Chia-Chi Key | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chia-Chi Key | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Department of Internal Medicine | Wake Forest University School of Medicine | United States

Dr. Chia-Chi Chuang Key, Ph.D., is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. With a focus on Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Immunologic Diseases, Dr. Key has contributed significantly to translational research and metabolic science, paving the way for innovative treatments in lipid metabolism and obesity-related disorders.

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Strengths for the Awards

  • Academic Background and Career Progression:
    Dr. Key holds a Ph.D. in Nutrition, coupled with postdoctoral training in lipid sciences at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Her career trajectory includes roles such as instructor, tenure-track assistant professor, and a research-track assistant professor, demonstrating sustained academic growth.
  • Research Contributions:
    Dr. Key’s work focuses on crucial topics such as lipid metabolism, inflammation, and diabetes, with significant findings published in high-impact journals (e.g., Journal of Lipid Research, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition). Her research has practical implications for understanding metabolic disorders and improving public health.
  • Funding and Grants:
    She has secured competitive research grants, including a Department of Defense (DOD) grant on CRISPR-based adipose therapeutics and an NIH SPLENDOR-NC Pilot Grant. Her involvement as a co-investigator in R01 studies highlights her collaborative research efforts.
  • Recognition and Awards:
    Dr. Key’s accolades, such as the Research Excellence Award (2020, 2021), Translational Research Academy Scholar (2022), and SPLENDOR-NC Scholar (2023), reflect her contributions and recognition within her field.

Education 🎓

Dr. Key began her academic journey at Taipei Medical University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (2003). She then obtained a Master’s degree in Toxicology from the National Taiwan University College of Medicine (2005). She furthered her education with a Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2012), where her dissertation focused on the anti-inflammatory effects of grape polyphenols on human adipocytes and obese mice.

Experience 💼

Dr. Key’s professional journey includes roles as a Research Technician at the National Taiwan University and a Graduate Assistant at UNC Greensboro. She later joined Wake Forest University School of Medicine, transitioning from Instructor to Assistant Professor, contributing to both molecular medicine and translational science. She also served as Core Director of the Metabolic Phenotyping Shared Resource (2021–2024), showcasing her leadership and expertise in metabolic research.

Research Interests On Molecular Biology 🔬

Dr. Key’s research is centered on lipid metabolism, obesity-related diseases, and translational approaches to improving metabolic health. Her investigations delve into the mechanisms of lipid transport and the role of adipose tissue in metabolic disorders, exploring therapeutic potentials in Type 2 Diabetes and obesity.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Key’s excellence has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Graduate Student of the Year Award (2012), the Research Excellence Award from Wake Forest University School of Medicine (2020, 2021), and her recognition as a Translational Research Academy Scholar (2022). Her work has also earned her travel stipends and acknowledgment for outstanding scientific publications.

Publications 📚

  • Saturated fatty acid-mediated inflammation and insulin resistance in adipose tissue: mechanisms of action and implications
    • Authors: A. Kennedy, K. Martinez, C.C. Chuang, K. LaPoint, M. McIntosh
    • Year: 2009
    • Citations: 651
  • An abundant dysfunctional apolipoprotein A1 in human atheroma
    • Authors: Y. Huang, J.A. DiDonato, B.S. Levison, D. Schmitt, L. Li, Y. Wu, J. Buffa, T. Kim, …
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 422
  • Potential mechanisms by which polyphenol-rich grapes prevent obesity-mediated inflammation and metabolic diseases
    • Authors: C.C. Chuang, M.K. McIntosh
    • Year: 2011
    • Citations: 291
  • Quercetin is equally or more effective than resveratrol in attenuating tumor necrosis factor-α–mediated inflammation and insulin resistance in primary human adipocytes
    • Authors: C.C. Chuang, K. Martinez, G. Xie, A. Kennedy, A. Bumrungpert, A. Overman, …
    • Year: 2010
    • Citations: 279
  • A polyphenol-rich fraction obtained from table grapes decreases adiposity, insulin resistance and markers of inflammation and impacts gut microbiota in high-fat-fed mice
    • Authors: B. Collins, J. Hoffman, K. Martinez, M. Grace, M.A. Lila, C. Cockrell, …
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 133
  • Hyperglycemia enhances adipogenic induction of lipid accumulation: involvement of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt, and …
    • Authors: C.C. Chuang, R.S. Yang, K.S. Tsai, F.M. Ho, S.H. Liu
    • Year: 2007
    • Citations: 115
  • Xanthones from mangosteen inhibit inflammation in human macrophages and in human adipocytes exposed to macrophage-conditioned media
    • Authors: A. Bumrungpert, R.W. Kalpravidh, C.C. Chuang, A. Overman, K. Martinez, …
    • Year: 2010
    • Citations: 113
  • Alterations of a cellular cholesterol metabolism network are a molecular feature of obesity-related type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
    • Authors: J. Ding, L.M. Reynolds, T. Zeller, C. Müller, K. Lohman, B.J. Nicklas, …
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 109
  • Table grape consumption reduces adiposity and markers of hepatic lipogenesis and alters gut microbiota in butter fat-fed mice
    • Authors: J. Baldwin, B. Collins, P.G. Wolf, K. Martinez, W. Shen, C.C. Chuang, W. Zhong, …
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 107
  • Conjugated linoleic acid reduces adiposity and increases markers of browning and inflammation in white adipose tissue of mice [S]
    • Authors: W. Shen, C.C. Chuang, K. Martinez, T. Reid, J.M. Brown, L. Xi, L. Hixson, …
    • Year: 2013
    • Citations: 106

