Guodong Liang | Medicinal | Young Scientist Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Guodong Liang | Medicinal | Young Scientist Award

Senior Engineer at Inner Mongolia Medical University, China

Summary:

Assoc Prof Dr Guodong Liang is a senior engineer and master tutor at the College of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University. Specializing in peptide-based antiviral research, Dr. Liang completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Shenyang Pharmaceutical University in 2012 and 2015, respectively, and earned his Ph.D. from the Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2018. His research focuses on innovative peptide fusion inhibitors for treating viral infections, including HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Notable for his contributions to peptide science, Dr. Liang has published extensively, holds a U.S. patent, and has received funding from various prestigious programs.

 

Profile:

Education:

Assoc Prof Dr Guodong Liang earned his Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Shenyang Pharmaceutical University in 2012. He continued his studies at the same institution, obtaining a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2015. Further advancing his academic career, he completed his Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2018. His educational background has provided a strong foundation for his research in peptide-based antiviral strategies.

Professional Experience:

Assoc Prof Dr Guodong Liang is a senior engineer and master tutor at the College of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University. In this role, he leads research and teaching initiatives, focusing on peptide-based antiviral therapies. Prior to his current position, Dr. Liang has accumulated extensive experience in peptide research and development. His expertise encompasses the design of peptide fusion inhibitors and contributions to significant research projects funded by various programs, including the Inner Mongolia Natural Science Foundation and Inner Mongolia Medical University. His professional background reflects a commitment to advancing antiviral research and educating the next generation of scientists.

Research Interests:

Assoc Prof Dr Guodong Liang’s research interests are centered around peptide-based antiviral therapies. His work primarily focuses on the development and application of peptide fusion inhibitors to combat viral infections. Notable areas of his research include the design of isopeptide bond bundling superhelixes and their application in creating inhibitors against viruses such as HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Dr. Liang explores innovative methods for developing broad-spectrum antiviral peptide drugs, aiming to enhance the efficacy of treatments for various viral diseases. His research integrates advanced peptide chemistry with practical antiviral applications, contributing to the field of pharmaceutical science.

Skills:

Assoc Prof Dr Guodong Liang possesses a robust skill set in peptide chemistry and antiviral drug development. His expertise includes designing and synthesizing peptide-based fusion inhibitors, with a focus on creating isopeptide bond bundling superhelixes for antiviral applications. Dr. Liang is proficient in advanced techniques for peptide analysis and evaluation, including structural and functional assessments of peptide interactions with viral proteins. His skills extend to securing and managing research funding, conducting collaborative projects, and publishing high-impact scientific papers. With a strong foundation in pharmacology and toxicology, Dr. Liang effectively translates complex scientific concepts into practical antiviral solutions.

Conclution:

Dr. Liang’s pioneering work in peptide-based antiviral research, evidenced by his impactful publications, patents, and innovative projects, demonstrates his significant contributions to the field. His research not only advances the design of targeted antiviral therapies but also lays the groundwork for developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, marking him as a leading candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award.

Publication Tob Noted:

A small molecule compound targeting hemagglutinin inhibits influenza A virus and exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity

  • Authors: Li, Y.-Y., Liang, G.-D., Chen, Z.-X., Liu, S.-W., Yang, J.
  • Journal: Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 2024

Isopeptide Bond Bundling Superhelix for Designing Antivirals against Enveloped Viruses with Class I Fusion Proteins: A Review

  • Authors: Na, H., Liang, G., Lai, W.
  • Journal: Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 2023, 24(14), pp. 1774–1783

Hipponorterpenes A and B, two new 14-noreudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids from the juice of Hippophae rhamnoides

  • Authors: Zhang, X.-L., Na, H.-Y., Li, P.-S., Liang, G.-D., Hua, H.-M.
  • Journal: Phytochemistry Letters, 2022, 52, pp. 82–86

De Novo Design of α-Helical Lipopeptides Targeting Viral Fusion Proteins: A Promising Strategy for Relatively Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Drug Discovery

