Yanzhu Su | Molecular Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yanzhu Su | Molecular Genetics | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Yanzhu Su, at Nanjing Agricultural University, China.

Yanzhu Su is a dedicated student at Nanjing Agricultural University, specializing in soybean stress research. Her primary focus is on soybean shade stress, exploring the genetic mechanisms and gene networks that influence shade tolerance. Through her research, she aims to improve soybean resilience, ultimately contributing to agricultural sustainability. Despite being in the early stages of her career, Yanzhu has actively contributed to three SCI-indexed journal publications and has co-authored eight research papers. Her work primarily revolves around identifying molecular markers and breeding techniques for shade-tolerant soybean varieties. Yanzhu’s commitment to scientific advancement has positioned her as a promising researcher in the field of crop stress physiology. She is now working on expanding her research contributions and hopes to develop practical solutions for enhancing soybean productivity under challenging environmental conditions.

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education 

Yanzhu Su is currently a student at Nanjing Agricultural University, where she is conducting research on soybean stress physiology. Her academic journey has been shaped by her passion for plant science and genetics, leading her to focus on shade tolerance mechanisms in soybeans. Throughout her studies, she has gained expertise in plant molecular biology, genetic analysis, and breeding techniques. She has also been actively involved in laboratory experiments, gene expression analysis, and field trials. Yanzhu has pursued extensive coursework in plant physiology, biotechnology, and agricultural genomics, equipping her with the necessary skills to contribute to the field of soybean improvement. Her education has provided her with a strong foundation in experimental research methods, and she continuously seeks to enhance her knowledge through academic collaborations and independent study.

🏆 Experience

Yanzhu Su has accumulated significant research experience in soybean stress tolerance, particularly in understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms of shade stress adaptation. Her research focuses on germplasm exploration, marker-assisted selection, and the breeding of new shade-tolerant soybean varieties. Yanzhu has been involved in laboratory experiments, conducting gene expression analysis, and evaluating plant responses under different light conditions. She has actively contributed to three SCI-indexed journals and co-authored eight research publications, showcasing her growing impact in the field. While she has not yet been involved in consultancy or industry projects, her academic research has laid the foundation for future practical applications. Her hands-on experience with molecular breeding techniques and data analysis positions her as a valuable contributor to ongoing efforts in improving crop resilience against environmental stress factors.

🔍 Research Interests 

Yanzhu Su’s primary research interest lies in soybean stress physiology, with a focus on shade tolerance mechanisms. Her work aims to uncover the genetic factors and molecular pathways that enable soybeans to thrive under reduced light conditions. She is particularly interested in identifying key genes, molecular markers, and regulatory networks involved in shade tolerance. Her research contributes to developing high-yield, stress-resistant soybean cultivars that can sustain productivity in dense planting conditions and agroforestry systems. Yanzhu is also keen on integrating genetic engineering and CRISPR-based genome editing to enhance soybean adaptability. As climate change and agricultural sustainability become pressing global issues, she hopes her research will lead to more efficient and resilient soybean varieties, ultimately benefiting farmers and food security efforts.

🏅 Awards & Recognitions 

Although Yanzhu Su is still in the early stages of her research career, her contributions to soybean stress physiology have been recognized through academic publications and growing citations. She has actively participated in research projects and has contributed to three SCI-indexed journals. As a young researcher, she is working toward earning accolades in the field of plant stress biology. Yanzhu aspires to receive awards for best research contributions in agricultural biotechnology and crop science. Her dedication to exploring genetic mechanisms of shade tolerance positions her as a potential candidate for early-career researcher awards. She is now applying for the Best Researcher Award, hoping that her innovative contributions will be acknowledged in the scientific community.

📚 Top Noted Publications 

Yanzhu Su has authored several research articles focusing on soybean stress responses and genetic adaptation. Below are some of her key publications:

  • “Understanding the Genetic Basis of Soybean Shade Tolerance: A Molecular Approach” (2024, Plant Stress Journal): This study explores the genetic mechanisms underlying soybean’s response to shade stress, identifying key genes and pathways that contribute to shade tolerance.

  • “Molecular Markers and Breeding of Shade-Tolerant Soybean Varieties” (2023, Theoretical and Applied Genetics): This paper discusses the development of molecular markers associated with shade tolerance traits, facilitating the breeding of soybean varieties better adapted to low-light conditions.

  • “Gene Networks Regulating Shade Response in Soybean: An Omics Perspective” (2024, Horticulture Research): Employing omics technologies, this research elucidates the complex gene networks involved in soybean’s shade response, providing insights for future genetic improvement.

Conclusion

Yanzhu Su is a promising researcher in soybean stress tolerance with notable publications and contributions to plant breeding. However, to strengthen their candidacy for the “Best Researcher Award,” they should focus on expanding collaborations, increasing citation impact, joining professional organizations, and engaging in industry projects.

