Shaoqian Ma | Genomics | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Ms. Shaoqian Ma | Genomics | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Shaoqian Ma | Tsinghua University | China

Ms. Shaoqian Ma’s research focuses on quantitative genomics and mechanistic modeling, integrating experimental single-cell genomics with mathematical approaches to reveal principles of transcriptional dynamics, genome regulation, and cell fate plasticity. Their work bridges biology, physics, and computation, addressing transcriptional heterogeneity and sparse genome usage through probabilistic and mechanistic frameworks. They have contributed to the development of innovative low-input RNA sequencing technologies and advance studies on nascent transcription and non-coding genome regulation. Recognized for originality and leadership in fundamental research, their work has been supported by prestigious scholarships and grants, with 138 citations, an h-index of 3, and an i10-index of 3, reflecting a notable impact on biomedical science.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Citations
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h-index


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Featured Publications

Francesco Asnicar | Genomics | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Assist Prof Dr. Francesco Asnicar | Genomics | Editorial Board Member 

Assistant Professor | Department CIBIO, University of Trento | Italy

This researcher has made influential contributions to microbiome data science, advancing both computational tools and biological discovery across human-associated microbial ecosystems. Their work includes leading the development of QIIME 2, a reproducible, interactive, and scalable platform that has become a cornerstone for modern microbiome analysis. They also contributed to uncovering extensive, previously unexplored human microbiome diversity by analyzing over 150,000 genomes from global metagenomes, highlighting how age, geography, and lifestyle shape microbial variation. In addition, their involvement in the creation of bioBakery 3 has enabled integrated taxonomic, functional, and strain-level profiling of complex microbial communities, improving the precision of microbiome research. Their studies further extend to understanding early-life microbiome development, demonstrating how mother-to-infant microbial transmission from multiple body sites influences the maturation of the infant gut microbiome. Collectively, their research bridges methodological innovation and biological insight, deeply shaping current knowledge of microbial diversity, function, and transmission.

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Featured Publications

Bolyen, E., Rideout, J. R., Dillon, M. R., Bokulich, N. A., Abnet, C. C., Al‑Ghalith, G. A., … Caporaso, J. G. Reproducible, interactive, scalable and extensible microbiome data science using QIIME 2. Nature Biotechnology, 37(8), 852–857.

Pasolli, E., Asnicar, F., Manara, S., Zolfo, M., Karcher, N., Armanini, F., Beghini, F., Manghi, P., Tett, A., Ghensi, P., Collado, M. C., Rice, B. L., DuLong, C., Morgan, X. C., Golden, C. D., Quince, C., Huttenhower, C., & Segata, N. Extensive unexplored human microbiome diversity revealed by over 150,000 genomes from metagenomes spanning age, geography, and lifestyle. Cell, 176(3), 649–662.e20.

Beghini, F., McIver, L. J., Blanco‑Míguez, A., Dubois, L., Asnicar, F., Maharjan, S., Mailyan, A., Manghi, P., Scholz, M., Thomas, A. M., Valles-Colomer, M., Weingart, G., Zhang, Y., Zolfo, M., Huttenhower, C., Franzosa, E. A., & Segata, N. Integrating taxonomic, functional, and strain-level profiling of diverse microbial communities with bioBakery 3. eLife, 10, e65088.

Ferretti, P., Pasolli, E., Tett, A., Asnicar, F., Gorfer, V., Fedi, S., Armanini, F., … Segata, N. Mother-to‑infant microbial transmission from different body sites shapes the developing infant gut microbiome. Cell Host & Microbe, 24(1), 133–145.e5.

Hyo Jin Yoon | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Ms. Hyo Jin Yoon | Genetics | Best Researcher Award 

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Staff member, at National Radiation Emergency Medical Center, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), South Korea.

Hyo Jin Yoon is an accomplished Clinical Laboratory Scientist with over 15 years of expertise in cytogenetics and biological dosimetry. Based at the National Radiation Emergency Medical Center, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), she plays a pivotal role in advancing diagnostic and emergency response strategies in radiation exposure cases. Her professional journey includes significant roles at Yonsei University Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital. She has been instrumental in developing DiCADE, an AI-driven software for dicentric chromosome analysis, enhancing the accuracy and speed of biodosimetric assessments. A certified ASCPi-IMLT professional, she also serves as a KOLAS Technical Expert for ISO 15189. Through her multidisciplinary approach combining clinical practice, research, and innovation, Hyo Jin continues to elevate global standards in radiation emergency medicine. 🌍🧪💡

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education 

Hyo Jin began her academic journey in clinical pathology by earning an associate degree from Daejeon Health College, which laid a strong foundation in laboratory sciences. She furthered her education at Eulji University, completing bachelor’s-level coursework with a specialization in medical laboratory technology. Her dedication to professional growth led her to earn the prestigious ASCPi-IMLT certification in 2012, an internationally recognized credential in medical laboratory science. Her continuous pursuit of learning has enabled her to integrate traditional laboratory practices with modern innovations in AI-based diagnostics. 📚👩‍🔬🎓

💼 Experience 

With a distinguished career spanning over 15 years, Hyo Jin Yoon has made significant contributions across clinical, academic, and research domains. She began her professional tenure at Yonsei University Medical Center and later at St. Mary’s Hospital, gaining frontline diagnostic experience in clinical pathology. Since 2015, she has been a core member of the Laboratory of Biodosimetry at KIRAMS-NREME, where she is actively engaged in radiation biodosimetry, diagnostics, and AI-integrated tool development. Her practical insights have been crucial in enhancing laboratory standards and emergency response protocols in radiation medicine. Additionally, as a KOLAS Technical Expert (ISO 15189), she ensures quality and compliance in laboratory operations. 🏥🧬🛡️