Conclusion

Dr. Chia-Chi Chuang Key exemplifies a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and clinical applications in metabolic health. Through her leadership, research, and teaching, she continues to inspire progress in understanding and treating complex metabolic disorders.

Dongmei Li | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dongmei Li | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Professor | University of Rochester | United States

Dr. Dongmei Li is a distinguished professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, where she is actively involved in clinical and translational research. She also holds affiliations with the Goergen Institute for Data Science. With expertise spanning biostatistics, public health sciences, and data science, Dr. Li has made significant contributions to advancing health research through statistical modeling and innovative data analysis methods.

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Strengths for the Awards

  • Academic and Professional Excellence:
    • Dr. Li holds a Ph.D. in Biostatistics and advanced training in biomedical data science, genetics, and public health, making her expertise highly interdisciplinary.
    • Current roles as Professor and Program Director at the University of Rochester underscore her leadership in academia.
  • Diverse Research Contributions:
    • Dr. Li’s research spans clinical and translational sciences, public health, and biostatistics.
    • Extensive mentorship for students and postdocs, with multiple mentees achieving national recognition.
  • Recognition and Honors:
    • Recipient of numerous awards, such as the David P. Byar Young Investigator Travel Award and mentorship-related accolades for students.
    • Multiple travel grants and special merit awards signify her influence in the research community

Education 🎓

Dr. Li’s academic journey began with a BS in Pomology from Laiyang Agricultural College in China, followed by an MS in Biophysics from China Agricultural University. She later pursued advanced training in the United States, earning an MS in Statistics and a PhD in Biostatistics from The Ohio State University. Her academic pursuits reflect a deep commitment to integrating quantitative methods into biological and health research.

Experience 🏫

Dr. Li’s professional career includes faculty appointments at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she developed and taught biostatistics courses, and her current role at the University of Rochester. Over the years, she has advanced from assistant to professor, conducting groundbreaking research in statistical methods for health data and mentoring students and early-career researchers.

Research Interests On Genetics 🔍

Dr. Li’s research focuses on applying statistical models to complex health data, including biomarker discovery, tobacco research, and diabetes studies. She is particularly interested in integrating machine learning with traditional biostatistics to address challenges in health disparities and population health. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between health sciences and computational methods.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Li has been recognized for her contributions to research and mentoring, receiving accolades such as the David P. Byar Young Investigator Travel Award and the National Student Employee of the Year Award for her mentees. Her numerous scholarships and travel awards highlight her dedication to fostering collaborative research and innovation.

