Dan Zhao | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dan Zhao | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc Fellow | Harvard medical school | United States

Dan Zhao, Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher in biochemistry and molecular biology, currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University. With a strong background in protein quality control, ER-associated degradation (ERAD), and autophagy, Dr. Zhao has made significant contributions to understanding cellular homeostasis mechanisms. His research integrates cutting-edge techniques in cell biology, biochemistry, and structural analysis.

Profile👤

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

âś… Outstanding Research Impact: Dan Zhao has made significant contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly in ER-associated degradation (ERAD) and autophagy. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, Molecular Cell, and Autophagy.

âś… Strong Academic and Research Background: His journey from Peking University to Harvard University, along with his research at prestigious institutions such as the National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), showcases his academic excellence.

âś… Breakthrough Discoveries: His identification of Epr1 as the first soluble ER-phagy receptor and his work in ERAD have advanced fundamental knowledge in cell biology, making him a leader in his field.

âś… Recognized Achievements: Multiple awards and honors, including “Outstanding Researcher” at NIBS and a poster award at an International Symposium on Autophagy, highlight his scientific contributions.

âś… Consistent Conference Presentations: Presenting at prestigious international conferences (e.g., Gordon Research Conference, ASCB | EMBO Meeting) underscores his active engagement in the research community.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2011 – 2017)
    Peking University & National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
  • B.A. in Biological Sciences (2007 – 2011)
    Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

đź§Ş Experience

  • Postdoctoral Fellow (2021 – Present)
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University

    • Investigated how the Mnl1/Htm1-Pdi1 complex recognizes misfolded proteins and initiates ERAD.
    • Identified Pdi1 as the key reductase in ERAD.
    • Developed a novel assay for detecting mannosidase activity.
  • Research Associate (2017 – 2021)
    National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China

    • Discovered Epr1, the first soluble ER-phagy receptor.
    • Explored the molecular mechanisms of Epr1 in ER-phagy.
    • Characterized a novel protein, SPBC1685.04, in macroautophagy.
  • Ph.D. Candidate (2012 – 2017)
    Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Program

    • Studied PX-BAR family proteins and their role in organelle autophagy.
    • Investigated XRCC4 homologs in fission yeast.
  • Early Research Roles (2010 – 2012)

    • Conducted metagenomic sequencing of Cordyceps Sinensis.
    • Performed single-cell transcriptome sequencing.
    • Researched amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing.

🔬 Research Interests On Biology

  • Protein quality control and degradation
  • ER-associated degradation (ERAD)
  • Autophagy and ER-phagy mechanisms
  • Structural and functional analysis of protein complexes

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • 2017 – Excellent Graduate, Peking University
  • 2015 – Outstanding Researcher, National Institute of Biological Sciences
  • 2015 – Poster Award, International Symposium on Autophagy
  • 2014 – Best Oral Talk, Chinese Fungi Symposium
  • 2013 – Merit Student, Peking University
  • 2011 – Excellent Graduate, Sichuan University

đź“„ Publications

  • Initiation of ERAD by the bifunctional complex of Mnl1 mannosidase and protein disulfide isomerase

    • Authors: Dan Zhao; Xudong Wu; Tom A. Rapoport
    • Year: 2024
  • Visual detection of binary, ternary, and quaternary protein interactions in fission yeast using a Pil1 co-tethering assay

    • Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Dan-Dan Xu; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2021
  • Visual detection of binary, ternary, and quaternary protein-protein interactions in fission yeast by Pil1 co-tethering assay

    • Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Dan-Dan Xu; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2021
  • Atg38-Atg8 interaction in fission yeast establishes a positive feedback loop to promote autophagy

    • Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Ling-Ling Sun; Zhao-Di Jiang; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Hai-Tao Wang; Wan-Zhong He; Meng-Qiu Dong; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2020
  • Epr1, a UPR-upregulated soluble autophagy receptor for reticulophagy

    • Authors: Dan Zhao; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2020
  • A UPR-Induced Soluble ER-Phagy Receptor Acts with VAPs to Confer ER Stress Resistance

    • Authors: Dan Zhao
    • Year: 2020
  • Atg20 and Atg24 family proteins promote organelle autophagy in fission yeast

    • Authors: Dan Zhao
    • Year: 2016
  • Genome-wide Screens for Sensitivity to Ionizing Radiation Identify the Fission Yeast Nonhomologous End Joining Factor Xrc4

    • Authors: Dan Zhao
    • Year: 2014

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Dan Zhao’s research has significantly advanced the understanding of protein degradation and autophagy. His discoveries, including the role of ER-phagy receptors and ERAD pathways, contribute to fundamental biological processes with implications for diseases like neurodegeneration. As a leading scientist in the field, his work continues to shape our understanding of cellular homeostasis.

loannis Mitsopoulos | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. loannis Mitsopoulos | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student | University Of Thessaly | Greece

Ioannis Mitsopoulos, a researcher and Ph.D. candidate, is dedicated to advancing sustainable aquaculture. His work in fish and plant nutrition, focused on aquaponic systems, emphasizes a multitrophic approach to environmental balance. Ioannis has a diverse background that combines hands-on experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative research contributions in the field of agriculture and aquaculture.