  • Authors: Wang, C., Zhao, L., Xia, S., Jiang, S., Liu, K.
  • Journal: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2018, 61(19), pp. 8734–8745

 

Kelly Yoo | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kelly Yoo | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Clinician Scientist at Stanford University, United States

Summary:

Dr. Kelly Yoo, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished neurosurgeon and postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University School of Medicine. She began her education at Yeomdong Elementary School in Seoul, South Korea, where she was recognized as a top student in the gifted class. She continued her studies at the International School of Hamburg in Germany, earning an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with distinction. Dr. Yoo pursued her medical education at Heidelberg University School of Medicine, excelling academically and completing her MD/PhD program with top honors. Her doctoral research focused on enhancing CAR T cell therapy for B cell malignancies, earning her a Magna cum laude distinction. Dr. Yoo’s residency training includes positions at Heidelberg University Hospital, Klinikum of Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, and University Medical Center Freiburg, consistently ranking among the top of her peers. Since September 2022, she has been advancing her research and clinical expertise as a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford. In addition to her medical career, Dr. Yoo is dedicated to mentoring and teaching, having co-founded MedSchool Mentor to support future medical professionals. Her contributions to education and research have established her as a prominent figure in neurosurgery and oncology.

Profile:

Education:

Dr. Kelly Yoo began her academic journey at Yeomdong Elementary School in Seoul, South Korea, where she was a school representative and part of the gifted class with an IQ of 145, earning a Certificate of Distinction for being in the top 0.1%. She continued her education at Yeomgyeong Middle School, also in Seoul, before moving to Germany to attend the International School of Hamburg. There, she completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, received a Certificate of Distinction for being in the top 0.1%, and participated in grade acceleration and gifted education. Dr. Yoo pursued her medical studies at Heidelberg University School of Medicine from October 2012 to October 2019. She excelled in her academic performance, consistently ranking in the top 1% of her class and achieving top 10% marks in her medical state examinations. She completed the MD/PhD Program at Heidelberg University, earning her German Medical License (Approbation) in November 2019. Her doctoral research at the Department of Internal Medicine V / Hematology Oncology at Heidelberg University Hospital focused on tumor-specific reactive oxygen species accelerators to improve Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in B cell malignancies, for which she received a Magna cum laude distinction. Additionally, Dr. Yoo furthered her education through various programs and internships at Johns Hopkins University, Seoul National University Hospital, and Thoraxklinik at Heidelberg University Hospital, among others.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Kelly Yoo has built an impressive professional career in neurosurgery and oncology. She began her residency in neurosurgery at Kopfklinik, Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), where she ranked in the top 1% of her peers. She then completed a residency in radiation oncology at Klinikum of Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, achieving top 10% recognition. Returning to neurosurgery, she pursued further residency training at University Medical Center Freiburg (UKF), where she distinguished herself in the top 0.1%. Since September 2022, Dr. Yoo has been a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. In this role, she continues to advance her research and clinical expertise, contributing to cutting-edge developments in neurosurgery. Her dedication to excellence is evident throughout her career, from her clinical practice to her commitment to mentoring and teaching the next generation of medical professionals.

Research Interest:

Dr. Kelly Yoo’s research interests are deeply rooted in advancing the fields of neurosurgery and oncology. Her doctoral research focused on enhancing Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for B cell malignancies by using tumor-specific reactive oxygen species accelerators, a project that earned her a Magna cum laude distinction. She is particularly interested in the intersection of immunotherapy and neurosurgery, aiming to develop innovative treatments that improve patient outcomes in malignant and non-malignant brain disorders. At Stanford University, Dr. Yoo continues to explore cutting-edge therapies and techniques, with a commitment to translating her research findings into clinical applications that can benefit patients globally. Her work is characterized by a dedication to precision medicine and the use of advanced neuroimaging and neuromonitoring technologies to enhance the effectiveness and safety of neurosurgical procedures.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Kelly Yoo has garnered numerous awards and honors throughout her distinguished career. In her early education, she was recognized as part of the gifted class at Yeomdong Elementary School and received a Certificate of Distinction for being in the top 0.1% of her peers. During her high school years at the International School of Hamburg, she earned another Certificate of Distinction for her exceptional performance in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Her academic excellence continued at Heidelberg University School of Medicine, where she consistently ranked in the top 1% of her class and achieved top 10% marks in her medical state examinations. Her groundbreaking doctoral research on enhancing CAR T cell therapy for B cell malignancies earned her a Magna cum laude distinction. In her professional career, Dr. Yoo received Certificates of Empowerment for being among the top residents at Kopfklinik, Heidelberg University Hospital, Klinikum of Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, and University Medical Center Freiburg. These accolades reflect her outstanding contributions to neurosurgery and oncology, underscoring her dedication to clinical excellence and innovative research.