Chen Cheng | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chen Cheng | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, at Shihezi University, China.

Chen Cheng, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University. His expertise lies in poultry nutrition, feed resource utilization, and microbial detoxification. With over a decade of experience in academia and industry, he has contributed significantly to research on gossypol degradation and gut microbiota modulation. He has led multiple national and regional research projects, authored high-impact publications, and mentored students to success in innovation competitions. Dr. Cheng’s work bridges the gap between fundamental animal science and practical feed formulation strategies, making substantial contributions to sustainable livestock production.

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Chen Cheng earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from Shihezi University (2015–2018), where he focused on optimizing feed additives for poultry. Prior to that, he obtained his M.S. in Poultry Nutrition from China Agricultural University (2009–2011), delving into efficient nutrient utilization strategies. His academic journey began with a B.S. in Animal Science at China Agricultural University (2005–2009), where he developed a strong foundation in animal husbandry, nutrition, and feed science. His educational background has shaped his research approach, integrating molecular biology with practical applications in animal feed formulations.

💼 Experience

Dr. Cheng has been an Associate Professor at Shihezi University since 2019, conducting research on poultry nutrition and supervising graduate students. He previously worked as a Feed Formulation Specialist at Xinjiang Taikun Group (2013–2015), developing advanced feed formulations for poultry and ruminants. Before that, he was a Technical R&D Engineer at Beijing Weijia Group (2011–2012), focusing on feed additives and animal nutrition research. His diverse experience in academia and industry has enabled him to contribute significantly to both scientific advancements and practical applications in animal feed technology.

🔍 Research Interests

Dr. Cheng’s research focuses on poultry nutrition, feed resource utilization, and microbial detoxification. His primary work involves transcriptomic and proteomic studies on gossypol degradation by Candida tropicalis, which enhances the safety of cottonseed meal as an alternative protein source. Additionally, he explores gut microbiota modulation in poultry through dietary interventions, aiming to improve nutrient absorption and overall health. His projects integrate molecular biology, biochemistry, and applied animal science to develop innovative solutions for sustainable livestock feeding.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Cheng has received several prestigious awards for his contributions to animal science. In 2024, he won the First Prize at the Xinjiang Postdoctoral Innovation Competition for his research on microbial detoxification. He was also awarded the Outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher Award by the China Postdoctoral Foundation. His contributions to feed science earned him the Second Prize in the Xinjiang Science and Technology Progress Award (2022). Through his mentorship, students have also achieved national recognition, including a Bronze Award at the 2023 China International Innovation Competition.

📚Top Noted Publications

Dr. Cheng has published extensively in high-impact journals, contributing to advancements in animal nutrition and microbiology. Below are some of his notable publications:

  • Zhang, L., Yang, X., & Chen, C.* (2024). Combined transcriptomics and cellular analyses reveal the molecular mechanism of gossypol degradation. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 279, 135294. [DOI] (Cited by 15)

  • Zhang, X., Wang, H., & Chen, C.* (2024). Cottonseed meal hydrolysate modulates broiler gut microbiota. Frontiers in Microbiology, 14, 1–14. [DOI] (Cited by 10)

  • Chen, C., Pi, W., & Zhang, W.* (2019). Recombinant enzyme optimization for gossypol reduction. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 155, 15–25. [DOI] (Cited by 30)

Conclusion

Dr. Chen Cheng is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his high-impact publications, research funding, innovation, and mentorship. His expertise in poultry nutrition and microbial detoxification has contributed significantly to animal science. However, enhancing international collaborations, global funding participation, and industry implementation could further elevate his profile for top-tier research awards.

Xinying Zhang | synthetic biology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Xinying Zhang | synthetic biology | Best Researcher Award 

research assistant, at Engineering,South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.

Xinying Zhang is a dedicated researcher specializing in synthetic biology and microbial metabolic engineering. She focuses on optimizing gene expression in Pichia pastoris to enhance biosynthesis capabilities, particularly for high-value compounds like squalene and lycopene. As a researcher at the South China University of Technology, she has actively contributed to major research projects, including a national key research initiative and a provincial Natural Science Foundation project. With six SCI-indexed publications in esteemed journals like ACS Synthetic Biology and Microbial Cell Factories, she is at the forefront of advancing microbial biotechnology. Additionally, she has applied for a patent related to P. pastoris engineering.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Xinying Zhang pursued her academic journey in the field of biological engineering, specializing in synthetic biology. She acquired her expertise through rigorous research at the School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology. Her education laid the foundation for her innovative work on Pichia pastoris as a microbial cell factory. Through her studies, she developed expertise in gene editing, metabolic pathway reconstruction, and protein expression. Her research focused on utilizing methanol as a carbon source for high-value biochemical production, a novel approach in metabolic engineering.

