Cuijun Deng | Bioinorganic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Cuijun Deng | Bioinorganic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Tongji University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Cuijun Deng’s academic journey began with a foundational education in Pharmaceutical Engineering, pursued at a leading university for Chinese medicine. This laid the groundwork for a multidisciplinary approach to science. Her passion for biomedical innovation led her to advance into the field of Biomedical Engineering at Tongji University, where she honed her expertise in biomaterials and tissue interfaces. Her academic pursuit culminated in doctoral studies in Physical Chemistry at the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, fostering a strong command over material science principles essential for biomedical applications.

Professional Endeavors

Prof. Deng has developed a steadily ascending academic career at Tongji University, transitioning from an assistant research position to her current role as Associate Professor. Her professional tenure has been marked by steady growth in responsibility and scholarly output, contributing significantly to the fields of regenerative medicine and material science. Her current position enables her to lead multidisciplinary research projects and mentor students while contributing to academic development at the institutional level.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Deng’s research has been instrumental in advancing the development of biological functional materials tailored for bone and cartilage repair. Her focus lies in designing biomimetic scaffolds and stimuli-responsive materials that interact seamlessly with living tissues. In particular, her work explores how magnetic forces can be harnessed to regulate the repair and regeneration of skeletal tissues, pushing the frontier of non-invasive and targeted regenerative therapies. Her approach integrates materials science, biomedical engineering, and mechanobiology, offering novel insights into the interface between synthetic systems and biological tissues.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Deng’s research has contributed significantly to the interdisciplinary domain of biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Through innovative design of biofunctional scaffolds and the application of external physical stimuli, her work addresses pressing challenges in orthopedic repair and rehabilitation. Her influence is reflected in collaborations across medical, engineering, and scientific disciplines, promoting translational research that bridges lab innovation with clinical relevance. Her studies are cited and respected for offering practical solutions to complex medical conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Academic Recognition and Editorial Contributions

Prof. Deng is actively engaged in academic publishing and peer review. She has reviewed manuscripts for several high-impact journals, including Applied Materials Today, Advanced Fiber Materials, and the Journal of Controlled Release. Her role on the young editorial board of Interdisciplinary Medicine further reflects her academic leadership and recognition by the broader scientific community. These responsibilities underscore her commitment to maintaining scientific rigor and nurturing the growth of emerging research fields.

Technical Expertise

Prof. Deng possesses a broad and deep technical repertoire across material characterization, scaffold fabrication, and biological assessment techniques. Her expertise includes the synthesis of polymeric and ceramic biomaterials, functionalization of composite scaffolds, and application of external stimuli such as magnetic fields to enhance regenerative processes. She employs both in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate material performance and biological outcomes, ensuring comprehensive insight into biomaterial function and therapeutic potential.

Teaching Experience and Mentorship

As part of her academic duties, Prof. Deng is actively involved in educating the next generation of biomedical engineers and researchers. She mentors undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, integrating research training with classroom instruction. Her mentorship style emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on experimentation, cultivating well-rounded scholars equipped for research and industry.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Deng continues to build a legacy rooted in innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful research. She aims to further explore the interface between mechanical stimuli and biological responses in tissue engineering, particularly in skeletal systems. Her future work will likely deepen our understanding of smart biomaterials and accelerate their application in personalized regenerative therapies. By combining engineering precision with biological sensitivity, she aspires to advance medical technologies that restore function and improve patient outcomes.

📖Notable Publications

Inorganic ions for cartilage regeneration
Authors: Chaoqin Shu, Yongzheng Yu, Weitao Yang*, Cuijun Deng*
Journal: Coordination Chemistry Reviews
Year: 2025

Diatomite-incorporated hierarchical scaffolds for osteochondral regeneration
Authors: Cuijun Deng, Chen Qin, Zhenguang Li, Laiya Lu, Yifan Tong, Jiaqi Yuan, Feng Yin*, Yu Cheng*, Chengtie Wu*
Journal: Bioactive Materials
Year: 2024

Sophisticated Magneto-Mechanical Actuation Promotes in Situ Stem Cell Assembly and Chondrogenesis for Treating Osteoarthritis
Authors: Cuijun Deng, Zhenguang Li, Laiya Lu, Huina Zhang, Runzhi Chen, Yali Liu, Yifan Tong, Orion R. Fan, Wanxin Huang, Yi Eve Sun*, Feng Yin*, Yu Cheng*
Journal: ACS Nano
Year: 2023

Structural and Molecular Fusion MRI Nanoprobe for Differential Diagnosis of Malignant Tumors and Follow-Up Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Weitao Yang#, Cuijun Deng#, Xiudong Shi#, Yan Xu, Chenyu Dai, Hui Wang, Kexin Bian, Tianming Cui, Bingbo Zhang*
Journal: ACS Nano
Year: 2023

Bioceramic Scaffolds with Antioxidative Functions for ROS Scavenging and Osteochondral Regeneration
Authors: Deng Cuijun, Zhou Quan, Zhang Meng, Li Tian, Chen Haotian, Xu Chang, Feng Qishuai, Wang Xin, Yin Feng, Cheng Yu, Wu Chengtie
Journal: Advanced Science
Year: 2022

