Ane’ Orchard | Healthcare Applications | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ane’ Orchard | Healthcare Applications | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Dr. Ané Orchard is a dedicated pharmacist, academic, and senior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand with extensive experience in clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical microbiology, and health sciences education. Her work bridges the gap between academic research and real-world public health outcomes, with a strong focus on probiotics, antimicrobial resistance, microbiome-linked diseases, and pharmacy education. She has led and contributed to numerous national and international research projects, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing healthcare and education. Her ability to mentor students, lead collaborative research efforts, and publish in reputed journals highlights her as a well-rounded scholar. Recognized for her academic citizenship and public contributions, Dr. Orchard is committed to impactful and socially relevant research. Her ongoing projects and future plans reflect her dedication to driving change through scientific inquiry, collaboration, and innovation, making her a respected figure in the academic and healthcare research community.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Ané Orchard pursued her higher education in pharmacy at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she completed both her undergraduate and doctoral studies. She has received rigorous training in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, microbiology, and health education, equipping her with a comprehensive foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of pharmacy. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to lifelong learning, with a particular focus on integrating science and healthcare for community benefit. In addition to formal degrees, she has undertaken continuous professional development to stay current with advances in pharmaceutical practice and healthcare education. Her doctoral research laid the groundwork for her current interdisciplinary studies that span clinical practice, microbiology, and public health. Through her education, she has developed the critical thinking and research skills necessary to address pressing challenges in healthcare and pharmacy education, laying a solid platform for her contributions to academia and research.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ané Orchard has built a dynamic professional career centered around academic teaching, research, and public health impact. As a senior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, she has been instrumental in developing and delivering curriculum in clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical microbiology, and health sciences education. Her responsibilities extend beyond classroom teaching to include student mentorship, supervision of postgraduate research, and academic leadership in collaborative projects. She has led multiple research initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes and advancing pharmacy practice. Her involvement in international collaborations, such as the Una Europa – Africa Partnership, showcases her ability to work across borders and disciplines. In addition to her academic role, she contributes to institutional development by participating in quality assurance, curriculum review, and community outreach. Her professional journey reflects a strong alignment between research excellence, educational impact, and a broader vision of healthcare improvement through evidence-based practices.

Research Interest

Dr. Ané Orchard’s research interests span a broad and interdisciplinary range that includes clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical microbiology, public health, and health sciences education. She is particularly focused on the role of probiotics, antimicrobial resistance, and microbiome-related diseases, contributing to a deeper understanding of how these elements affect patient health and therapeutic strategies. Her research also explores innovations in pharmacy education, aiming to enhance the training of future healthcare professionals through evidence-based teaching methods. Additionally, she is engaged in public health-focused studies that address community health challenges in resource-constrained environments. Her commitment to applied, socially relevant research has driven her involvement in international collaborations aimed at addressing global health concerns. Dr. Orchard continues to investigate how natural products and medicinal chemistry can be integrated into therapeutic solutions. Her interdisciplinary approach ensures that her research contributes to both scientific advancement and practical improvements in healthcare delivery and education.

Award and Honor

Dr. Ané Orchard has received several honors and awards in recognition of her academic excellence, research contributions, and public service. She was selected as one of the Mail and Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans, a prestigious recognition celebrating individuals making a significant impact in their respective fields. She has also been honored with her university’s Academic Citizenship Award, acknowledging her dedication to institutional service, student mentorship, and research excellence. Her work has received accolades at both national and international conferences, where she has earned awards for best presentations and scientific posters. These achievements reflect her ability to communicate research findings effectively and contribute meaningfully to academic discourse. Her consistent recognition is a testament to her leadership in the field of pharmacy and health sciences. Through these awards, Dr. Orchard’s influence in education, research, and public engagement is validated, and she continues to inspire peers and students alike with her dedication and professionalism.

