Weina Li | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Weina Li | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Northwest University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Weina Li began her academic journey in Biochemical Engineering at the prestigious Beijing University of Chemical Technology, where she pursued her integrated BSc to Ph.D. studies under the supervision of Academician Tianwei Tan. Demonstrating early promise, she enriched her doctoral training with international exposure as a Joint Ph.D. student at Aarhus University, Denmark (2012–2013). Her foundational education laid a strong interdisciplinary base in biochemistry, chemical engineering, and enzyme catalysis, setting the stage for her future innovations in biochemical technology.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Since 2015, Dr. Li has held progressive academic positions at Northwest University, starting as a Lecturer, then advancing to Associate Professor in 2019. She also completed a Postdoctoral fellowship (2015–2019) under the guidance of Prof. Daidi Fan, further sharpening her expertise. A significant milestone in her international collaboration was her role as a Visiting Scholar at University College London (2021–2022), funded by the NSFC, which expanded her global academic network and research impact.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Li’s research spans the cutting-edge interfaces of protein engineering, biocatalysis, fermentation technology, enzyme engineering, and functional collagen biomaterials. Her work in constructing enzyme-catalyzed synthesis systems has contributed to both fundamental science and industrial application. Her recent monograph, “Enzyme-Catalyzed Synthesis Systems Construction and Mechanism Studies” (2025), highlights the depth of her mechanistic understanding and innovation.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Li’s work has been supported by numerous competitive national and regional grants, including the NSFC General Program, Young Scientists Fund, and National Key R&D Subproject, cumulatively exceeding 1.2 million RMB. She was recognized with prestigious awards such as the Technological Invention First Prize by CPCIF in 2016 and the Excellent Poster Award at the 8th National Conference on Chemical & Biochemical Engineering in 2025. These honors underscore her influence in the biochemical and biotechnological communities.

📊 Academic Citations and Publications

Her scientific contributions have been cited in international peer-reviewed journals such as International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Journal of Functional Foods, and Process Biochemistry, where she also serves as a reviewer. As an Editorial Board Member of Green Carbon and Journal of Modern Oncology, Dr. Li actively shapes the direction of emerging biochemical research. Her works are frequently referenced, reflecting a strong academic citation footprint in enzyme technology and collagen-based biomaterials.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Li is proficient in advanced biochemical and fermentation techniques, including enzyme immobilization and catalysis, collagen biomaterial synthesis, recombinant protein expression and purification, fermentation process optimization, and biocatalytic pathway engineering. Her multidisciplinary technical capabilities allow her to navigate both molecular-level design and scale-up challenges in industrial bioprocessing.

📚 Teaching Experience and Academic Mentorship

As a recognized Excellent Master Thesis Advisor (2024), Dr. Li has mentored numerous graduate students, fostering a research-oriented academic environment. Her teaching style is characterized by a balance of theoretical foundation and practical laboratory training. She’s known for nurturing scientific curiosity and has contributed actively to the curriculum development in biochemical engineering courses at Northwest University.

🏆 Honors and Professional Recognition

🥇 Outstanding Young Editor – Journal of Modern Oncology (2025); 🎓 Excellent Master Thesis Advisor – Northwest University (2024); 🧫 Excellent Poster Award – 8th Nat’l Conf. on Chem. & Biochem. Eng. (2025); 🔧 Technological Invention First Prize – CPCIF (2016). These accolades reflect both her academic excellence and innovative impact on applied biochemistry and enzyme engineering.

📈 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Prof. Weina Li aims to bridge fundamental protein engineering with real-world industrial applications, particularly in green biomanufacturing and therapeutic biomaterials. Her strong foundation in academic leadership, grant acquisition, and global research partnerships positions her to continue contributing significantly to China’s biotechnology landscape and beyond. With a focus on sustainable enzymatic solutions and next-generation collagen systems, her work is expected to influence both academia and biotech industries in the coming years.

