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. Gayani Weerasooriya, Veterinary Research Institute, Sri Lanka

Dr. Gayani Weerasooriya is a distinguished Veterinary Research Officer at the Veterinary Research Institute in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, where she has worked since 2010. She holds a Ph.D. from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Australia, and has advanced qualifications including a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Biostatistics and a Master of Veterinary Science in Diagnostic Veterinary Medicine, both from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Her research expertise spans bacterial diseases in livestock, with a focus on zoonotic diseases and poultry salmonellosis control. Dr. Weerasooriya is also involved in vaccine production and quality testing, and she has significant experience in ISO standards implementation. Her extensive training includes molecular techniques, epidemiology, and research methodology, with numerous awards recognizing her contributions to veterinary science, including the National Awards for Science & Technology (NASTA) in 2018 and the Best Scientific Paper Award from the World’s Poultry Science Association in 2021.

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Ph.D. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from The University of Adelaide, South Australia. Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Biostatistics from The University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Master of Veterinary Science in Diagnostic Veterinary Medicine from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science from The University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Currently serving as a Veterinary Research Officer at the Veterinary Research Institute in Sri Lanka since 2010.Extensive experience in bacterial disease research, diagnostic services, vaccine and biological production, and ISO implementation.

Education:

Ph.D. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia.

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Biostatistics, The University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Master of Veterinary Science in Diagnostic Veterinary Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, The University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Work Experience:

Veterinary Research Officer, Veterinary Research Institute, Sri Lanka (2010–present)

Responsibilities include research on bacterial diseases in livestock, diagnostic services, supervision of zoonotic disease laboratories, control programs for poultry salmonellosis, and vaccine production.
Specific roles include managing the Brucella S19 vaccine production, bacterial vaccine seed maintenance, quality testing of locally produced vaccines, and overseeing ISO implementation.

Private Veterinary Practitioner, Self-Employed (2004–present)

Veterinary Internship, Trainee Veterinarian (2004)

Veterinary Surgeon and Microbiologist, Poultry Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Crysbro Group of Companies, Sri Lanka (2004–2010)

Publication top Notes:

Persistence of Salmonella and Campylobacter on Whole Chicken Carcasses under the Different Chlorine Concentrations Used in the Chill Tank of Processing Plants in Sri Lanka