Research Skill

Dr. Ané Orchard possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that span both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, making her well-equipped for interdisciplinary scientific inquiry. She is proficient in designing and managing clinical and laboratory-based research studies, particularly in the areas of pharmaceutical microbiology, probiotics, and public health. Her skills include advanced data analysis, statistical evaluation, systematic reviews, and scientific writing for publication in peer-reviewed journals. She is adept at research ethics compliance, proposal writing, and grant applications, reflecting her capability to lead and sustain funded research projects. Her involvement in collaborative international studies has enhanced her ability to coordinate multi-site research and contribute to cross-disciplinary innovation. Dr. Orchard is also skilled in mentoring students and junior researchers, supporting their development in academic writing, critical thinking, and experimental design. Her research competencies are continually updated through professional development, ensuring relevance and rigor in her approach to addressing health-related scientific challenges.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Commercial essential oils as potential antimicrobials to treat skin diseases
Authors: A Orchard, S van Vuuren
Year: 2017
Citations: 323

Title: The in vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Chemometric Modelling of 59 Commercial Essential Oils against Pathogens of Dermatological Relevance
Authors: A Orchard, M Sandasi, G Kamatou, A Viljoen, S van Vuuren
Year: 2017
Citations: 89

Title: The influence of carrier oils on the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of essential oils
Authors: A Orchard, G Kamatou, AM Viljoen, N Patel, P Mawela, SF Vuuren
Year: 2019
Citations: 79

Title: The in vitro antimicrobial evaluation of commercial essential oils and their combinations against acne
Authors: A Orchard, SF Van Vuuren, AM Viljoen, G Kamatou
Year: 2018
Citations: 55

Title: A scoping review of African natural products against gastric ulcers and Helicobacter pylori
Authors: S Dinat, A Orchard, S Van Vuuren
Year: 2023
Citations: 38

Title: Wound pathogens: Investigating antimicrobial activity of commercial essential oil combinations against reference strains
Authors: A Orchard, A Viljoen, S van Vuuren
Year: 2018
Citations: 29

Title: Carrier oils in dermatology
Authors: A Orchard, SF van Vuuren
Year: 2019
Citations: 27

Title: Commercial essential oil combinations against topical fungal pathogens
Authors: A Orchard, SF van Vuuren, AM Viljoen
Year: 2019
Citations: 23

Title: Antimicrobial essential oil combinations to combat foot odour
Authors: A Orchard, A Viljoen, S van Vuuren
Year: 2018
Citations: 18

Title: High prevalence but lack of awareness of hypertension in South Africa, particularly among men and young adults
Authors: AJ Woodiwiss, A Orchard, CMC Mels, AS Uys, BN Nkeh-Chungag, …
Year: 2025
Citations: 13

Conclusion

Dr. Ané Orchard is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her impactful contributions to clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical microbiology, and health sciences education. Her research has significantly advanced understanding in areas such as probiotics, antimicrobial resistance, and public health, while also contributing to the academic development of future healthcare professionals. Through her leadership in research projects and recognition for academic citizenship, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to both scientific excellence and societal impact. With her ongoing projects and potential for expanded interdisciplinary and international collaboration, she is well positioned for continued leadership and innovation in her field.

Rana Raza Mehdi | Machine Learning in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

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Mr . Rana Raza Mehdi | Machine Learning in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

PhD candidate, Graduate Research Assistant at Texas A&M University, United States

Rana Raza Mehdi is a dynamic fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University, specializing in computational cardiovascular bioengineering. His interdisciplinary research fuses deep learning, medical imaging, and computational biomechanics to design non-invasive diagnostic tools for cardiovascular disease. With a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and advanced training in biomedical systems, Rana’s work is highly translational, targeting clinical applications in early disease diagnosis and cardiac tissue remodeling. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and presented his findings at international conferences, earning recognition for scientific innovation and technical rigor. His contributions span human-guided machine learning, in-silico heart modeling, and biomechanical characterizations of myocardial infarction. He has also collaborated with experts across engineering, cardiology, and computational science domains. Recognized by prestigious awards and fellowships, his trajectory reflects both academic excellence and research leadership. Rana is poised to make significant contributions to the future of cardiovascular health and medical AI.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Rana Raza Mehdi holds a diverse and globally enriched academic background, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan, where he focused on prosthesis design and biomechanics. He then pursued a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Sejong University in Seoul, South Korea, where he conducted thesis research on acoustoelasticity-based measurements and the influence of temperature on third-order elastic constants. Currently, he is a Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University, College Station, USA. His doctoral research explores the integration of deep learning and medical imaging for predicting cardiac biomechanical remodeling. His interdisciplinary thesis bridges engineering and medical science to address diagnostic challenges in cardiovascular diseases. Through each academic stage, Rana has cultivated a blend of mechanical, computational, and biomedical skills that serve as the foundation for his cutting-edge work in computational cardiology and machine learning-driven healthcare solutions.

