Dr. Nourhane A.Darwich | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nourhane A.Darwich, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Lebanon

Nourhane A. Darwich is a dedicated Lebanese researcher and Ph.D. candidate in Biology at Beirut Arab University, where she specializes in the synthesis and characterization of green nanoparticles under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Mahmoud I. Khalil. Her research integrates material characterization, microbiology, and in vivo studies, reflecting her multidisciplinary expertise. Nourhane holds a Master’s degree in Infection Prevention and Control from Beirut Arab University and a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science from the Lebanese International University. Her technical skills span advanced analytical techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and FTIR, and she is proficient in microbiological assays, tissue culture methods, and statistical analysis using SPSS. She has contributed significantly as a research assistant and teaching assistant, mentoring students and assisting with experimental design and data analysis. Nourhane is actively involved in student leadership as a Graduate Student Representative and Student Activities Committee member, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Nourhane A. Darwich

Nourhane A. Darwich is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on her extensive academic background, hands-on research experience, and commitment to scientific advancement. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biology at Beirut Arab University with a specialized focus on nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, particularly green nanoparticles—an emerging and impactful area of research with substantial implications for sustainable science and medicine.

🎓 Education

📍 Ph.D. in Biology (2020–Present)
Beirut Arab University, Lebanon
Field: Material characterization, In vivo studies, Microbiology
📍 Master’s in Infection Prevention and Control (2020)
Beirut Arab University, Lebanon
📍 Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science (2018)
Lebanese International University (LIU)

💼 Work Experience

🧪 Research Assistant (2024–Present)
Beirut Arab University (BAU)
- Conducted biogenic synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles
- In vivo studies on rat models
- Guided graduate students in research and SPSS analysis
🧫 Lab Technician Intern (2017)
Secours Populaire Libanais Hospital, Nabatieh
- Bone marrow readings, Bacteriology, Hematology
🧪 Medical Laboratory Technician Intern (2017–2018)
Sabbah Diagnostic Center, South Lebanon
- Performed diagnostic assays in microbiology, biochemistry, and hematology
🦠 Infection Control Intern (2019)
Makassed General Hospital, Beirut
- Infection surveillance and outbreak control
👩‍🏫 Private Tutor (2022–Present)
Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics
🧬 Teaching & Graduate Assistant (2024–Present)
Beirut Arab University
- Labs: Research Techniques, Developmental Biology, Biology I

🏅 Achievements & Responsibilities

🧑‍🔬 Proficient in:
- Nanoparticle synthesis & characterization (XRD, TEM, SEM, etc.)
- Microbiology assays (MIC, MBC, Biofilm studies)
- In vivo models using rats
- Statistical analysis with SPSS
- Tissue culture techniques
🧠 Strong technical command over:
- Software: Origin, ImageJ, MAUD, Fityk, SPSS, Microsoft Office
- Data analysis & scientific article writing
🧑‍🎓 Graduate Student Representative
(Faculty of Science, BAU – 2024–Present)
🎉 Student Activities Committee Member
(BAU – 2023–Present)
- Leadership and event management for student engagement

Publication Top Notes:

Biosynthesis; Characterization; and Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Docking Potentials of Doped Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Pine Needle Leaf Extract

Green Synthesis of Yttrium Derivatives Nanoparticles Using Pine Needle Leaf Extract: Characterization, Docking, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Potencies

SURVEILLANCE OF MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT UROPATHOGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS IN THE SOUTH OF LEBANON

Dr. Francesca Toto,Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Italy

Francesca Toto is a researcher at the Microbiome Research Unit of Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome, Italy, since May 2022. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Advances in Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, Legal Medicine, and Public Health Sciences at Sapienza University of Rome. Francesca holds a Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology and a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, both from Sapienza University, where her thesis focused on immunology and microbiology. Her research interests include microbiome analysis and its implications in various health conditions, as evidenced by her publications in journals such as International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. Francesca has presented her work at several international conferences and has undergone specialized training in lab techniques and research methodologies.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Evaluation for Francesca Toto’s Suitability for the Best Researcher Award

Summary of Achievements:

Francesca Toto’s impressive research work, combined with her academic achievements and contributions to the field of microbiology, position her as a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her dedication to advancing knowledge in microbiome research and her engagement in the scientific community underscore her qualifications for this prestigious recognition.

🎓Education:

Francesca Toto is currently pursuing a PhD in Advances in Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, Legal Medicine, and Public Health Sciences at Sapienza University of Rome. She earned her Master’s Degree in Medical Biotechnology with a focus on Biomolecular studies from the same institution, graduating on January 21, 2022. Her master’s thesis investigated the activation of the p53 protein by targeting the MDM2/MDM4 heterodimer in type 1 diabetes patients, conducted at the Autoimmunity Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital. Francesca completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology on December 20, 2017, also at Sapienza University, where her thesis focused on the molecular analysis of efflux pump gene distribution in Shigella spp. strains. She began her academic journey with a PNI Scientific Diploma from Scientific High School Lazzaro Spallanzani in June 2014.

🏢Work Experience:

Francesca Toto has been working as a researcher at the Microbiome Research Unit of Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome, Italy, since May 2022. In this role, she contributes to the advancement of microbiome research and its implications for pediatric health, leveraging her expertise in microbiology and biotechnology to explore innovative approaches and solutions.

Publication Top Notes:

An Investigation of Metabolic Risk Factors and Gut Microbiota in Unexplained Syncope
- Citations: 0
Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: Gut Microbiota Composition and the Effects of Exogenous Estrogen Administration
- Citations: 1
An Integrative Multi-Omic Analysis Defines Gut Microbiota, Mycobiota, and Metabolic Fingerprints in Ulcerative Colitis Patients
- Citations: 1
Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 1 (APECED) in the Indian Population: Case Report and Review of a Series of 45 Patients
- Citations: 10