Wen-Ji Dong | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wen-Ji Dong | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Washington State University | United States

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Wen-Ji Dong embarked on his academic journey with a deep passion for chemistry and biophysics. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry from Lanzhou University, P.R. China, under the mentorship of Prof. Rudong Yang. His doctoral research at Birkbeck College, University of London, focused on physical chemistry, guided by Prof. Colin D. Flint. Further strengthening his expertise, he pursued postdoctoral training in biophysics at the University of Western Ontario and biochemistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. These formative years provided him with a multidisciplinary foundation, setting the stage for groundbreaking contributions to bioengineering and cardiac muscle research.

Professional Endeavors 🏛️

Dr. Dong's professional career spans multiple prestigious institutions. His tenure at Washington State University (WSU) has been particularly influential, where he has risen through the ranks from Assistant Professor to Full Professor in the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering. Before joining WSU, he served as a Research Assistant Professor and Research Instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, refining his expertise in protein and cellular engineering. His career reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing both research and education in bioengineering.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Dong's research addresses critical challenges in cardiac muscle regulation, microbial extracellular vesicles, and diagnostic technologies. His key research objectives include:

  • Understanding Myocardial Function: Investigating fundamental mechanisms governing heart muscle function under healthy and diseased conditions.
  • Developing Advanced Biosensors: Creating unique diagnostic technologies for rapid disease detection at the point of care.
  • Microbial Extracellular Vesicles: Exploring their roles in intracellular communication and potential applications in microbial infection control.
  • Innovative Antibiotic Alternatives: Engineering microbial EV-based antibiotics to combat bacterial and fungal infections.

His interdisciplinary approach integrates bioengineering, fluorescence spectroscopy, biophotonics, and microfluidics, positioning him at the forefront of biomedical research.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Dong’s contributions have been widely recognized through various awards and editorial roles:

  • Outstanding Research Award from Washington State University.
  • Nominee for the Anjan Bose Research Award in the College of Engineering and Architecture.
  • Muscular Dystrophy Association Research Fellowship, highlighting his impact on muscle physiology research.
  • China-British Technology Collaboration Scholarship, recognizing his early academic excellence.
  • Editorial Roles in esteemed journals, including Frontiers in Striated Muscle Physiology, Biosensors, and Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.
  • Invited Speaker at the Gordon Research Conference, a prestigious forum for scientific exchange.

His research publications, exceeding 148 in total, have garnered thousands of citations, reflecting his global academic impact.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Dong's research has significantly shaped the fields of bioengineering and cardiac physiology. His advancements in protein engineering, biosensors, and microbial vesicle studies have influenced both academia and industry. Through his mentorship at WSU, he has trained a new generation of researchers, equipping them with cutting-edge skills to drive future innovations.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

Dr. Wen-Ji Dong’s legacy lies in his interdisciplinary approach to solving biomedical challenges. Moving forward, his work will continue to:

  • Refine diagnostic technologies for faster, more accurate disease detection.
  • Develop new microbial EV-based treatments, offering alternatives to traditional antibiotics.
  • Expand research on cardiac muscle regulation, contributing to novel therapies for heart diseases.
  • Inspire and mentor future scientists, ensuring sustained progress in bioengineering.

Dr. Dong’s dedication to research and education ensures that his influence will be felt for generations, cementing his reputation as a leader in bioengineering and biomedical innovation.

Publications


  •  📄 Dual Roles of the Conditional Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms: Promoting and Inhibiting Bacterial Biofilm Growth
    Author(s): Marwa Gamal Saad, Haluk Beyenal, Wen-Ji Dong
    Journal: Biofilms
    Year: 2024


  •  📄 Dual Roles of the Conditional Exosomes Derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms: Promoting and Inhibiting Bacterial Biofilm Growth
    Author(s): Marwa Gamal Saad, Haluk Beyenal, Wen-Ji Dong
    Journal: bioRxiv
    Year: 2023


  •  📄 Exosomes as Powerful Engines in Cancer: Isolation, Characterization and Detection Techniques
    Author(s): Marwa Gamal Saad, Haluk Beyenal, Wen-Ji Dong
    Journal: Biosensors
    Year: 2021


