Mrs. Niedja Santos | Biological Sensitivity Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Niedja Santos, Aveiro Univertsity, Portugal

Dr. Niedja da Silva Santos is a toxicologist specializing in the toxicological evaluation of chemical compounds, particularly pharmaceuticals and emerging pollutants. She holds a Ph.D. in Biology – Ecotoxicology from the University of Aveiro, Portugal, where she investigated the impact of caffeine on zebrafish. She also earned a Master’s in Toxicology and Ecotoxicology from the same institution and a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the Amazon Higher School in Brazil. Her research expertise includes genotoxic, biochemical, and statistical techniques for assessing toxicity biomarkers, with a focus on experimental models such as zebrafish and cellular assays. Dr. Santos has extensive teaching experience in ecology and experimental biology and is passionate about integrating toxicology and chemical safety concepts into education. She has collaborated with international research institutions, including the University of Brasília, and has conducted research on the toxicological effects of pharmaceuticals and heavy metals. Additionally, she has professional experience as a biomedical analyst in clinical pathology. Her work contributes to a deeper understanding of environmental toxicology and its implications for human and ecological health.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Niedja da Silva Santos is a highly qualified toxicologist with a strong research background in Ecotoxicology. Her academic achievements, professional experience, and extensive contributions to toxicology research make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

PhD in Biology – Ecotoxicology | University of Aveiro, Portugal (2024)
- Thesis: “Impact of caffeine on zebrafish: A case study with environmental levels”
- Supervised by Dr. Miguel Oliveira and Dr. Inês Domingues
Master’s in Toxicology and Ecotoxicology | University of Aveiro, Portugal (2017)
- Dissertation: “Danio rerio chronic exposure to carbamazepine, a multiparametric assessment – from biochemical to behavioural responses”
- Supervised by Dr. Inês Domingues, Dr. Miguel Oliveira, and Dr. Cesar Koppe Grisolia
Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science | Amazon Higher School, Brazil (2014)
- Project: “Diagnosis of hantavirus in Brazil”
- Supervised by Dr. Paula Laurindo
- University Exchange Program | School of Health Technology of Coimbra, Portugal (2012 – 2013)
  - Neurobiology, Organic Chemistry, Clinical Laboratory Practices, Hematology, and Blood Transfusion

💼 Work Experience

University of Aveiro, Portugal
- PhD Researcher in Biology – Ecotoxicology (2020 – 2024)
  - Conducted toxicological assessments on zebrafish, including biochemical, behavioural, and genotoxic evaluations
  - Research collaboration with the University of Brasília (2021 – 2022)
- Teaching Assistant (2021 – 2022)
  - Conducted practical classes in Biological Oceanography and Fundamentals of Ecology
Clinical Pathology Laboratory Dr. Paulo Azevedo – Porto Dias Hospital, Brazil (2014 – 2015)
- Biomedical Analyst in the Biochemical sector, analyzing biological samples for diagnostics
Volunteer Researcher | Federal Institute of Valparaíso de Goiás, Brazil (2018)

🏆 Achievements, Awards & Honors

Published toxicological research focusing on pharmaceuticals and emerging pollutants
Extensive experience in zebrafish models and molecular toxicology
Long-term research collaboration with international universities
Active role in teaching and mentoring students in ecology and toxicology

Publication Top Notes:

Chronic effects of carbamazepine on zebrafish: Behavioral, reproductive and biochemical endpoints

Carbamazepine induces the follicular development in zebrafish (Danio rerio) female gonads.

Chronic exposure to carbamazepine affects feeding and biochemical markers in zebrafish.

Mr. Amged Elharairy, Humbold-Universität zu Berlin, Germany

Amged El-Harairy is a dedicated entomologist with a profound interest in insect chemical ecology and evolutionary biology. He is currently a Doctoral Researcher at the Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, focusing on advanced studies in life sciences. Amged earned his M.Sc. in Horticultural Engineering with a specialization in Evolutionary Ecology and Insect Chemical Ecology from the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, supported by an FAO scholarship. His research, which includes a notable thesis on aphid-ant interactions, has been conducted at prestigious institutions such as the University of Hamburg and the Desert Research Center in Cairo. With a solid background in entomology, including extensive lab experience in various techniques from molecular biology to insect behavior analysis, Amged has been awarded for his academic excellence and received multiple honors throughout his education. His professional journey also includes significant contributions as a teaching assistant and research assistant across several institutions in Egypt, Hungary, and Germany.

Professional Profile:

Summary of Suitability for the Best Researcher Award:

M.Sc. in Horticultural Engineering with a focus on Evolutionary Ecology & Insect Chemical Ecology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Hungary (2017-2019). GPA: 4.81/5.

Education

2017.9 – 2019.6
M.Sc. in Horticultural Engineering
Major: Evolutionary Ecology & Insect Chemical Ecology
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Buda Campus, Budapest, Hungary
GPA: 4.81 out of 5 (97%)
Thesis: “Aphid-ant interactions in apple orchards: the role of cuticular hydrocarbons”
Advisor: Prof. Dr. Viktor Markó, D.Sc.
2018.7 – 2018.9
Master’s Internship Student
Major: Evolutionary Biology & Molecular Ecology in Entomology
Entomology Department, Center of Natural History (CeNak), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Project: “Implementation of Egypt into the phylogeography of North Africa – a case study of scorpions”
Advisor: Dr. Martin Husemann (Associate Professor)
2009.9 – 2013.8
B.Sc. in Entomology
Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
GPA: 3.5 out of 4
Thesis: “Natural occurrence and Risk Assessment of Mycotoxins in wheat and corn and the role of insects as a vector for this fungal plant pathogens”
Advisors: Prof. Dr. Samir Saleh and Dr. Mohamed H. Bayoumy

Professional History

2023.4 – Present
Doctoral Researcher
Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
2019.6 – 2023.3
Research Assistant
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Buda Campus, Hungary
2017.9 – 2019.6
Master’s Student
Entomology Department, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Buda Campus, Hungary
2017.7 – 2017.9
Master’s Internship Student
Entomology Department, Centrum für Naturkunde (CeNak), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
2015.6 – 2017.9
Research Assistant
Desert Research Center (DRC), Cairo, Egypt
2013.9 – 2015.6
Teaching Assistant
Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

Publication top Notes:

Correction: El-Harairy et al. Aphid-Ant Relationships: The Role of Cuticular Hydrocarbons and Different Chemical Stimuli in Triggering Mutualistic Behavior. Agriculture 2024, 14, 529