Xinglong Wang | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xinglong Wang | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xinglong Wang began his academic journey with an unwavering commitment to biomedical sciences. He earned his Master’s degree from La Trobe University (2015–2017) under the mentorship of Prof. Marc Kvansakul, where he gained critical insights into molecular biology and bioengineering. He further deepened his expertise by pursuing a Ph.D. at Jiangnan University (2018–2022) under the supervision of Prof. Jian Chen, a leading researcher in bioengineering and microbial systems. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his future research in biomedical technology and applied biosciences.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Wang embarked on a postdoctoral research fellowship at Jiangnan University (2022–2024), where he focused on advancing technologies in biomedical engineering. Building upon this momentum, he secured a prestigious position in 2025 as an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, a key division of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). His current role involves a dynamic combination of research, innovation, and student mentorship at one of China’s most renowned scientific institutions.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Wang’s research spans biomedical instrumentation, biosensors, and bioinformatics, with a particular interest in integrating engineering and biology for healthcare innovation. His interdisciplinary approach bridges gaps between traditional engineering and modern medical technologies. Notably, his work in developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic platforms has positioned him at the forefront of translational medicine in China. His contributions include projects on biocompatible materials, smart medical devices, and synthetic biology tools.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Wang’s work has already begun to influence both academic and industrial sectors. Through collaborative projects and publications, he has contributed to improving early disease detection systems and personalized treatment protocols. His participation in national research programs and partnerships with industry players in the biomedical field reflects his influence as both a scientist and innovator. As a rising academic, his voice is being increasingly recognized in conferences and peer-reviewed publications in biomedical engineering.

📚 Academic Citations

Although still early in his academic leadership, Dr. Wang’s publications during and after his Ph.D. and postdoctoral work are being cited in the fields of medical technology, bioengineering, and computational biology. His collaborations and co-authored works have been referenced by researchers across Asia and internationally, indicating growing recognition in key scientific circles.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Wang is highly skilled in a range of technical domains, including biomedical imaging, nanomaterials characterization, microfluidic systems, and genetic engineering techniques. He is also adept with data analysis tools, MATLAB, Python, and bioinformatics software. His interdisciplinary expertise allows him to prototype and test devices at the interface of biology and engineering, making him a versatile researcher and problem-solver.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

As a Master’s Supervisor at CAS, Dr. Wang has been deeply involved in mentoring graduate students and fostering a hands-on, innovation-driven learning environment. He emphasizes project-based learning and encourages students to publish in high-impact journals, file patents, and present at international conferences. His previous mentorship during postdoctoral years also contributed to training junior researchers and integrating academic rigor with practical implementation.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Wang is positioning himself as a leader in biomedical engineering with a vision for transformative healthcare technologies. His future plans involve establishing a cutting-edge research group focused on wearable diagnostics, AI-assisted medical imaging, and next-generation biosensors. He aims to elevate China’s global role in biomedical innovation by translating laboratory discoveries into clinical and industrial applications. His legacy is likely to be marked by the development of affordable, intelligent medical solutions and the training of a new generation of interdisciplinary scientists.

📖Notable Publications

Electron transfer engineering of artificially designed cell factory for complete biosynthesis of steroids
Nature Communications
2025

GRLGRN: graph representation-based learning to infer gene regulatory networks from single-cell RNA-seq data
BMC Bioinformatics
2025

Characteristics of the milk microbiota of healthy goats and goats diagnosed with clinical mastitis in Western China
Microbial Pathogenesis
2025

Combined metabolic and enzymatic engineering for de novo biosynthesis of δ-tocotrienol in Yarrowia lipolytica
Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology
2025

Immunogenicity evaluation of a recombinant pseudorabies virus co-expressing PCV2 and PCV3 capsid proteins in mice and piglets
Vaccine
2025

Modulating phosphate transfer process for promoting phosphorylation activity of acid phosphatase
Bioresource Technology
2025

 