  •  📄 Consensus Statement: Standardized Reporting of Power-Producing Luminescent Solar Concentrator Performance
    Author(s): Chenchen Yang, Wen-Ji Dong, Richard R. Lunt, et al.
    Journal: Joule
    Year: 2022


  •  📄 A Preliminary Investigation on the Photothermal Properties of Luminescent Solar Concentrators
    Author(s): Y. Li, Y. Sun, Y. Zhang, Wen-Ji Dong
    Journal: Optics
    Year: 2021


 

Yunlong Liu | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yunlong Liu | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Tiangong University | China

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yunlong Liu was born in August 1995 in Chengde, Hebei Province, China. His academic journey began with a strong foundation in the biological sciences, which led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at China Agricultural University from 2018 to 2023. During his doctoral studies, he delved into structural biology, focusing on unraveling the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation mediated by nuclear receptors and other transcription factors. His exceptional research prowess and dedication earned him prestigious accolades, such as the National Ph.D. Scholarship and the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Since August 2023, Dr. Liu has been serving as a Lecturer at the College of Life Sciences, Tiangong University. His transition from a promising Ph.D. scholar to a faculty member highlights his commitment to academia and scientific research. His role involves not only imparting knowledge to the next generation of scientists but also continuing his cutting-edge research in structural biology and transcriptional regulation.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Liu's research is centered on understanding the structural and functional dynamics of nuclear receptors and transcription factors. He has determined seven crystal structures of protein monomers, protein-protein complexes, and protein-nucleic acid complexes. His work led to the identification of a nuclear receptor inhibitor with 100-fold enhanced efficacy, marking a significant breakthrough in molecular biology. His research contributions are reflected in his publications, including a sole first-author paper in Nucleic Acids Research with an impact factor of 19.16, as well as co-authored papers in Cell Discovery with an impact factor of 38.1 and the Journal of Biological Chemistry with an impact factor of 5.8. He has also played a crucial role in leading prestigious research projects, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Tianjin Top Scientist Studio Program, securing substantial funding for his research. His studies contribute to a deeper understanding of transcriptional regulation, a crucial aspect in fields like genetics, cancer research, and pharmaceutical development.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Liu’s remarkable contributions to structural biology have been acknowledged with numerous awards. He received the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award and the Outstanding Ph.D. Graduate Award from China Agricultural University in 2023. In 2022, he was awarded the National Ph.D. Scholarship, ranking second in his college. During his undergraduate years, he secured the Second Prize in the National Mathematical Modeling Competition in 2016 and was a recipient of the National Inspirational Scholarships in 2016 and 2017. He was also honored as an Outstanding Graduate in 2018. These accolades highlight his exceptional academic excellence and research contributions.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Liu’s groundbreaking work has significantly influenced the field of structural biology, particularly in transcriptional regulation. His high-impact publications and research findings pave the way for advancements in drug discovery, genetic regulation, and medical therapeutics. By identifying novel molecular mechanisms and inhibitors, his work has the potential to drive innovations in treating diseases linked to transcriptional dysregulation, such as cancer and metabolic disorders. Beyond research, Dr. Liu's role as a lecturer enables him to inspire and mentor young scientists. His transition from a student to a faculty member positions him as a role model for aspiring biochemists and molecular biologists.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Liu is set to make even more substantial contributions to the scientific community. His ongoing research projects, including those funded by national and provincial grants, will continue to advance the understanding of transcriptional regulation. With his expertise in structural biology and biochemistry, he is poised to make further discoveries that will shape the future of molecular medicine. As he continues his academic journey, Dr. Liu’s legacy will be defined by his unwavering dedication to science, his contributions to groundbreaking research, and his role in nurturing the next generation of scientists. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, intellect, and scientific curiosity in pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

 

Publications


  • 📄The Progress and Evolving Trends in Nucleic-Acid-Based Therapies
    Authors: Yunlong Liu, Chunmiao Wang, Xiuping Fu, Mengtian Ren
    Journal: Biomolecules
    Year: 2025


