Fei Zhu | Chemical Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fei Zhu | Chemical Biology | Best Researcher Award

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fei Zhu’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences and biomedical research. His early studies focused on stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and biomaterials, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to pluripotent stem cell research and tumor immunotherapy. With a deep passion for scientific discovery, he explored innovative methodologies for cell reprogramming and tissue engineering, positioning himself as a leading expert in the field.

🏛 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Zhu is currently an Associate Professor at the Academy of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China. His professional career is dedicated to advancing cell-based therapies and personalized medicine. He has played a pivotal role in the development of functional biomaterials that enhance cell reprogramming and organoid-based drug evaluation. His expertise extends to designing novel cancer vaccines derived from stem cell membranes, aimed at multi-cancer prevention. Through his academic and research leadership, he has fostered interdisciplinary collaborations, bridging the gap between biomedical engineering and clinical applications.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhu’s research revolves around four key areas. His work in cell reprogramming has led to the development of highly efficient techniques using transcription factor cocktails and biomaterial-based approaches. In pluripotent stem cell-based therapy, his advancements in islet organoid development offer new possibilities for diabetes treatment. His contributions to tumor organoid-based drug evaluation have enabled the construction of patient-derived tumor organoids, allowing for precise assessments of drug efficacy, resistance, and safety.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhu’s research is making a significant impact in regenerative medicine and cancer therapy. His innovations in stem cell technology and biomaterials have profound implications for disease modeling, drug screening, and personalized treatment strategies. His groundbreaking publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Biomedical Engineering, Advanced Materials, and Stem Cell Reports have positioned him as a thought leader in the scientific community, influencing both academic research and potential clinical applications.

📖 Academic Citations and Recognition

Dr. Zhu’s impactful research has earned widespread recognition in leading scientific journals and international forums. His work has been cited extensively in studies related to stem cell therapy, biomaterials, and cancer immunotherapy. His insights into cell reprogramming and tumor organoids continue to shape modern biomedical sciences, contributing to the advancement of precision medicine.

🛠 Technical Skills and Expertise

Dr. Zhu possesses a diverse skill set in biomedical research, including expertise in stem cell differentiation and reprogramming, advanced biomaterial design for therapeutic applications, organoid development and drug screening, nanotechnology-based cancer immunotherapy, and high-throughput screening techniques for drug discovery. His technical expertise enables him to drive innovation in cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

As a dedicated educator, Dr. Zhu is committed to mentoring the next generation of researchers. He actively trains students and young scientists in stem cell engineering, regenerative medicine, and tumor immunotherapy. His guidance helps students develop innovative thinking, research skills, and translational expertise, preparing them for careers in academia and industry.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Zhu’s work is paving the way for transformative advancements in medicine. His future research aims to enhance tumor organoid technology for better drug screening, develop next-generation cancer immunotherapies, improve biomaterial-based approaches for cell therapy, and translate laboratory discoveries into clinical applications for personalized medicine. With his dedication to scientific innovation, Dr. Zhu continues to push the boundaries of biomedical research, shaping the future of cell-based therapies and cancer treatment. His work holds immense promise for improving patient care and advancing global healthcare solutions.

📖Notable Publications

  • Cell-Reprogramming-Inspired Dynamically Responsive Hydrogel Boosts the Induction of Pluripotency via Phase-Separated Biomolecular Condensates

    • Authors: Fei Zhu, Nan Yan, X. Lu, J. Xu, H. Gu, J. Liang, K. Cheng, X. Wang, X. Ma, N. Ma, et al.

    • Journal: Advanced Materials

    • Year: 2024

  • Potent prophylactic cancer vaccines harnessing surface antigens shared by tumour cells and induced pluripotent stem cells

    • Authors: Nan Li, Hao Qin, Fei Zhu, Hao Ding, Yang Chen, Yixuan Lin, Ronghui Deng, Tianyu Ma, Yuanyuan Lv, Changhao Xiong, et al.