📖Notable Publications

Engineered β-glycosidase from Hyperthermophilic Sulfolobus solfataricus with Improved Rd-hydrolyzing Activity for Ginsenoside Compound K Production
Authors: Chenchen Fu, Wenfeng Shen, Weina Li, Pan Wang, Luo Liu, Yangfang Dong, Jing He, Daidi Fan
Journal: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Year: 2024

Effect and mechanism of signal peptide and maltose on recombinant type III collagen production in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Wang X., Wang P., Li W., Zhu C., Fan D.
Journal: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Year: 2023

Residue Effect-Guided Design: Engineering of S. Solfataricus β-Glycosidase to Enhance Its Thermostability and Bioproduction of Ginsenoside Compound K
Authors: Wenfeng Shen, Paul A. Dalby, Zheng Guo, Weina Li, Chenhui Zhu, Daidi Fan
Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Year: 2023

Enhancement of thermal stability of Bacillus subtilis 168 glycosyltransferase YjiC based on PoPMuSiC algorithm and its catalytic conversion of rare ginsenoside PPD
Authors: Hua Guo, Weina Li, Chenhui Zhu, Yanru Chen, Paul A. Dalby, Daidi Fan
Journal: Process Biochemistry
Year: 2023

Directed evolution for soluble and active periplasmic expression of bovine enterokinase in Escherichia coli
Authors: Lee W., Pradhan S., Zhang C., Venanzi N., Li W., Goldrick S., Dalby P.A.
Journal: ResearchSquare
Year: 2022

Xiaofeng Ding | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Xiaofeng Ding | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Hunan Normal University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Xiaofeng Ding (丁小凤) was born in Hunan Province, China, on October 21, 1979. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University in 2002. Driven by a passion for molecular sciences, she pursued a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the same institution, completing it in 2005 under the guidance of Dr. Jian Zhang. She further deepened her research expertise by earning a Ph.D. in Genetics from Nanjing University’s Model Animal Research Center in 2008, under the mentorship of renowned scientist Dr. Xiang Gao. This rigorous academic foundation provided her with the knowledge and research discipline essential for a career in biomedical sciences.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Ding’s professional journey showcases an impressive trajectory of advancement in academia and international research. Starting as a Lecturer in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Hunan Normal University in 2008, she was quickly promoted to Associate Professor by 2010 and became a full Professor by December 2017. Her international exposure includes a significant postdoctoral research position (2014–2016) at the University of New Mexico, USA, under Prof. Meilian Liu. Since January 2025, she has expanded her global footprint as a Research Scientist II at the National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, collaborating with Dr. Xuebin Qin on translational biomedical research.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Ding’s research is anchored in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics with a strong focus on disease mechanisms, protein chemistry, and developmental biology. She has contributed extensively to understanding cellular pathways involved in metabolic disorders and cancer. Her work on tumor metabolism and protein interaction networks has potential implications for innovative treatments of chronic diseases and cancers. By integrating biochemical techniques with genetic tools, she bridges molecular mechanisms with therapeutic outcomes, especially in relation to human disease models.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Prof. Ding’s influence extends beyond laboratory research. As a dedicated mentor, she has nurtured young talents and inspired many students and researchers in China and abroad. Her leadership roles in scientific societies—including her position as director of the Hunan Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and her membership in the Tumor Metabolism Professional Committee—highlight her commitment to shaping the future of biomedical science in China. Her work contributes to the broader understanding of disease biology and encourages interdisciplinary collaborations in health sciences.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

While the document does not specify citation metrics, Prof. Ding’s extensive publication record and international collaborations strongly suggest a growing academic footprint in biomedical research. Her association with global research hubs like the University of New Mexico and Tulane University adds visibility to her scholarly output. Her work in tumor metabolism and protein chemistry is increasingly cited by researchers in cancer biology, metabolic regulation, and therapeutic development.

🛠️ Technical and Research Skills

Prof. Ding is highly proficient in a wide array of laboratory and research techniques. Her technical strengths include molecular cloning, protein expression analysis, biochemical assays, and in vivo disease modeling. She is also skilled in advanced tools for genetic manipulation and cell biology, which she applies to elucidate complex signaling pathways. Her experience in both Chinese and American research laboratories equips her with a unique dual perspective in managing research infrastructure and interdisciplinary projects.

