Yi Sun | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award China

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yi Sun | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

China Pharmaceutical University China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yi Sun embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Nanjing Medical University (2006–2010), where she laid the foundation for her future work in pharmaceutical sciences. Her academic rigor led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the prestigious Peking University (2010–2016), where she cultivated a strong grounding in pharmacological mechanisms and experimental therapeutics. These formative years solidified her dedication to neuropharmacology and translational medicine.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Sun’s academic career began in 2016 as a Lecturer at China Pharmaceutical University, where she steadily rose through the ranks. In 2024, she was appointed both as an Associate Professor and a Xingyao Associate Researcher at the same institution, reflecting her dual impact in both research and education. Her work spans across pharmacological research, drug discovery, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, with a continual commitment to institutional growth and student mentorship.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Sun’s core research revolves around the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, especially in relation to Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive dysfunction. She has successfully led multiple grants, including a National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) project (81703520) focusing on the role of Nrf2 in Alzheimer’s pathogenesis, and a Key R&D Program of Ningxia grant (2019BFG02017) on sulfonamide lead compounds for cognitive disorders. Her current ongoing project investigates the antidepressant mechanisms of Keap1-Nrf2 protein interaction inhibitors. This demonstrates her keen interest in translational medicine, targeting neurological and metabolic dysfunctions.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Dr. Sun has made notable contributions to both scientific research and educational innovation. Her awards, such as the Special Prize in the National College Pharmacy Teaching Competitions and the First Prize in multiple ideological and political teaching contests, mark her as a leader in pedagogical innovation. Her research not only advances pharmacological science but also addresses pressing societal health challenges like aging-related cognitive decline.

📚 Academic Citations & Editorial Contributions

While specific citation metrics aren’t listed, Dr. Sun’s work has been recognized by national funding bodies and institutional stakeholders. Her editorial board roles in textbooks such as “Physiological Pharmacology” and “Pharmacology Experiment”, as well as her involvement with the journal Central South Pharmacy as a young editor, highlight her influence in shaping academic literature and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

🛠️ Technical Skills & Research Methods

Dr. Sun possesses comprehensive expertise in pharmacodynamic modeling, in vivo animal studies, cognitive function assays, and drug target interaction studies. Her work consistently employs molecular pharmacology techniques and biochemical pathway analyses, particularly targeting the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction. These technical proficiencies have allowed her to drive forward both mechanistic and applied pharmacological research.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Dr. Sun’s teaching portfolio is both diverse and decorated. She has received accolades including the “Teaching Newcomer Award” and the Best Style Award from China Pharmaceutical University. Her projects such as “Pharmacology Progress” and the “Pharmacology Course Ideological and Political Teaching Exploration” demonstrate a commitment to educational reform and the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) model. Additionally, she has been actively involved in textbook editing, MOOC development, and online course delivery, reflecting her adaptability in both traditional and modern teaching platforms.

🧑‍🎓 Student Mentorship and Development

Her mentorship record includes provincial-level projects under the College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program, showcasing her role in fostering student-led research. Notably, she guided a project on RIPK1 inhibitors and cognitive dysfunction, aligning with her research interests and encouraging translational thinking among students.

🧬 Academic and Scientific Community Engagement

Dr. Sun plays a vital role in China’s academic pharmacological landscape. She serves as a Youth Committee Member of the Cardiovascular and Renal Pharmacology Committees of the Chinese Pharmacological Society, and is also affiliated with the Lingzhi Professional Committee of the Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine. These affiliations emphasize her interdisciplinary approach to medicine, integrating Western and traditional Chinese pharmaceutical sciences.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Sun’s work bridges molecular pharmacology, clinical relevance, and teaching innovation. Her current research and teaching reforms position her as a forward-looking scholar, aiming to integrate scientific discovery with educational excellence. Her ongoing and future contributions are expected to advance therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases, and shape the next wave of pharmacology education in China and beyond.

📖Notable Publications

Design of anti-depressant phosphodiester amino acidic Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors
Authors: Yi Sun*, Jue Wang*, Wenxin Ding*, Qingqing Qin*, Rui Wang, Ruizhi Yu, Jianyu Yan, Ruilin Hou, Guodong Liu, Xiangming Cai, Zhuo Qu, Wannian Zhang, Jianqiang Yu, Chengguo Xing, Chunlin Zhuang#
Journal: Redox Biology
Year: 2025

A potent phosphodiester Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction inhibitor as the efficient treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yi Sun*, Lijuan Xu*, Dongpeng Zheng, Jue Wang, Guodong Liu, Zixin Mo, Chao Liu, Wannian Zhang, Jianqiang Yu, Chengguo Xing, Ling He#, Chunlin Zhuang#
Journal: Redox Biology
Year: 2023

Discovery of a trifluoromethoxy cyclopentanone benzothiazole receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) inhibitor as the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yi Sun*, Lijuan Xu*, Hongming Shao, Danni Quan, Zixin Mo, Jue Wang, Wannian Zhang, Jianqiang Yu, Chunlin Zhuang#, Ke Xu#
Journal: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Year: 2022

Adenosine A2A receptor antagonist SCH58261 improves the cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease model mice through activation of Nrf2 via an autophagy-dependent pathway
Authors: Yi Sun*, Chao Liu*, Ling He#
Journal: Antioxidants & Redox Signaling
Year: 2024