Yang Zhao | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yang Zhao | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Dr. Yang Zhao, earned his Ph.D. in Ecology, laying a strong academic foundation in environmental and biological sciences. His early academic years were marked by a growing interest in arid land restoration, ecosystem resilience, and ecological innovation. With a solid grounding in biochemistry and ecological sciences, he steadily advanced his research in desert ecosystems, particularly focusing on the interaction between soil biology and climate stressors. His educational journey equipped him with interdisciplinary skills critical to tackling pressing environmental challenges.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Research Fellow and Ph.D. Supervisor at the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Prof. Zhao has led more than 10 national-level projects, showcasing leadership in both fundamental and applied ecological research. He has played a pivotal role in the National Key Research and Development Program of China, as well as multiple grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the prestigious CAS “Light of West China” Key Program. His consulting roles and active engagement with government-funded ecological programs illustrate his influence in shaping China’s desertification countermeasures.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Zhao’s research focuses primarily on desert ecosystem restoration, particularly on improving soil health, moisture retention, and vegetation biodiversity through cyanobacterial inoculation. A landmark study under his leadership evaluated the role of artificial biological crusts in improving soil enzyme activity, herbaceous plant richness, and ecosystem resilience under drought conditions. Using advanced tools such as Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), he demonstrated the direct and indirect roles of soil moisture and plant cover in enhancing ecological balance. These innovations significantly contribute to combating land degradation and adapting ecosystems to climate change.

📊 Impact and Influence

With over 100 academic papers published and 10 national patents to his name, Prof. Zhao has made an indelible mark on the field of eco-environmental science. His work has appeared in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Environmental Management (SCI) and has earned him accolades including the First Prize of Ningxia Science and Technology Progress. He is a recognized figure in policy-driven research, and his scientific findings have translated into practical frameworks for sustainable land restoration in arid regions across China.

📚 Academic Citations and Editorial Role

Prof. Zhao’s research is well-represented in the Web of Science and other international citation indexes. His consistent contributions to high-impact journals have earned him a respected voice in academic circles. He also serves as a member of editorial boards, providing peer-review expertise and guiding the direction of publications in his field. This editorial role reflects his commitment to maintaining scholarly integrity and promoting cutting-edge ecological research globally.

🧪 Technical Skills

Prof. Zhao is proficient in advanced ecological assessment tools, including soil biochemistry analysis, remote sensing for ecosystem monitoring, hydrological modeling, and PLS-SEM for ecological systems. His interdisciplinary toolkit allows him to integrate field data, statistical models, and experimental treatments for comprehensive desert ecology studies. These competencies place him at the forefront of modern environmental restoration research.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

As a Ph.D. Supervisor, Prof. Zhao is actively involved in mentoring the next generation of ecological scientists. He has guided doctoral and postgraduate students in topics ranging from cyanobacterial inoculation to ecosystem modeling, instilling scientific rigor and innovation. His teaching extends beyond the classroom, fostering field-based training and real-world environmental problem solving.

🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Zhao’s legacy lies in his integration of innovative ecological techniques with policy-relevant research aimed at mitigating desertification. His selection into the Innovation Team in Key Fields by the Ministry of Science and Technology is a testament to his national recognition. Moving forward, he aims to expand research on ecosystem services under climate extremes, green technology in arid zones, and cross-border collaborations to promote sustainable restoration practices globally. His future contributions are expected to further solidify the role of cyanobacterial biotechnology in ecological engineering.

📖Notable Publications

Maize stalk mulching significantly influences the cyanobacterial communities and alpha diversity in artificial cyanobacterial crusts in arid sandy areas
Applied Soil Ecology
2025

Links between soil moisture, herbaceous plant community characteristics, and soil enzymes under drought and non-drought periods after cyanobacterial inoculation
Journal of Environmental Management
2025

Co-development of biocrust and herbaceous plant communities in sandy areas after cyanobacterial inoculation
Plant and Soil
2025

Effects of inoculum condition and different material mulches on the colonization of artificial cyanobacterial crusts
Shengtai Xuebao
2025

Hydraulic mechanism of limiting growth and maintaining survival of desert shrubs in arid habitats
Plant Physiology
2024

Cumulative effects of experimental nitrogen deposition on soil chemistry in a desert steppe: A 12-year field study
Science of the Total Environment
2024

Natalya Kurochkina | Protein Structure | Best Researcher Award – 1648

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