Peste-Ras (Marcu) Iuliana | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Awards

Prof. Peste-Ras (Marcu) Iuliana| Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Doctoral School of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest | Romania

Peste-Ras (Marcu) Iuliana is an accomplished Chemistry and Physics educator and an emerging researcher dedicated to advancing sustainable practices and innovative methodologies in chemical and environmental sciences. She currently serves as a Chemistry Teacher at High School Toma Socolescu, within the Department of Chemistry in Ploiesti, Romania, where she has been contributing to the academic and personal development of students since 2001. Her teaching career reflects a deep commitment to scientific literacy, hands-on learning, and the promotion of green chemistry principles among young learners. Between 2013 and 2015, she also served as a University Lecturer at the University of Oil and Gas, Ploiesti, Romania, where she taught chemistry-related subjects and guided undergraduate students in research projects. Dr. (PhD candidate) Iuliana Peste-Ras’s academic journey demonstrates a solid foundation in both the natural and applied sciences. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Physics from the University of Petroleum and Gas, Faculty of Letters and Science, Ploiesti in 2001. Pursuing her passion for environmental sustainability, she completed a Master’s degree in Life Sciences and Ecology from the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica, Bucharest in 2019. She is currently a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica, Bucharest, where her research focuses on the valorization of natural products, food chemistry, and eco-friendly analytical methods for assessing the quality and antioxidant potential of horticultural produce. Her scientific contributions include notable research on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits, focusing on their physical and chemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and preservation techniques. Her publications highlight her growing influence in the field of food chemistry and sustainable processing. In 2022, she co-authored “The Effect of Peel and Seed Removal on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Tomato Fruits” published in U.P.B. Scientific Bulletin, Series B (84(3), 78–88). Her 2024 study, “The Effect of Freezing on the Physico-Chemical Properties of Tomato Fruits” (U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 86(1), 166–172), examined the influence of storage conditions on nutritional quality. Her 2025 publication in Horticulturae (Q1, IF: 3) titled “Analysis of the Antioxidant Capacity of Whole-Fruit Tomato Powder Using the FRAP Assay — An Eco-Friendly Approach for the Valorization of Horticultural Products” underscores her commitment to sustainable science and innovation in agricultural product research. Through her teaching excellence, research dedication, and academic leadership, Iuliana Peste-Ras continues to make a meaningful contribution to science education, food chemistry, and ecological sustainability in Romania and beyond.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Pește-Ras (Marcu), I., Radu, G. L., & Dăncilă, A. M. (2025). Analysis of the antioxidant capacity of whole-fruit tomato powder using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay—An eco-friendly approach for the valorization of horticultural products. Horticulturae, 11(9), 1145. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11091145

Takeshi Chiba | Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Awards

Dr. Takeshi Chiba | Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Juntendo University, Japan

Dr. Takeshi Chiba is an Associate Professor and Assistant Director at Juntendo University’s Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy. He earned his pharmacist’s license in 1999 and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2002 from Josai University. His professional journey includes roles at Iwate Medical University Hospital, Iwate Medical University, Hokkaido University of Science, and Juntendo University. Dr. Chiba’s research focuses on the physiological functions of mammary epithelial cells during lactation, including the synthesis of norepinephrine and the effects of psychological stress and smoking on milk composition. His contributions have led to significant findings in cell biology and pharmacology, reflected in 42 published journal articles and numerous awards. He is a member of several professional societies and has been recognized for his work with academic awards and publications.

Professional Profiles:

🎓 Education

Dr. Takeshi Chiba earned his Pharmacist’s license from Josai University in Saitama, Japan, in March 1999. He then pursued advanced studies at the same institution, culminating in a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, which he completed in March 2002.

