Anne Blais | Obesity | Women Researcher Award

Dr.Anne Blais | Obesity | Women Researcher Award

Chercheur at UMR PNCA, AgroParisTech, INRAE, University Paris-Saclay,France

Anne Blais is a distinguished researcher and academic in nutrition and physiology, holding dual Canadian and French nationality. She is based at UMR PNCA, AgroParisTech, INRAE, and has a long-standing commitment to studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of food behavior. With a Ph.D. from the Université de Montréal, Anne has contributed extensively to the scientific community through numerous publications and active involvement in professional societies. She balances her professional life with family, being married and a parent.

Profile:

Scopus Profile

Strengths for the Award:

Anne Blais is a distinguished researcher in the field of nutrition and food science, holding advanced degrees including a Ph.D. in Physiology. Her extensive academic background, coupled with her current role at UMR PNCA, AgroParisTech, and INRAE, underscores her commitment to advancing knowledge in the mechanisms controlling food behavior and metabolism. Blais has authored and co-authored numerous impactful publications, including studies on protein quality, nutritional interventions, and the physiological effects of amino acids. Her work is recognized internationally, evidenced by her contributions to high-impact journals such as the British Journal of Nutrition and the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Furthermore, her involvement in student training and conference organization demonstrates her leadership in the field and commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers.

Areas for Improvement:

While Anne Blais has an impressive research portfolio, there is room for growth in collaborative interdisciplinary projects that integrate emerging technologies in nutrition and metabolism. Expanding her focus to include more innovative methodologies such as big data analytics or artificial intelligence in nutritional studies could enhance the breadth of her research impact. Additionally, increasing outreach efforts to engage with the public and industry stakeholders could further promote the relevance and application of her research findings.

Education:

Anne Blais has an extensive educational background in the life sciences. She earned her Diplôme d’Études Collégiales in Pure Sciences from Collège de Saint-Jean sur Richelieu, followed by a B.Sc. in Biology from Université de Sherbrooke, specializing in physiology and biochemistry. She completed her M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology at Université Laval and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Physiology from the Université de Montréal. Her academic training has laid a strong foundation for her research and teaching career.

Experience:

With decades of experience, Anne Blais has established herself as a leading figure in nutrition research. She has worked at UMR PNCA, AgroParisTech, focusing on the physiological aspects of nutrition. In addition to her research, she plays a vital role in training the next generation of scientists through various graduate programs. Anne has organized conferences and contributed as a referee for multiple high-impact journals, demonstrating her leadership and expertise. Her involvement in international scientific communities underscores her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field.

Research Focus:

Anne Blais’s research primarily focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in controlling food behavior. Her studies investigate the effects of protein quality on energy and bone metabolism, utilizing both cellular and animal models. She is particularly interested in how dietary components, such as amino acids, influence physiological responses. Through her research, Anne aims to uncover insights that could lead to improved dietary recommendations and interventions for better health outcomes, especially concerning obesity and metabolic disorders.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Minimal processed infant formula vs. conventional shows comparable protein quality and increased postprandial plasma amino acid kinetics in rats. 🍼
  2. Efficiency of Orexin-A for Inflammatory Flare and Mucosal Healing in Experimental Colitis: Comparison with the Anti-TNF Alpha Infliximab. 💊
  3. Lysine or Threonine Deficiency Decreases Body Weight Gain in Growing Rats despite an Increase in Food Intake without Increasing Energy Expenditure in Response to FGF21. 🥩
  4. Lactoferrin Supplementation during Gestation and Lactation Is Efficient for Boosting Rat Pup Development. 🐾
  5. Severe protein deficiency induces hepatic expression and systemic level of FGF21 but inhibits its hypothalamic expression in growing rats. 🧬
  6. Orexins: A promising target to digestive cancers, inflammation, obesity and metabolism dysfunctions. 🎯
  7. Milk proteins: Nutritional quality of milk proteins. 🥛
  8. Tolerable amounts of amino acids for human supplementation: summary and lessons from published peer-reviewed studies. 📚
  9. Sulfur-containing amino acids and lipid metabolism. 💧
  10. Intestinal Availability and Metabolic Effects of Dietary Camelina Sphingolipids during the Metabolic Syndrome Onset in Mice. 🐭

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Anne Blais stands out as a leading researcher in nutrition and food science, demonstrating significant contributions through her rigorous research and commitment to education. Her expertise in the physiological aspects of nutrition, coupled with her active involvement in scientific communities, positions her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By embracing interdisciplinary collaborations and expanding her research methodologies, she can continue to advance the field and influence public health positively.