Experience ⚙️

Xinying Zhang has accumulated extensive research experience in microbial metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. She has worked on developing gene editing tools and optimizing regulatory elements for Pichia pastoris to enhance biosynthesis efficiency. She played a crucial role in two major research projects—one funded by the National Key Research and Development Program and another by the Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Foundation. Her experience includes successfully engineering P. pastoris for high-level squalene production, leading to groundbreaking findings in microbial biotechnology. Her research contributions are published in Q1-ranked SCI journals, reflecting her impactful work in the field.

Research Interests 🎡

Xinying Zhang’s research interests revolve around synthetic biology, gene editing system development, and microbial metabolic optimization. She focuses on engineering Pichia pastoris to produce valuable biochemicals using renewable feedstocks like methanol. Her work explores heterologous protein expression, surface display, and metabolic reconstruction to enhance biofuel and biochemical production. Through transcriptomic analysis, she identifies bottlenecks in biosynthesis pathways, paving the way for high-yield microbial production systems. Her innovative approach has positioned P. pastoris as a promising platform for sustainable biochemical synthesis.

Awards & Recognitions 🏆

Xinying Zhang has been recognized for her contributions to synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. She has received accolades for her research publications and has been involved in prestigious research grants. Her groundbreaking work on metabolic engineering of P. pastoris for lycopene and squalene production has garnered significant attention in the scientific community. She has also applied for a patent related to microbial engineering for lycopene synthesis. Her work continues to receive citations, reflecting its impact on advancing biotechnological applications.

Top Noted Publications 📚

  • Metabolic Engineering of Pichia pastoris for High-Level Production of Lycopene

    • Authors: Xinying Zhang, Shuting Chen, Ying Lin, Wenjie Li, Denggang Wang, Shupeng Ruan, Yuxin Yang, and Shuli Liang
    • Journal: ACS Synthetic Biology
    • Publication Date: October 2, 2023
    • Volume: 12
    • Issue: 10
    • Pages: 2961–2972
    • DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00294
    • Summary: This study focuses on enhancing lycopene production in Pichia pastoris through metabolic engineering. The researchers developed a CRISPR/Cpf1-based gene repression system and optimized gene editing techniques. They also utilized the sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) to regulate lipid metabolic pathways, leading to a final engineered strain that produced lycopene at 7.24 g/L and 75.48 mg/g cell dry weight in fed-batch fermentation, marking the highest lycopene yield in P. pastoris to date.
  • A Novel and Efficient Genome Editing Tool Assisted by CRISPR-Cas12a/Cpf1 for Pichia pastoris

    • Authors: Xinying Zhang, Songjie Gu, Xueyun Zheng, Siqi Peng, Yanru Li, Ying Lin, and Shuli Liang
    • Journal: ACS Synthetic Biology
    • Publication Date: November 19, 2021
    • Volume: 10
    • Issue: 11
    • Pages: 2927–2937
    • DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00172
    • Summary: This research introduces a novel genome editing method for Pichia pastoris using the CRISPR-Cpf1 system. The method enables efficient deletion of large DNA fragments and integration of multiple gene fragments. The system demonstrated high editing efficiency for single-gene disruptions (99 ± 0.8%), dual-gene edits (65 ± 2.5% to 80 ± 3%), and triple-gene edits (30 ± 2.5%). Notably, it achieved the deletion of 20 kb DNA fragments and one-step integration of multiple genes, providing a robust tool for genetic engineering in P. pastoris.
  • Production of Lycopene by Metabolically Engineered Pichia pastoris

    • Authors: Xinying Zhang, Denggang Wang, Yuxin Duan, Xueyun Zheng, Ying Lin, and Shuli Liang
    • Journal: Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry
    • Publication Date: March 2020
    • Volume: 84
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 463–470
    • DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2019.1693250
    • Summary: This study aimed to enhance lycopene production in Pichia pastoris by integrating lycopene biosynthesis genes from Corynebacterium glutamicum into the GS115 strain. Initial modifications resulted in a lycopene production of 0.115 mg/g cell dry weight. Through optimizations such as promoter selection and increasing precursor supply, the final engineered strain achieved 6.146 mg/g in shake flask fermentation and 9.319 mg/g (0.714 g/L) in a 3 L fermenter, showcasing the potential of P. pastoris as a host for terpenoid production.

Conclusion

Xinying Zhang is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award due to high-impact research, strong publication record, and innovative work in metabolic engineering. To further strengthen the application, expanding industry collaborations, engaging in professional societies, and showcasing citation impact would enhance competitiveness.