    • Journal: Nature Biomedical Engineering

    • Year: 2024

  • Nanoparticle-based combination therapy enhances fulvestrant efficacy and overcomes tumor resistance in ER-positive breast cancer (Preprint)

    • Authors: Bozhao Li, Feilong Qi, Fei Zhu, Zefang Lu, Meiqi Wang, Tianjiao Chu, Suying Wu, Jingyan Wei, Zhenchuan Song, Saraswati Sukumar, et al.

    • Journal: Preprint

    • Year: 2024

  • Supplementary Data from Nanoparticle-based combination therapy enhances fulvestrant efficacy and overcomes tumor resistance in ER-positive breast cancer (Preprint)

    • Authors: Bozhao Li, Feilong Qi, Fei Zhu, Zefang Lu, Meiqi Wang, Tianjiao Chu, Suying Wu, Jingyan Wei, Zhenchuan Song, Saraswati Sukumar, et al.

    • Journal: Preprint

    • Year: 2024

 

Somboon Tanasupawat | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Somboon Tanasupawat | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Academic Background and Early Career

Prof. Dr. Somboon Tanasupawat has an extensive academic background in microbiology and agricultural chemistry. He obtained his Ph.D. in Agricultural Chemistry from Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan, an M.Sc. in Microbiology from Kasetsart University, Thailand, and a Diploma in Microbiology and Biotechnology from Osaka University, Japan. His early academic pursuits provided a strong foundation in microbial taxonomy, biotechnology, and applied microbiology.

🔬 Professional Endeavors and Research Focus

Currently, Prof. Tanasupawat is a Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. His research expertise spans microbial taxonomy, industrial microbiology, and biotechnology. His contributions in identifying and characterizing novel microbial species have significantly advanced microbiological research.

📚 Research Contributions and Publications

With a prolific research career, Prof. Tanasupawat has published over 380 research articles in peer-reviewed journals and contributed 45 book chapters with internationally recognized publishers. His work in microbial taxonomy and applied microbiology has played a vital role in developing microbial applications for pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental sciences.

🏆 Awards and Recognitions

His outstanding contributions to microbiology have been acknowledged with several prestigious awards, including:

  • Scientist Award – Nagai Award (1996) from the Nagai Foundation, Tokyo, recognizing his early scientific achievements.

  • National Outstanding Research Award (2020) from the National Research Council of Thailand, highlighting his groundbreaking research in microbiology.

📖 Editorial and Academic Influence

Prof. Tanasupawat is an editorial board member of several scientific journals, further demonstrating his leadership in the microbiology community. His role as a mentor and researcher continues to influence microbiological advancements and guide future generations of scientists.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

With his extensive research experience, Prof. Tanasupawat continues to contribute to microbial taxonomy and biotechnology, exploring new applications of microorganisms in pharmaceutical, environmental, and industrial fields. His legacy will remain in the identification and utilization of beneficial microbes, shaping the future of applied microbiology and microbial research worldwide.

📖Notable Publications

Description of Komagataeibacter gen. nov., with proposals of new combinations (Acetobacteraceae)

Authors: Y Yamada, P Yukphan, HTL Vu, Y Muramatsu, D Ochaikul, …

Journal: The Journal of General and Applied Microbiology

Year: 2012

Lactobacillus acidipiscis sp. nov. and Weissella thailandensis sp. nov., isolated from fermented fish in Thailand

Authors: S Tanasupawat, O Shida, S Okada, K Komagata

Journal: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology

Year: 2000

Ideonella sakaiensis sp. nov., isolated from a microbial consortium that degrades poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Authors: S Tanasupawat, T Takehana, S Yoshida, K Hiraga, K Oda

Journal: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology

Year: 2016

Proteinase-producing halophilic lactic acid bacteria isolated from fish sauce fermentation and their ability to produce volatile compounds

Authors: N Udomsil, S Rodtong, S Tanasupawat, J Yongsawatdigul

Journal: International Journal of Food Microbiology

Year: 2010

Exopolysaccharide-producing lactic acid bacteria strains from traditional Thai fermented foods: isolation, identification and exopolysaccharide characterization

Authors: T Smitinont, C Tansakul, S Tanasupawat, S Keeratipibul, L Navarini, …

Journal: International Journal of Food Microbiology

Year: 1999

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