Neven Saleh | Healthcare Engineering Systems | Women Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Neven Saleh | Healthcare Engineering Systems | Women Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Future University in Egypt | Egypt

Assist. Prof. Dr. Neven Saleh is a highly motivated and detail-oriented researcher with extensive experience in biomedical engineering, machine learning, deep learning for disease diagnosis, healthcare technology, hospital design, and assistive communication systems. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Politecnico di Torino and a master’s and bachelor’s degree in biomedical and electronics engineering from Egyptian universities. She has served as an associate professor at multiple institutions, supervised numerous Ph.D. and M.Sc. students, and contributed to international research collaborations across Italy, Egypt, and the USA. Her research interests focus on AI-driven diagnostic systems for retinal and neurological disorders, cancer detection using image processing, healthcare technology assessment, hospital workflow optimization, and assistive technologies for patients with disabilities. She has received multiple awards and honors for her innovative projects, teaching excellence, and scientific contributions, including national competitions, best thesis awards, and international conference recognitions. She possesses strong research skills in machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, biomedical signal processing, medical instrumentation, and healthcare technology management. She is a member of professional organizations such as TWAS-OWSD and IFMBE and has completed advanced certifications in machine learning, clinical engineering, and healthcare quality management. Her research impact is reflected in 277 citations by 204 documents, 41 publications, and an h-index of 9.

Profile: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Saleh, N., Sharawi, A. A., Abd Elwahed, M., Petti, A., Puppato, D., & Balestra, G. (2014). Preventive maintenance prioritization index of medical equipment using quality function deployment. IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics, 19(3), 1029–1035.

  2. Saleh, N., Abdel Wahed, M., & Salaheldin, A. M. (2022). Transfer learning‐based platform for detecting multi‐classification retinal disorders using optical coherence tomography images. International Journal of Imaging Systems and Technology, 32(3), 740–752.

  3. Saleh, N., Farghaly, M., Elshaaer, E., & Mousa, A. (2020). Smart glove-based gestures recognition system for Arabic sign language. In 2020 International Conference on Innovative Trends in Communication and … (pp. 37–…).

  4. Saleh, N., Hassan, M. A., & Salaheldin, A. M. (2024). Skin cancer classification based on an optimized convolutional neural network and multicriteria decision-making. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 17323.

  5. Salaheldin, A. M., Abdel Wahed, M., Talaat, M., & Saleh, N. (2024). Deep learning‐based automated detection and grading of papilledema from OCT images: A promising approach for improved clinical diagnosis and management. International Journal of Imaging Systems and Technology, 34(4), e23133.

Dr. Khadijah Dashti | Biomedical and Healthcare Applications | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Khadijah Dashti | Biomedical and Healthcare Applications | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Kuwait University | Kuwait

Dr. Khadijah Mohammed Dashti is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Medical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Agents. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kuwait University, where she has been a faculty member since 2023. With extensive expertise in microbial diseases and innovative approaches to antibiotic discovery, Dr. Dashti is a leading figure in her field.

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓Academic Qualifications 

Dr. Khadijah Mohammed Dashti holds a rich academic background in Medical Laboratory Sciences and Biomedical Sciences. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc.) in Medical Laboratory Sciences at Kuwait University in 2011, where her research project investigated “The prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli in Kuwait.”Her academic journey continued with two Master’s Degrees (M.Sc.). The first, in Biomedical Sciences, was awarded by the University of Westminster in 2015, with her thesis focusing on “The effect of heavy metals on biofilm formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.” The second, in Medical Laboratory Sciences, was earned at Kuwait University in 2016, and her thesis explored “The Prevalence of Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Kuwait and Typing of the Isolates by MLST.”

Dr. Dashti achieved her Ph.D. in Microbial Diseases and Antimicrobial Agents from University College London in 2023. Her doctoral research, titled “Natural Antibiotic Discovery,” reflects her profound dedication to finding innovative solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance.

🧪Academic Experience and Achievements 

Dr. Dashti has been actively involved in academic mentorship, having supervised four B.Sc. student projects since 2023. These projects explored diverse topics such as the antibacterial potential of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli, the use of garlic and essential oils in combating resistance, and the discovery of novel antibacterials by mining Pseudomonas aeruginosa genomes. Her guidance and expertise have fostered critical research in microbial sciences.She has also attended and benefited from workshops such as the Bioinformatics course and the How to Write a Good Dissertation/Thesis session, both presented by Prof. Sebastian Amyes at Kuwait University, further enhancing her academic and mentorship capabilities.

🔬Research Interests 

Dr. Dashti’s research interests center on understanding and combating pathogenic microorganisms and antibiotic resistance. She investigates the mechanisms of drug resistance in critical pathogens such as Staphylococci/MRSA and ESKAPE pathogens, aiming to develop novel antibacterial methods. Her work also delves into understanding host-bacteria interactions, focusing on their dynamics in health and disease. A key area of her current research is the identification of new sources of antibiotic-producing bacteria to address global challenges in infectious disease treatment.

🌍Memberships and Affiliations 

A dedicated professional, Dr. Dashti is an active member of the Society for Applied Microbiology (SfAM) and the Microbiology Society, maintaining her affiliation with both organizations since 2016.

🧠Skills and Expertise 

Dr. Dashti possesses advanced skills in bioinformatics, antimicrobial resistance, and microbial pathogenicity. Her strong expertise in antibiotic discovery and development of novel antibacterial techniques underscores her commitment to addressing infectious diseases. Furthermore, her proficiency in academic supervision, research project guidance, and publication of high-quality research demonstrates her multifaceted expertise in microbial sciences.Dr. Khadijah Mohammed Dashti’s significant contributions to antimicrobial research and her dedication to mentoring future scientists make her an inspiring figure in the field of microbiology.

Publications Top Noted📚

Genetic landscape and clinical outcomes of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease in Kuwait

Authors: Alhaddad, M.E., Mohammad, A., Dashti, K.M., Al-Ali, M., Ali, H.
Journal: Heliyon
Year: 2024

Diversity of multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii population in a major hospital in Kuwait

Authors: Vali, L., Dashti, K., Opazo-Capurro, A.F., Al Obaid, K., Evans, B.A.
Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology
Year: 2015