  • 📄Structural Basis of Nucleic Acid Recognition and 6mA Demethylation by Caenorhabditis elegans NMAD-1A
    Authors: Guohui Shang, Meiting Yang, Min Li, Lulu Ma, Yunlong Liu, Jun Ma, Yiyun Chen, Xue Wang, Shilong Fan, Mengjia Xie, et al.
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Year: 2024


  • 📄Structures of Human TR4LBD–JAZF1 and TR4DBD–DNA Complexes Reveal the Molecular Basis of Transcriptional Regulation
    Authors: Yunlong Liu, Lulu Ma, Min Li, Zizi Tian, Meiting Yang, Xi Wu, Xue Wang, Guohui Shang, Mengjia Xie, Yiyun Chen, et al.
    Journal: Nucleic Acids Research
    Year: 2023


  • 📄Structures of MPND Reveal the Molecular Recognition of Nucleosomes
    Authors: Meiting Yang, Xiaorong Li, Zizi Tian, Lulu Ma, Jun Ma, Yunlong Liu, Guohui Shang, Ailing Liang, Wei Wu, Zhongzhou Chen
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Year: 2023


  • 📄Structural Insights into the Interactions and Epigenetic Functions of Human Nucleic Acid Repair Protein ALKBH6
    Authors: Lulu Ma, Hongyun Lu, Zizi Tian, Meiting Yang, Jun Ma, Guohui Shang, Yunlong Liu, Mengjia Xie, Guoguo Wang, Wei Wu, et al.
    Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry
    Year: 2022


 

Subhash Chandra Yadav | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Subhash Chandra Yadav | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi | India

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Prof. Dr. Subhash Chandra Yadav began his academic journey with an MSc in Biotechnology from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, in 2003. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at BHU, which he completed in 2007 under the mentorship of Prof. Jagannadham V. Medicherla. His doctoral research focused on "Milin," a highly stable glycosylated dimeric plant serine protease from Euphorbia milii, examining its structure, function, folding, and crystallographic properties. During his academic development, he also gained international exposure as a research trainee at the Institute of Crystallography, Free University (FU) Berlin, Germany, from September 2005 to April 2006, where he honed his skills in protein structural biology.

Professional Endeavors and Milestones 💼

Dr. Yadav's illustrious career spans prestigious institutions globally:

  • Postdoctoral Fellowships: He worked on molecular biophysics at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, and at the Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tennessee, USA.
  • Research and Leadership Roles: As a Scientist and In-Charge of Nanobiology and Electron Microscopy Facility at CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, and Fellow at TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, he spearheaded cutting-edge research.
  • Academic Excellence: He has been serving All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, since 2015, rising to the role of Additional Professor. He was also a Visiting Professor at Stanford University, USA, in 2019-2020.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Yadav’s research interests are at the confluence of nanotechnology, molecular biology, and microscopy:

  • Electron Microscopy and Cryo-Electron Tomography: Advancing the understanding of cellular structures at atomic resolution.
  • Nano-enabled Diagnostic Tools: Innovating methods for rapid and accurate disease detection.
  • Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Developing nanoparticles for precise therapeutics.

His work includes over 6,630 citations, with an h-index of 18, reflecting the impact of his research. His patent portfolio includes innovative detection kits, cancer diagnostics, and nanotechnology-based systems.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Yadav's groundbreaking contributions have earned him numerous accolades:

  • 2024: Fellow of the Electron Microscopy Society of India.
  • 2019: Long-Term Fellowship from the Department of Health Research to work at Stanford University.
  • 2018: Excellence in Microscopy Award by the Electron Microscope Society of India.
  • 2005-2006: Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds Fellowship, Germany.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Yadav has significantly influenced the fields of nanotechnology and microscopy through his teaching, research, and mentorship. As a member of prestigious societies like the Indian Biophysical Society and a reviewer for leading journals, he has contributed to advancing scientific knowledge. His innovative patents and publications continue to inspire advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Legacy and Future Contributions Highlight 🚀

With a career defined by scientific rigor, international collaboration, and a vision for impactful research, Dr. Yadav stands as a beacon of innovation. His ongoing work in nanotechnology and cryo-electron tomography promises to shape the future of medical diagnostics and targeted therapies, leaving a lasting legacy in science and technology.

