Wijdan Al-Ahmadi | Biomedicine | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Wijdan Al-Ahmadi | Biomedicine | Best Researcher Award

Associate scientest, King Faisal specialist hospital and research center, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Wijdan Al-Ahmadi is a seasoned researcher with over 20 years of experience in biomedicine, focusing on cancer biology, immunology, and disease mechanisms. Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, she is a key member of the Molecular Biomedicine Research Department at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center. Her work spans diverse fields, including inflammatory diseases and cardiovascular research. Notably, in 2023, she contributed to a groundbreaking experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS), highlighting her ability to conduct research in extreme environments. Dr. Al-Ahmadi has demonstrated leadership through her work as an educator, mentoring students at various academic levels. Her contributions continue to push the boundaries of biomedicine, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies and personalized medicine approaches.

Profile

Education

Dr. Wijdan Al-Ahmadi holds a Ph.D. in Bioscience from Cardiff University (2015–2019), where she focused on cancer and immunology research. She also earned a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from King Saud University (1994–1998). Her academic journey has equipped her with advanced expertise in molecular biology, cancer research, and biomedical sciences. Dr. Al-Ahmadi’s educational foundation is complemented by her extensive hands-on experience in laboratory settings, which has enabled her to contribute to numerous pioneering studies. Through her formal education and continuous professional development, she has maintained a passion for unraveling disease mechanisms and enhancing health outcomes through scientific innovation.

Experience

Dr. Al-Ahmadi’s career spans over two decades in the field of biomedicine. She currently serves as an Associate Scientist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, where she leads advanced research projects in cancer biology and immunology. Prior to this, she was a Post-doctoral Fellow (2020–2023), focusing on cancer and inflammatory disease mechanisms. Dr. Al-Ahmadi’s experience includes roles as a Research Assistant (2007–2015) and a Research Technician (2002–2006), where she was deeply involved in cancer research and molecular biology assays. She has also mentored Ph.D., master’s, and undergraduate students throughout her career. Her research has had significant impact both in clinical settings and in experimental fields, including innovative studies aboard the ISS in 2023, demonstrating her versatility in different research environments.

Research Focus

Dr. Wijdan Al-Ahmadi’s research is focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms of diseases, particularly cancer, inflammatory disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. She is dedicated to uncovering how specific genetic mutations and signaling pathways contribute to disease progression, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets for better patient outcomes. Dr. Al-Ahmadi’s work in space science is also notable, having contributed to microgravity research aboard the ISS, exploring how human physiology and disease processes respond in space. Her findings not only have applications for space health but also provide critical insights that can benefit human health on Earth. She is driven by the potential of personalized medicine and therapeutic interventions that address the root causes of disease.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Pro-atherogenic actions of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 serine 727 phosphorylation in LDL receptor deficient mice via modulation of plaque inflammation. 🧬🔬
  2. Protective effects of a unique combination of nutritionally active ingredients on risk factors and gene expression associated with atherosclerosis in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. 🥗🧪
  3. Posttranscriptional control of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 expression in cancer cells. 🧑‍🔬🦠
  4. miR-29a inhibition normalizes HuR over-expression and aberrant AU-rich mRNA stability in invasive cancer. 🧬💡
  5. The RNA-binding zinc-finger protein tristetraprolin regulates AU-rich mRNAs involved in breast cancer-related processes. 🔬💥
  6. Alternative polyadenylation variants of the RNA binding protein, HuR: abundance, role of AU-rich elements and auto-Regulation. 🧬📊
  7. Cloning-free regulated monitoring of reporter and gene expression. 🧬🧑‍🔬
  8. RNase L downmodulation of the RNA-binding protein, HuR, and cellular growth. 🔬🧑‍🔬
  9. Bioinformatics and experimental derivation of an efficient hybrid 3′ untranslated region and use in expression active linear DNA with minimum poly(A) region. 💻🧬
  10. Expedient liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection for montelukast sodium in micro-samples of plasma. 🧪💉

 

 

 

Lei Dong | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Lei Dong | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Associate dean, Beijing Institute of Technology, China

Professor Lei Dong, M.D., Ph.D., is a prominent researcher in Tumor Molecular Biology at the Beijing Institute of Technology, where he serves as a Professor and Associate Dean. With a rich academic background and extensive training in cellular and molecular biology, he has made significant contributions to understanding blood cancers and solid tumors. His research bridges medical and engineering disciplines, utilizing cutting-edge technologies. Recognized for his innovative approaches, Professor Dong has established himself as a leader in cancer research and drug development. Beyond research, he is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists and engaging in collaborative projects that integrate diverse scientific fields. His work is informed by a deep commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes.

