Ajmal Khan | Biology | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Ajmal Khan | Biology | Young Scientist Award 

PhD Student at KU Leuven | Belgium 

Mr. Ajmal Khan is a motivated life sciences researcher holding a doctoral degree in biology with a specialization in pharmacology and preclinical drug discovery. His research centers on the pharmacological evaluation of plant-derived materials, including the development and application of in vitro and in vivo bioassays to screen antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anticancer activities. He has strong expertise in phytochemical extraction and characterization, chromatographic and spectrometric techniques, microbial and cell culture methods, and animal studies, and he routinely integrates analytical chemistry and biological assays to advance natural product–based lead discovery. In addition to laboratory research, he has experience supervising undergraduate and graduate research projects and teaching practical courses in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. His background spans parasitology, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, and he is comfortable with data analysis and scientific communication. He is active in international research communities and contributes through publications and conference presentations focused on natural products, antimicrobial discovery, and translational pharmacology. Bibliometrics: 40 citations by 39 documents; 7 documents; h-index 3.

Khan, A., Swennen, R., Panda, S. K., Schoofs, L., & Luyten, W. (2025). Qualitative phytochemical analysis, thin-layer chromatographic profiling, and antimicrobial potential of banana cultivars. Electronic Journal of Biotechnology.

Khan, A., Panda, S. K., Hu, H., Schoofs, L., & Luyten, W. (2025). Ethnomedicinal documentation, phytochemical characterization, and biological evaluation of the traditional medicinal plants from Swat region of Pakistan. PLOS ONE, 20(8), e0329735.

Hasan, Z., Subhan, F., Khalil, M. F., Jamal, Q., Rasheed, S. B., Khan, A., Khan, N., & Ebuka, I. A. (2025). Dojo loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (Cantor 1842): An addition to the loach fauna of Pakistan. Punjab University Journal of Zoology, 41(1), 19–27.

Khan, A., Jamal, Q., Subhan, F., Muneer, A., & Shah, A. (2024). Prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan: A case study. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 1–4.

Hu, H., Tekin, V., Hu, B., Yaghoobi, M., Khan, A., Ghosh, A. K., Panda, S. K., Huang, H., & Luyten, W. (2023). Metabolic profiling of Chimonanthus grammatus via UHPLC-HRMS-MS with computer-assisted structure elucidation and its antimicrobial activity. Frontiers in Plant Science, 14, 1138913.

Alba Maria Shank | Anatomic Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Alba Maria Shank – Anatomic Pathology – Best Researcher Award

IDEXX | United States

      Profiles

scopus

 

📍Current Position

Alba Maria Montana Shank currently serves as an Anatomic Pathologist at IDEXX Reference Laboratories. Based out of Ruckersville, VA, she has been with IDEXX since 2016, demonstrating expertise in immunohistochemistry (IHC), ophthalmology, and reproductive pathology. As the Pathology Lead for the Immunohistochemistry Team, Alba is instrumental in exploring and validating new IHC markers and has contributed significantly to IDEXX’s pathology research and development efforts. She also actively trains new hires, mentors colleagues, and participates in professional development events.

 

📝Publication Achievements

Alba has an impressive publication record, including works on topics like SATB2 immunohistochemistry in canine osteosarcoma and ocular porcupine quilling in dogs. Her studies on canine, feline, and equine corneal vascular neoplasia have added valuable insights to veterinary pathology, showcasing her expertise in ocular pathology. Alba’s collaborative work with prestigious institutions such as the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW) has led to high-impact presentations and publications in Veterinary Ophthalmology and Veterinary Pathology journals.

 

🔍Ongoing Research

Alba is currently focused on projects involving AI pathology and IHC marker validation for veterinary species. She is engaged in internal consultations, especially within the AP Team, ensuring high standards for immunohistochemical analysis. Alba’s ongoing research involves developing new diagnostic techniques, contributing to the innovative evolution of pathology practices at IDEXX.

 

🔬 Research Interests

Alba’s research spans across ocular pathology, reproductive pathology, and immunohistochemistry. She has a particular interest in using IHC markers to advance the detection and diagnosis of various conditions in veterinary species, with a specific focus on ocular and reproductive diseases.

