Chia-Chi Key | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Diamanto Kouniaki | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Diamanto Kouniaki | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Biologist, Ph.D | Immunology-Histocompatibility Dept.Evangelismos Hospital | Greece

Dr. Diamanto Kouniaki, a dedicated biologist and researcher, serves in the Immunology-Histocompatibility Department of Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece. With a profound interest in histocompatibility, immunogenetics, and transplantation science, she has significantly contributed to the advancement of research and clinical practices in these fields. Her career reflects a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation in the scientific community.

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Strenghts for the Awards

  1. Extensive Academic and Professional Background:
    • Dr. Kouniaki has a robust educational foundation, including a PhD in Medicine with a focus on immunogenetics, demonstrating expertise in a highly specialized field.
    • The honorary ESHI diploma and international training highlight her proficiency and recognition in histocompatibility and immunogenetics.
  2. Significant Contributions to Research:
    • Publication Record:
      • 35 articles in international journals and 62 short papers in addition to numerous conference presentations (91 at international level).
      • Consistent engagement in research is evident from an h-index of 6, 124 citations, and a Research Interest Score of 58.7 on ResearchGate.
    • Multidisciplinary Focus:
      • Research spans critical areas such as transplantation, paternity testing, immunogenetics, and quality control, showcasing versatility.
  3. Recognition and Awards:
    • Honored with 8 awards and 13 invited lectures, reflecting recognition by peers in national and international platforms.
    • Active participation in 87 national and international congresses (including 17 first-author presentations) illustrates a commitment to disseminating research globally.
  4. Leadership and Collaborative Efforts:
    • Contributed to 6 thesis projects and served on organizing committees for 3 international congresses, showing leadership and mentorship.
  5. Practical and Clinical Impact:
    • Work in transplantation, immunogenetics, and quality control directly improves clinical outcomes, addressing critical medical challenges.

Education 🎓

  • BSc in Biology (1988-1993): National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
  • Advanced Training (2012): Specialization in HLA typing techniques and STR analysis for transplantation and paternity assessments at the Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics, Ulm, Germany.
  • PhD in Medicine (2013-2018): NKUA, with a thesis titled “Immunogenetics–two approaches in disputed paternity/maternity testing: HLA polymorphism vs STRs.”
  • Received the Honorary ESHI Diploma (2016) for specialization in histocompatibility and immunogenetics.

Experience 💼

Dr. Kouniaki has over two decades of experience, combining clinical expertise with groundbreaking research.

  • Immunogenetics Expertise: Ensuring compatibility for organ and bone marrow transplantations.
  • Paternity Testing: Conducting genetic analyses for familial relationships.
  • Quality Assurance: Active participant in quality control programs to uphold the highest testing standards.
    She has also contributed as a presenter, collaborator, and mentor at numerous national and international congresses, strengthening her professional reputation.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Kouniaki’s research focuses on advancing understanding and practices in:

  • Histocompatibility and Transplantation: Enhancing donor-recipient matching for solid organ and bone marrow transplants.
  • Immunogenetics and HLA: Investigating genetic markers and their roles in disease predisposition.
  • Paternity and Maternity Testing: Leveraging genetic tools for clinical and legal accuracy.
    Her work bridges the gap between clinical application and theoretical research, contributing to significant advancements in immunology.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Kouniaki has been honored with 8 prestigious awards in recognition of her impactful research and professional contributions. These accolades highlight her dedication to excellence in immunogenetics and transplantation science.

Publications 📚

1. Identification of the Novel HLA‐DQB1*03:01:01:69 Allele in a Candidate Bone Marrow Donor by Next Generation Sequencing

  • Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15741
  • Citations: Not listed

2. Identification of the Novel HLA‐DQB1*05:02:01:19 Allele in a Candidate Bone Marrow Donor by Next Generation Sequencing

  • Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Katerina Tarassi, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15740
  • Citations: Not listed

3. The Novel HLA‐DRB1*03:218N Allele, Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing in a Greek Individual

  • Authors: Theofilos Athanassiades, Diamanto Kouniaki, Vasiliki Kitsiou, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15744
  • Citations: Not listed

4. A Novel HLA‐C07 Variant Allele, HLA‐C07:01:01:141, Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing

  • Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Theofilos Athanassiades, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15687
  • Citations: Not listed

5. A Novel HLA‐DQB103 Variant Allele, HLA‐DQB103:01:01:64, Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing

  • Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Vasiliki Kitsiou, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15705
  • Citations: Not listed

6. A Novel HLA‐DQB106 Variant Allele, HLA‐DQB106:02:01:40, Identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing

  • Authors: Diamanto Kouniaki, Katerina Tarassi, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15706
  • Citations: Not listed

7. Identification of the New Allele HLA‐C*04:01:01:186 in a Greek Individual Using Next Generation Sequencing

  • Authors: Petros Mantzios, Theofilos Athanassiades, Diamanto Kouniaki, Vasiliki Kitsiou, Alexandra Tsirogianni
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.1111/tan.15569
  • Citations: Not listed

Conclusion 🤝

Dr. Diamanto Kouniaki’s career epitomizes a blend of clinical excellence and research innovation. Her dedication to histocompatibility, immunogenetics, and transplantation science has left an indelible mark on the global scientific community. Her achievements, fueled by her passion for science and quality assurance, continue to inspire and pave the way for future advancements in the field.