Profile

Orcid

Strenghts for the Awards

  • Educational Background and Specialized Knowledge: Mr. Mitsopoulos has a solid educational foundation with an Integrated Master’s Degree in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquatic Environment, and is actively working on a Ph.D. focusing on aquaponics, a sustainable and innovative field. This specialized knowledge, along with participation in a Master’s program in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, positions him as a subject-matter expert in sustainable aquaculture practices.
  • Research Experience: His experience includes active involvement in research projects like “FutureAqua” and projects focused on improving the nutritional value of forage legumes for Mediterranean aquaculture species. He also contributes to critical conservation and environmental sustainability initiatives, such as monitoring fish species’ conservation status. This breadth of applied research highlights his ability to work on diverse and impactful studies.
  • Publications and Conferences: Mr. Mitsopoulos has presented his findings at multiple high-profile conferences (e.g., AQUA2018, Aquaculture Europe 2019), showing his work is recognized at international levels. His peer-reviewed publications further demonstrate the rigor and relevance of his research, especially in journals like PeerJ and MDPI. This consistent dissemination of his work to the scientific community is a strong indicator of his commitment to advancing his field.
  • Technical Skills and Certifications: Additional certifications such as the Tilapia, Shrimp, and Carp Welfare Indicators indicate his dedication to understanding animal welfare in aquaculture. This, along with technical workshops in aquaculture and environmental tolerance, shows his commitment to continuous professional development.
  • Extracurricular Involvement: His engagement in workshops, conferences, and technical seminars related to aquaculture and marine biology adds another dimension to his experience, showing a proactive approach to staying updated with current trends and methodologies in his field.

Education 🎓

Ioannis holds an Integrated Master’s Degree from the University of Thessaly, specializing in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquatic Environment. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in fish physiology and plant nutrition within aquaponic systems at the same institution. In 2023, he joined the University of Patras for a Master’s program in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, furthering his commitment to eco-friendly and resilient aquaculture practices.

Experience đź’Ľ

Ioannis brings a wealth of experience from internships and research projects. His hands-on work includes monitoring drinking water quality, studying marine mammal biology, and participating in numerous research initiatives. These projects have ranged from improving nutritional value in Mediterranean species to evaluating fish conservation efforts, reflecting his dedication to advancing both scientific knowledge and practical applications in aquaculture.

Research Interests 🔬

Ioannis is passionate about sustainable aquaculture, focusing on fish and plant nutrition within aquaponic systems. His interests encompass the integration of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, aiming to foster resilience and reduce environmental impact. He is particularly interested in multitrophic systems that enhance resource efficiency by combining species in ways that mimic natural ecosystems.

Awards and Certifications 🏆

Ioannis has been recognized for his accomplishments, including certifications in advanced scuba diving and Taekwondo. His achievements also include professional training in fish welfare indicators for tilapia, shrimp, and carp. Through workshops and seminars, he has expanded his expertise in aquaculture innovations and environmental management.

Publications 📚

Ioannis has contributed to several prestigious conferences and journals. Here are selected publications:

  • Vlahos, N., Devetzoglou, K., Mitsopoulos, I., et al. (2018). The effect of fish meal replacement with insect meal on growth performance and survival rate of zebrafish (Danio rerio). AQUA2018, Montpellier, France.
  • Mitsopoulos, I., Tzokas E., Anastasopoulos, E., et al. (2023). Starvation and re-feeding of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and Baltic prawn (Palaemon adspersus) co-cultured with glasswort (Salicornia europaea) in a polyculture aquaponic system. HydroMedit 2023, Mytilene, Greece.
  • Mitsopoulos I, Kontou IG, Babouklis K, et al. (2024). Starvation and re-feeding of Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) co-cultured with glasswort (Salicornia europaea) in a polyculture aquaponic system. PeerJ, 12

Conclusion 🌍

Through his innovative research and practical experience, Ioannis Mitsopoulos is contributing to the future of sustainable aquaculture. His work in multitrophic systems and aquaponics showcases his commitment to environmental stewardship and the pursuit of knowledge that benefits both ecosystems and human needs.