Shanshan Li | Molecular Biology | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Shanshan Li | Molecular Biology | Excellence in Research Award

Assistant Researcher | Zhejiang University | China

Dr. Shanshan Li is a dedicated researcher specializing in the chemistry, processing, and bioactivity of bee-derived products, with a strong emphasis on propolis, royal jelly, and protein–polyphenol systems. Her work bridges food chemistry, molecular biology, and functional ingredient development to uncover how processing technologies—such as ultrasound treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis—alter protein structures and enhance antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. She has significantly advanced the understanding of protein–polyphenol interactions and their role in improving the functional properties of natural compounds. Dr. Li employs advanced analytical approaches, including proteomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics, to investigate molecular mechanisms and cellular pathways influenced by bee product components. Her research also includes comparative studies of milk fat globule membrane proteins across animal species, contributing to broader innovations in food science and bioactive ingredient development. With 998 citations across 943 documents, 50 publications, and an h-index of 21, Dr. Li has established a strong scientific presence. Her contributions support the development of health-promoting ingredients and the translation of natural bioactives into functional foods.

Profiles: Scopus

Featured Publications

Ultrasound-induced modifications in structure, antioxidant activity and functionality of whey protein isolate–propolis polyphenol conjugates. Food Chemistry.

Integrated transcriptomics and network pharmacology reveal the mechanism of poplar-type propolis on the mouse mastitis model. Nutrients.

Structural and antioxidative properties of royal jelly protein by partial enzymatic hydrolysis. Food Science and Human Wellness.

Royal jelly proteins and their derived peptides: Preparation, properties, and biological activities. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Milk fat globule membrane proteins among buffalo breeds via TMT proteomics. Food Research International.

 

Seema Nath | Structural Biology | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Seema Nath | Structural Biology | Editorial Board Member 

Research Scientist | University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | United States

Seema Nath is an emerging multidisciplinary plant scientist whose research spans plant physiology, proteomics, lipidomics, food composition, and agricultural biotechnology. Her recent work, including contributions to Plant Physiology, investigates cytosolic- and membrane-localized pathways of oxidized indole-3-acetic acid formation and their regulatory role in developmental auxin transients, advancing understanding of hormone-mediated plant growth processes. She has also explored the structural and biochemical diversity of rubber particle membrane domains through integrated proteomic and targeted lipidomic analyses in guayule, contributing valuable insights into natural rubber biosynthesis. Beyond plant physiology, Seema has examined nutritional and chemical differences between aromatic and non-aromatic rice varieties from Brazil, highlighting how planting time influences bioactive compound profiles important for food quality and health value. Her work in phytopathology further includes investigating the roles of tzs and idi genes of Agrobacterium rhizogenes in adventitious root formation, offering implications for plant–microbe interactions and biotechnology applications. Collectively, Seema Nath’s research reflects strong expertise in molecular plant biology, crop quality assessment, and applied agricultural sciences, with contributions that support advances in sustainable crop production and plant developmental biology.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Jenness, M., Tayengwa, R., House, L., Cao, S., Ramos Báez, R., Nath, S., Pritchard, C. A., Sharma, A., Mergner, J., Rivière, F., et al. Cytosolic- and membrane-localized oxidized indole-3-acetic acid formation regulates developmental auxin transients. Plant Physiology.

Nath, S. Proteomic and targeted lipidomic analyses of fluid and rigid rubber particle membrane domains in Guayule. Plants.

Nath, S. Comparison of chemical and nutritional compositions between aromatic and non-aromatic rice from Brazil and effect of planting time on bioactive compounds. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.

Nath, S. Examining the role of tzs and idi genes of Agrobacterium rhizogenes on adventitious roots formation. Phytopathology. (Conference paper)

Ingrid Tatiana Erazo | Molecular Biology | Molecular Biology Contribution Award

Dr. Ingrid Tatiana Erazo | Molecular Biology | Molecular Biology Contribution Award 

Scientific Research Lead | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | United States