Professional Experience

Dr. Takeshi Chiba began his career as a pharmacist at Iwate Medical University Hospital in Japan, serving from April 2002 to March 2009. He transitioned to an academic role as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics at Iwate Medical University from April 2009 to March 2019. He then moved to Hokkaido University of Science, where he was a Lecturer in the Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics from April 2019 to March 2023. Since April 2023, Dr. Chiba has been serving as an Associate Professor in the Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Juntendo University, while also holding the position of Assistant Director at the Department of Pharmacy, Juntendo University Hospital.

Research Interest

Dr. Takeshi Chiba’s research interests focus on clinical pharmacology, particularly the physiological and biochemical aspects of lactation and its impact on infant health. His notable research includes the discovery that mammary epithelial cells synthesize and secrete norepinephrine into milk during lactation, a previously unknown function. He also investigates the effects of psychological stress on microRNA expression in milk, specifically how decreased miR-148a levels influence intestinal tight junction protein regulation in infants. Additionally, his research addresses how smoking affects milk composition by increasing miR-210 expression in mammary epithelium and its implications for infant nutrition and health.

Award and Honors

Dr. Takeshi Chiba has received notable recognition for his contributions to the field of clinical pharmacology. In June 2019, he was honored with an academic award from the Iwate Society of Hospital Pharmacists, reflecting his significant achievements and impact in his area of expertise.

Research Skills

Dr. Takeshi Chiba’s research skills encompass a diverse range of expertise in clinical pharmacology, nutrition, and cell biology. He is proficient in the analysis of physiological functions, including the synthesis and secretion of norepinephrine in mammary epithelial cells and the impact of psychological stress and smoking on milk composition. Dr. Chiba is adept at investigating the regulatory effects of microRNAs on tight junction proteins in infants’ intestines. His research methods involve a combination of experimental and analytical techniques to understand and innovate in the fields of pharmacology and health science.

Publications

  1. “Smoking-induced suppression of β-casein in milk is associated with an increase in miR-210-5p expression in mammary epithelia”
    • Authors: Chiba, T., Takaguri, A., Mikuma, T., Kimura, T., Maeda, T.
    • Year: 2024
  2. “Human Milk Exosomes Induce ZO-1 Expression via Inhibition of REDD1 Expression in Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells”
    • Authors: Chiba, T., Maeda, T.
    • Year: 2023
  3. “Suppression of milk-derived miR-148a caused by stress plays a role in the decrease in intestinal ZO-1 expression in infants”
    • Authors: Chiba , T. , Takaguri , A. , Kooka , A. , Wada
    • Year: 2022
  4. “Expression profiles of hsa-miR-148a-3p and hsa-miR-125b-5p in human breast milk and infant formulae”
    • Authors: Chiba, T., Kooka, A., Kowatari, K., Sato, H., Wada, S.
    • Year: 2022
  5. “Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors may have an advantage over calcium channel blockers in reducing proteinuria in gastric cancer patients receiving ramucirumab”
    • Authors: Chiba, T., Ujiie, H., Yaegashi, Y., Tasaki, Y., Sato, H.
    • Year: 2022
  6. “Analysis of risk factors for skin disorders caused by anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody drugs and examination of methods for their avoidance”
    • Or
    • Year: 2021
  7. “Switching from Intravenous to Oral Tacrolimus Reduces its Blood Concentration in Paediatric Cancer Patients”
    • Authors: Ujiie, H., Nihei, S., Nishiya, N., Chiba, T., Kudo, K.
    • Year: 2021
  8. “Norepinephrine transporter expressed on mammary epithelial cells incorporates norepinephrine in milk into the cells”
    • Authors: Chiba, T., Takaguri, A., Maeda, T.
    • Year: 2021
  9. “Physiologic changes in serotonin concentrations in breast milk during lactation”
    • Authors: Maeda, T., Shioyama, A., Tairabune, T., Kudo, K., Chiba, T.
    • Year: 2020
  10. “Cancer cachexia may hinder pain control when using fentanyl patch”
    • Authors: Chiba, T., Takahashi, H., Tairabune, T., Ueda, H., Kudo, K.
    • Year: 2020