 

Publications


📄 Magnetic nanoparticles and quantum dots coupled immuno nano fluorescence assay for visual detection of HPV16-induced cervical cancer cells from cytology/biopsy samples
Authors: Raman, S., Tanwar, P., Meena, J., Bhatla, N., Yadav, S.C.
Journal: Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research
Year: 2024


📄 Genetics of 67 patients of suspected primary ciliary dyskinesia from India
Authors: Jat, K.R., Faruq, M., Jindal, S., Arava, S.K., Kabra, S.K.
Journal: Clinical Genetics
Year: 2024


📄 Quantitative and qualitative analysis of metallic ion release of orthodontic brackets in three different pH conditions - An invitro study
Authors: DA, P., Angel L, S., Chaudhari, P.K., Yadav, S.C., Duggal, R.
Journal: Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research
Year: 2024


📄 Rab7-dependent regulation of goblet cell protein CLCA1 modulates gastrointestinal homeostasis
Authors: Gaur, P., Rajendran, Y., Srivastava, B., Ahuja, V., Srikanth, C.
Journal: eLife
Year: 2024


📄 Visual, rapid, and cost-effective BK virus detection system for renal transplanted patients using gold nanoparticle coupled loop-mediated isothermal amplification (nanoLAMP)
Authors: Kumar, S., Raman, S., Sesham, K., Mridha, A.R., Yadav, S.C.
Journal: Journal of Virological Methods
Year: 2024


 

Cheng Li | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Cheng Li | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Massachusetts Institute of Technology | United States

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Cheng Li began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Engineering from the South China University of Technology in Guangzhou, China. His passion for biotechnology and biochemical engineering led him to pursue advanced studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, US, where he completed his Ph.D. in 2018. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Li focused on metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, laying a strong foundation for his future research endeavors.

Professional Endeavors

Following his Ph.D., Dr. Li embarked on a series of postdoctoral research positions. He first served as a Postdoctoral Associate at the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology from September 2018 to March 2021. Subsequently, he continued his postdoctoral research at MIT until March 2022. His work during these years was pivotal in advancing his expertise in microbial biotechnology and metabolic engineering. In April 2022, Dr. Li was appointed as a Research Scientist at MIT, where he continues to contribute to cutting-edge research.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Li's research primarily revolves around the engineering of microorganisms for the production of valuable biochemical compounds. His notable contributions include optimizing the heterologous production of α-carotene in Corynebacterium glutamicum, developing modular engineering techniques for microbial production of carotenoids, and improving recombineering techniques in Corynebacterium glutamicum. Additionally, he has explored the recycling of selectable markers in Pichia pastoris and engineered phytase expression for potential use as a feed supplement.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Li's work has garnered significant recognition in the scientific community. He has published extensively in high-impact journals, showcasing his innovative research in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Some of his prominent publications include works in Metabolic Engineering, Bioresource Technology, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, and Scientific Reports. His research on engineering carbon source division of labor for efficient α-carotene production in Corynebacterium glutamicum is particularly noteworthy.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Li's research has made substantial contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in the areas of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. His innovative approaches to microbial engineering have potential applications in the production of pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other valuable biochemicals. By advancing the efficiency and scalability of these processes, Dr. Li's work supports the development of sustainable biotechnological solutions.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a Research Scientist at MIT, Dr. Li continues to push the boundaries of microbial biotechnology. His ongoing research aims to further refine and optimize the production of high-value compounds through microbial engineering. By mentoring the next generation of scientists and collaborating with industry partners, Dr. Li is poised to make lasting contributions to the field. His work not only addresses current scientific challenges but also paves the way for future innovations in biotechnology and synthetic biology.

 

Notable Publications

Engineering carbon source division of labor for efficient α-carotene production in Corynebacterium glutamicum 2024

Systems metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum to assimilate formic acid for biomass accumulation and succinic acid production 2024

Expanding the CRISPR Toolbox for Engineering Lycopene Biosynthesis in Corynebacterium glutamicum 2024

Engineering Corynebacterium glutamicum for efficient production of succinic acid from corn stover pretreated by concentrated-alkali under steam-assistant conditions 2023 (7)

Overproduction of Patchoulol in Metabolically Engineered Komagataella phaffii 2023 (7)