Asma Rehman | General Chemistry | Innovative Research Award

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Ms. Asma Rehman | General Chemistry | Innovative Research Award

Researcher | University of Agriculture Fasilabad | Pakistan

Asma Rehman is an emerging chemist and researcher from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, with a strong academic foundation in green and sustainable chemistry. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Government College University, Faisalabad, and completed her M.Phil. at the University of Agriculture, focusing on organocatalysis, polymer degradation, and the application of artificial intelligence for process modeling and optimization. Her research integrates experimental chemistry with computational approaches to design environmentally benign catalytic systems for the degradation and upcycling of polystyrene, contributing to sustainable polymer chemistry and circular economy initiatives. Asma has co-authored three peer-reviewed publications in reputable international journals, including RSC Advances (“A green marriage: the union of theophylline’s catalytic activity and healing potential, “Nickel-photoredox catalysis: merging photons with metal catalysts for organic synthesis, and AI (“Artificial Intelligence-Guided Supervised Learning Models for Photocatalysis in Wastewater Treatment. Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges chemistry and artificial intelligence, enabling innovative, data-driven insights into sustainable materials and environmental remediation. With an h-index of 2 and 3 indexed research documents, Asma’s scholarly contributions demonstrate her commitment to advancing green chemistry and smart catalysis. Her ongoing research aims to develop scalable catalytic processes that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing responsible production, clean technologies, and climate action for a more sustainable future.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Rehman, A., Ahad, A., Majeed, A., Zafar, A., Iqbal, M. A., Ali, S., Batool, M., & Manzoor, F. (2025). A green marriage: The union of theophylline’s catalytic activity and healing potential. RSC Advances.

2. Rehman, A., Manzoor, F., Majeed, A., Ibrahim, A. H., Iqbal, M. A., Aziz, S., Shahzadi, A., Fatima, S., Ejaz, S., & Zafar, M. S. (2025). Nickel-photoredox catalysis: Merging photons with metal catalysts for organic synthesis.

3. Rehman, A., Iqbal, M. A., Haider, M. T., & Majeed, A. (2025). Artificial intelligence-guided supervised learning models for photocatalysis in wastewater treatment. AI, 6(10), 258.

4. Rehman, A., & Majeed, A. (2024). Organocatalytic valorization of polymer waste: Sustainable approaches toward circular chemistry. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.

5. Rehman, A., Iqbal, M. A., & Manzoor, F. (2025). AI-assisted modeling for predicting catalytic reaction kinetics in green polymer degradation. Computational Chemistry Letters. (In preparation)

David Karnak | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. David Karnak | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Specialist | University of Michigan | United States

Dr. David M. Karnak, Ph.D., is the Managing Director of the Experimental Radiation Shared Resource and Senior Research Specialist in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Michigan. He earned his B.S. in Chemistry (Biochemistry concentration) from the University of Dayton and a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan, where his doctoral work elucidated structural mechanisms of L27 domain-mediated protein interactions critical to cell polarity. Over his two-decade research career, Dr. Karnak has advanced the understanding of radiation sensitization, DNA damage response modulation, and the integration of conformal and FLASH radiotherapy in preclinical oncology models. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges biochemistry, molecular oncology, and translational radiation biology, contributing to numerous collaborative studies published in leading journals including Molecular Cancer Research, Clinical Cancer Research, Cell Reports, and Molecular Cell. With 29 peer-reviewed publications, 1,871 citations from 29 documents, and an h-index of 20, Dr. Karnak’s research has significantly influenced experimental radiation oncology and precision cancer therapy development. Beyond research, he leads efforts to enhance small-animal radiobiology platforms (SARRP) for translational cancer studies and mentors undergraduate and graduate trainees in experimental therapeutics. His current work focuses on integrating immunoradiotherapy paradigms and DNA repair pathway inhibitors to improve treatment outcomes in pancreatic and hepatic malignancies. Dr. Karnak’s leadership and innovative contributions continue to support the University of Michigan’s role as a global leader in cancer biology and radiation research.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Karnak D, Engelke C.G., Parsels L.A., Kausar T., Wei D., Robertson J.R., Marsh K.B., Davis M.A., Zhao L., Maybaum J., Lawrence T.S., Morgan M.A. (2014). Combined inhibition of Wee1 and PARP1/2 for radiosensitization in pancreatic cancer. Clinical Cancer Research, 20(19): 5085–5096.

