Young Kyung MOON | Developmental Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Dr. Young Kyung MOON | Developmental Biology | Best Researcher Award 

Doctorate, at Daejeon University, South Korea.

Dr. Young-Kyung Moon is a distinguished scholar and educator specializing in child and family studies, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Department of Child Education and Counseling, Daejeon University. With over two decades of academic and research experience, Dr. Moon has significantly contributed to understanding early childhood development, parental influence, media literacy, and socio-emotional behaviors in preschoolers. Her research bridges the gap between family dynamics, digital literacy, and child development, providing evidence-based strategies to enhance educational practices and parental engagement. Dr. Moon’s academic journey, spanning Ewha Womans University, Kyungpook National University, and Yonsei University, has shaped her interdisciplinary approach. She is widely recognized for her empirical studies on maternal interaction, preschool readiness, and socio-emotional well-being. Beyond academia, Dr. Moon is an advocate for creating inclusive and developmentally supportive learning environments for young children. Her extensive publications, collaborations, and mentorship reflect her dedication to advancing the field of early childhood education. 🌱👩‍🏫✨

Professional Profile

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ORCID

🎓 Education 

Dr. Young-Kyung Moon’s academic foundation is deeply rooted in child and family sciences, reflecting her lifelong commitment to understanding early development. She earned her Bachelor of Family and Consumer Sciences from Ewha Womans University (1993–1998), where she developed her initial passion for child welfare and family well-being. Building on this interest, she pursued her Master’s in Child and Family Studies at Kyungpook National University (2001–2003), focusing on family dynamics and early learning interventions. Her academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. in Child and Family Studies from Yonsei University (2005–2010), where she conducted pioneering research on preschoolers’ socio-emotional behaviors, parenting stress, and developmental psychology. This robust educational trajectory provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between family environments, child psychology, and educational practices. Her academic milestones reflect a progressive immersion in the holistic development of children, laying the groundwork for her impactful research and teaching career. 🎓📚👶

💼 Experience

Dr. Young-Kyung Moon brings a wealth of professional expertise shaped by her progressive academic roles at Daejeon University. From 2012 to 2019, she served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Child Education and Counseling, where she designed innovative courses, guided student research, and initiated collaborative projects in early childhood education. In October 2019, she was promoted to Associate Professor, recognizing her outstanding teaching, research, and leadership contributions. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Moon has focused on child socio-emotional development, digital literacy, maternal parenting, and preschool readiness, integrating theory with practice to address real-world challenges in child education. Her extensive work with parents, educators, and policy stakeholders has advanced evidence-based interventions that enhance family engagement and children’s developmental outcomes. Beyond teaching, she has actively published influential studies, presented at national and international conferences, and contributed to academic committees shaping the future of child education and counseling. 👩‍🏫🌟📖

🔬 Research Interests 

Dr. Young-Kyung Moon’s research interests revolve around early childhood development, family dynamics, and educational practices that promote holistic growth in young learners. She specializes in examining how maternal media literacy, digital resources, and parental interactions shape preschoolers’ digital literacy and socio-emotional competencies. Her studies frequently explore predictive variables for problem behaviors, the moderating role of parenting styles, and the effects of effortful control on learning behaviors. Dr. Moon’s recent research has extended into digital literacy development, analyzing the interplay between home digital environments, maternal interaction, and children’s learning motivation. She also investigates attachment quality, parenting stress, marital conflict, and emotional regulation as determinants of children’s behavioral outcomes. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates psychology, education, and family studies, creating impactful insights for educators, parents, and policymakers. Through longitudinal studies, she emphasizes preventive strategies for behavioral challenges and promotes positive parenting and co-parenting practices in both traditional and digital contexts. 📊🧩💻

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Dr. Young-Kyung Moon has been widely recognized for her academic excellence, impactful research, and contributions to child and family studies. Her empirical investigations on maternal media literacy, preschool readiness, and socio-emotional development have garnered citations and acknowledgments in leading journals. She has been honored for her dedication to improving early childhood education and counseling practices, especially through integrating digital literacy frameworks for preschoolers. Dr. Moon’s commitment to student mentorship and community outreach has earned her appreciation from both academic peers and practitioners. Her role as a thought leader in understanding parenting influences on child development is evidenced by her active participation in national conferences and collaborative research networks. She has also received institutional commendations for research productivity and innovation in teaching methodologies. Through her scholarly publications and policy advocacy, Dr. Moon continues to inspire educators and parents alike, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in early childhood research. 🏅📜🌍

📚Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Moon has authored extensive peer-reviewed publications focusing on preschoolers’ socio-emotional behaviors, parenting influences, and digital literacy. Her recent works include:

📘 Moon, Y. K.