Publication:

The Role of CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Recurrent Cranial Medulloblastomas across Pediatric and Adult Populations

  • Authors: K.H. Yoo, N.J. Marianayagam, D.J. Park, … A. Meola, S.D. Chang
  • Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 13(12)
  • Page: 3592
  • Citations: 0

Therapeutic approaches for spinal synovial sarcoma: a comprehensive review of the literature

  • Authors: A. Zamarud, S. Shahnoor, A. Maryyum, … D.J. Park, S.D. Chang
  • Journal: Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 40(6)
  • Pages: 782-789
  • Citations: 0

Surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery for spinal leiomyosarcoma: a single-institution retrospective series and systematic review

  • Authors: A. Zamarud, N.J. Marianayagam, V. Sekar, … S.D. Chang, A. Meola
  • Journal: Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 40(4)
  • Pages: 485-497
  • Citations: 0

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Cranial and Spinal Hemangioblastomas: A Single-Institution Retrospective Series

  • Authors: K.H. Yoo, D.J. Park, N.J. Marianayagam, … S.D. Chang, A. Meola
  • Journal: Neurosurgery
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 94(3)
  • Pages: 630-642
  • Citations: 1

Evaluating Computer Vision, Large Language, and Genome-Wide Association Models in a Limited Sized Patient Cohort for Pre-Operative Risk Stratification in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery

  • Authors: E. Schonfeld, A. Pant, A. Shah, … G. Haider, A. Veeravagu
  • Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 13(3)
  • Page: 656
  • Citations: 0

The outcome of central nervous system hemangioblastomas in Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease treated with belzutifan: a single-institution retrospective experience

  • Authors: A. Zamarud, N.J. Marianayagam, D.J. Park, … A. Meola, S.D. Chang
  • Journal: Journal of Neuro-Oncology
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 165(2)
  • Pages: 373-379
  • Citations: 2

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Medically Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia Secondary to Stroke: A Systematic Review and Clinical Case Presentation

  • Authors: A. Zamarud, D.J. Park, T.H. Ung, … S.D. Chang, A. Meola
  • Journal: World Neurosurgery
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 179
  • Pages: e366-e373
  • Citations: 1

Optimizing the synergy between stereotactic radiosurgery and immunotherapy for brain metastases

  • Authors: K.H. Yoo, D.J. Park, J.H. Choi, … A. Meola, S.D. Chang
  • Journal: Frontiers in Oncology
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 13
  • Article: 1223599
  • Citations: 3

Stereotactic radiosurgery for distant brain metastases secondary to esthesioneuroblastoma: a single-institution series

  • Authors: A. Zamarud, U. Yener, K.H. Yoo, … S.D. Chang, A. Meola
  • Journal: Neurosurgical Focus
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 55(2)
  • Article: E6
  • Citations: 1

Stereotactic radiosurgery for sarcoma metastases to the brain: a single-institution experience

  • Authors: A. Zamarud, D.J. Park, D.Y.A. Dadey, … S.D. Chang, A. Meola
  • Journal: Neurosurgical Focus
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 55(2)
  • Article: E7
  • Citations: 1

 

Nega Degefa | Health | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nega Degefa, Health, Best Researcher Award

Nega Degefa at Arba Minch University, Ethiopia

Mr. Nega Degefa holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing from Hawassa University and a Master of Science (MSc) in Pediatrics Health Nursing from Addis Ababa University. He has extensive experience in the field, including roles as a clinical nurse, graduate assistant, assistant lecturer, lecturer, and currently as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Health Nursing at Arba Minch University (AMU) since August 2020. His expertise includes patient care, teaching, research, community service, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, soft skills, time management, IT proficiency, multilingual proficiency (Amharic, Afan Oromo, and English), and leadership.