 

🎓Academic Background

Alba’s educational journey is notable, with a solid foundation in veterinary science:

D.V.M., Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (2006)

Residency in Anatomic Pathology, University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (2006-2009)

M.S. in Veterinary Medical Science, with a focus on nutrition, Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (2002)

B.S. in Biology and Animal and Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic and State University (1998)

 

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

Alba has been recognized through various awards, including the Idexx “High Flyer Award” and Idexx 2X Awards for outstanding achievements. She received the Herman & Mildred Corder Award and the W R Winslow Veterinary Scholarship during her academic career. These accolades highlight her dedication, leadership, and contributions to veterinary pathology.

 

🧬Bioinformatics 

Alba’s involvement in pathology goes beyond traditional practices, as she leverages bioinformatics to enhance her research, particularly in the interpretation of data related to IHC markers. This adds depth to her work, enabling her to analyze complex biological data and apply it to clinical and diagnostic contexts.

 

🌐Professional Associations 

Alba is actively involved in professional veterinary associations, attending conferences like ACVO, AVMA, and AAEP. Her participation not only helps in staying updated with the latest developments in the field but also allows her to contribute by presenting her research findings.

 

 📚Training & Workshops 

Alba has completed several professional training courses, such as:

Descriptive Pathology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology

Clinical Pathology Workshop at the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine These workshops have equipped her with advanced skills in pathology, which she applies in her role at IDEXX.

 

🎤Oral Presentations and🗣️Thought Leadership 

Alba has been an invited speaker at numerous veterinary meetings, delivering talks on various topics, including histopathology and ocular pathology. She presents to diverse audiences, sharing insights from her experience and helping to educate others in the field.

 

🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

Throughout her career, Alba has undertaken tasks such as reading and interpreting histopathology samples, training colleagues, and managing projects. Her research tasks are completed with a high level of precision and dedication, reflecting her commitment to her work.

 

🚀Success Factors 

Alba’s success can be attributed to her dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to professional growth. Her ability to train others, lead projects, and contribute to pathology research makes her a valuable asset to IDEXX and the veterinary pathology community.

 

🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

With multiple publications in reputed journals, Alba is well-respected for her contributions to veterinary pathology. Her lab experience includes reading complex cases, especially in ophthalmology, and developing new IHC markers. This hands-on experience has positioned her as a leader in her field.

 

🔍 Conclusion

Alba Maria Montana Shank’s expertise and contributions to veterinary pathology are both extensive and impactful. Her ongoing research, dedication to training others, and professional accomplishments have solidified her role as an influential figure in veterinary medicine. With her extensive background, Alba continues to push the boundaries of veterinary pathology, making a lasting impact on the industry and inspiring future veterinary pathologists.

📚Publications

Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of osteosarcoma in dogs

               Authors:  Shank, A.M.M., Snook, E., Cavender, K., … Siegrist, B., Tabb, B.

              Journal : Journal of Comparative Pathology,

A Rare Case of Canine Pericardial Malignant Mesothelioma: Clinicopathologic Findings, Diagnostic Investigations, and Clinical Course with Epirubicin Treatment

          Authors:  Min, J.-H., Yoon, J., Son, S., … Shank, A.M.M., Kim, M.-C.

          Journal : Journal of Veterinary Clinics,

Ocular porcupine quilling in dogs: Gross, clinical and histopathologic findings in 17 cases (1986-2018)

             Authors:  Shank, A.M.M., Teixeira, L.B.C., Dubielzig, R.R.

              Journal : Veterinary Ophthalmology, 

Canine, feline, and equine corneal vascular neoplasia: A retrospective study (2007-2015)

          Authors:  Shank, A.M.M., Teixeria, L.B.C., Dubielzig, R.R.

           Journal :  Veterinary Ophthalmology, ession of cutaneous plasmacytoma to plasma cell leukemia in a dog

Progression of cutaneous plasmacytoma to plasma cell leukemia in a dog

           Authors:  Rout, E.D., Shank, A.M.M., Waite, A.H.K., … Avery, A.C., Avery, P.R.

            Journal : Veterinary Clinical Pathology,