2. Parsels L.A., Karnak D., Parsels J.D., Zhang Q., Vélez-Padilla J., Reichert Z.R., Wahl D.R., Maybaum J., O’Connor M.J., Lawrence T.S., Morgan M.A. (2018). PARP1 trapping and DNA replication stress enhance radiosensitization with combined WEE1 and PARP inhibitors. Molecular Cancer Research, 16(2): 222–232.

3. Wang W., McMillan M.T., Zhao X., Wang Z., Jiang L., Karnak D., Lima F., Parsels J.D., Parsels L.A., Lawrence T.S., Frankel T.L., Morgan M.A., Green M.D., Zhang Q. (2022). DNA-PK inhibition and radiation promote antitumoral immunity through RNA Polymerase III in pancreatic cancer. Molecular Cancer Research, 20(7): 1137–1150.

4. Chefetz I., Grimley E., Yang K., Hong L., Vinogradova E.V., Suciu R., Kovalenko I., Karnak D., Morgan C.A., et al. (2019). A pan-ALDH1A inhibitor induces necroptosis in ovarian cancer stem-like cells. Cell Reports, 26(11): 3061–3075.

5. Valvo V.M., Zhang Q., Jiang L., Holcomb E.A., Pearson A.N., Edmunds A.G., Faulkner H.G., James J.G., Tate A., Huber A., Wang Z., Guo Y., Karnak D., et al. (2025). Olaparib and radiotherapy induce type I interferon and CD8+ T cell-dependent sensitization to immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 24(6): 843–858.

Cara-Lynne Schengrund | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Cara-Lynne Schengrund | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Penn State College of Medicine | United States

Dr. Cara-Lynne Schengrund, Professor Emerita of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, is a distinguished scientist whose career has spanned over four decades. She earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Upsala College and her M.S. and Ph.D. In Chemistry from Seton Hall University, later holding research positions at Columbia University before joining Penn State. Rising through the academic ranks, she served as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, and Acting Department Chair, ultimately achieving Emerita status. Her pioneering research has focused on glycosphingolipids and gangliosides, where she made landmark discoveries on their roles in neuronal development, neuroblastoma prognosis, and lipid raft biology, as well as their function as receptors for bacterial toxins and viruses. Her laboratory was the first to develop multivalent oligosaccharide inhibitors that block cholera toxin and HIV binding, establishing new therapeutic strategies. She has also contributed groundbreaking insights into the roles of gangliosides and cholesterol in Alzheimer’s disease and autism, authoring over 200 influential publications in neurochemistry and glycobiology. Beyond research, Dr. Schengrund has been a leader in academic service, serving as Chair of the Penn State Faculty Senate, elected Council Member of the American Society for Neurochemistry, and as a member of NIH and VA study sections. Her honors include the Distinguished Alumni Award from Upsala College and the YWCA Tribute to Women of Excellence. Through her research, mentorship, and leadership, Dr. Schengrund has made a lasting impact on science, medicine, and education.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Boris Chichkov | Biochemistry | Best Research Article Award

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Prof. Dr. Boris Chichkov | Biochemistry | Best Research Article Award

Professor of Physics at Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany

Professor Boris Chichkov is an eminent physicist recognized globally for his pioneering contributions in laser physics, nanoengineering, and biophotonics. He currently serves as a W3 Professor of Physics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Leibniz University Hannover. As a trailblazer in femtosecond laser material processing and laser-based nano- and biomanufacturing, his work bridges fundamental research and innovative real-world applications, particularly in biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine. With decades of interdisciplinary research experience and numerous leadership roles in academic and industrial settings, Professor Chichkov continues to influence the frontiers of laser-based technologies that shape both the scientific community and practical healthcare solutions.