Mr. Nduduzo Shandu | Health Award | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nduduzo Shandu | Health Award | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nduduzo Shandu, University of Zululand, South Africa

Nduduzo M. Shandu is a dedicated and accomplished professional in the fields of Biokinetics and Sport Science. Born on February 4, 1997, in South Africa, he holds a National Senior Certificate from Umtapho High School and has completed an impressive academic journey at the University of Zululand. His qualifications include a BSc in Microbiology and Human Movement Science, a BSc Honours in Biokinetics, and an MSc in Sport Science, all earned with distinction. His expertise spans a range of skills, including creativity, interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and leadership, supported by certifications in First Aid, Emergency Oxygen Provision, and digital literacy. Nduduzo has gained practical experience through internships and work at institutions such as the University of Nelson Mandela and the Sharks Medical Centre, where he has been involved in rehabilitating athletes and chronic patients, as well as strength and conditioning training. His commitment to education and community service is evident from his roles as a teaching assistant and education assistant, as well as his involvement in various sports, including athletics and netball. Nduduzo’s contributions to the field are also highlighted by his awards and certificates of excellence for outstanding academic performance.

Professional Profile:

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Nduduzo has achieved distinction (Cum Laude) in multiple degrees, including a BSc in Microbiology and Human Movement Science, an Honours in Biokinetics, and an MSc in Sport Science from the University of Zululand. Specialized Knowledge: His educational background is well-aligned with research in health, fitness, and biokinetics.

Education

  • National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
    Umtapho High School, 2014
    Subjects Passed: IsiZulu, English, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Accounting, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
    Certificate Status: Bachelor Pass (NSC-35 points)
  • BSc (Microbiology and Human Movement Science)
    University of Zululand, 2015-2017
    Degree Status: Distinction (Cum Lauda)
  • BSc Hons Biokinetics
    University of Zululand, Jan-Dec 2018
    Degree Status: Distinction (Cum Lauda)
  • MSc Sport Science
    University of Zululand, 2019-2022
    Degree Status: Distinction (Cum Lauda)

Work Experience

  • Education Assistant
    Department of Basic Education (Ndabomuhle Primary School), Nov 2021-Aug 2022
    Responsibilities: Supported classroom activities, developed learning methods, assisted with sanitation and lesson preparation, provided additional clarification, marked assessments.
  • Biokinetics Intern
    Biokinetics and Sport Science Unit (BSSU), University of Nelson Mandela, Jan-Dec 2020
    Responsibilities: Rehabilitation of chronic patients and athletes, operated Cybex, Spirometry, ECG, and Biodex machines, provided exercise prescriptions and strapping.
  • Teaching (Tutoring) Experience
    HPW Organization (Ophinda High School), 2016-2019
    Responsibilities: Assisted learners with assignments and curriculum revision in Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Agricultural Sciences.
  • Tutoring
    Teaching and Learning Centre, University of Zululand, 2016-2019
    Responsibilities: Prepared assignments, marked scripts, and provided student support.

Publication top Notes:

Perspectives of Hospital Staff on Barriers to Smoking Cessation Interventions among Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in a South African Management Hospital

Past, Present and Future of Judo: A Systematic Review

Exercise Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), Muscular Function, Cardiorespiratory Function, and Body Composition in Smokers: A Narrative Review

The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Health Fitness,Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychological Measurs among College-aged Smokers

Shoulder Electromyography (EMG) Evaluation During Latissimus-Dorsi Pulldown Variations Following an Accelerated Shoulder Resistance Training Program