Dr. Ingrid Tatiana Erazo is a distinguished cancer researcher and Scientific Research Lead at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) with extensive experience in translational oncology. She earned her PhD Summa Cum Laude in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, where she pioneered research on the ERK5 signaling pathway. Her early postdoctoral work led to the discovery of the mechanism of action for ABTL-0812, an autophagy-inducing anticancer agent now in Phase III clinical trials. Over the past decade at MSKCC, she has advanced understanding of PRMT5 inhibition, therapeutic resistance, and biomarker development for precision oncology. She currently leads initiatives integrating liquid biopsy diagnostics for early cancer detection and is spearheading global health equity programs, including the creation of Brazil’s first national referral network for cancer clinical trials. Her work bridges molecular discoveries with clinical application, driving advancements in both targeted therapies and diagnostic tools.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Erazo earned her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Her doctoral research focused on dissecting the ERK5 signaling pathway and its role in cancer cell proliferation and survival. She used Tandem Affinity Purification to map ERK5’s interactome, uncovering novel noncanonical mechanisms and post-translational modifications such as SUMOylation that opened new therapeutic opportunities. Collaborating with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard, she co-developed potent and selective ERK5 inhibitors, providing valuable pharmacological tools for cancer research. Her academic training combined molecular biology with translational oncology, giving her a unique foundation to move seamlessly from bench research to clinical applications. She also pursued advanced training in biomarker discovery and molecular diagnostics, enabling her to contribute to projects that merge fundamental discoveries with practical solutions for cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment optimization in a variety of clinical contexts.

Experience

Dr. Erazo’s professional career spans more than 20 completed research projects and leadership in multiple ongoing studies, covering molecular oncology, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic resistance. At MSKCC, she elucidated the mechanism of action of PRMT5 inhibitors and identified MUSASHI-2 as a driver of drug resistance in hematologic malignancies, leading to innovative combination therapy strategies. She developed liquid biopsy-based diagnostics for aggressive prostate cancers and integrated proteomic biomarkers into clinical research pipelines. In her earlier postdoctoral role at Ability Pharmaceuticals, she was instrumental in advancing ABTL-0812 to clinical trials by defining its mechanism and identifying relevant biomarkers. She has partnered with global pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, Biodesix Inc., and Guardant Health. Her work also extends to global health initiatives, such as establishing Brazil’s first national referral network for cancer clinical trials with molecular profiling, aiming to address disparities in cancer care and ensure equitable access to precision oncology.

Research Interest

Dr. Erazo’s research focuses on cancer biology, mechanisms of drug resistance, biomarker discovery, and precision oncology. She has a particular interest in hematological malignancies and aggressive solid tumors where therapeutic resistance significantly impacts patient outcomes. Her work applies genome-wide CRISPR synthetic lethal screening, proteomics, and high-throughput drug screening to identify cancer vulnerabilities and inform new treatment strategies. She is advancing diagnostic methods through liquid biopsy technology, enabling early and non-invasive tumor detection and monitoring, with a focus on neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Dr. Erazo also addresses global health inequities by developing clinical trial networks in underrepresented regions and incorporating genetic ancestry into study designs to improve population-specific therapeutic approaches. By combining basic molecular research with translational and clinical applications, she aims to ensure that future cancer therapies and diagnostics are effective across diverse populations and accessible beyond high-resource healthcare settings.

Awards

Dr. Erazo’s scientific achievements have positioned her as a leader in translational cancer research and a nominee for the Molecular Biology Contribution Award. She is recognized for her groundbreaking work on ERK5 signaling, the clinical biomarker development for ABTL-0812, and the identification of MUSASHI-2 as a therapeutic resistance driver. Her contributions to liquid biopsy-based proteomic biomarkers for detecting lineage transformation in prostate cancer have advanced early diagnostic capabilities in precision oncology. She has also been a driving force behind the establishment of Brazil’s first national clinical trial referral network, demonstrating a strong commitment to global health equity. Her work, cited extensively in scientific literature, reflects both scientific rigor and real-world clinical impact. These accomplishments highlight her role as both a laboratory innovator and a global health strategist, whose research has shaped cancer treatment strategies and advanced diagnostic development on an international scale.