Direct inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein interaction as a potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yi Sun*, Jiaxuan Huang*, Yufei Chen, Hao Shang, Wannian Zhang, Jianqiang Yu, Ling He, Chengguo Xing, Chunlin Zhuang#
Journal: Bioorganic Chemistry
Year: 2020

 

Mary Higby Schweitzer | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Mary Higby Schweitzer | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

North Carolina State University, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

🏛️ Early Academic Pursuits

Mary Higby Schweitzer’s academic journey began with a B.S. in Communicative Disorders from Utah State University in 1977. However, her passion for science and education led her to pursue a Certificate in Secondary Education with a focus on Broadfield Science at Montana State University in 1988. Her growing interest in paleontology and biology propelled her towards a Ph.D. in Biology from Montana State University in 1995, where she began her groundbreaking research into biomolecules. This phase of her academic life set the foundation for her future contributions to science.

🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Schweitzer’s professional career has been marked by a steady progression through prestigious academic and research institutions. She has been a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University since 2015 and has served as a Visiting Professor at Lund University, Sweden, since 2014. In addition, she has held the role of Research Associate at the Museum of the Rockies since 2018, where she continues to collaborate on vertebrate paleontology studies. Prior to this, she worked in various capacities at Montana State University and North Carolina State University, transitioning from an assistant professor to a leading faculty member in the fields of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences. Her long-standing association with the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences as a Research Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology since 2003 reflects her dedication to both research and public science communication.

🏆 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Schweitzer is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking discovery of soft tissues, proteins, and potential DNA remnants in fossilized dinosaur bones. This finding challenged traditional assumptions about fossilization and opened up new possibilities for studying ancient biomolecules. Her research has demonstrated that biomolecules such as collagen proteins can persist for millions of years, providing direct biochemical evidence of evolutionary links between dinosaurs and modern birds. Her work in molecular paleontology, vertebrate taphonomy, and protein preservation has not only expanded our understanding of how biological materials endure over time but has also introduced new methodologies for studying ancient life at the molecular level.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Schweitzer’s work has significantly influenced paleontology, evolutionary biology, andbiomolecules. Her research has been pivotal in demonstrating that organic materials can survive fossilization, reshaping our understanding of ancient life and its preservation. By uncovering biochemical links between extinct species and their modern relatives, her discoveries have provided strong molecular evidence supporting evolutionary theory. Beyond her own research, she has played a key role in shaping the scientific landscape as a reviewer for high-impact journals such as Nature, Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and PLOS Biology. Her contributions have ensured that new discoveries in the field maintain the highest standards of scientific rigor.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

With an extensive portfolio of highly cited papers, Dr. Schweitzer’s research continues to be a cornerstone of molecular paleontology. Her honorary doctorate from Lund University in Sweden is a testament to her international recognition and influence in the field. Her publications have been widely referenced by paleontologists, biologists, and geochemists, further highlighting the multidisciplinary impact of her work.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Schweitzer possesses expertise in a wide range of advanced scientific techniques, including immunohistochemistry, paleohistology, microscopy, and geochemical analysis. Her ability to extract and analyze ancient proteins and biomolecules has been instrumental in confirming the preservation of soft tissues in fossils. Her technical skills also extend to spectroscopy, molecular imaging, and biochemical analysis, allowing her to identify and characterize ancient biological materials with high precision.

🎓 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Schweitzer has trained and guided numerous graduate and Ph.D. students throughout her career. She has held teaching positions at Montana State University and North Carolina State University, where she has inspired students to explore the intersections of biology, paleontology, and molecular science. Through her mentorship, she has played a vital role in fostering the next generation of researchers who continue to push the boundaries of scientific discovery.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Schweitzer’s revolutionary research has reshaped the field of paleontology and will continue to influence scientific inquiry for years to come. Her discoveries have bridged the gap between biology and paleontology, offering new insights into how ancient life is preserved at the molecular level. Moving forward, her research could unlock even more secrets about extinct species, further deepening our understanding of Earth’s biological history. Her commitment to interdisciplinary research and innovative methodologies ensures that her legacy will endure, paving the way for future scientific breakthroughs in fossil preservation and molecular evolution. 🚀🔬

📖Notable Publications

Melanosomes and ancient coloration re-examined: A response to Vinther 2015

Authors: Mary Higby Schweitzer, Johan Lindgren, Alison E. Moyer

Journal: BioEssays

Year: 2015

Interpreting melanin-based coloration through deep time: A critical review

Authors: Johan Lindgren, Alison E. Moyer, Mary Higby Schweitzer, Bo Pagh Schultz, Benjamin P. Kear

Journal: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Year: 2015

Biologically and diagenetically derived peptide modifications in moa collagens

Authors: Timothy P. Cleland, Elena R. Schroeter, Mary Higby Schweitzer

Journal: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Year: 2015

A pelomedusoid turtle from the Paleocene-Eocene of Colombia exhibiting preservation of blood vessels and osteocytes

Authors: Edwin A. Cadena, Mary Higby Schweitzer

Journal: Journal of Herpetology

Year: 2014

Synchrotron chemical and structural analysis of Tyrannosaurus rex blood vessels: The contribution of collagen hypercrosslinking to tissue longevity

Authors: Elizabeth M. Boatman, Mark B. Goodwin, Hoi Ying N. Holman, Ronald Gronsky, John R. Horner

Journal: Microscopy and Microanalysis

Year: 2014