Valentina Perissi | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valentina Perissi | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Boston University, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Valentina Perissi began her academic journey at the University of Torino, Italy, where she earned a Laurea degree (equivalent to a combined BSc/MSc) in Molecular Biology in July 1997. She then advanced her expertise at the University of California San Diego, completing her PhD in Molecular Pathology in March 2004. Following her doctoral studies, she undertook a postdoctoral fellowship at the same institution, focusing on Epigenetics, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, which she completed in June 2010. These foundational years established her deep knowledge in molecular biology and paved the way for her interdisciplinary research.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently, Dr. Perissi holds the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Boston University School of Medicine. Beyond her faculty role, she has taken on leadership responsibilities as the Co-Director of the Boston Nutrition Obesity Research Center (BNORC) for the past three years. This NIDDK-funded center fosters collaboration among researchers from four leading Boston institutions, bridging nutrition and obesity studies to address metabolic diseases. Her role as co-director highlights her commitment to scientific leadership and collaborative research environments.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Perissi’s research focuses on the intricate molecular mechanisms governing metabolic adaptation in response to nutrient availability, cellular differentiation, and oxidative stress. Over the last decade, her laboratory has concentrated on elucidating mitochondria-nuclear communication pathways, specifically the crosstalk between metabolism and epigenetics in adipose tissue and breast cancer cells. Her innovative work contributes to a deeper understanding of how cellular metabolism influences gene regulation, with implications for obesity, cancer, and metabolic diseases.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Dr. Perissi has authored more than 30 high-impact publications in leading journals, reflecting her significant contributions to molecular and cellular biology. She has been recognized as a thought leader in her field, evidenced by numerous invited talks at prestigious international conferences such as the Nature Conference on Mitochondria and Immunity (Beijing), Cold Spring Harbor Asia Conferences, Gordon Conference, and the American Diabetes Association Annual Meeting. Her scientific influence extends globally, shaping current understanding in mitochondrial biology and metabolism.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

Her scholarly work has garnered substantial citations, underscoring the broad relevance and adoption of her research findings. Dr. Perissi’s accolades include prestigious awards and fellowships such as the ISSNAF Award for Biomedicine and Cognitive Sciences (Honorable Mention), the Peter T. Paul Career Development Professorship at Boston University, the K99/R00 NIH Pathway to Independence Award, and fellowships from NIH and leading research organizations in Italy. These honors reflect her outstanding scientific rigor and career development.

🧰 Technical Skills

Dr. Perissi’s expertise spans advanced molecular biology techniques, including epigenetic assays, metabolic flux analysis, mitochondrial functional studies, and cellular differentiation protocols. Her lab integrates multi-disciplinary approaches combining cell biology, biochemistry, and systems biology to dissect complex signaling pathways regulating metabolism and gene expression.

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Perissi has been deeply invested in mentoring the next generation of scientists. She currently leads a diverse and collaborative team consisting of 1 research faculty member, 5 postdoctoral fellows, 11 predoctoral students (including PhD and Master’s candidates from programs in Molecular Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Genomics, and Nutrition and Metabolism), as well as 19 undergraduate students. Her mentorship fosters scientific growth and encourages interdisciplinary training.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Perissi’s work sits at the crossroads of metabolism, epigenetics, and disease, promising to unlock new therapeutic targets for obesity and cancer. Looking ahead, her continued leadership at BNORC and Boston University will expand collaborative research and translate fundamental discoveries into clinical applications. Her commitment to mentorship and innovative science secures her legacy as a transformative figure in biomedical research.

📖Notable Publications

  • GPS2-mediated regulation of the adipocyte secretome modulates adipose tissue remodeling at the onset of diet-induced obesity
    Authors: Justin English, Joseph Orofino, Carly T. Cederquist, Indranil Paul, Hao Li, Johan Auwerx, Andrew Emili, Anna Belkina, Dafne Cardamone, Valentina Perissi
    Journal: Molecular Metabolism
    Year: 2023

  • Inhibition of K63 ubiquitination by G-Protein pathway suppressor 2 (GPS2) regulates mitochondria-associated translation
    Authors: Yuan Gao, Julian Kwan, Joseph Orofino, Justin English, Ryan Hekman, Shawn M. Lyons, Andrew Emili, Maria Dafne Cardamone, Valentina Perissi
    Type: Preprint
    Year: 2022

  • Neuralized-like protein 4 (NEURL4) mediates ADP-ribosylation of mitochondrial proteins
    Authors: Maria Dafne Cardamone, Yuan Gao, Julian Kwan, Vanessa Hayashi, Megan Sheeran, Junxiang Xu, Justin English, Joseph Orofino, Andrew Emili, Valentina Perissi
    Journal: Journal of Cell Biology
    Year: 2022