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Education

Professor Chichkov’s academic journey commenced at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), one of the most prestigious institutions in the field of physics. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies there, culminating in a PhD in Physics in 1981. He further deepened his research skills during his postdoctoral period at the P.N. Lebedev Institute of Physics in Moscow. His later academic qualification, the Habilitation in Physics (Dr. rer. nat. habil.), earned in 1997 from Leibniz Universität Hannover, positioned him as a thought leader in European physics and optical engineering circles.

Experience

Spanning over four decades, Professor Chichkov’s professional career reflects an exceptional breadth of academic, research, and innovation-driven roles. He began as a scientific researcher at the P.N. Lebedev Institute of Physics in Moscow before moving into international collaborative roles, including fellowships in Germany and Japan. He later became the Head of the Strategy Group and subsequently the Nanotechnology Department at Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., where he directed numerous groundbreaking projects. Since 2009, he has held a professorship at Leibniz University Hannover, and in 2017 he co-founded Laser nanoFab GmbH, bridging academia and industry in nanophotonics and laser fabrication technologies.

Research Interests

Professor Chichkov’s research interests cover a diverse and advanced range of topics, including laser physics, quantum and nonlinear optics, nano- and biophotonics, and regenerative medicine. He is particularly renowned for advancing femtosecond laser material processing and inventing techniques such as two-photon polymerization for 3D nanomanufacturing. His interdisciplinary approach has also led to innovative developments in laser-based generation and printing of nanoparticles, living cells, and tissues. His long-term vision focuses on using laser technology to engineer functional human tissues and organs from patient-specific cells, a potentially transformative step in healthcare and personalized medicine.

Awards

Professor Chichkov’s scientific excellence has been recognized with prestigious international fellowships and awards. He was honored with the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship at the Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics in Germany and received a fellowship from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science at Osaka University. Most notably, in 2024, he was awarded the Julius Springer Prize for Applied Physics, a recognition of his outstanding work at the intersection of applied laser physics and biomedical innovation. These accolades reflect both the scientific impact and societal relevance of his research contributions.

Selected Publications

Chichkov, B.N., et al. (1996). “Femtosecond, picosecond and nanosecond laser ablation of solids.” Applied Physics A, cited by over 2,000 articles.

Malinauskas, M., et al. (2013). “Ultrafast laser processing of materials: from science to industry.” Light: Science & Applications, cited by over 1,300 articles.

Hopp, B., et al. (2010). “Laser printing of cells and tissue constructs.” Biofabrication, cited by over 800 articles.

Koch, L., et al. (2012). “Laser printing of skin cells and biomaterials for skin tissue engineering.” Acta Biomaterialia, cited by over 500 articles.

Doraiswamy, A., et al. (2006). “Two photon polymerization of nanostructures.” Journal of Applied Physics, cited by over 900 articles.

Gattass, R.R., Chichkov, B.N. (2008). “Femtosecond laser micromachining in transparent materials.” Nature Photonics, cited by over 1,000 articles.

Chichkov, B.N., et al. (2015). “Laser-generated nanoparticles for biomedical applications.” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, cited by over 400 articles.

Conclusion

Prof. Boris Chichkov exemplifies the ideal recipient of the Best Research Article Award, especially for his transformative publications in laser-assisted cell printing and biofabrication. His research articles are not only scientifically rigorous but also widely cited, illustrating global recognition and influence. The direct translational potential of his findings—especially in the domain of regenerative medicine—has shaped the future of medical technology. His lifelong dedication to merging photonic science with biomedicine marks him as a visionary leader and an outstanding candidate for this award.

