Shufeng Pang | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Shufeng Pang | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Beijing Institute of Technology, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Shufeng Pang began his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Nanjing University (1998–2000), where he conducted spectroscopic studies on Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film structures. His early work laid the foundation for a multidisciplinary research career combining surface science, colloidal chemistry, and environmental studies.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

After completing his Ph.D., he pursued postdoctoral research at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2001–2003), focusing on structural investigations of colloidal systems. He then expanded his research internationally as a Research Associate at the Tokyo University of Science, Japan (2003–2005), working on surface modification and self-assembly behavior of gold nanoparticles. Since 2005, he has been serving as an Associate Professor at the Beijing Institute of Technology, where his recent research centers on the physical and chemical properties of atmospheric aerosols.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Pang has made notable contributions in nanoparticle synthesis, interfacial modification, and atmospheric aerosol chemistry. He developed asymmetric surface-modified gold nanoparticles through interfacial techniques and explored their aggregation and ordered assembly. His studies on aerosol systems revealed critical insights into the hygroscopicity of inorganic/organic salts, intraparticle chemical processes, and gas-particle interactions. One of his most significant findings was the discovery of a humidification-induced phase transition in mixed aerosols containing polyhydroxy organic acids and inorganic salts, which offered a mechanistic explanation for component redistribution in atmospheric particles.

🧠 Research Projects and Collaborations

As Principal Investigator, Prof. Pang has led three NSFC-funded research projects. Project No. 20603002 focused on the synthesis and self-assembly of Janus nanoparticles. Project No. 21373026 explored the in-situ observation of new particle formation and aerosol growth using FTIR spectroscopy. Project No. 91644101 investigated the burst and growth of new particles as influenced by ambient relative humidity through FTIR techniques. He collaborates with Prof. Yunhong Zhang in conducting advanced spectroscopic studies on aerosols.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Pang’s work has important implications for understanding urban air pollution and atmospheric chemistry. His investigation into copper-catalyzed SO₂ oxidation by NO₂ within aerosols and the resulting sulfate formation has contributed to the field of environmental science. His studies aid in pollution modeling, aerosol transformation mechanisms, and the evaluation of climate-related aerosol effects.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

Although specific citation counts were not detailed, Prof. Pang’s research—particularly in aerosol spectroscopy and nanomaterials—has gained significant traction in the scientific community, especially among those focused on air quality, environmental chemistry, and nanoparticle behavior.

🛠️ Technical Skills

He possesses strong technical expertise in FTIR spectroscopy, colloidal and interfacial chemistry, Langmuir-Blodgett film techniques, gold nanoparticle synthesis, and the structural characterization of aerosols. His proficiency in in-situ analysis makes him a leader in observing real-time chemical processes in atmospheric systems.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

At Beijing Institute of Technology, Prof. Pang has consistently merged research with education, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in physical chemistry, spectroscopy, and atmospheric research. His practical guidance and academic supervision have contributed to the development of many young scientists.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Pang aims to continue advancing the understanding of aerosol dynamics and their impact on climate and air quality. His future research will likely emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to atmospheric chemistry and nanoscience, making vital contributions to environmental policy, sustainable development, and academic innovation. His career reflects a dedication to both fundamental research and applied science, positioning him as a distinguished figure in modern physical and environmental chemistry.

📖Notable Publications

Sulfate formation through copper-catalyzed SO2 oxidation by NO2 at aerosol surfaces

  • Authors: P. Liu, Y. Liu, Q. Huang, Y. Zhang, M. Ge

  • Journal: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science

  • Year: 2025

Hydrogel network formation triggers atypical hygroscopic behavior in atmospheric aerosols

  • Authors: F. Dong, Q. Huang, S. Pang, Y. Zhang

  • Journal: Science of the Total Environment

  • Year: 2024

The interplay between aqueous replacement reaction and the phase state of internally mixed organic/ammonium aerosols

  • Authors: H. Yang, F. Dong, L. Xia, S. Pang, Y. Zhang

  • Journal: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics

  • Year: 2024

Rethinking urban haze formation: Atmospheric sulfite conversion rate scales with aerosol surface area, not volume

  • Authors: L. Li, P. Liu, Q. Huang, Y. Zhang, M. Ge

  • Journal: One Earth

  • Year: 2024

Compositional evolution for mixed aerosols containing gluconic acid and typical nitrate and the effect of multiply factors on hygroscopicity