  • Erratum: Actionable Cytopathogenic Host Responses of Human Alveolar Type 2 Cells to SARS-CoV-2
    Authors: Hekman, R.M., Hume, A.J., Goel, R.K., Abo, K.M., Huang, J., Blum, B.C., Werder, R.B., Suder, E.L., Paul, I., Phanse, S. et al.
    Journal: Molecular Cell
    Year: 2021

  • Loss of G-Protein Pathway Suppressor 2 Promotes Tumor Growth Through Activation of AKT Signaling
    Authors: Chan, S., Smith, E., Gao, Y., Kwan, J., Blum, B.C., Tilston-Lunel, A.M., Turcinovic, I., Varelas, X., Cardamone, M.D., Monti, S. et al.
    Journal: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
    Year: 2021

Deguo Han | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Deguo Han | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Northeast Agricultural University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Dr. Deguo Han began his academic journey in plant sciences, eventually earning his Ph.D. from China Agricultural University, one of China’s top institutions in agricultural research. His foundational interests in plant stress physiology and molecular biology laid the groundwork for his future contributions to cold-region horticulture. From early on, Prof. Han demonstrated an aptitude for experimental research and innovation in plant science, which he later translated into impactful real-world applications.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a professor at the College of Horticulture, Northeast Agricultural University, Prof. Han has amassed a wealth of academic and research experience. Over the years, he has led three National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects and is currently overseeing a provincial key R&D program. As a key contributor to national and regional horticultural development, he has also spearheaded five industry collaborations, enhancing cultivation practices and stress resistance in fruit crops.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Han specializes in plant stress physiology, molecular breeding, and fruit quality regulation, particularly in cold environments. His pioneering research has uncovered molecular mechanisms regulating cold and iron stress resistance in fruit trees, significantly advancing the field. His published work—over 80 academic papers, with nearly 30 SCI-indexed as first or corresponding author—appears in respected journals like Biologia Plantarum, Scientia Horticulturae, and Plant Molecular Biology Reporter. His investigations into sugar metabolism in fruits and post-harvest physiology have also contributed to improved fruit storage and processing strategies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Han’s contributions have had a profound impact on horticulture in cold regions, especially Northeast China. He played a key role in developing stress-tolerant cultivars, contributing to sustainable agriculture in challenging climates. His efforts earned him two provincial awards, including the prestigious Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award. Furthermore, his mentorship has cultivated a new generation of researchers—five of his mentees have secured National Youth Funds—thus ensuring the continuation of excellence in the field.

📚 Academic Publications and Citations

With an H-index of 22, Prof. Han’s research enjoys strong academic visibility and impact. His citation record reflects both the quality and relevance of his work. In addition to peer-reviewed articles, he has contributed to important academic books, including the textbook “Plant Tissue Culture” (ISBN: 9787122163448), part of China’s “12th Five-Year Plan” curriculum, and “Fruit Trees in Heilongjiang” (ISBN: 9787567407237). His patent on the MxCS gene of Malus xiaojinensis (Application No.: 201010165100.1) underscores his innovative edge.

🧪 Technical Skills

Prof. Han is adept in a wide range of molecular and physiological techniques, including gene cloning, plant tissue culture, physiological stress assays, and post-harvest quality analysis. His interdisciplinary approach integrates lab-based research with field applications, especially in breeding and high-efficiency cultivation technologies.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

A dedicated educator, Prof. Han has mentored over 20 postgraduate students, many of whom have progressed to become researchers and academic leaders themselves. He is also a respected editor of Acta Horticulturae Sinica and a guest editor for the Special Issue “Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plant Stress Tolerance” in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. His dual role as a researcher and mentor ensures that theoretical knowledge is effectively translated into practical learning and innovation.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Han’s legacy is built on scientific rigor, academic mentorship, and real-world impact. As a Council Member in multiple branches of the Chinese Society for Horticultural Science, including the Small Fruit Branch and the Young Scientists’ Branch, and an Executive Council Member of the Horticultural Society of Heilongjiang Province, he continues to shape the direction of Chinese horticultural science. Looking ahead, he aims to develop new molecular tools and crop varieties that can thrive under climate change conditions, thereby bolstering food security and agricultural resilience in cold regions.

