CarlaAndreea Culda | Biology | Young Scientist Award

Ms. CarlaAndreea Culda | Biology | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Carla AndreeaCulda at University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Carla Andreea Culda is a dedicated researcher in parasitology, specializing in vector-borne diseases and conservation medicine. She is a Ph.D. student at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Babeș-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca, and has extensive international research experience, including work in the Galápagos Islands, Italy, and Portugal. With a strong background in molecular biology, she has contributed to numerous high-impact research projects, publications, and science communication initiatives. As a teaching assistant and molecular biology technician, she mentors young scientists while advancing cutting-edge research in parasitology and public health.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Educational Background 🎓

Carla Andreea Culda holds a Ph.D. in Parasitology from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Babeș-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca (2020-present). She earned a Master’s degree in Medical Biology (2018-2020) and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology (2015-2018) from the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca. She has participated in specialized training programs, including a Conservation Genetics Traineeship in Portugal (2025) and a Science Communication Camp (2023). Her education combines expertise in molecular biology, parasitology, and ecology, preparing her for impactful contributions in conservation medicine.

Professional Background🏆

Carla has worked on multiple international research projects, including vector-borne pathogen studies in Galápagos (2020-present), eco-ethological monitoring of Alpine marmots in Italy (2023), and parasitology research in Portugal (2025). She co-organized the EUA-CDE Thematic Workshop on sustainability in doctoral education (2023) and serves as a molecular biology technician (2024-present). Additionally, she has been a teaching assistant (2021-present) and has supervised students in laboratory research. With expertise in diagnostics, fieldwork, and project coordination, she continues to contribute significantly to parasitology and conservation science.

Awards and Honors🏅

Carla has received multiple accolades, including the Leader Award from the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (2020) for mentoring young scientists. She has been part of eight research projects, securing grants and recognition for her contributions to molecular biology and epidemiology. Her work in vector-borne diseases, public health, and One Health initiatives has earned her invitations to prestigious workshops, conferences, and training programs worldwide. She has delivered 17 oral presentations and 8 poster presentations at international conferences, showcasing her impactful research.

Research Focus🔬

Carla specializes in vector-borne diseases, molecular parasitology, and conservation medicine. Her Ph.D. research focuses on vector-borne pathogens in dogs from the Galápagos Islands, contributing to conservation efforts. She has conducted research on avian malaria, parasitic threats to wildlife, and eco-ethological monitoring of Alpine marmots. Her work integrates molecular biology techniques with epidemiological modeling to advance One Health approaches. She is also involved in projects on RT-PCR data analysis and AI-driven epidemiological studies, bridging molecular diagnostics with global health initiatives.

Publication Top Notes

1️⃣ Feeding sources of mosquitoes in Galapagos Islands: A potential threat to wildlife conservation 🦟🌍
📅 Year: 2025 | 📑 Journal: Acta Tropica 262, 107528

2️⃣ Canine vector-borne parasites in the Galapagos 🐶🦠
📅 Year: 2024 | 📑 Journal: Parasites & Vectors 17 (1), 515

3️⃣ Gasterophilus in horses from Romania: diversity, prevalence, seasonal dynamics, and distribution 🐴📊
📅 Year: 2024 | 📑 Journal: Parasitology Research 123 (12), 416

4️⃣ Molecular survey of flea-borne pathogens in fleas associated with carnivores from Algeria and an Artificial Neural Network-based risk analysis of flea-borne diseases 🦠🤖
📅 Year: 2024 | 📑 Journal: Research in Veterinary Science 171, 105235

Conclusion

Carla Andreea Culda is a highly accomplished young researcher with extensive expertise in parasitology, molecular biology, and conservation medicine. Her international research experience, including work in the Galápagos Islands, Italy, and Portugal, demonstrates her global scientific impact. With 12 impact-factor publications, multiple conference presentations, and leadership in student grants and research projects, she has established herself as a promising scientist. Her active role in teaching, science communication, and workshop organization further highlights her commitment to academic and public engagement. While expanding independent research funding could enhance her profile, her strong collaborative efforts, innovative research, and contributions to biological sciences make her a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award.

 

 

Nurhayat Barlas | Biology Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Nurhayat Barlas | Biology Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Nurhayat Barlas, Dept. of Biology, Turkey

👩‍🔬 Prof. Nurhayat Barlas is a distinguished Professor at Hacettepe University in Turkey, specializing in Biology with a focus on toxicology and developmental biology. With extensive expertise in endocrine disruptors, her research delves into the effects of chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol A on reproductive health. She has authored numerous publications, contributing significantly to the understanding of environmental impacts on organisms. As an active member of various scientific societies including EUROTOX and IUTOX, she remains committed to advancing knowledge in ecotoxicology and histopathology, aiming to safeguard environmental and human health.

 

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Qualification 

📚 Prof. Nurhayat Barlas has pursued an illustrious academic journey at Hacettepe University, Turkey, spanning over four decades. Beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1985, she delved deeper into her field with a Master’s and a Doctorate, specializing in Zoology. Over the years, she ascended through the academic ranks, serving as an Assistant Professor from 1995 to 1997, followed by an Associate Professorship until 2003. Since then, she has held the esteemed position of Professor at the Department of Biology, demonstrating her enduring dedication to education, research, and leadership in the field of biology. 🌱

 

Research Focus

🔬 Prof. Nurhayat Barlas’s research focus primarily revolves around environmental toxicology, with a particular emphasis on the effects of various chemicals and pollutants on biological systems. Her work spans across a range of topics, including the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A and nonylphenol on liver and brain health, as well as the assessment of heavy metal residues in aquatic environments. Through her studies on oxidative damage, genotoxic potential, and reproductive toxicity, Prof. Barlas contributes significantly to understanding the implications of environmental pollutants on human and animal health, providing valuable insights for environmental management and public health policies. 🌱

 

Publication Top Notes 

📚 “Influence of vitamin C on bisphenol A, nonylphenol and octylphenol induced oxidative damages in liver of male rats” cited by 221, published in 2010.
📚 “Assessment of heavy metal residues in the sediment and water samples of Uluabat Lake, Turkey” cited by 152, published in 2005.
📚 “The effect of vitamin C on bisphenol A, nonylphenol and octylphenol induced brain damages of male rats” cited by 145, published in 2008.
📚 “Carbendazim-induced haematological, biochemical and histopathological changes to the liver and kidney of male rats” cited by 139, published in 2001.
📚 “Determination of organochlorine pesticide residues in various environments and organisms in Göksu Delta, Turkey” cited by 126, published in 1997.
📚 “A pilot study of heavy metal concentration in various environments and fishes in the upper Sakarya River Basin, Turkey” cited by 102, published in 1999.