  • Authors: Y. Zhu, S. Pang, Y. Zhang

  • Journal: Journal of Environmental Sciences

  • Year: 2024

Single Droplet Tweezer Revealing the Reaction Mechanism of Mn(II)-Catalyzed SO2 Oxidation

  • Authors: X. Cao, Y. Liu, Q. Huang, Y. Zhang, M. Ge

  • Journal: Environmental Science and Technology

  • Year: 2024

Pengfei Li | Theoretical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award -1929

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Prof. Pengfei Li | Theoretical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Pengfei Li’s journey in scientific research has been deeply rooted in environmental physics and remote sensing. His passion for atmospheric studies and hyperspectral technologies developed during his formative academic years, where he excelled in blending physical science with environmental applications. His academic path ultimately led him to become a key researcher at the prestigious State Key Laboratory of Infrared Physics under the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently, as a Research Fellow, Prof. Li is a leading figure in satellite-based atmospheric monitoring. His role includes spearheading research on weak gas emissions detection, a crucial area for tackling global issues like climate change and environmental pollution. His leadership in the lab is marked by interdisciplinary integration, where hyperspectral satellite technology, data assimilation, atmospheric modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI) converge to address modern environmental challenges.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Li’s research is at the intersection of hyperspectral remote sensing and AI-driven environmental monitoring. His team is developing next-generation techniques for satellite-based detection of weak gas emissions, aimed at pushing the detection limits in extreme environments. This work also involves defining payload specifications for future hyperspectral satellites. The outcomes of his research hold significant relevance for addressing atmospheric pollution, climate change, and homeland security threats, providing critical insights into satellite system design and operational strategies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With over 50 SCI-indexed publications, including 20+ first-author or corresponding-author papers in leading journals such as PNAS and One Earth, Prof. Li has made a global impact. His research has informed both the academic community and policymakers, particularly in the realms of climate change mitigation, environmental monitoring, and satellite payload engineering. His work is frequently showcased at international conferences like the United Nations Climate Change Conference, AMS Annual Meeting, and the Goldschmidt Conference, where he has delivered numerous invited talks.

🏆 Honors and Leadership Roles

Prof. Li was selected for the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences “Hundred Talents Program” (Category B), recognizing his innovative research and leadership potential. Beyond research, he plays a pivotal role as a review expert for China’s National Key R&D Program and serves on scientific committees, including as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology and Application Professional Committee under the China Association for Remote Sensing Applications.

📚 Academic Citations

Prof. Li’s publications are highly cited within the fields of environmental monitoring, satellite remote sensing, and atmospheric sciences, reflecting the value and influence of his contributions on an international scale. His research continues to shape the discourse around climate resilience, pollution tracking, and advanced remote sensing methods.

🛠️ Technical Skills

His technical expertise includes:  Hyperspectral satellite data processing, Atmospheric modeling and data assimilation, AI and machine learning for environmental monitoring, Payload design and specification for next-generation satellites, Quantitative remote sensing and geospatial analysis.

👨‍🏫 Teaching & Mentoring

In addition to research, Prof. Li is actively involved in mentoring graduate students and early-career scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in hyperspectral remote sensing. His guidance has produced a growing cadre of young scientists contributing to China’s leadership in satellite-based environmental science.

🚀 Vision and Future Contributions

Prof. Li’s future goals include expanding the applications of hyperspectral technologies to global-scale monitoring of greenhouse gases and pollutants, developing real-time AI-driven detection frameworks, and enhancing China’s position in next-gen satellite missions. His work is set to continue making a transformative impact on how we monitor and respond to environmental and security-related atmospheric events.

📖Notable Publications

The effectiveness of solar radiation management using fine sea spray across multiple climatic regions
Authors: Z Song, S Yu, P Li, N Yao, L Chen, Y Sun, B Jiang, D Rosenfeld
Journal: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Year: 2025

Photostationary state assumption seriously underestimates NOx emissions near large point sources at 10 to 60 m pixel resolution
Authors: L Chen, Z Song, N Yao, H Xi, J Li, P Gao, Y Chen, H Su, Y Sun, B Jiang, …
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Year: 2025

Multi-task deep learning for quantifying methane emissions from 2-D plume imagery with Low Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Authors: Q Xu, X Gu, P Li, X Gu
Journal: International Journal of Remote Sensing
Year: 2024

Less anthropogenic aerosol indirect effects are a potential cause for Northeast Pacific warm blob events
Authors: N Yao, Z Song, L Chen, Y Sun, B Jiang, P Li, J Chen, S Yu
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Year: 2024