📖Notable Publications

  • Overexpression of a transcription factor MdWRKY126 altered soluble sugar accumulation in apple and tomato fruit
    Authors: Lihua Zhang, Yu Xu, Zhexing Luo, Mingjun Li, Deguo Han
    Journal: Horticultural Plant Journal
    Year: 2025

  • Overexpression of a Fragaria × ananassa AP2/ERF Transcription Factor Gene (FaTINY2) Increases Cold and Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
    Authors: Wenhui Li, Wenhao Zhang, Huiwen Li, Wenquan Yu, Deguo Han
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Year: 2025

  • Arabidopsis thaliana Plants’ Overexpression of the MYB Transcription Factor VhMYB60 in the Face of Stress Hazards Enhances Salt and Cold Tolerance
    Authors: Zhe Chen, Jinghan Wang, Wenhui Li, Xingguo Li, Deguo Han
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Year: 2025

  • Malus xiaojinensis MxbHLH30 Confers Iron Homeostasis Under Iron Deficiency in Arabidopsis
    Authors: Yu Xu, Yingnan Li, Zhuo Chen, Lihua Zhang, Deguo Han
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Year: 2025

  • Changes and Trade-Offs of Ecological Service Functions of Public Welfare Forests (2000–2019) in Southwest Zhejiang Province, China
    Authors: Ziqiang Liu, Deguo Han, Limin Ye, Yuanke Xu, Yong Zhang
    Journal: Forests
    Year: 2024

Somboon Tanasupawat | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Somboon Tanasupawat | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Academic Background and Early Career

Prof. Dr. Somboon Tanasupawat has an extensive academic background in microbiology and agricultural chemistry. He obtained his Ph.D. in Agricultural Chemistry from Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan, an M.Sc. in Microbiology from Kasetsart University, Thailand, and a Diploma in Microbiology and Biotechnology from Osaka University, Japan. His early academic pursuits provided a strong foundation in microbial taxonomy, biotechnology, and applied microbiology.

🔬 Professional Endeavors and Research Focus

Currently, Prof. Tanasupawat is a Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. His research expertise spans microbial taxonomy, industrial microbiology, and biotechnology. His contributions in identifying and characterizing novel microbial species have significantly advanced microbiological research.

📚 Research Contributions and Publications

With a prolific research career, Prof. Tanasupawat has published over 380 research articles in peer-reviewed journals and contributed 45 book chapters with internationally recognized publishers. His work in microbial taxonomy and applied microbiology has played a vital role in developing microbial applications for pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental sciences.

🏆 Awards and Recognitions

His outstanding contributions to microbiology have been acknowledged with several prestigious awards, including:

  • Scientist Award – Nagai Award (1996) from the Nagai Foundation, Tokyo, recognizing his early scientific achievements.

  • National Outstanding Research Award (2020) from the National Research Council of Thailand, highlighting his groundbreaking research in microbiology.

📖 Editorial and Academic Influence

Prof. Tanasupawat is an editorial board member of several scientific journals, further demonstrating his leadership in the microbiology community. His role as a mentor and researcher continues to influence microbiological advancements and guide future generations of scientists.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

With his extensive research experience, Prof. Tanasupawat continues to contribute to microbial taxonomy and biotechnology, exploring new applications of microorganisms in pharmaceutical, environmental, and industrial fields. His legacy will remain in the identification and utilization of beneficial microbes, shaping the future of applied microbiology and microbial research worldwide.

📖Notable Publications

Description of Komagataeibacter gen. nov., with proposals of new combinations (Acetobacteraceae)

Authors: Y Yamada, P Yukphan, HTL Vu, Y Muramatsu, D Ochaikul, …

Journal: The Journal of General and Applied Microbiology

Year: 2012

Lactobacillus acidipiscis sp. nov. and Weissella thailandensis sp. nov., isolated from fermented fish in Thailand

Authors: S Tanasupawat, O Shida, S Okada, K Komagata

Journal: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology

Year: 2000

Ideonella sakaiensis sp. nov., isolated from a microbial consortium that degrades poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Authors: S Tanasupawat, T Takehana, S Yoshida, K Hiraga, K Oda

Journal: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology

Year: 2016

Proteinase-producing halophilic lactic acid bacteria isolated from fish sauce fermentation and their ability to produce volatile compounds

Authors: N Udomsil, S Rodtong, S Tanasupawat, J Yongsawatdigul

Journal: International Journal of Food Microbiology

Year: 2010

Exopolysaccharide-producing lactic acid bacteria strains from traditional Thai fermented foods: isolation, identification and exopolysaccharide characterization

Authors: T Smitinont, C Tansakul, S Tanasupawat, S Keeratipibul, L Navarini, …

Journal: International Journal of Food Microbiology

Year: 1999

Ahmed Hassan Bakheit | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

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Dr. Ahmed Hassan Bakheit | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

