NSERC funding application- Example

1. Soheila Abachi Hokmabadi Nazhad
1
Contributions to research and development
1. Abachi, S., Lee, S., & Rupasinghe, H. P. (2016). Molecular Mechanisms of Inhibition of
Streptococcus Species by Phytochemicals. Molecules, 21(2), 215-246 (M.Sc.).
2. Khademi, F., Yıldız, İ., Yıldız, A. C., & Abachi, S. (2015). Advances in Algae Harvesting
and Extracting Technologies for Biodiesel Production. Progress in Clean Energy, Volume 2,
Springer International Publishing, 65-82 (M.Sc.).
3. Abachi, S., Khademi, F., Fatemi, H., & Malekzadeh, F. (2013). Study of antimicrobial
activity of selected Iranian plant extracts on vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis.
IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences, 4(1), 59-63 (Research).
4. Abachi, S., Khademi, F., Fatemi, H., & Malekzadeh, F. (2013). Study of antimicrobial
activity of selected Iranian plant extracts on Helicobacter pylori. IOSR Journal of Dental and
Medical Sciences, 5(1), 17-26 (Research).
5. Khademi, F., Abachi, S. & Malekzadeh, F. (2013). Semi-purification and kinetic study of
microfungal rennet biosynthesized by local isolate of Rhizomucor nainitalensis using solid-state
fermentation system: Concentration methods and determinant factors in clotting activity. European
Journal of Experimental Biology, 3(2), 167-174 (Research).
6. Khademi, F., Abachi, S., Mortazavi, A., Ehsani, M. A., Tabatabaei, M. R., & Malekzadeh,
F. (2013). Screening and isolation of substitute-rennet producing thermophilic phycomycetes, by
modified Warcup method and improved selective medium. IOSR Journal of Agriculture and
Veterinary Science, 2(2), 30-37 (Research).
7. Khademi, F., Abachi, S., Mortazavi, A., Ehsani, M. A., Tabatabaei, M. R., & Malekzadeh,
F. A. (2013). Optimization of Fungal Rennet Production by local isolate of Rhizomucor
nainitalensis. Under Solid Substrate Fermentation system. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and
Biological Sciences, 5(2), 115-121(Research).
8. Abachi, S., Lee, S., Mace, S. & Rupasinghe, H. P. (2015). Anti-infective effects of fruit
phytochemical extracts against Streptococcus pyogenes. Poster presentation at 12th
Annual Natural
Health Product Research Society of Canada (M.Sc.).
9. Abachi, S., Lee, S. & Rupasinghe, H. P. (2016). Anti-adhesion and biofilm eradication
activities of cranberry and sumac extracts against Streptococcus pyogenes. Poster presentation at
26th
European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (M.Sc.).
Most significant contributions to research and development
Reference 1 is a review of the current knowledge of anti-bacterial effects of phytochemicals of
various medicinal plants against pathogenic and cariogenic streptococcal species which are the
cause of millions of episodes of infectious diseases accounting for great deal of hospitalizations and
deaths globally. The scope of the review is limited to the inhibitory effects of mainly polyphenols
against Streptococcus species and where possible, their modes of action against the major virulence
factors of the streptococci are addressed. Correspondingly this paper is of interest to a broad
readership including those interested in health effects of natural products against infections and or
prevention of the highlighted diseases. This review article was part of the master’s degree work
however three more research articles with the titles of “Atlantic Canada fruit phytochemical extracts
against Streptococcus pyogenes growth”, “Cranberry and staghorn extracts possess anti-adhesion
and biofilm eradication activities against Streptococcus pyogenes” and “ Determination of selected
heavy metals and their relationship with physicochemical properties of Canadian and imported
tomatoes” are in preparation and would be published soon.
References 3 and 4 have focused on screening of the fifteen selected Iranian medicinal plants
for their antibacterial activities against the two clinically important pathogens responsible for

2. Soheila Abachi Hokmabadi Nazhad
2
nosocomial infections and cancerous ulcers. These medicinal plants have long been utilized for a
broad range of ailments and have proven to possess biological activities over thousands years of
usage. We subjected the clinical isolates of pathogens, Staphylococcus epidermidis (antibiotic
resistant) and Helicobacter pylori, to the phytochemical-rich extracts to better understand the
efficacy of the selected plants. Increasing demand for therapeutic drugs derived from natural
products especially edible plants and fruits have grown throughout the world since these products
are environmentally sustainable, economically and nutritionally wise. Discoveries of such plants
will certainly shed light on the path of improving overall global health and will make exploring the
new avenues of fighting the causes of death worldwide (infectious diseases, cancer and CVD)
possible.
References 5, 6 and 7 contribute to the pilot scale production of the enzyme, rennet that is
widely used in the dairy industry however till the date, according to our knowledge, it was
imported. I, as co-author of these series of work, think that the results would consequently lead to
the industrial production of the enzyme saving the country hundred millions of dollars over time.
Statement
Research experience
During my master’s project, I gained experience on independent research, beginning with the
literature review, designing and performing the experiment(s), purchases, collection of data and
analysis of the results. I have extensive research experience dealing with medicinal plants and fruits
and their antimicrobial effects. I have working knowledge of procedures of biosafety level 2
microbiology laboratory, handling infectious/pathogenic substances on daily basis.
My previous experience as nutraceutical product developer for prevention/treatment of chronic
gastritis and naturally flavored breath tables has certainly helped me go beyond the laboratory
bench work. I have dealt with the regulatory requirements, label design, packaging and pre-
marketing process of the natural health products.
Relevant activities
Teaching assistant: I took part, as an assistant, in preparation of educational material, and
grading of the undergraduate microbiology laboratory.
Exhibitor at community day of Dalhousie University: As part of the team, I helped design
activities for the participants, especially for kids, with the purpose of promoting science, research
and higher education.
Invigilator: I invigilated undergraduate exams on request.
Mentor: During my graduate studies, I have voluntarily mentored undergraduate students,
particularly 4th
year, with their project’s design, performing the experiments and analyzing the data.
I also assisted newcomers with drafting their resumes and helped them through their job hunting
process during my employment with PSCC College.
Laboratory purchasing manager: I did the inventory on regular basis, requested quotation
from the company and purchased the consumables and non-consumables.
Volunteer for AgZone race of Dalhousie University: I acted as one of the team to guide
students through interactive stations, designed for the race.
Volunteer for vaccination network: I, as part of the vaccination team, helped with the
administration of the vaccines to the children under the age of 5 in Tabriz of Iran.
Volunteer for earthquake relief: I, as part of the team, helped with providing food, shelter
and other services to those affected by the earthquake in Bam of Iran.
Short story writer: I won the award for short story “The rain” in Tabriz of Iran.