witte (2009–2015). Her professional experience spans roles at Stanford University as Assistant and later Associate Professor of Radiology (2015–2022), before returning to UCLA to assume leadership in cancer research and faculty governance. Dr. Stoyanova’s research interests focus on cancer biology, molecular pharmacology, stem cell biology, biomarker discovery, and targeted therapeutics, with emphasis on prostate, lung, and epithelial cancers. She has led multiple NIH and Department of Defense–funded projects exploring novel molecular targets such as Trop2, UCHL1, ATAD2, and GSTP1, advancing minimally invasive diagnostics and innovative treatment strategies. Skilled in molecular genetics, biochemistry, cancer model systems, and translational pharmacology, she has contributed extensively to high-impact journals including Nature Cancer, Science Advances, and Clinical and Translational Medicine, while serving on editorial boards for Frontiers in Oncology and The Prostate. Her distinguished honors include the NIH/NCI R37 MERIT Award, multiple Department of Defense Idea Development Awards, the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center Ablon Scholars Award, the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation Pilot Award, and the Society of Basic Urologic Research Young Investigator Award. In conclusion, Dr. Stoyanova’s blend of academic excellence, research innovation, international collaboration, and commitment to mentorship and inclusivity positions her as a global leader in translational cancer research, with strong potential to further advance diagnostics and therapies that significantly impact healthcare outcomes.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | Staff Page

Featured Publications

  1. Lee, J. K., Phillips, J. W., Smith, B. A., Park, J. W., Stoyanova, T., McCaffrey, E. F., … (2016). N-Myc drives neuroendocrine prostate cancer initiated from human prostate epithelial cells. Cancer Cell, 29(4), 536–547.

  2. Liu, F., Vermesh, O., Mani, V., Ge, T. J., Madsen, S. J., Sabour, A., Hsu, E. C., … (2017). The exosome total isolation chip. ACS Nano, 11(11), 10712–10723.

  3. Rice, M. A., Malhotra, S. V., & Stoyanova, T. (2019). Second-generation antiandrogens: From discovery to standard of care in castration resistant prostate cancer. Frontiers in Oncology, 9, 801.

  4. Ghoochani, A., Hsu, E. C., Aslan, M., Rice, M. A., Nguyen, H. M., Brooks, J. D., … (2021). Ferroptosis inducers are a novel therapeutic approach for advanced prostate cancer. Cancer Research, 81(6), 1583–1594.

  5. Drake, J. M., Paull, E. O., Graham, N. A., Lee, J. K., Smith, B. A., Titz, B., Stoyanova, T., … (2016). Phosphoproteome integration reveals patient-specific networks in prostate cancer. Cell, 166(4), 1041–1054.

Lakshmanan Govindan | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by WSA Awards

Assist. Prof. Dr. Lakshmanan Govindan | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, India

Dr. Lakshmanan Govindan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Centre for Advanced Study in Botany at the University of Madras, specializing in pharmacology and plant biotechnology. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. focused on the isolation of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and their biological activities, with a strong emphasis on anticancer and antidiabetic properties. He has also contributed significantly to the field of nanotechnology, particularly in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and their applications in drug delivery systems. His research extends to plant tissue culture techniques and the biodegradation of textile dyes, aiming to address environmental concerns. Dr. Govindan’s research skills encompass plant molecular biology, cancer cell line studies, and advanced nanomaterial synthesis, positioning him as a prominent figure in his field. His dedication to research excellence has been recognized through several accolades, including the Young Scientist Award at the International Research Awards on Science, Technology, and Management, and the Best Researcher Award from the Environmental Scientists organization. Additionally, he received the Award of Excellence in Research at the National Faculty Award 2022-2023 by the Novel Research Academy, Puducherry, and the Best Administrator and Best Researcher Awards from the Innovative and Advanced Multidisciplinary Research Foundation in 2024. These honors reflect his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and his active involvement in academic and research communities. In conclusion, Dr. Lakshmanan Govindan’s multifaceted expertise in pharmacology, plant biotechnology, and nanotechnology, coupled with his extensive research experience and recognition, underscores his significant contributions to science and education.

Profile: Sopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Lakshmanan, G., Sathiyaseelan, A., Kalaichelvan, P. T., & Murugesan, K. (2018). Plant-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles using fruit extract of Cleome viscosa L.: Assessment of their antibacterial and anticancer activity. Karbala International Journal of Modern Science, 4(1), 61–68.

Al-Hashimi, A. G., Ammar, A. B., Lakshmanan, G., Cacciola, F., & Lakhssassi, N. (2020). Development of a millet starch edible film containing clove essential oil. Foods, 9(2), 184.

Lakshmanan Govindan, M. K., Anbazhagan, S., Altemimi, A. B., & Karthik, … (2020). Efficacy of antimicrobial and larvicidal activities of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Plumbago auriculata Lam. Plants, 9(1577), 1–13.

Lakshmikanthan, M., Muthu, S., Krishnan, K., Altemimi, A. B., Haider, N. N., … (2024). A comprehensive review on anthocyanin-rich foods: Insights into extraction, medicinal potential, and sustainable applications. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 17, 101245.

Rama, P., Vignesh, A., Lakshmanan, G., & Murugesan, K. (2013). In vitro antioxidant activity of Achyranthes aspera Linn. International Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3(2), 67–78.

Rama, P., Baldelli, A., Vignesh, A., Altemimi, A. B., Lakshmanan, G., Selvam, R., … (2022). Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and angiogenic bioactive silver nanoparticles produced using Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack leaves. Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, 12, 18479804211056167.