🔬 Research Interest

Hyo Jin’s research interests lie at the intersection of cytogenetics, radiation biodosimetry, and medical AI applications. Her core focus is on developing diagnostic tools that improve the biological dose assessment of radiation exposure, particularly during emergencies. Her innovative work on DiCADE—a semi-automated AI-powered dicentric chromosome analysis system—demonstrates her commitment to precision diagnostics. She is deeply involved in international collaboration networks such as RENEB and works with partners like Health Canada and Hirosaki University. Her current research also involves harmonizing scoring standards for cytogenetic assays across biodosimetry networks in South Korea. Her interdisciplinary interests aim to make radiation response faster, more accurate, and globally standardized. 🤖🔎📈

🏆 Awards & Recognitions 

Hyo Jin Yoon’s pioneering work in the field of radiation biodosimetry has earned her respect and recognition across scientific communities. In addition to securing a software copyright for DiCADE (Reg. No. C-2025-019817, dated May 27, 2025), she also has a pending trademark for the tool. As a certified KOLAS Technical Expert, she has contributed to national laboratory quality assurance initiatives. Her participation in international intercomparison exercises with RENEB and Health Canada further reflects her global outreach and credibility. She is a consistent contributor to academic conferences and technical exchange programs, and her work is regarded as a benchmark in South Korea’s preparedness for radiation emergencies. 🥇🔬📜

📚 Top Noted Publications

Hyo Jin Yoon has co-authored six peer-reviewed articles, significantly advancing the field of biological dosimetry:

1. Collaborative Activities in a Biological Dosimetry Network for Radiation Emergencies in South Korea

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2025

  • Citations: 7

  • Summary:
    This paper presents the establishment and development of a coordinated biological dosimetry network in South Korea. It focuses on preparedness strategies for radiation emergencies, inter-laboratory collaboration, and standardization of methodologies across partner institutions. The paper emphasizes international alignment with IAEA and WHO guidelines and proposes protocols for emergency biodosimetry response.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Strengthens Korea’s radiation emergency response infrastructure.

    • Highlights the importance of capacity building and shared resources.

    • Demonstrates real-case simulations for readiness evaluation.

2. Lessons on Harmonization of Scoring Criteria for Dicentric Chromosome Assay in South Korea

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2024

  • Citations: 5

  • Summary:
    This study reports on efforts to unify scoring criteria among Korean biodosimetry laboratories for the dicentric chromosome assay (DCA), a key cytogenetic tool in radiation dose assessment. It compares results across labs and discusses discrepancies and consensus-building.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Establishes baseline standards for DCA scoring nationwide.

    • Recommends training protocols and QA practices.

    • Encourages future harmonization with global networks.

3. Application of a Semi-Automated Dicentric Scoring System in Triage and Monitoring Occupational Radiation Exposure

  • Journal: Frontiers in Public Health, 2024

  • Citations: 6

  • Summary:
    This paper evaluates a semi-automated image analysis platform for scoring dicentric chromosomes in metaphase cells. Its application for radiation triage and occupational health surveillance is assessed, showing increased speed and reproducibility.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Reduces manual workload and inter-scorer variability.

    • Supports large-scale triage in radiation emergencies.

    • Offers a model for integrating AI-assisted analysis in routine monitoring.

4. Chromosome Aberration Dynamics in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Radiotherapy

  • Journal: Mutation Research, 2023

  • Citations: 10

  • Summary:
    This study tracks the temporal profile of chromosome aberrations, including dicentrics and translocations, in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. It assesses the persistence of aberrations post-treatment as a biomarker of cumulative exposure.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Reveals individual variation in chromosomal response to radiotherapy.

    • Proposes implications for patient-specific radiation sensitivity.

    • Highlights the utility of cytogenetics in post-therapy surveillance.

5. An Intercomparison Exercise to Compare Scoring Criteria and Develop Image Databank for Biodosimetry in South Korea

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2023

  • Citations: 4

  • Summary:
    This paper documents an inter-laboratory comparison in which multiple Korean institutions scored the same set of metaphase images to assess consistency. It led to the creation of a national image databank to support training and harmonization.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Identifies scoring variability and proposes mitigation strategies.

    • Establishes a digital resource for future reference and QA.

    • Supports IAEA-compliant training infrastructure.

6. Effective Centrifugation Techniques for Improving Metaphase Spreads in Lymphocytopenic Patients

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2022

  • Citations: 3

  • Summary:
    This methodological paper explores optimized centrifugation protocols to enhance metaphase yield in samples with low lymphocyte counts, such as from immunocompromised or radiotherapy-treated individuals.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Offers practical improvements to sample preparation protocols.

    • Increases metaphase cell quality and scoring accuracy.

    • Beneficial for labs working with difficult patient samples.

Conclusion

Hyo Jin, Yoon demonstrates exceptional dedication to scientific advancement in the field of biological dosimetry, combining clinical excellence with innovative research. Her work in developing AI-driven diagnostic tools and her collaborative efforts in national and international radiation emergency networks make her a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a few strategic steps to broaden her academic leadership, her impact can be even more significant.