Publications 📚

  • “Assessing associations between individual-level social determinants of health and COVID-19 hospitalizations: Investigating racial/ethnic disparities among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the U.S. National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C)”
    • Authors: Dimple Vaidya, Kenneth J. Wilkins, Eric Hurwitz, Jessica Y. Islam, Dongmei Li, Jing Sun, Sandra E. Safo, Jennifer M. Ross, Shukri Hassan, Elaine Hill, et al.
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: As of now, this publication has not been cited by other works.
  • “Public Perceptions of Very Low Nicotine Content on Twitter: Observational Study”
    • Authors: Zidian Xie, Xinyi Liu, Xubin Lou, Dongmei Li
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: This study has been cited by the following publications:
      • Tracy T. Smith, Richard J. O’Connor, K. Michael Cummings, Alex C. Liber, “Tobacco Control Strategies,” International Encyclopedia of Public Health, 2025.
      • Kiana L. Fall, Robin M. Forbes-Lorman, “No effect on behavior in a pilot study investigating the role of progesterone in nicotine withdrawal in female rats,” BIOS, 2024.
      • Piyush Anand, Vrinda Kadiyali, “Frontiers: Smoke and Mirrors: Impact of E-cigarette Taxes on Underage Social Media Posting,” Marketing Science, 2024.
      • Onyema Greg Chido-Amajuoyi, Dale S. Mantey, Efehi Igbinomwanhia, Onyinye Omega-Njemnobi, Henry Onyeaka, Robert K. Yu, Israel Agaku, Sanjay Shete, “Perceptions of the Addictiveness of Low-Nicotine Cigarettes Versus Typical Cigarettes and Exposure to Tobacco Industry-Sponsored Corrective Campaign,” Substance Use & Misuse, 2024.
      • Carlos Blanco, Benjamin Apelberg, Brian A. King, Wilson M. Compton, “Opportunities for advancing science to inform tobacco regulation in an evolving tobacco landscape,” Molecular Psychiatry, 2024.
  • “Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Transplant Recipients and Hemodialysis Patients: Data from the Dominican Republic”
    • Authors: Lisette Alcantara Sanchez, Eloy Alvarez Guerra, Dongmei Li, Samantha M. King, Shannon P. Hilchey, Qian Zhou, Stephen Dewhurst, Kevin Fiscella, Martin S. Zand
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: This publication has not been cited by other works to date.
  • “Marker gene fishing for single-cell data with complex heterogeneity”
    • Authors: Yiren Shao, Qi Gao, Liuyang Wang, Dongmei Li, Andrew B. Nixon, Cliburn Chan, Qi-Jing Li, Jichun Xie
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: Currently, there are no citations for this preprint.
  • “Associations of County-Level Social Determinants of Health with COVID-19 Related Hospitalization Among People with HIV: A Retrospective Analysis of the U.S. National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C)”
    • Authors: Jessica Y. Islam, Eric Hurwitz, Dongmei Li, Marlene Camacho-Rivera, Jing Sun, Sandra Safo, Jennifer M. Ross, Kenneth Wilkins, Shukri Hassan, Elaine L. Hill, et al.
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: This article has not been cited by other publications yet.
  • “Discussion of Heated Tobacco Products on Twitter Following IQOS’s Modified-Risk Tobacco Product Authorization and US Import Ban: Content Analysis”
    • Authors: Minji Kim, Julia Vassey, Dongmei Li, Artur Galimov, Eileen Han, Matthew G. Kirkpatrick, Cassandra A. Stanton, Jenny E. Ozga, Sarah Lee, Jennifer B. Unger
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: No citations have been recorded for this study so far.
  • “Temporal and Thematic Analysis of Promotional Waterpipe-Related Posts on Twitter/X in the US”
    • Authors: Puhua Ye, Mengwei Wu, Yiwei Han, Yuka Shimazaki, Jennifer Cornacchione Ross, Erin L. Sutfin, Dongmei Li, Zidian Xie
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: This preprint has not been cited by other works.
  • “Public Perception of the Tobacco 21 Amendment on Twitter in the United States: Observational Study”
    • Authors: Liane M. Schneller-Najm, Zidian Xie, Jiarui Chen, Sarah Lee, Emily Xu, Dongmei Li
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: There are no citations for this study at this time.
  • “Public Perceptions of the Food and Drug Administration’s Regulatory Authority Over Synthetic Nicotine on Twitter: Observational Study”
    • Authors: Jonathan Zou, Juan Ramon Feliciano, Zidian Xie, Dongmei Li
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: This publication has not been cited by other works to date.

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Dongmei Li’s extensive expertise, innovative research, and dedication to mentoring make her a valuable asset to the academic and scientific community. Her work continues to impact the fields of biostatistics and public health, fostering collaboration across disciplines and inspiring the next generation of researchers.

Seong Yeon Yoo | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Seong Yeon Yoo | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | National Forensic Service | South Korea

Dr. Seong Yeon Yoo is a distinguished forensic scientist specializing in forensic DNA analysis and bioinformatics. With over 18 years of experience at the National Forensic Service (NFS) in South Korea, she has contributed significantly to the advancement of DNA database management and forensic applications. Her expertise extends internationally, having conducted research at the Netherlands Forensic Institute.

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Strengths for the Awards

  • Extensive Experience in Forensic Science
    Dr. Yoo has an impressive career spanning over 18 years at the National Forensic Service, where she has served as a Senior Researcher and DNA Database Team Leader. Her leadership in forensic DNA division highlights her authority in the field.
  • International Collaboration and Research Fellowship
    During her tenure at the Netherlands Forensic Institute, Dr. Yoo gained valuable international exposure. This collaboration showcases her adaptability and her ability to apply innovative methods to forensic science globally.
  • Educational Excellence
    With a doctorate in Bioinformatics and a master’s in Molecular Biology, Dr. Yoo combines theoretical expertise with applied science, demonstrated through impactful research topics such as influenza RNA polymerase reconstitution and SNP profiling for Korean-specific forensic applications.