Mingjie Wei | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mingjie Wei | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Doctor at Hubei University of Science and Technology, China

Dr. Mingjie Wei is a dedicated researcher and innovator in the fields of fluorescence sensors, bioimaging, organocatalysis, and drug design. With a solid foundation in chemistry and years of progressive experience across academic and industrial research settings, Dr. Wei has made meaningful contributions to chemical sciences. His research efforts are underscored by high-impact publications, patents, and leadership roles, positioning him as a promising figure in modern chemical innovation and translational science.

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Education

Dr. Wei began his academic journey in chemistry at Hainan University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 2010 under the supervision of Prof. Shiming Deng. He then pursued a master’s degree at Hunan Normal University, graduating in 2013, under the mentorship of Prof. Youyu Zhang and as part of Academician Yao Shouzhuo’s prestigious research team. His doctoral studies were completed at Sun Yat-sen University in 2021, where he worked under Prof. Le Li, focusing on cutting-edge topics in organocatalysis and fluorescence-based detection techniques.

Experience

Dr. Wei’s professional trajectory spans both academia and industry. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Guangzhou University under the guidance of Prof. Li Niu (since May 2024). Prior to this, he served as a high-level faculty member and master’s supervisor at Hubei University of Science and Technology from 2022, playing a critical role in teaching and mentoring graduate students. His industrial experience includes serving as R&D Director at Dongguan Biotechnology Development Co., Ltd. (2021–2022) and Project Manager at HEC Pharmaceutical Industry (2013–2016), where he led the development of several innovative drug and sensor technologies. He also contributed as a research assistant at Sun Yat-sen University (2016–2017), building further expertise in analytical chemistry.

Research Interest

Dr. Wei’s research interests are rooted in interdisciplinary chemistry. He focuses on fluorescence sensors and bioimaging, particularly for real-time detection of biological and environmental targets. His work also delves into organocatalysis and rational drug design, combining synthetic chemistry with molecular diagnostics. Through novel probe development and mechanistic studies, he aims to bridge the gap between chemical innovation and biomedical applications. His projects often emphasize sensitivity, selectivity, and biocompatibility—key metrics for translational success.

Award

Dr. Wei has been recognized for his academic and scientific excellence through multiple competitive grants and fellowships. These include the prestigious China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Award (2024M760620), Hubei Science and Technology Program grant (2022CFB781), and a Doctoral Startup Fund Project from Hubei University of Science and Technology. Additionally, he leads a university-level teaching reform project, further demonstrating his commitment to pedagogical excellence alongside research.

Publication

Dr. Wei has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals. Below are seven select publications, showcasing his diverse research contributions:

Chem. Eng. J. (2025) – Co-authored a study on nanomaterials for environmental detection, cited by 12 articles.

Sci. China Chem. (2025) – Investigated advanced fluorescence probes, cited by 9 articles.

J. Colloid Interface Sci. (2025) – Developed biosensing platforms with clinical relevance, cited by 6 articles.

J. Colloid Interface Sci. (2023) – Explored novel colloidal interactions for sensor enhancement, cited by 18 articles.

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (2021) – Contributed to catalyst development for selective transformations, cited by 27 articles.

Spectrochim. Acta A (2024) – Published on spectroscopic methods in analyte detection, cited by 5 articles.

Anal. Methods (2017) – Designed a fluorescence-based method for metal ion detection, cited by 22 articles.

These publications reflect Dr. Wei’s consistent scholarly output and his ability to address diverse challenges in analytical and synthetic chemistry.

Conclusion

Dr. Mingjie Wei exemplifies the qualities of a distinguished researcher — scientific excellence, innovative spirit, and a commitment to translational impact. His robust academic foundation, rich professional experience, and outstanding scholarly output position him as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Recognizing Dr. Wei would not only honor his individual achievements but also encourage continued innovation in chemical and biomedical sciences.