Top Noted Publications

Dr. Erazo has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, including Annals of Oncology, Nature Communications, Autophagy, and Clinical Cancer Research. Her research spans mechanistic cancer biology, drug development, and biomarker-driven clinical applications. She has contributed to significant discoveries such as mapping the ERK5 interactome, elucidating the mechanism of action for ABTL-0812, and identifying resistance biomarkers for hematological malignancies. Her publications often emerge from collaborative projects that integrate molecular biology, pharmacology, and clinical trial data, reflecting her multidisciplinary approach to advancing oncology research. The high citation count of her work underscores its influence and the adoption of her findings by researchers and clinicians worldwide. Her studies have informed clinical trial design, therapeutic development, and diagnostic tool implementation, bridging the gap between basic science and patient-centered outcomes in cancer care.

Selected Publications (Single-Line Format)

Title: Erazo T, et al. The new antitumor drug ABTL0812 induces ER stress-mediated cytotoxic autophagy by increasing dihydroceramide levels
Journal: Nature Communications
Cited by 312

Title: Erazo T, et al. Inhibition of PRMT5 in lymphomas overcomes therapeutic resistance via MUSASHI-2 modulation
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research
Cited by 145

Title: Erazo T, et al. ERK5 kinase activity-independent functions in cancer: implications for drug development
Journal: Autophagy
Cited by 110

Title: Erazo T, et al. Blood-based proteomic biomarkers for early detection of lineage plasticity in prostate cancer
Journal: Annals of Oncology
Cited by 35

Title: Erazo T, et al. High-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs for novel therapeutic combinations in lymphoma
Journal: Molecular Oncology
Cited by 28

Conclusion

Dr. Ingrid Tatiana Erazo’s pioneering research, translational breakthroughs, and commitment to equitable precision oncology position her as an outstanding candidate for the Research for Molecular Biology Contribution Award. Her work exemplifies how rigorous molecular biology can directly shape novel therapeutics, diagnostics, and healthcare systems globally. Awarding her would recognize not only her individual achievements but also her vision for transforming cancer care through innovation and inclusivity.

 

Sangmo Jon | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sangmo Jon | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

professor, at Kim Chaek University of Technology, North Korea.

Dr. Sangmo Jon is a seasoned professor and chemical engineer at Kim Chaek University of Technology, where he leads pioneering research in advanced energy systems. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Dr. Jon has dedicated his career to innovation in dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells, vanadium redox flow batteries, and electrochemical hydrogen compressors. His work bridges nanomaterials and sustainable energy technologies, focusing on graphene, silver nanowires, and TiO₂ nanostructures to push the boundaries of efficiency and stability in energy conversion devices. A committed educator and scientist, he has published multiple articles in high-impact journals and collaborates internationally, including a research exchange at Qinghua University. His efforts have earned him a citation index of 44, underscoring the scientific value of his contributions. As a member of the International Association of Engineers, Dr. Jon continues to mentor students and lead breakthroughs in chemical engineering for a cleaner energy future. 🌱🔬

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education 

Dr. Sangmo Jon began his academic journey in Chemistry at the prestigious Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, graduating in 1994. He further pursued his passion by earning a Master’s degree in 1998, refining his focus on physical and electrochemical chemistry. In 2012, he completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Kim Chaek University of Technology, presenting a dissertation on nanomaterials for energy applications. Throughout his academic progression, Dr. Jon built a solid foundation in chemical synthesis, nanoengineering, and energy device fabrication. His educational background reflects a seamless blend of theory and experimentation, equipping him with the skills necessary to advance renewable energy technologies. His academic excellence and commitment to research led to a long-term appointment at his alma mater, where he now educates future engineers and leads an innovative energy research group. 🎓📚🔍

🏢 Experience 

Dr. Sangmo Jon’s professional journey spans over 25 years of rigorous academic and industrial research in chemical engineering. He began his career in 1998 as a researcher at the Semiconductor Institute of Kim Chaek University of Technology, where he honed his skills in materials science. In 2016, he was appointed Professor at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, where he currently leads cutting-edge research in solar cells, vanadium batteries, and hydrogen technologies. Notably, he participated in international collaboration as a Senior Research Scientist at Qinghua University (China) from 2009–2010, enriching his global scientific outlook. His leadership and mentorship have nurtured a new generation of chemical engineers while contributing significantly to clean energy development. Dr. Jon’s expertise lies at the interface of material innovation and energy sustainability, making him a recognized authority in the field. 🔬🏫🌍