Education 🎓

  • Doctorate in Bioinformatics (2015), Konju National University
    Thesis: “Towards Reconstitution of Influenza RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from Recombinant Proteins”
  • Master’s in Molecular Biology (2006), Yonsei University
    Thesis: “Studies on profiling and forensic applications of Korean-specific SNPs from Whole Exome Sequencing data”

Experience 💼

  • Senior Researcher & Team Leader (2006–Present), National Forensic Service
    Leading the DNA Database Team, specializing in DNA profiling and forensic investigations.
  • Research Fellow (2013–2014), Netherlands Forensic Institute
    Contributed to the Department of Human Biological Traces, enhancing techniques for forensic DNA analysis.

Research Interests On Genetics🔬

Dr. Yoo’s research focuses on:

  • Forensic DNA profiling and database management
  • Bioinformatics applications in genetic analysis
  • SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) profiling for forensic and population-specific studies
  • Influenza RNA polymerase reconstitution and protein modeling

Awards 🏆

Dr. Yoo has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to forensic science and genetic research. While specific awards are not listed, her leadership roles and sustained involvement in high-profile forensic science organizations highlight her accolades in the field.

Publications 📚

1. Comparative transcriptomic analysis provides novel insights into mescaline biosynthesis by Lophophora williamsii

  • Authors: Eun‐Mi Hwang, Kyu‐Sik Jeong, Seong Yeon Yoo, Jihyun Kim, Sanggil Choe, Joo‐Young Kim
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Citations: Not available yet (recently published).

2. Beyond the mix: Advancements in simultaneous detection and quantification of human, dog, and cat DNA

  • Authors: Hyeon‐Jin Bae, Kyu‐Sik Jeong, Jung‐Eun Kim, Eun‐Mi Hwang, Seong Yeon Yoo
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Citations: Not available yet (recently published).

3. Development of a diagnostic variable number tandem repeat marker and dual TaqMan genotyping assay to distinguish Lophophora species

  • Authors: Eun-Mi Hwang, Kyu-Sik Jeong, Seong Yeon Yoo, Jihyun Kim, Sanggil Choe, Joo-Young Kim
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Citations: Not available yet (recently published).

4. Simplified Direct PCR Method for Reference Buccal Samples Using a Non‐FTA Card by Omitting the Pretreatment Step

  • Authors: Ju Yeon Jung, Ga Hee Ryu, Da‐Hye Kim, Joo‐Young Kim, In Kwan Hwang, Pil‐Won Kang, Byung Won Chun, Seong Yeon Yoo
  • Publication Year: 2020
  • Citations: Not available in the provided data.

5. Identification of Korean-specific SNP markers from whole-exome sequencing data

  • Authors: Sung Min Kim, Seong Yeon Yoo, Soo Hyun Nam, Jae Moon Lee, Ki Wha Chung
  • Publication Year: 2016
  • Citations: Not available in the provided data.

6. Evaluation of samples comprising minute amounts of DNA

  • Authors: Corina Benschop, Hinda Haned, Seong Yeon Yoo, Titia Sijen
  • Publication Year: 2015
  • Citations: Not available in the provided data.

7. Autosomal STR loci for improving the kinship discrimination power for missing children and forensic application

  • Authors: Seong Yeon Yoo, Sang Hyun An, Ji Hye Park, Na Yeon Kim, Young Ae Lee, Jong Jin Kim, Ki Won Park, Ki Wha Chung
  • Publication Year: 2014
  • Citations: Not available in the provided data.

8. Genetic polymorphisms of eight X-STR loci of Mentype Argus X-8 kit in Koreans

  • Authors: Seong Yeon Yoo, Nam Soo Cho, Sun Wha Park, Jung Hee Hwang, Je Nyun Kim, Ki Wha Chung, Myun Soo Han
  • Publication Year: 2011
  • Citations: Not available in the provided data.

9. Population genetic polymorphisms of 17 Y-chromosomal STR loci in South Koreans

  • Authors: Ki Min Seong, Seong Yeon Yoo, Jung Ho Hwang, Soon Hee Kim, Ki Wha Chung, Nam Soo Cho
  • Publication Year: 2011
  • Citations: Not available in the provided data.

10. A Large Population Genetic Study of 15 Autosomal Short Tandem Repeat Loci for Establishment of Korean DNA Profile Database

  • Authors: Seong Yeon Yoo, Nam Soo Cho, Myung Jin Park, Ki Min Seong, Jung Ho Hwang, Seok Bean Song, Myun Soo Han, Won Tae Lee, Ki Wha Chung
  • Publication Year: 2011
  • Citations: Not available in the provided data.

Professional Activities 🌍

  • DNA Database Operation Committee Member (2023–Present)
  • Asian Forensic Science Network Member (2011–Present)
  • ISFG Korean-Speaking Working Group Member (2011–Present)
  • The Korean Society of Forensic Sciences Member (2006–Present)

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Seong Yeon Yoo exemplifies leadership and innovation in forensic science. Her extensive experience, groundbreaking research, and dedication to advancing forensic applications make her a cornerstone of the scientific community.