Different contributions of meteorological conditions and emission reductions to the ozone pollution during Shanghai’s COVID-19 lockdowns in winter and spring
Authors: X Dou, M Li, Y Jiang, Z Song, P Li, S Yu
Journal: Atmospheric Pollution Research
Year: 2024

Natalya Kurochkina | Protein Structure | Best Researcher Award – 1648

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Dr. Natalya Kurochkina | Protein Structure | Best Researcher Award

The School of Theoretical Modeling, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Natalya Kurochkina’s academic journey began when she earned her Ph.D. in Biophysics at the Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences. Her postdoctoral work followed in 1991 at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, USA, focusing on Biochemistry. These formative years laid the foundation for her expertise in protein structure and biophysical analysis.

Professional Endeavors 💼

After her postdoctoral studies, Kurochkina worked as a Research Scientist at Applied Thermodynamics in Hunt Valley, MD, between 1996 and 1998. In 1998, she established the School of Theoretical Modeling in Washington, DC, where she has since served as a Professor of Biophysics. She teaches courses in Biomedical Research and Protein Modeling, contributing significantly to the academic development of students in these fields. Her research has focused on the structure and dynamics of proteins, particularly in the context of medical applications.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Kurochkina’s research contributions are substantial and have made a significant impact on the field of biophysics and biochemistry. She developed methods for predicting protein conformation, including novel approaches to designing immunotoxins. Her work on the molecular modeling of various medically relevant proteins, such as fibrin, UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase/ManNAc kinase, and TRP1/TRPV1/CDK5, has advanced the understanding of these molecules. Kurochkina also pioneered studies into the structural determinants of protein assembly and the impact of helix interfaces on ligand binding.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Kurochkina’s work has not only contributed to the scientific community but also has tangible medical implications. Her design of immunotoxins and modeling of critical proteins has advanced therapeutic approaches for various diseases. Additionally, her research in protein structure analysis is essential for understanding disease-related mutations, such as those linked to hereditary conditions like HSAN2A and sialuria. Her innovations have drawn attention globally, and her publications are regularly cited within the scientific literature.

Academic Cites 📚

Kurochkina has published 30 journals in high-impact databases like SCI and Scopus, with a citation index of 14. Her research is widely recognized within the biophysics and protein modeling communities. As a key contributor to multiple fields, her work on the structural and functional aspects of proteins continues to be referenced by experts and researchers worldwide.

Technical Skills 🛠️

Kurochkina possesses advanced technical skills in protein modeling, biophysical analysis, and computational chemistry. Her expertise includes structural modeling of proteins, secondary structure analysis, and the prediction of amino acid interactions. She has also worked extensively with molecular modeling software to simulate and predict the behavior of protein assemblies, particularly in the context of disease-associated mutations.

Teaching Experience 👩‍🏫

As a Professor of Biophysics, Kurochkina has mentored and shaped the careers of many students. Her teaching experience spans biomedical research, protein modeling, and the theoretical foundations of molecular biology. She is known for her ability to inspire students and foster a deep understanding of biophysics. Her guidance in both academic and research settings has been instrumental in the development of the next generation of scientists.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Kurochkina’s legacy is marked by her groundbreaking contributions to protein structure prediction and her innovations in immunotoxin design. Her future research aims to further explore the complexities of protein dynamics and their role in disease. She continues to focus on developing computational tools that enhance the understanding of protein behavior in various biological systems. Her work promises to continue influencing the fields of biophysics, biochemistry, and biomedical research for years to come.

📖Notable Publications

Expression pattern analysis and characterization of the hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy 2 A (HSAN2A) gene with no lysine kinase (WNK1) in human dorsal root ganglion

Authors: Sapio, M.R., King, D.M., Staedtler, E.S., Mannes, A.J., Iadarola, M.J.
Journal: Experimental Neurology
Year: 2023

Phosphorylation of the Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 by Cyclin-dependent Kinase 5 affects Chemo-nociception

Authors: Hall, B.E., Prochazkova, M., Sapio, M.R., Iadarola, M.J., Kulkarni, A.B.
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2018

Phosphorylation, Dephosphorylation, and Multiprotein Assemblies Regulate Dynamic Behavior of Neuronal Cytoskeleton: A Mini-Review

Authors: Kurochkina, N., Bhaskar, M., Yadav, S.P., Pant, H.C.
Journal: Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
Year: 2018

Helical assemblies: Structure determinants

Authors: Kurochkina, N.A., Iadarola, M.J.
Journal: Journal of Theoretical Biology
Year: 2015