Tuba Çakıcı Can | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuba Çakıcı Can | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Atatürk University,Turkey

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuba Çakıcı Can began her academic journey with a deep-rooted interest in physics, culminating in a Ph.D. in Solid-State Physics from Atatürk University, Institute of Science, Turkey, between 2010 and 2014. Her doctoral dissertation focused on In₂S₃ thin films grown on InP substrates using chemical spray methods, analyzing how electrical properties of structures like Au/In₂S₃/n-InP/In vary with sample temperature. This early research laid the groundwork for her continued engagement with the physics of thin films and electronic interfaces.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving at Atatürk University, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, in the Department of Electronics and Automation, Dr. Çakıcı Can blends academic rigor with technical education. Her practical engagement with interdisciplinary physics and automation has established her as a key contributor in both education and applied research. Her involvement spans electronics, materials science, medical physics, and cutting-edge technological interfaces.

🏅 Awards and Achievements

Dr. Çakıcı Can has received multiple accolades for her research and innovation. Notably, she was honored with the Academic Incentive Award (Ekim Ayı Akademik Teşvik Ödülü) from Atatürk University in October 2022, and secured 1st place in the DAKAF 2022 AR-GE Project Competition for her innovative work on solar energy, titled “GÜNEŞİM ARABAMDA”. Additionally, she received funding from TÜBİTAK’s 2224-B National Scientific Events Participation Support Program in 2015, underscoring her active engagement in Turkey’s national research ecosystem.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Çakıcı Can’s research traverses a diverse array of fields including solid-state physics, thin film technologies, electronic and optical properties of materials, interfaces, biophysics, and medical physics. She has contributed significant insights into low-dimensional structures and electrical characterization of advanced materials. Her interdisciplinary approach merges physics with real-world applications in biomedical and material science technologies, making her a notable figure in modern physics and engineering education.

🌍 Scientific Networks and Affiliations

A prolific collaborator, Dr. Çakıcı Can is affiliated with multiple prestigious research groups, including the Şahin Research Group at Erciyes University, the Prof. Dr. Selim Acar Research Group at Gazi University, and the Laboratory of Prof. Dr. Hakan Altan at Middle East Technical University (METU). Her national collaborations speak to her influence and connectivity in Turkey’s academic and scientific landscape.

✍️ Editorial and Scientific Contributions

Since 2021, Dr. Çakıcı Can has served as Editor and Scientific Committee Member for the journal The World of Biomedical Technology, and has taken on editorial responsibilities from 2023 onward. Her editorial work highlights her leadership in scholarly publishing and her role in guiding scientific dialogue in biomedical and applied physics.

💬 Technical and Interpersonal Skills

Her credentials extend beyond laboratory expertise. Dr. Çakıcı Can has completed several certifications, including IT and Cybersecurity Awareness Training by the Erzurum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2021), and a Kaplan International Language Course certified by Cambridge University Assessments in 2017, enhancing her language and communication skills for international collaborations.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

In her role at Atatürk University, she actively mentors vocational and undergraduate students, emphasizing hands-on learning in electronics, automation, and applied physics. Her commitment to integrating real-world relevance into physics education helps bridge the gap between academic theory and industry-ready skills.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuba Çakıcı Can’s legacy is being built through her impactful contributions to electronic materials research, her mentorship of emerging scientists, and her proactive engagement with interdisciplinary science. As she continues to expand her research on the electrical and optical properties of low-dimensional structures, and participates in biomedical innovations, she stands as a beacon of interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific leadership in Turkey and beyond.

📖Notable Publications

Bacterial MgSe complex nanoparticle synthesis and electrical characterization of fabricated Ag/MgSe/p-Si hetero-structure under dark and illumination
Authors: T. Çakıcı, Ö. Gür Özdal, N. Almousa, F. Yıldız, E. Kavaz Perişanoğlu, H. Khalil, Antoaneta Ene, H.M.H. Zakaly
Journal: Heliyon
Year: 2023

Correction to: Investigation of optical, structural, and electrical properties of heterostructure Fe₂O₃ deposited by RF magnetron sputtering on ZnO layer by spray pyrolysis
Authors: Sevda Sarıtaş, Tuba Çakıcı, Günay Merhan Muğlu, Muhammet Yıldırım
Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
Year: 2023

The Trends in Nano Materials Synthesis and Applications
Author: Tuba Çakıcı
Publisher: Efe Academy Publishing
Year: 2022

Investigation of optical, structural, and electrical properties of heterostructure Fe₂O₃ deposited by RF magnetron sputtering on ZnO layer by spray pyrolysis
Authors: Sevda Sarıtaş, Tuba Çakıcı, Günay Merhan Muğlu, Muhammet Yıldırım
Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
Year: 2022

