Yuan Zhang | Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Yuan Zhang | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Director of kinesiology department | Nanjing Sport Institute | China

Yuan Zhang is a distinguished professor and the Director of the Kinesiology Department at the School of Sports and Health, Nanjing Sport Institute, China. He has dedicated his career to advancing research in exercise interventions for chronic diseases and mitochondrial regulation. With extensive academic and research experience, Professor Zhang has significantly contributed to the fields of sports science and health.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards

  • Extensive Research Contributions – Yuan Zhang has an impressive record of over 30 publications, including studies in high-impact journals such as Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, and Free Radical Biology & Medicine.
  • Significant Research Impact – His work on exercise interventions in chronic diseases, mitochondrial regulation, and metabolic health has contributed to advancing knowledge in sports science, kinesiology, and health.
  • International Collaboration – Zhang has conducted research abroad at York University in Canada, showing strong global research engagement.
  • Leadership and Academic Recognition – Currently serving as a Professor and Director at the Nanjing Sport Institute, demonstrating recognition as a leading expert in his field.
  • Funding and Grants – He has successfully secured multiple research grants from prestigious sources such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China, reflecting strong research credibility.

Education 🎓

Professor Zhang pursued his Bachelor of Education at Dalian University (2002-2006), followed by a Master of Education at East China Normal University (2006-2009). He further obtained his Doctor of Education from the same institution (2009-2013). Additionally, he undertook a joint doctoral program at York University, Canada, from 2010 to 2012, gaining international exposure to advanced research in kinesiology and health sciences.

Professional Experience 💼

Professor Zhang has a robust academic career. He started as an instructor at the Nanjing Sport Institute (2013-2018), later serving as a postdoctoral researcher at Shanghai Jiaotong University (2018-2022). He was promoted to Associate Professor at Nanjing Sport Institute (2018-2023) and currently holds the position of Professor (since 2023), contributing to teaching, research, and departmental leadership.

Research Interests On Biology 🔬

Professor Zhang specializes in exercise interventions for chronic diseases and mitochondrial regulation. His work focuses on understanding how physical activity influences cellular mechanisms, particularly in metabolic disorders such as diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). His research aims to develop effective exercise-based strategies for health improvement.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Professor Zhang has received several prestigious awards, including:

  • First Prize (2021): School-level teaching achievement award, Jiangsu, China.
  • Third Prize (2021): School-level teaching achievement award, Jiangsu, China.
  • Second Prize (2020): Third Teaching Competition for Young Teachers, Jiangsu Province.
  • Second Prize (2018): School-level teaching achievement award, Jiangsu, China.
  • Second Prize (2017): Micro-course teaching contest in colleges and universities of Jiangsu Province.

Publications 📖

  1. Xiang, M. et al. (2024)
    • Title: Effects of exercise, metformin, and combination treatments on type 2 diabetic mellitus-induced muscle atrophy in db/db mice: Crosstalk between autophagy and the proteasome
    • Journal: Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry
    • Citations: 5
  2. Yuan, X.-M. et al. (2024)
    • Title: Beneficial Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Dietary Changes Intervention on Hepatic Fat Accumulation in HFD-Induced Obese Rats
    • Journal: Physiological Research
    • Citations: 0
  3. Lu, J. et al. (2023)
    • Title: High-intensity interval training alleviates exhaustive exercise-induced HSP70-assisted selective autophagy in skeletal muscle
    • Journal: The Journal of Physiological Sciences
    • Citations: 1
  4. Liu, Y. et al. (2023)
    • Title: Changes of endoplasmic reticulum stress level in skeletal muscle during recovery acute exhaustive exercise
    • Journal: Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
    • Citations: 0
  5. Liu, J. et al. (2023)
    • Title: The combination of exercise and metformin inhibits TGF-β1/Smad pathway to attenuate myocardial fibrosis in db/db mice by reducing NF-κB–mediated inflammatory response
    • Journal: Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy
    • Citations: 15
  6. Zhang, Y. et al. (2022)
    • Title: Exercise and Metformin Intervention Prevents Lipotoxicity-Induced Hepatocyte Apoptosis by Alleviating Oxidative and ER Stress and Activating the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway in db/db Mice
    • Journal: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
    • Citations: 18
  7. Zhang, Y. et al. (2022)
    • Title: Effects of different exercise on liver lipid accumulation and FGF21 secretion in obese rats
    • Journal: Chinese Journal of Applied Physiology
    • Citations: 1
  8. Lu, J. et al. (2021)
    • Title: Morphological and functional characterization of diabetic cardiomyopathy in db/db mice following exercise, metformin alone, or combination treatments
    • Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
    • Citations: 9
  9. Zhang, Y. et al. (2020)
    • Title: The intersection of exercise and aging on mitochondrial protein quality control
    • Journal: Experimental Gerontology
    • Citations: 29
  10. Zhang, Y. et al. (2016)
  • Title: Absence of Bax and Bak: Implications for Autophagy and Alternative Mitochondrial Functions
  • Book: Autophagy: Cancer, Other Pathologies, Inflammation, Immunity, Infection, and Aging Volume 9: Human Diseases and Autophagosome
  • Citations: 0

Conclusion 🔍

Professor Yuan Zhang is a dedicated academician and researcher with profound contributions to exercise science. His work in chronic disease intervention and mitochondrial regulation has paved the way for innovative health strategies. Through his commitment to research, teaching, and mentorship, he continues to inspire the next generation of scholars in the field of kinesiology and sports health sciences.