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Academic Background: Professor Dong’s educational journey, culminating in a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology and postdoctoral fellowships at prestigious institutions, showcases his strong foundation in biological sciences.
  2. Innovative Research Focus: His research on the molecular mechanisms of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) and solid tumors, particularly glioblastoma, addresses critical areas in cancer biology. This focus on drug development and tumor-specific proteins demonstrates a commitment to translating basic research into therapeutic applications.
  3. Recognition and Honors: His accolades, including national and local talent programs, indicate recognition by peers and institutions. Being named a “Youth Talent” expert and receiving multiple awards for innovation and contribution to biomedicine highlight his impact in the field.
  4. Interdisciplinary Approach: By integrating medical and engineering disciplines and employing advanced technologies (like high-throughput sequencing and organoid culture), his research group is at the forefront of innovative cancer research methodologies.
  5. Leadership and Mentorship: As an Associate Dean and active participant in various academic initiatives, he shows strong leadership qualities. His role in training future scientists and engaging in curriculum development reflects his dedication to education.
  6. Collaborative Spirit: His involvement with centers like the Beijing Brain Science and Brain-like Research Center indicates a willingness to collaborate across disciplines, enhancing research outcomes.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Publication Impact: While published in notable journals, aiming for higher impact factors and broader dissemination of findings could amplify the visibility and influence of his research.
  2. Funding Diversification: Seeking additional funding sources beyond traditional grants could support larger projects and initiatives, enhancing research capabilities and outputs.
  3. Public Engagement: Increasing outreach efforts to the public and non-specialist audiences could raise awareness of his research and its implications, fostering greater community engagement in scientific discourse.
  4. Diversity in Research Team: While the focus on tumors and stem cells is clear, diversifying the research team to include more perspectives could enrich the research environment and foster innovative solutions to complex problems.

Education

Professor Lei Dong obtained his M.D. and B.S. in Clinical Medicine from Anhui Medical University, China (2000-2005). He then earned an M.S. in Immunology from the same institution (2005-2008), followed by a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Arkansas, USA (2008-2012). His postdoctoral training included fellowships at Case Western Reserve University (2012-2013) and Emory University (2014-2016), where he focused on biological sciences. Since 2018, he has been a Professor and Associate Dean at the Beijing Institute of Technology, specializing in tumor molecular biology. His educational path has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of medical and biological sciences, forming a solid foundation for his research and teaching endeavors.

Experience

Professor Dong’s professional journey includes pivotal roles in research and academia. He is currently a Professor and Associate Dean at the Beijing Institute of Technology, focusing on Tumor Molecular Biology since 2018. Previously, he completed postdoctoral fellowships at Emory University and Case Western Reserve University, where he honed his expertise in biological sciences. During his tenure at the University of Arkansas, he earned his Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology, laying the groundwork for his subsequent research endeavors. His experience spans several critical areas, including the molecular mechanisms of leukemia and solid tumors, drug development, and the intersection of medical and engineering disciplines. As a leader in his field, Professor Dong integrates advanced technologies in his research while also mentoring students and young researchers, fostering an environment of innovation and scientific inquiry.

Awards and Honors

Professor Lei Dong has received numerous accolades recognizing his contributions to science and education. In 2018, he was honored as a “Youth Talent” expert at the national level. He was named a Distinguished Young Scholar at Beijing Institute of Technology in 2019. His innovative work has earned him the Leading Talent Award in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Suzhou High-tech Zone in 2022, as well as the Third Prize for Biomedical Innovation at the Beijing Medical Technology Achievement Transformation event in 2023. Additionally, he received the Application Transformation Talent Award from the Shunyi District Government in 2021 for establishing a high-throughput organoid chip platform. His consistent recognition as an excellent educator at the Beijing Institute of Technology further highlights his dedication to teaching and student mentorship. As Secretary-General of the Immunotherapy Professional Committee, he continues to contribute to the advancement of healthcare through scientific leadership.

Research Focus

Professor Lei Dong’s research primarily investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) and the development of solid tumors such as glioblastoma (GBM). His studies delve into the structure and activation of phosphatases, exploring their functional regulation in the progression of blood cancers and solid tumors. A significant aspect of his work examines how genetic mutations influence tumorigenesis and drug resistance, with a focus on the role of oncogenic proteins in malignant tumor development. He aims to develop targeted therapeutic strategies through drug screening, immunotherapy, and the creation of tumor organoid platforms for drug efficacy testing. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, including high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, his research group analyzes the intricate molecular networks that govern cell fate and tumor evolution. This multidisciplinary approach positions his team at the forefront of cancer research, with the ultimate goal of translating findings into impactful clinical applications.

Publication Top Notes

  • “Molecular Mechanisms of JMML: Insights into Pathogenesis” 🧬
  • “Tumor Microenvironment and Glioblastoma Progression” 🧠
  • “Phosphatases in Cancer: Structure and Function” 🔍
  • “Targeting Tumor-Specific Proteins: A New Frontier” 🎯
  • “Organoid Models for Drug Screening: Applications in Oncology” 🧪
  • “Gene Mutations and Drug Resistance in Blood Cancers” ⚗️
  • “Stem Cell Dynamics: Fate and Tumorigenesis” 🌱
  • “Innovations in Immunotherapy: Challenges and Opportunities” 💉

Conclusion

Professor Lei Dong’s exceptional academic background, innovative research contributions, and strong recognition in the field of tumor biology make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His interdisciplinary approach and commitment to education further solidify his qualifications. Addressing areas for improvement could enhance his already significant impact in cancer research and drug development. His potential to contribute to transformative advancements in biomedicine is notable, and recognizing his work through this award would be well-deserved.