Wanhee Im | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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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

Wilfried Schwab | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

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Dr. Wilfried Schwab | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Technische Universität München , Germany

Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Dr. Wilfried Schwab’s academic journey began with the Abitur at Balthasar-Neumann-Gymnasium in Marktheidenfeld in 1980. He pursued a degree in Food Chemistry at the University of Würzburg (1981–1985), completing his 1st State Examination. Driven by a passion for natural product chemistry, he began his Ph.D. under Prof. Dr. Peter Schreier, completing it in 1989. His early research focused on the chemistry of natural flavors, a theme that would define much of his career. He then underwent professional training for the 2nd State Examination in Erlangen (1990–1991). His academic foundation was further strengthened with a Habilitation (1999), granting him venia legendi in Food Chemistry.

Professional Endeavors

Prof. Schwab’s postdoctoral career launched in the USA (1989–1990) at Washington State University with Prof. Rodney Croteau, a leading figure in plant biochemistry. He held several short-term research positions across Europe and the U.S., building a network of international collaborations. From 1994 to 2003, he led an independent research group at the University of Würzburg, where he developed his expertise in plant secondary metabolism. In 2003, he became a C3 professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Chair of Biomolecular Food Technology, which was renamed Biotechnology of Natural Products in 2010. His leadership extended to serving as acting head of multiple departments at TUM and a Chair Professorship at Anhui Agricultural University in China (since 2018), highlighting his global academic reach.

Research Focus and Scientific Contributions

Prof. Schwab’s research is anchored in the biochemistry of plant-derived natural products, particularly focusing on glycosyltransferases, terpenoids, apocarotenoids, and flavor compounds. He has significantly advanced the understanding of enzyme structure–function relationships and metabolic pathways in fruits like strawberry and grapevine. His work bridges basic and applied science, often connecting plant metabolic processes with practical applications in food chemistry, fragrance, and biotechnology.

Impact and Influence

With a rich publication history in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, New Phytologist, Plant Physiology, and Nature Genetics, Prof. Schwab has made substantial contributions to the scientific community. His involvement in the woodland strawberry genome project underscores his role in major collaborative efforts. Additionally, he holds several patents, including methods for identifying glycosyltransferase substrates and aroma precursors, demonstrating his impact beyond academia and into industrial applications.

Academic Citations and Recognition

Prof. Schwab’s publications have been widely cited, with key studies serving as references for both academic and applied research in plant biochemistry. He received the Unterfränkische Gedenkjahresstiftung für Wissenschaft award for his Ph.D. thesis and the Josef-Schormüller Award in 1999, recognizing his exceptional contributions to food chemistry. He also serves on the editorial board of Horticultural Research, reflecting peer recognition of his expertise.

Technical Skills

Prof. Schwab possesses deep technical expertise in enzymology, plant metabolomics, analytical chemistry (GC-MS, LC-MS), and molecular biology. His ability to translate complex biochemical pathways into functional insights about plant defense and aroma biosynthesis has made him a leader in the field. He has also demonstrated proficiency in industrial research, particularly during his time with Hoechst AG and AgrEvo (1991–1994), working on agricultural metabolism.

Teaching and Academic Leadership

Throughout his academic journey, Prof. Schwab has mentored numerous students and researchers. His leadership roles at TUM—including acting head of departments in Biofunctionality of Food and Fruit Science—highlight his commitment to nurturing future scientists. His teaching integrates foundational knowledge with state-of-the-art discoveries in biotechnology and natural products.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Schwab’s legacy is defined by his interdisciplinary approach, combining food chemistry, plant biology, and biotechnology to unravel nature’s complexity. As he continues his work in Germany and China, his research will likely influence sustainable agriculture, food innovation, and natural product development for years to come. His role in shaping modern food biochemistry ensures a lasting impact on both scientific discovery and industrial practice.

📖Notable Publications

β-Carotene alleviates substrate inhibition caused by asymmetric cooperativity

  • Authors: Jieren Liao, Umar F. Shahul Hameed, Timothy D. Hoffmann, Stefan T. Arold, Wilfried G. Schwab

  • Journal: Nature Communications

  • Year: 2025

Squalene acts as a feedback signaling molecule in facilitating bidirectional communication between tea plants

  • Authors: Jieyang Jin, Mingyue Zhao, Keke Yu, Wilfried G. Schwab, Chuankui Song

  • Journal: Science Advances

  • Year: 2025

Evolution and functional divergence of glycosyltransferase genes shaped the quality and cold tolerance of tea plants

  • Authors: Jingming Wang, Yutong Hu, Danyang Guo, Enhua Xia, Chuankui Song

  • Journal: Plant Cell

  • Year: 2025

Kinetics of Secoisolariciresinol Glucosyltransferase LuUGT74S1 and Its Mutants

  • Authors: Sadiq S. Mareai, Lukas Böhm, Thomas Hoffmann, Wilfried G. Schwab

  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

  • Year: 2024

Comparative Functional Characterization of LuUGT74S1 from Linum usitatissimum L. and Its Closed Homologues from Fragaria vesca Subsp. vesca and Camellia sinensis

  • Authors: Sadiq S. Mareai, Thomas Hoffmann, Wilfried G. Schwab

  • Journal: ACS Food Science and Technology

  • 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