Professional Experience📝

Rana Raza Mehdi has acquired substantial research and teaching experience across three countries. At Texas A&M University, he has been serving as a Graduate Research Assistant since January 2022 in the Computational Cardiovascular Bioengineering Laboratory under Dr. Reza Avazmohammadi, working on machine learning-enabled diagnostics in cardiac imaging. He has also contributed as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in biomaterials and soft tissue mechanics courses, fostering a solid understanding of both experimental and theoretical aspects of biomedical engineering. Prior to this, he held research positions at Sejong University, South Korea, where he focused on the acoustoelastic behavior of materials and served as a Master’s Researcher under Dr. Gang Won Jang. His global research experience spans experimental mechanics, finite element analysis, cardiac biomechanics, and deep learning, offering a broad and adaptable skill set. His collaborative projects and mentorship roles in interdisciplinary teams further highlight his growing leadership in biomedical research.

Research Interest🔎

Rana Raza Mehdi’s research interests lie at the intersection of medical imaging, computational biomechanics, and machine learning, with a central focus on cardiovascular health. He aims to develop non-invasive, data-driven diagnostic tools that predict cardiac biomechanical remodeling and identify myocardial dysfunction. His work involves the integration of in-vivo imaging, ex-vivo tissue data, and in-silico models to study pathologies such as myocardial infarction and pulmonary hypertension. He is particularly interested in applying deep learning algorithms to estimate cardiac tissue stiffness, scar localization, and hemodynamic changes, facilitating early diagnosis and personalized treatment planning. Rana also explores human-guided feature selection and hybrid models that combine physiological knowledge with AI frameworks. His broader interest extends to cardiac strain imaging, sarcomere dynamics, and the use of high-fidelity simulations to improve cardiac care. Ultimately, his research aims to bridge the gap between engineering and clinical medicine, enhancing cardiovascular diagnostics and treatment efficacy.

Award and Honor🏆

Rana Raza Mehdi has earned several prestigious awards and honors that underscore his academic excellence and research impact. He was awarded the highly competitive American Heart Association (AHA) Predoctoral Fellowship (2025–2026), supporting his work in cardiovascular biomechanics. He also received the Heep Graduate Fellowship from the Hagler Institute for Advanced Study (2024–2025), recognizing his interdisciplinary innovation and collaborative potential. His research excellence has been acknowledged through multiple abstract and presentation awards, including the Best Abstract Award at the 8th Annual Cardiovascular Bioengineering Symposium and finalist honors at the Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Conference (SB3C). These accolades reflect his technical sophistication and ability to communicate complex biomedical findings effectively. Beyond formal awards, his invitations to speak at institutions like Brown University and his leadership in collaborative research projects further confirm his emerging prominence in computational cardiology and biomedical AI.

Research Skill🔬

Rana Raza Mehdi possesses a robust and multidisciplinary research skill set tailored to the biomedical and computational sciences. He is proficient in developing and validating deep learning models for medical imaging analysis, particularly for predicting cardiac remodeling and myocardial tissue properties. His skills include convolutional and recurrent neural networks (CNNs, RNNs), physics-informed learning, feature selection, and model interpretation. He is adept in using software like MATLAB, Python, TensorFlow, and COMSOL for modeling, simulation, and data processing. Additionally, he has hands-on experience in in-silico modeling, cardiac strain imaging, finite element analysis, and integration of multimodal data (e.g., ex-vivo, in-vivo, and simulated datasets). His expertise extends to computational fluid dynamics, acoustoelastic testing, and myocardial fiber architecture estimation. Through international collaborations and high-impact research, he has demonstrated technical excellence, analytical rigor, and innovation. Rana’s ability to blend physiological knowledge with machine learning makes him uniquely equipped to solve real-world problems in cardiovascular diagnostics.

Conclusion💡

Rana Raza Mehdi is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the PhD or early-career researcher category. His work blends deep technical skills, impactful health applications, and international research experience. With his trajectory, he stands out as a future leader in computational cardiovascular bioengineering.

