Qiang Qu | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Qiang Qu | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Pfizer Research and Development, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

🏛️ Early Academic Pursuits

Qiang Qu embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in biochemistry, earning a B.S. from Nankai University in 1995. He further honed his expertise by obtaining a Master’s degree in Genetics from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Genetics in 1998. His academic training provided him with a solid understanding of molecular biology, protein analysis, and genetic mechanisms—knowledge that would later fuel his career in biopharmaceutical research and clinical assay development.

🏢 Professional Endeavors

With over 14 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, Qiang Qu has played pivotal roles in assay development, clinical research, and regulatory strategy. His career began at Pfizer in 2010 as a Senior Scientist in BioMedicine Design-PDM, where he focused on bioanalytical assay development for pharmacokinetics (PK) and immunogenicity assessments. In 2016, he joined EMD Serono as an Associate Director and Lab Head, where he managed a team of scientists, overseeing assay development for large molecule therapeutics. By 2020, he returned to Pfizer as the Biologics & Immunogenicity Clinical Assay Lead, a role in which he continues to make significant contributions to the development and regulatory approval of biologics.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Qiang Qu's research expertise spans PK, anti-drug antibody (ADA), and neutralizing antibody (NAb) assay development, particularly in clinical phases. He has led the development, validation, and transfer of bioanalytical assays using state-of-the-art technologies such as ELISA, MSD, Gyros, and Octet platforms. His contributions have been instrumental in ensuring the robustness, reliability, and regulatory compliance of assays used in drug development.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his leadership roles, Qiang Qu has had a direct influence on clinical assay strategies, shaping the scientific direction of bioanalytical projects. His collaborations with CROs (Contract Research Organizations) and regulatory bodies have ensured the successful transfer and validation of critical assays supporting IND/BLA/NDA submissions. He has also mentored and managed teams, fostering the next generation of scientists in assay development.

📚 Academic Citations & Industry Recognition

His work in biologics and immunogenicity assays has been widely recognized within the scientific community. His contributions have been cited in regulatory filings, scientific reports, and industry presentations, strengthening the scientific foundation for immunogenicity risk assessment and bioanalytical methodologies in pharmaceutical research.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Qiang Qu possesses extensive technical expertise in:

  • Bioanalytical assay development (PK, ADA, and NAb)
  • Method validation and assay transfer under GLP/GCLP compliance
  • Technology platforms: ELISA, MSD, Gyros, Octet, and automation tools
  • Regulatory compliance and dossier preparation for clinical and regulatory submissions
  • CRO management, troubleshooting, and scientific oversight

🎓 Teaching & Mentorship Experience

Throughout his career, Qiang Qu has played a significant role in mentoring junior scientists and contractors, guiding them through assay development and regulatory expectations. His leadership at EMD Serono and Pfizer involved training and supervising 6-8 direct reports, helping them build expertise in bioanalytical methodologies. His mentorship extends beyond the lab, as he frequently participates in scientific discussions, internal knowledge-sharing sessions, and industry conferences.

🔥 Legacy and Future Contributions

Qiang Qu's contributions to bioanalytical sciences and immunogenicity assay development have already left a lasting impact on the field of biologics drug development. His expertise in method validation, regulatory submissions, and clinical strategy continues to shape the future of biopharmaceutical research. Moving forward, he is poised to further enhance assay innovation, improve immunogenicity risk assessment, and contribute to emerging technologies in biologics. His legacy is one of scientific excellence, leadership, and mentorship, ensuring that his influence extends well beyond his immediate projects.

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