Investigation of Optical, Structural and Electrical Properties of Heterostructure Fe₂O₃ Deposited by RF Magnetron Sputtering on ZnO Layer by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Sarıtaş S., Çakıcı T., Muğlu G.M., Yıldırım M.
Platform: ResearchSquare
Year: 2021

SrO Effect on Photon/Particle Radiation Protection Characteristics of SrO–PbO–B₂O₃ Glasses
Authors: M.S. Al-Buriahi, E. Kavaz, U. Perişanoğlu, A. Alalawi, T. Çakıcı, S. Alomairy, Y.S. Rammah
Journal: Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials
Year: 2021

Md Ahasan Ahamed | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Mr. Md Ahasan Ahamed | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Bangladesh University of Textiles, Bangladesh

👨‍🎓Profiles

📘 Early Academic Pursuits

The academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2014. During this phase, research was conducted on electricity generation from compression of speed breakers, demonstrating an early interest in applied engineering solutions. Further academic advancement led to a M.S. in Mechanical Design and Production Engineering from Konkuk University, South Korea (2020-2022), where the research focused on developing a pre-programmed microdroplet generator for controlling chemical concentrations. Currently, pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University (2022-2026), integrating Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) with nanopore sensing for point-of-care disease detection.

🏆 Professional Endeavors

With over six years of teaching and research experience, the professional journey includes roles as Lecturer and Assistant Professor at Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) and BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) from 2014 to 2020. Transitioning into the research domain, positions were held as a Graduate Research Assistant at Konkuk University (2020-2022) and Pennsylvania State University (2022-Present). Recently, appointed as a Visiting Scholar at Indiana University, Bloomington (2025-Present), further broadening the academic and research exposure.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

A strong research background in point-of-care (POC) devices, disease diagnosis, and sensor technology has led to significant contributions in designing microfluidic devices and nanopore sensors. Proficiency in biochemical reaction methodologies, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA), Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP), and CRISPR/Cas12, has played a crucial role in developing diagnostic tools for infectious diseases like Monkeypox, SARS-COVID, Cowpox, and HIV.

🌍 Impact and Influence

The research has had a profound impact on healthcare and diagnostic technologies, especially in early detection methods for infectious diseases. The work in integrating machine learning algorithms with sensor-based diagnostics has pushed the boundaries of automation and accuracy in medical testing. The interdisciplinary nature of the research—bridging mechanical design, electrical engineering, and biotechnology—positions it as a key contributor to next-generation disease detection systems.

📊 Academic Citations & Publications

With a growing influence in the academic world, the research work has been recognized with 67 citations, 18 published papers, and 6 conference and poster presentations. The continuous contribution to high-impact journals and international conferences highlights the commitment to advancing knowledge in biomedical engineering and sensor technology.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Expertise spans across instrumentation, fabrication, and analysis, including hands-on experience with: 3D Printing: Asiga UV Max X43, Ultimaker 3.0, Laser Systems: Universal Laser Systems, Microscopy: Optical Microscopes, Nikon Ti U Inverted Camera, pco.edge 5.5, Sensors & Electronics: Pressure Sensors (PX-309 series, Eve flow series), Axopatch 200b, Molecular Diagnostic Tools: Thermal Cycler (BIORAD T100), Plasma Treatment Machines, Software & Programming: MATLAB, Python, and Machine Learning Algorithms.

🎓 Teaching Experience

With over six years of teaching experience, expertise has been shared in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Drawing, Machine Design, MATLAB, and Python programming with undergraduate students. The ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with hands-on applications has benefited students in engineering and research domains.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, the focus remains on developing innovative diagnostic devices that are cost-effective, rapid, and highly accurate for real-world applications. The integration of machine learning with nanopore sensors will continue to be a significant area of exploration. Additionally, mentoring future researchers and students in interdisciplinary fields will be an integral part of academic and professional contributions.

📖Notable Publications

Sensitive and specific CRISPR-Cas12a assisted nanopore with RPA for Monkeypox detection
Authors: MA Ahamed, MAU Khalid, M Dong, AJ Politza, Z Zhang, A Kshirsagar, ...
Journal: Biosensors and Bioelectronics 246, 115866
Year: 2024

Electricity generation from speed breaker by air compression method using wells turbine
Authors: MA Ahamed, MI Reza, M Al-Amin
Journal: Journal of Advanced Engineering and Computation 4 (2), 140-148
Year: 2020

Pre-programmed microdroplet generator to control wide-ranging chemical concentrations
Authors: MA Ahamed, G Kim, Z Li, SJ Kim
Journal: Analytica Chimica Acta 1236, 340587
Year: 2022

Functionalized Cellulose for Textile Organic Pollutant Treatment: a Comprehensive Review
Authors: MM Rashid, N Abir, SAB Kamal, M Al-Amin, MA Ahamed, MT Islam, ...
Journal: Water Conservation Science and Engineering 9 (11)
Year: 2024

A Portable Centrifuge for Universal Nucleic Acid Extraction at the Point-of-Care
Authors: AJ Politza, T Liu, A Kshirsagar, M Dong, MA Ahamed, W Guan
Journal: Available at SSRN 4781228
Year: 2024