Maria Mavrommati | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Maria Mavrommati | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | University of Patras | Greece

Maria Mavrommati is an accomplished biologist with a Ph.D. in Microbiology-Biotechnology. With extensive experience in adaptive laboratory evolution and bioethanol production, she has made significant contributions to industrial biotechnology, specifically in optimizing yeast strains for high-quality wine production. Maria is passionate about applying microbiological techniques to address real-world challenges in sustainable biotechnology.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  • Robust Academic Background: Maria holds a PhD in Microbiology-Biotechnology, along with an MSc in Biotechnology and a BSc in Biology. Her research on fermentative abilities and strain improvement in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, particularly through Adaptive Laboratory Evolution (ALE), aligns with significant advancements in biofuel production and fermentation science.
  • Prolific Research Experience: She has contributed extensively in research roles at prominent Greek universities, engaging in projects focused on fermentation and biotechnology applications. Her expertise in yeast strain optimization for ethanol tolerance and fructose assimilation speaks to her hands-on, impactful work in biotechnology.
  • High Proficiency in Techniques: Maria’s skills span diverse microbiological and biotechnological techniques, including advanced fermentation methods, cloning, HPLC, and GC. This extensive skill set has been applied in valuable projects, such as bioethanol production and wine quality improvement, which show her contributions to both academia and industry.
  • Publications and Scholarly Impact: With multiple publications in respected journals, Maria has demonstrated her capability to conduct innovative research. Her work on improving yeast strain tolerance and fructophilicity has real-world applications in biofuel and food industries, bolstering her suitability for a research award.
  • Diverse Language Skills: Fluent in English, Greek, and Spanish, with intermediate French proficiency, Maria can collaborate on international projects and engage with diverse research communities. This is particularly valuable in global research collaborations and knowledge dissemination.

Education 🎓

Maria holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology-Biotechnology, a Master’s degree in Biotechnology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, all from prestigious Greek universities. Her Ph.D. research focused on improving the fermentative abilities of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains used in vinification through adaptive laboratory evolution. She has been guided by prominent professors, enhancing her expertise in fermentation and biotechnology.

Professional Experience 💼

Maria has extensive experience as a research assistant at multiple institutions, including the University of Patras and the Agricultural University of Athens. Her roles focused on developing fermentation protocols for bioethanol production and improving yeast strains for enhanced ethanol tolerance and fructose assimilation. She also has teaching experience in biology and Spanish, making her a versatile professional in science and education.

Research Interests 🔬

Maria’s research interests lie in microbial biotechnology, adaptive laboratory evolution, and the fermentation process. She focuses on optimizing microbial strains for industrial applications, particularly in producing bioethanol and enhancing wine quality. Her expertise in applying these techniques to real-world projects contributes to sustainable solutions for biofuel production and agricultural waste management.

Awards and Scholarships 🏆

Maria has been recognized for her academic contributions with a prestigious IKY scholarship for Ph.D. candidates in Greek universities. Her involvement in EU and national projects reflects her commitment to advancing research in sustainable biotechnology and microbial valorization.

Publications 📚

Maria’s research contributions include several impactful publications:

  • Fakas S, Makri A, Mavromati M, Tselepi M, Aggelis G. Fatty acid composition in lipid fractions lengthwise the mycelium of Mortierella isabellina and lipid production by solid-state fermentation. Bioresour Technol. 2009;100(23):6118–20. [Cited by numerous articles]
  • Kothri M, Mavrommati M, et al. Microbial sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the use of organic wastes for PUFA production. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2020;367(5):1–11.
  • Mavrommati M, Daskalaki A, et al. Adaptive laboratory evolution principles in industrial biotechnology. Biotechnol Adv. 2021;54:107795.
  • Mavrommati M, Papanikolaou S, Aggelis G. Improving ethanol tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae through adaptive evolution. Process Biochem. 2023;124:280–289.
  • Mavrommati M, Economou CN, et al. Enhanced fructophilicity and ethanol tolerance in yeast strains via adaptive evolution. Carbon Resour Convers. 2024;100270.
  • Mavrommati M, Christofi S, et al. Fermentative abilities of evolved Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. Beverages. 2024;10:102.

Conclusion 🌍

Maria Mavrommati is a dedicated scientist with a strong background in microbiology and biotechnology. Her extensive research and practical experience in fermentation and adaptive laboratory evolution contribute valuable insights to the field of sustainable biotechnology. She is available for immediate work opportunities and looks forward to further advancing microbial biotechnology for real-world applications.