  • Title: The Power of Motivation: How Preschoolers’ Learning Behaviors Moderate the Effects of Maternal Media Literacy on South Korean Preschoolers’ Digital Literacy

  • Journal: Early Childhood Education Journal (2025)

  • DOI: 10.1007/s10643-025-01926-7 PubMed+10ResearchGate+10Peeref+10

  • Note: Accepted April 12, 2025; explores how competence motivation and attention/persistence shape the influence of maternal media literacy via verbal interaction, in a moderated mediation model ResearchGate+2ResearchGate+2Peeref+2.

📘 Moon, Y. K., & Shin, B. W.

  • Title: Mother’s Media Literacy and Verbal Interaction Effects on Korean Preschoolers’ Digital Literacy

  • Journal: Early Child Development and Care (2025)

  • DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2025.2505476 Researcher Life+3Tandfonline+3ResearchGate+3

  • Note: Found that maternal media literacy enhances children’s digital literacy, with verbal parent–child interaction significantly amplifying the effect sciencedirect.com+8Tandfonline+8ResearchGate+8.

📘 Moon, Y. K., & Park, S. Y.

  • Title: The Effect of Career Stress on Depression in University Students

  • Journal: Journal of Convergent Knowledge Studies (2024)

  • Details: While no DOI was identified via search, the study highlights career stress as a key predictor of depression among undergraduates, moderated by coping skills and social support.

📘 Moon, Y. K.

  • Title: Temperamental Surgency and Parenting Predicting Toddler Socio‑Emotional Behavior

  • Journal: Korean Journal of Family Welfare (2023)

  • Details: No DOI located online. The paper examines how toddlers’ high surgency temperament interacts with parenting warmth to influence socio-emotional behavior.

Conclusion

Dr. Young-Kyung Moon is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her extensive publication record, innovative focus on digital literacy in early childhood, and long-standing academic contributions. Her research has significant relevance in understanding how maternal interaction, media literacy, and family environments shape children’s socio-emotional and cognitive development. By enhancing global outreach and diversifying research funding sources, she can further solidify her standing as a leading researcher in child education and counseling.

Huai-JenT sai | Biochemistry | Best Scholar Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai | Biochemistry | Best Scholar Award

Chair Professor at Dept Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan

Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai is an accomplished academic specializing in Molecular Biology, Marine Biotechnology, Developmental Biology, and Gene Transgenesis in aquatic organisms. He holds leadership roles in academia, serving as Chair Professor at Fu Jen Catholic University’s Department of Life Sciences. Prof. Tsai’s interdisciplinary work bridges molecular biology and marine science, with significant contributions to transgenesis in aquatic species. His work has led to pioneering developments, such as creating genetically modified zebrafish, enhancing our understanding of gene functions in aquatic ecosystems. Through extensive teaching and research, he has advanced the field, fostering future generations of scientists. His career is marked by numerous awards, patents, and international recognition in science and biotechnology

Profile

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ORCID

Education 🎓

Prof. Dr. Tsai earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Oregon State University, USA (1983–1986), where he conducted groundbreaking research on plasmid gene transfer between lactic Streptococcus and Leuconostoc. He completed his M.Sc. in Marine Biology and Fisheries Science from National Taiwan University (1972–1974), where he focused on electrophoretic analysis of blenny fish proteins. His undergraduate degree in Biology was awarded by Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taiwan (1968–1972), where he was recognized for academic excellence. These educational foundations provided the basis for Prof. Tsai’s extensive career in marine and molecular biology, shaping his future contributions to the field

Experience 🧪

Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai has an extensive teaching and research career spanning decades. Currently, he serves as Chair Professor at Fu Jen Catholic University (2021–present), where he leads research initiatives and mentors students. From 2004 to 2015, he was a Professor and Director at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology at National Taiwan University (NTU). His prior roles include being an Associate Professor (1988–1994) and Professor at the Institute of Fisheries Science (1994–2001). Prof. Tsai has also held visiting and adjunct positions at institutions such as Mackay Medical College and National Taiwan University. Additionally, his research experience spans postdoctoral fellowships at Johns Hopkins University and roles at Panlabs Research Institute in the USA.

Research Interests 🔬

Prof. Tsai’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular biology, marine biotechnology, and developmental biology, particularly in gene transgenesis in aquatic species. His groundbreaking work includes developing genetically modified organisms like golden zebrafish, which have applications in biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and disease research. Prof. Tsai explores the molecular mechanisms of gene transfer, enhancing our understanding of gene expression regulation in aquatic environments. His research also extends to the ecological and environmental impacts of biotechnology, focusing on sustainable marine practices. Prof. Tsai’s interdisciplinary approach combines molecular genetics with practical applications to push the boundaries of marine biotechnology

Awards 🏆

Prof. Tsai’s work has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. He is the recipient of the Ye Sheng Chair Professorship (2024–present) and Faith, Hope, and Love Chair Professor (2021-2023) at Fu Jen Catholic University. In 2015, he was awarded the MOST Outstanding Research Award. Additionally, his innovation in biotechnology was acknowledged by the Y. Z. Hsu Technology Invention Award in 2006 for the development of a novel gene fragment for golden zebrafish. Prof. Tsai has also received multiple NSC Outstanding Research Awards and Distinguished Professor status at NTU. His recognition in Who’s Who in Science and Engineering and Who’s Who in the World reflects his global impact on science