Publications Top Noted✍

  • Title: Determination of third-order elastic constants using change of cross-sectional resonance frequencies by acoustoelastic effect
    Authors: B. Ji, R.R. Mehdi, G.W. Jang, S.H. Cho
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 15

  • Title: Comparison of three machine learning methods to estimate myocardial stiffness
    Authors: R.R. Mehdi, E.A. Mendiola, A. Sears, J. Ohayon, G. Choudhary, R. Pettigrew, et al.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 14

  • Title: In-silico heart model phantom to validate cardiac strain imaging
    Authors: T. Mukherjee, M. Usman, R.R. Mehdi, E. Mendiola, J. Ohayon, D. Lindquist, et al.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 11

  • Title: On the possibility of estimating myocardial fiber architecture from cardiac strains
    Authors: M. Usman, E.A. Mendiola, T. Mukherjee, R.R. Mehdi, J. Ohayon, P.G. Alluri, et al.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 9

  • Title: Machine learning-based classification of cardiac relaxation impairment using sarcomere length and intracellular calcium transients
    Authors: R.R. Mehdi, M. Kumar, E.A. Mendiola, S. Sadayappan, R. Avazmohammadi
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6

  • Title: Multi-Modality Deep Infarct: Non-invasive identification of infarcted myocardium using composite in-silico-human data learning
    Authors: R.R. Mehdi, N. Kadivar, T. Mukherjee, E.A. Mendiola, D.J. Shah, et al.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3

  • Title: Abstract P2008: Contractile Adaptation Of The Right Ventricular Myocardium In Pulmonary Hypertension
    Authors: R.R.R. Mehdi, S. Neelakantan, E. Wang, P. Zhang, G. Choudhary, et al.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 3

  • Title: Multi-material Cardiac Sleeves with Variable Stiffness Enhance Regional Strain Markers
    Authors: V. Naeini, E.A. Mendiola, R.R. Mehdi, P. Vanderslice, V. Serpooshan, et al.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Right ventricular stiffening and anisotropy alterations in pulmonary hypertension: Mechanisms and relations to function
    Authors: S. Neelakantan, A. Vang, R.R. Mehdi, H. Phelan, P. Nicely, T. Imran, P. Zhang, et al.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Effects of scar architecture on cardiac strains in myocardial infarction
    Authors: V. Naeini, S.B. Peighambari, R.R. Mehdi, E.A. Mendiola, T. Mukherjee, et al.
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Right Ventricular Stiffening and Anisotropy Alterations in Pulmonary Hypertension: Mechanisms and Relations to Right Heart Failure
    Authors: S. Neelakantan, A. Vang, R.R. Mehdi, H. Phelan, P. Nicely, T. Imran, P. Zhang, et al.
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Non‐Invasive Diagnosis of Chronic Myocardial Infarction via Composite In‐Silico‐Human Data Learning
    Authors: R.R. Mehdi, N. Kadivar, T. Mukherjee, E.A. Mendiola, A. Bersali, D.J. Shah, et al.
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Role of left ventricular anisotropy in the outcome of myocardial infarction: Insights from a rodent model
    Authors: S. Neelakantan, E. Mendiola, R.R. Mehdi, Q. Xiang, X. Zhang, K. Myers, et al.
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Abstract Tu048: Viscoelastic remodeling of the left ventricular myocardium in myocardial infarction
    Authors: S. Neelakantan, R.R. Mehdi, Q. Xiang, X. Zhang, P. Vanderslice, et al.
    Year: 2024

  • Title: On in-silico estimation of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure from cardiac strains
    Authors: E.A. Mendiola, R.R. Mehdi, D.J. Shah, R. Avazmohammadi
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Does EDPVR Represent Myocardial Tissue Stiffness? Toward a Better Definition
    Authors: R.R. Mehdi, E.A. Mendiola, V. Naeini, G. Choudhary, R. Avazmohammadi
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Acoustoelasticity-Based Measurement of Third-Order Elastic Constants Considering Temperature Effect
    Authors: R.R. Mehdi, B. Ji, G.W. Jang, S.H. Cho
    Year: 2021

  • Title: Estimating Pulmonary Arterial Pressure Differences Using Integrated Machine Learning-Computational Fluid Dynamics
    Authors: S.B. Peighambari, T. Mukherjee, R.R. Mehdi, E.A. Mendiola, et al.