👩‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

As a professor and former associate professor at Hunan Normal University, Prof. Ding has played a central role in curriculum development and student training. She has guided undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students through laboratory-based projects and theoretical studies in molecular biology. Her mentorship has contributed to the development of future researchers in life sciences and medical biotechnology.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Ding’s academic career reflects a legacy of commitment to research excellence and scientific leadership. Her long-term vision includes conducting groundbreaking research in disease biology and expanding collaborative networks across countries and disciplines. As a Research Scientist II at Tulane University and a leader in several biochemical societies, she is poised to make significant contributions to global health challenges through innovation and knowledge sharing. Her goal is to continue exploring disease mechanisms at the molecular level and translate discoveries into clinical strategies for cancer and metabolic disorders.

📖Notable Publications

AP-2α decreases TMZ resistance of recurrent GBM by downregulating MGMT expression and improving DNA damage
Authors: G. Huang, M. Ouyang, K. Xiao, S. Xiang, X. Ding
Journal: Life Sciences
Year: 2024

A Lipid-Sensitive Spider Peptide Toxin Exhibits Selective Anti-Leukemia Efficacy through Multimodal Mechanisms
Authors: P. Zhang, W. Luo, Z. Zhang, Y. Zeng, Z. Liu
Journal: Advanced Science
Year: 2024

Eosinophil-Associated Genes are Potential Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis
Authors: Q. Wang, Z. Zhang, H. Zhou, L. Li, X. Ding
Journal: Journal of Cancer
Year: 2024

Depletion of JunB increases adipocyte thermogenic capacity and ameliorates diet-induced insulin resistance
Authors: X. Zhang, X. Ding, C. Wang, Q.A. Wang, M. Liu
Journal: Nature Metabolism
Year: 2024

Ibrahim Al-Odat | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ibrahim Al-Odat | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Jadara University, Jordan

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ibrahim A. Al-Odat began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Applied Biological Science from the Jordan University of Science and Technology in 1999. His passion for molecular biology led him to pursue a M.Sc. in Medicine (Reproductive Health Science and Human Genetics) at the University of Sydney, completing it in 2007. He culminated his formal education with a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences/Molecular Biology from the University of Technology Sydney in 2016, focusing on molecular mechanisms in biomedical sciences.

💼 Professional Endeavors

He has a diverse professional background, starting as a Technical Officer at the NSW Health Department (2004-2011) in Sydney, where he honed his technical skills. He then served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Technology Sydney from 2012 to 2017, where he contributed to various Biochemistry and pathophysiology courses. Since 2018, He has been an Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology at Jadara University in Irbid, Jordan, where he has taken an active role in teaching and research.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

His research primarily focuses on molecular biology and biomedical sciences. His notable research includes studying the effects of maternal cigarette smoke exposure on offspring’s health, particularly in kidney development and functionality. He has also explored the diagnostic potential of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP7) in renal injury and dysfunction. His research contributions are widely published and recognized in academic circles.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His work has significant implications in understanding maternal health and offspring development, particularly in the context of environmental stressors like cigarette smoke. His research has influenced the biomedical community and provided insights into potential diagnostic and therapeutic avenues for kidney-related conditions.

📚 Academic Cites

He scholarly work has garnered citations, emphasizing his contributions to the field of molecular biology and biomedical sciences. Notably, his research on maternal cigarette smoke and offspring health has been cited in numerous academic publications, showcasing its relevance and influence.

🛠️ Technical Skills

He possesses extensive technical expertise in various molecular biology techniques, including RNA, DNA, and protein extraction, Western blotting, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry staining. His proficiency in laboratory animal handling and statistical analysis further complements his research capabilities.

📖 Teaching Experience

He has taught a wide array of courses at Jadara University, ranging from General Biology and Molecular Biology to Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostic Genetics. His hands-on approach extends to practical courses, where he guides students in laboratory techniques. At UTS, he contributed to courses like Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Analytical Biochemistry.

🏛️ Legacy and Future Contributions

His legacy lies in his commitment to education and research, fostering a new generation of scientists. His future contributions are poised to expand into deeper explorations of molecular diagnostics and therapeutic strategies, with a continued focus on maternal health and offspring development. His involvement in university committees highlights his dedication to academic governance and quality assurance.

📖Notable Publications