Publications 📚

1. The 419th Aspartic Acid of Neural Membrane Protein Enolase 2 Is a Key Residue Involved in the Axonal Growth of Motor Neurons Mediated by Interaction between Enolase 2 Receptor and Extracellular Pgk1 Ligand

  • Authors: Tsai, H.-J., Lee, T.-Y., Chen, M.-C., Chou, C.-C., Wu, S.-Y., and Wang, C.-S.
  • Journal: Journal of Neuroscience Research
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume/Issue: 45(1): 25-38
  • DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25910
  • Cited by: 35

Summary: This study elucidates the role of the 419th Aspartic Acid residue in the neural membrane protein Enolase 2, which is crucial for the axonal growth of motor neurons. The study further describes the molecular mechanism through which the interaction between Enolase 2 receptor and extracellular Pgk1 ligand contributes to motor neuron development and neurogenesis.

2. The Upstream 1350~1250 Nucleotide Sequences of the Human ENDOU-1 Gene Contain Critical Cis-Elements Responsible for Upregulating Its Transcription during ER Stress

  • Authors: Tsai, H.-J., Chen, W.-H., Su, W.-C., Chang, K.-H., and Lin, M.-H.
  • Journal: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Gene Regulatory Mechanisms
  • Year: 2021
  • Volume/Issue: 1864(10): 105028
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.bbaexp.2021.105028
  • Cited by: 42

Summary: This paper identifies and characterizes the critical cis-elements within the upstream 1350~1250 nucleotide sequences of the ENDO-1 gene, which play a pivotal role in regulating its transcription during Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress. The study provides valuable insights into the cellular stress response mechanism at the genetic level, contributing to understanding how ER stress influences gene expression.

3. Extracellular Pgk1 Interacts with Neural Membrane Protein Enolase-2 to Improve the Neurite Outgrowth of Motor Neurons

  • Authors: Tsai, H.-J., Wang, S.-Y., Chen, M.-C., Lin, J.-C., Wu, S.-Y., and Liao, J.-H.
  • Journal: Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
  • Year: 2022
  • Volume/Issue: 16: 742688
  • DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.742688
  • Cited by: 29

Summary: This research highlights the interaction between the extracellular Pgk1 and neural membrane protein Enolase-2, demonstrating its significant role in promoting neurite outgrowth in motor neurons. The study sheds light on how these molecular interactions could be leveraged for potential therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases and neural regeneration.

4. The Promising Role of a Zebrafish Model Employed in Neural Regeneration Following a Spinal Cord Injury

  • Authors: Tsai, H.-J., Liao, C.-H., Hsu, K.-C., Chen, W.-H., and Tseng, Y.-C.
  • Journal: Neurobiology of Disease
  • Year: 2020
  • Volume/Issue: 137: 104742
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104742
  • Cited by: 58

Summary: The study uses a zebrafish model to investigate neural regeneration following spinal cord injury, emphasizing the species’ potential as a model for understanding nerve regeneration and exploring therapeutic approaches to spinal cord injuries. Zebrafish’s natural regenerative abilities make it an ideal organism for investigating new treatments in neuroregenerative medicine.

5. Genomic Structure, Protein Character, Phylogenetic Implication, and Embryonic Expression Pattern of a Zebrafish New Member of Zinc Finger BED-Type Gene Family

  • Authors: Tsai, H.-J., Liao, J.-H., Lin, M.-C., and Chang, C.-C.
  • Journal: Developmental Biology
  • Year: 2021
  • Volume/Issue: 477: 1-11
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.04.004
  • Cited by: 14

Summary: This paper explores the genomic structure and protein characteristics of a new member of the Zinc Finger BED-Type Gene Family in zebrafish, investigating its embryonic expression pattern and phylogenetic relationships. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on Zinc Finger Proteins, important transcription factors involved in gene regulation during development.

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Scholar Award. His innovative research, exceptional academic leadership, and impactful contributions to molecular biology and marine biotechnology have solidified his reputation as a pioneer in his field. His work, particularly in developing genetically modified zebrafish for applications in biotechnology, neuroregenerative medicine, and environmental monitoring, has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also positioned him at the forefront of cutting-edge research in the life sciences.

Given his extensive achievements and contributions, Prof. Tsai is uniquely positioned to continue influencing scientific progress and inspiring the next generation of scholars. By fostering increased collaborations across disciplines and focusing on translating his research into practical, real-world applications, he has the potential to further amplify his scholarly legacy. Prof. Tsai’s combination of academic excellence, innovation, and global recognition makes him a true leader in his field and a highly suitable candidate for the Best Scholar Award.