  • Title: Early works on estimating left ventricle pressure from ventricular strains
    Authors: E.A. Mendiola, R.R. Mehdi, R. Avazmohammadi

Bor-Sheng Ko | Biomedical and Healthcare Applications | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bor-Sheng Ko | Biomedical and Healthcare Applications | Best Researcher Award

National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taiwan

Author Profiles

Orcid

🎓 Academic and Professional Background

Dr. Ko earned his Medical Degree from NTUCM in 1995 and later completed his PhD in Clinical Medicine from the same institution. He has held prestigious leadership roles, including President of the Taiwan Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (2019–2022) and President of the Taiwan Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcome Research (2018–2023). He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Asian-Pacific Blood and Marrow Transplantation (APBMT) Group, and currently presides over the Hematology Society of Taiwan (HST).

🏥 Designation and Institution

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bor-Sheng Ko serves as the Director of the Department of Hematological Oncology at the National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taiwan. He also holds dual roles as Director of the Tai-Cheng Cell Therapy Center and Associate Professor at the National Taiwan University College of Medicine (NTUCM).

🌍 Professional Memberships

Dr. Ko is actively engaged in numerous professional societies, including the Taiwan Society of Internal Medicine, Hematology Society of Taiwan, Taiwan Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, American Hematology Society, European Hematology Association, Asian-Pacific Bone and Marrow Transplantation Group, International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcome Research, International Society of Cell Therapy, and the European Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group.

🔬 Areas of Research

Dr. Ko’s research spans hematology, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), pharmaco-economics, and the application of machine learning and deep learning in data science for clinical use. His interdisciplinary focus bridges traditional clinical research with cutting-edge computational methods.

📈 Research Contributions

Dr. Ko is a prominent figure in the study of hematopoietic diseases, particularly leukemia, lymphoma, and HSCT. He has recently led projects on medical databank development, big data analysis, and the integration of AI technologies—including machine learning and deep learning algorithms—into healthcare settings. A dedicated academic, Dr. Ko has published extensively in high-impact international journals, significantly advancing research in his fields of expertise.

Notable Publications📝

📝Recommendations for the treatment and management of adult B‐Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Asia‐Pacific: Outcomes from a pilot initiative

Author: Zhentang Lao; Kwong Yok Lam; Yuk Man Carol Cheung; Chieh‐Lin Teng; Vivek Radhakrishnan; Dinesh Bhurani; Bor‐Sheng Ko; Yeow Tee Goh

Journal: Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology

Year: 2024

📝Pooled analysis of pralatrexate single-agent studies in patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma

Author: Owen A. O’Connor; Bor-Sheng Ko; Ming-Chung Wang; Dai Maruyama; Yuqin Song; Ee-Min Yeoh; Nick Manamley; Kensei Tobinai

Journal: Blood Advances

Year: 2024

📝Asia‐Pacific Leukemia Consortium: An innovative and collaborative initiative to improve care of leukemia and related diseases in the Asia‐Pacific region

Author: Zhentang Lao; Eric Wai Choi Tse; Suporn Chuncharunee; Yok Lam Kwong; Andrew Wei; Bor Sheng Ko; Jin Seok Kim; Soo Chin Ng; Jianxiang Wang; Yeow Tee Goh

Journal: Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology

Year: 2023

📝A Chunking-for-Pooling Strategy for Cytometric Representation Learning for Automatic Hematologic Malignancy Classification

Author: Jeng-Lin Li; Yun-Chun Lin; Yu-Fen Wang; Sara A. Monaghan; Bor-Sheng Ko; Chi-Chun Lee

Journal: IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics

Year: 2022

📝Iptacopan monotherapy in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: a 2-cohort open-label proof-of-concept study

Author: Jun Ho Jang; Lily Wong; Bor-Sheng Ko; Sung-Soo Yoon; Katie Li; Irina Baltcheva; Prasanna Kumar Nidamarthy; Raghav Chawla; Guido Junge; Eng Soo Yap

Journal: Blood Advances

Year: 2022