King Saud University, Saudi Arabia

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Ahmed H. Bakheit's academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Honors) in Chemistry from Al-Neelain University in Sudan, where he was awarded the Sudan Institute for Natural Sciences Prize in 2000-2001. His thirst for knowledge continued with an M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry) in 2023, where he focused on the interaction of anticancer drugs with serum albumin and DNA. His work integrates advanced spectroscopy and molecular modeling techniques, contributing significantly to his field.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Bakheit’s professional career spans multiple roles in both teaching and research. Since June 2011, he has been a researcher at King Saud University's Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Saudi Arabia. Prior to that, he served as a lecturer at Al-Neelain University in Sudan, where he also lectured at the University of Bahr al Ghazal, Sudan. These roles helped shape his expertise in analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences. Dr. Bakheit also contributed through various workshops and short courses, including specialized training in spectroscopy and chromatography.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Bakheit has dedicated much of his research to the development and validation of analytical techniques for pharmaceutical compounds and environmental pollutants. His primary focus areas include: Spectroscopic Investigation of Drug-Plasma Protein Interactions: Using advanced spectroscopic techniques, he studies the binding interactions between drugs and serum proteins to improve drug efficacy and pharmacokinetics. Computational Chemistry and Molecular Dynamics: His work in molecular docking and dynamic simulations aids in understanding the binding mechanisms of drugs, facilitating drug discovery and design. Pharmaceutical Quality Control & Analysis: He contributes significantly to quality control, stability studies, and impurity profiling in pharmaceutical formulations, ensuring drug safety and efficacy.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Bakheit's research has influenced drug design, bioinformatics, and pharmaceutical quality control. By integrating analytical chemistry with computational tools, his work promotes a deeper understanding of drug behavior and interactions in biological systems, influencing the fields of drug discovery, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical sciences. His contributions to bioorganic chemistry and biophysics have been vital in advancing the understanding of drug mechanisms and kinetics, paving the way for more effective and stable pharmaceutical formulations.

📚 Academic Cites & Publications

Dr. Bakheit’s academic contributions have been widely recognized in the scientific community. His work is documented on platforms like Google Scholar, where his research in analytical chemistry and drug interactions has been cited numerous times. His publications showcase his continuous pursuit of knowledge and his contributions to the advancement of pharmaceutical chemistry and related fields.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Bakheit is highly skilled in various technical areas, including: Computational Chemistry Software: Proficient in AutoDock, MOE, Gaussian 09, and Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD). Spectroscopic & Chromatographic Techniques: Expertise in methods such as Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, HPLC, NMR Spectroscopy, and Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Molecular Dynamic Simulation: Skilled in using NAMD and other dynamic simulation tools to model molecular behavior.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Dr. Bakheit has had a long and impactful career in education. He has taught a range of subjects, including: Analytical Chemistry: Undergraduate and graduate courses at Al-Neelain University and King Saud University. Instrumental Analysis: Lecturing on techniques such as HPLC, atomic absorption, spectrophotometry, and more. Practical Chemistry: Guiding students through lab experiments to enhance their understanding of chemical analysis. His teaching approach focuses on blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills, helping students grasp complex concepts through hands-on learning.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Bakheit's legacy lies in his comprehensive approach to integrating analytical chemistry with pharmaceutical sciences, which has profound implications for drug safety and development. Moving forward, his research will likely continue to influence the development of novel drugs, better-quality control methods, and advanced therapeutic solutions. His work in drug discovery and bioinformatics is poised to contribute to the next generation of pharmaceutical innovations.

📖Notable Publications

Study of interactions of an anticancer drug neratinib with bovine serum albumin: spectroscopic and molecular docking approach
Authors: TA Wani, AH Bakheit, MA Abounassif, S Zargar
Journal: Frontiers in Chemistry
Year: 2018
Citations: 121

Multi-spectroscopic investigation, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation of competitive interactions between flavonoids (quercetin and rutin) and sorafenib for …
Authors: NA Alsaif, TA Wani, AH Bakheit, S Zargar
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Year: 2020
Citations: 105

Propranolol
Authors: AA Al-Majed, AHH Bakheit, HAA Aziz, FM Alajmi, H AlRabiah
Journal: Profiles of Drug Substances, Excipients and Related Methodology
Year: 2017
Citations: 102

Interaction of an abiraterone with calf thymus DNA: Investigation with spectroscopic technique and modelling studies
Authors: TA Wani, N Alsaif, AH Bakheit, S Zargar, AA Al-Mehizia, AA Khan
Journal: Bioorganic Chemistry
Year: 2020
Citations: 89

Fluorescence spectroscopic and molecular docking studies of the binding interaction between the new anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor crizotinib and bovine serum albumin
Authors: AS Abdelhameed, AM Alanazi, AH Bakheit, HW Darwish, HA Ghabbour, ...
Journal: Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
Year: 2017
Citations: 82

Spectrophotometric and molecular modelling studies on in vitro interaction of tyrosine kinase inhibitor linifanib with bovine serum albumin
Authors: TA Wani, AH Bakheit, S Zargar, MA Hamidaddin, IA Darwish
Journal: PLoS One
Year: 2017
Citations: 80