Mrs. Refiloe Malesa | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Global Sensor Awards

Mrs. Refiloe Malesa | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Refiloe Malesa | Microbiology | Agricultural Research Council | South Africa

Mrs. Refiloe Malesa is an accomplished molecular biologist and research technician from South Africa, currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Life Sciences (Molecular Biology – NGS) at the University of South Africa. She holds a Master of Technology in Veterinary Technology (Molecular Biology – NGS) with distinction, a Bachelor of Technology, and a National Diploma in Veterinary Technology from Tshwane University of Technology. Throughout her academic and professional career, Mrs. Refiloe Malesa has demonstrated exceptional expertise in molecular diagnostics, serology, and virology within high-containment research environments. Her professional experience spans over a decade at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), where she serves as a research technician in the Transboundary Animal Diseases section. Working in a BSL-3 facility, she performs DNA/RNA extractions, real-time PCR, virus isolation, ELISA, and virus neutralization assays, focusing on Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) and African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). She has also contributed to efficacy testing of disinfectants, laboratory quality management under ISO 17025 standards, and postgraduate student training in molecular techniques. Her earlier experience as a laboratory manager and veterinary technologist at Vetdiagnostix and Cape Animal Clinical Pathology further strengthened her analytical and leadership abilities in clinical pathology and microbiology. Mrs. Refiloe Malesa’s research interests lie in molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, pathogen genomics, and diagnostic assay optimization for transboundary and zoonotic diseases affecting livestock and food security. Her research skills encompass advanced molecular diagnostics, genomic analysis, data interpretation, biosafety management, and quality assurance auditing as a SANAS Technical Assessor. She has presented her work at numerous national and international scientific conferences, including the South African Veterinary and Paraveterinary Congress and the Global African Swine Fever Research Alliance (GARA). Mrs. Refiloe Malesa’s outstanding scientific achievements have been recognized through her impactful publications in Scopus-indexed journals such as Pathogens, Frontiers in Bacteriology, and Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. Her professional memberships include the South African Veterinary Council, and she actively contributes to knowledge dissemination and scientific mentorship.

Professional Profiles: ORCID  

Featured Publications 

  1. Malesa, R., Pierneef, R., Mafuna, T., Magwedere, K., Seakamela, E., & Matle, I. (2025). Genome-based in silico analysis of the structural and functional characteristics of the type three secretion system (T3SS) and core effector proteins in Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) strains isolated from food-producing animals and products of animal origin. Pathogens, 14(11), 1099. (5 citations)

  2. Malesa, R., Pierneef, R., Magwedere, K., Mafuna, T., & Matle, I. (2024). Genomic characterisation of generic Escherichia coli from food-producing animals and products of animal origin in South Africa. Frontiers in Bacteriology, 4, 1432292. (3 citations)

  3. Seoke, L., Fosgate, G. T., Opperman, P. A., Malesa, R. P., Lazarus, D. D., Sirdar, M. M., & Heath, L. (2024). Optimization of a foot-and-mouth disease virus Southern African Territories–specific solid-phase competitive ELISA for small ruminant serum samples. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 36(2), 18202. (4 citations)

  4. Chukwudi, I. C., Mira, F., Ogbu, K. I., Malesa, R. P., Purpari, G., Luka, P. D., Ugochukwu, E. I., Heath, L. E., Guercio, A., & Chah, K. F. (2021). Peste des petits ruminants in Nigeria: Identification and variations of lineage II and lineage IV in sheep and goats: Characterization of PPRV in South-East Nigeria. Veterinaria Italiana, 57(4), 345–354. (2 citations)

  5. Chukwudi, I. C., Ogbu, K. I., Luka, P. D., Malesa, R. P., Heath, L. E., Ugochukwu, E. I., & Chah, K. F. (2020). Molecular detection of African swine fever virus from field samples in Nigeria and Cameroon. Veterinary World, 13(10), 2358–2363. (3 citations)

  6. Ndlovu, S., Williamson, A.-L., Malesa, R., van Heerden, J., Boshoff, C. I., Bastos, A. D. S., Heath, L., & Carulei, O. (2020). Genome sequences of three African swine fever viruses of genotypes I, III, and XXII from South Africa and Zambia, isolated from Ornithodoros soft ticks. Microbiology Resource Announcements, 9(11), e01376–19. (6 citations)

  7. Malesa, R., Heath, L., & Matle, I. (2023). Comparative genomic insights into antimicrobial resistance determinants among Escherichia coli isolates from livestock and animal products. African Journal of Microbiology Research, 17(5), 210–222. (2 citations)

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

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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