Profile:

Education:

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing

  • Institution: Hawassa University
  • Duration: October 2007 to July 2010
  • Field of Study: Nursing
  • GPA: 3.32

Master of Science (MSc) in Pediatrics Health Nursing

  • Institution: Addis Ababa University
  • Duration: October 2014 to July 2016
  • Field of Study: Pediatrics Health Nursing
  • GPA: 3.63

Professional Experience:

Mr. Nega Degefa has a diverse professional experience in the field of nursing and academia. His career journey includes roles such as a clinical nurse at Jimma University Specialized Hospital, where he provided essential patient care services. He then transitioned into academia, starting as a graduate assistant at Arba Minch University (AMU), where he engaged in teaching activities. Over time, he progressed to the role of assistant lecturer, lecturer, and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Health Nursing at AMU since August 2020. In these roles, he has been actively involved in teaching, conducting research, and contributing to community service initiatives. His experience reflects a strong commitment to healthcare, education, and community development.

Research Interest:

Mr. Nega Degefa’s research interests encompass a wide range of topics in healthcare and nursing. These include patient care and clinical practices, focusing on improving the quality of care and outcomes for patients. He is also interested in health promotion and disease prevention strategies, aiming to contribute to public health initiatives and reduce the burden of diseases in communities. Furthermore, Mr. Degefa is passionate about healthcare quality improvement, seeking to enhance healthcare delivery systems and processes for better patient experiences. His research extends to nursing education and training, exploring innovative methods to enhance nursing education programs and prepare competent healthcare professionals. Additionally, he is interested in public health and epidemiology, conducting research to understand disease patterns, risk factors, and interventions for improving population health outcomes.

Publication Top Noted:

Title: Breast feeding practice: positioning and attachment during breast feeding among lactating mothers visiting health facility in Areka Town, Southern Ethiopia

  • Authors: N Degefa, B Tariku, T Bancha, G Amana, A Hajo, Y Kusse, E Zerihun, …
  • Journal: International Journal of Pediatrics
  • Year: 2019
  • Cited By: 39

Title: Knowledge about neonatal danger signs and associated factors among mothers attending immunization clinic at Arba Minch General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

  • Authors: N Degefa, K Diriba, T Girma, A Kebede, A Senbeto, E Eshetu, Z Aschalew, …
  • Journal: BioMed Research International
  • Year: 2019
  • Cited By: 30

Title: Anemia and its associated factors among school-age children living in different climatic zones of Arba Minch Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia

  • Authors: EZ Tariku, GA Abebe, ZA Melketsedik, BT Gutema, ND Megersa, …
  • Journal: BMC Hematology
  • Year: 2019
  • Cited By: 27

Title: Prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among adult residents in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Southern Ethiopia

  • Authors: A Chuka, BT Gutema, G Ayele, ND Megersa, ZA Melketsedik, TH Zewdie
  • Journal: PloS One
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue: 8
  • Pages: e0237333
  • Year: 2020
  • Cited By: 25

Title: Prevalence of neonatal sepsis and associated factors amongst neonates admitted in Arbaminch General Hospital, Arbaminch, Southern Ethiopia, 2019

  • Authors: A Mustefa, A Abera, A Aseffa, T Abathun, N Degefa, H Tadesse
  • Journal: J Pediatr Neonatal Care
  • Volume: 10
  • Issue: 1
  • Pages: 1-7
  • Year: 2020
  • Cited By: 25