Weina Li | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Analytical Chemistry

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

Wanhee Im | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Analytical Chemistry

Assist. Prof. Dr. Wanhee Im | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Chungbuk National University, South Korea

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Wanhee Im began her academic journey deeply rooted in the study of lignocellulosic materials, which would go on to define her research direction. She earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Forest Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Seoul National University, one of South Korea’s premier institutions. Her doctoral thesis, titled “Preparation and characterization of carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibrils”, laid a strong foundation in cellulose chemistry, focusing on optimizing carboxymethylation processes, improving environmental sustainability through isopropanol recycling, and analyzing the physicochemical characteristics of CM-CNF (carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibrils). Under the mentorship of Prof. Hak Lae Lee, she honed critical analytical and technical research skills that would shape her future endeavors.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Im has built an impressive professional trajectory, working across academia, industry, and research institutes. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Wood & Paper Science at Chungbuk National University, she leads projects focused on the functionalization of cellulose materials. Her career path includes pivotal roles such as Senior Researcher at Moorim P&P (2020–2024), where she developed high aspect ratio cellulose nanofibril powders. She also gained international research experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of British Columbia and a Visiting Researcher at FPInnovations in Canada, contributing to the development of high-strength paper for construction membrane applications. Her early career included R&D roles at Huvis Corp. and Seoul National University, where she contributed to polymer fiber development and chemical fiber modification.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Im’s research has consistently revolved around sustainable and functional cellulose-based materials. Her core expertise includes the chemical modification and characterization of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and the development of cellulose composites for advanced material applications. Notable contributions include innovations in eco-friendly carboxymethylation processes, recyclable solvent systems, and structural analysis of nanocellulose to tailor performance in fiber-based materials. At Moorim P&P and FPInnovations, she contributed to the commercial translation of nanocellulose technology, reinforcing her role as a bridge between research and industrial application.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Im’s work has significant implications in both academic and industrial domains, especially within sustainable material science and green polymer research. Her efforts in developing renewable, biodegradable alternatives to synthetic polymers resonate with global environmental initiatives. Her cross-continental collaborations in South Korea and Canada highlight her international research presence and technical leadership in cellulose science. Through her R&D leadership in industry, she influenced the commercialization of nanocellulose, proving her ability to translate laboratory innovation into market-ready technologies.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

While specific citation metrics are not listed in the CV, Dr. Im’s ongoing academic role, international postdoctoral experiences, and leadership in cellulose research suggest a growing academic footprint. Her contributions are recognized through collaborations with top institutions like Seoul National University and the University of British Columbia, and partnerships with research organizations like FPInnovations, underscoring her visibility and recognition in the cellulose and materials science communities.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Im is equipped with a broad array of technical proficiencies essential for advanced materials research: chemical modification techniques (carboxymethylation, CNF derivatization), polymer synthesis and analysis, fiber characterization (aspect ratio, strength properties), sustainable solvent systems and recycling methodologies, wet-laid fiber systems, and mechanical performance testing. These skills are integral to her success in both academic research and industrial product development.

👩‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

As an Assistant Professor at Chungbuk National University, Dr. Im actively engages in teaching and guiding undergraduate and graduate students. Her deep industrial experience provides students with practical, applied knowledge, while her research-led approach ensures students remain at the forefront of cellulose science. Her mentorship is shaped by global exposure, interdisciplinary understanding, and a commitment to sustainability.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Wanhee Im is poised to make lasting contributions to sustainable material science, with a continued focus on the development of functional, biodegradable, and high-performance cellulose-based materials. She envisions expanding the application of cellulose nanofibrils in energy, packaging, and construction sectors, aligning scientific innovation with environmental stewardship. As a rising academic leader, she is expected to influence curricula development, international collaboration, and next-generation eco-material research in South Korea and beyond.

📖Notable Publications

Effect of quaternization on the re-dispersion properties of cellulose nanofibrils after drying
Authors: Yoon-hyuck Choi, Soo-jeong Shin, Wanhee Im
Journal: Industrial Crops and Products
Year: 2025

Evaluation of print mottle of double coated paper by octave band filtering technique
Authors: Wanhee Im, Hye Jung Youn, Hak Lae Lee
Journal: BioResources
Year: 2024

Characteristics of polypropylene biocomposites: Effect of chemical treatment to produce cellulose microparticle
Authors: Jaegwan Moon, Jong Hoon Lee, Kiseob Gwak, Wanhee Im
Journal: Cellulose
Year: 2022

Wet strength improvement of nanofibrillated cellulose film using polyamideamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) resin: The role of carboxyl contents
Authors: Wanhee Im, Shin Young Park, Jegon Lee, Simyub Yook, Hak Lae Lee, Hye Jung Youn
Journal: BioResources
Year: 2022

Dynamic water penetration behavior of top coating color and its effects on structure properties of double-coated layer
Authors: Wanhee Im, Hye Jung Youn, Hak Lae Lee
Journal: BioResources
Year: 2022