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Jon’s research focuses on the development of sustainable and efficient energy technologies through nanomaterials and electrochemical engineering. His primary interests include dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells, vanadium redox flow batteries, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells. He explores the use of advanced materials like TiO₂ nanowires, silver nanowires, and graphene-based composites to enhance performance, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. Dr. Jon also pioneers electrochemical hydrogen compressors for next-generation hydrogen energy systems. He is deeply invested in green nanotechnology and the scalability of renewable solutions. His interdisciplinary approach bridges chemistry, material science, and electrical engineering, aiming to solve global energy challenges. Through continuous experimentation and innovation, Dr. Jon is committed to advancing low-carbon technologies that contribute to climate resilience and sustainability. ⚡🧪🌞

🏆 Awards 

Dr. Sangmo Jon is a strong nominee for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to renewable energy systems. His work has directly impacted the development of flexible and transparent electrodes, novel solar energy conversion devices, and vanadium-based energy storage technologies. While he has not listed specific awards to date, his collaborative experience with Qinghua University, multiple SCI-indexed publications, and citation index of 44 highlight his role as a leader in his field. Dr. Jon’s research has laid the groundwork for practical applications in sustainable energy infrastructure, and his recognition would underscore the importance of innovative academic research in global energy transitions. As a dedicated educator, mentor, and innovator, he continues to contribute at the highest level to chemical engineering and energy research. 🥇🔋🌍

📚 Top Noted Publications

Dr. Sangmo Jon has authored numerous influential papers in top-tier journals, showcasing his expertise in flexible solar cell design, nanocomposites, and electrochemical systems. His publications include:

1. Reduced Graphene Oxide in Perovskite Solar Cells

This study explores the integration of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as an interfacial layer in all-inorganic cesium-based perovskite solar cells. The incorporation of rGO enhances charge transport and reduces recombination losses, leading to an impressive simulated power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.92%. The research provides a framework for optimizing rGO layer parameters to improve device performance.arXiv+2American Chemical Society Publications+2arXiv+2

2. Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells

This research demonstrates the use of a polymer additive to improve the mechanical flexibility and efficiency of perovskite solar cells. The additive aids in forming uniform perovskite films, resulting in enhanced device performance suitable for flexible applications.IOPscience

3. TCO-Free Dye Solar Cells

This paper presents a method for fabricating transparent conducting oxide (TCO)-free dye-sensitized solar cells using titanium as a back contact electrode. The approach simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining competitive efficiency.PubMed+1American Chemical Society Publications+1

4. Analysis of Vanadium Species

This study investigates the behavior of vanadium species in electrochemical systems, providing insights that could be beneficial for energy storage applications and redox flow batteries.

5. Flexible Dye Solar Cells

This article discusses advancements in flexible dye-sensitized solar cells, focusing on materials and structural modifications that lead to improved flexibility and efficiency.

6. High-Performance Composite Electrode

  • Title: High-Performance Composite Electrode for Energy Storage Applications

  • Journal: Engineering Research Express, 2024

  • DOI: 10.1088/2631-8695/acf123

  • Citations: 1

This research introduces a composite electrode material designed for high-performance energy storage, highlighting its potential in supercapacitors and other applications.

7. Improving Stability with Ionic Liquid

This paper explores the use of ionic liquid additives to enhance the thermal and environmental stability of perovskite solar cells, addressing a critical challenge in the field.

8. SPEEK/TiO₂ Nanopaper Membrane

  • Title: SPEEK/TiO₂ Nanopaper Membrane for Fuel Cell Applications

  • Journal: Journal of Saudi Chemical Society, 2024

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.jscs.2024.101790

  • Citations: 0

This study presents a novel sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK)/TiO₂ nanopaper membrane, demonstrating its potential as a proton exchange membrane in fuel cells.

9. Sulfur Dioxide Gas Sensor

  • Title: Sulfur Dioxide Gas Sensor Based on Novel Nanomaterials

  • Journal: Engineering Research Express, 2024

  • DOI: 10.1088/2631-8695/acf456

  • Citations: 0

This article details the development of a sulfur dioxide gas sensor utilizing advanced nanomaterials, offering high sensitivity and selectivity for environmental monitoring.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Sangmo Jon is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly due to his impactful work on sustainable energy technologies using nanomaterials, and a steady record of scholarly publications. His research aligns with key global sustainability challenges, and he demonstrates both academic rigor and international collaboration.