Emily Sabo | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Emily Sabo | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Previous Student, Colorado School of Mines, United States

Dr. E.T. Sabo is a graduate student at Colorado School of Mines, pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Holz. Their research focuses on the sulfur mobilization mechanisms for Fe-S cluster biosynthesis in Staphylococcus aureus, aiming to uncover critical insights into bacterial biochemistry and potential antibiotic targets. With a solid background in chemical and biochemical techniques, Dr. Sabo has developed expertise in protein purification, enzyme kinetics, crystallography, and computational modeling. Throughout their career, they have mentored undergraduate and high school students, participated in outreach programs, and contributed to community-building efforts within the academic environment. With multiple publications and presentations in leading journals and conferences, Dr. Sabo is recognized for their scientific acumen, leadership, and passion for advancing biochemistry.

Profile

Education

Dr. E.T. Sabo is currently completing a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry at Colorado School of Mines (Aug 2019–Dec 2024), under the supervision of Dr. Richard Holz. Their dissertation explores the sulfur mobilization mechanisms for Fe-S cluster biosynthesis in Staphylococcus aureus, an area of great interest for antimicrobial research. Prior to their graduate studies, Dr. Sabo earned a B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Georgia (Aug 2015–May 2019). This foundational training set the stage for their extensive work in biochemistry and molecular biology, equipping them with a deep understanding of both chemical and biological systems. The combination of rigorous academic training and hands-on research experience allows Dr. Sabo to bridge the gap between theoretical chemistry and practical laboratory applications in their work on sulfur biochemistry and enzyme function.

Experience

Dr. Sabo’s research experience includes a diverse set of skills in applied chemistry and biochemistry. As a Graduate Research Assistant at Colorado School of Mines (2020–2024), Dr. Sabo focused on studying sulfur mobilization in bacterial enzymes, such as cysteine desulfurases. This involved advanced techniques such as protein purification, enzyme kinetics, protein crystallography, and computational docking. Notably, they developed assays for high-throughput screening (HTS) to study enzyme inhibition and optimized crystallography screens for structural analysis. Additionally, Dr. Sabo has significant experience with UV-Vis and EPR spectroscopy and molecular modeling, crucial tools in biochemistry research. Their undergraduate experience at the University of Georgia (2015–2019) also involved working on mass spectrometry-based analyses of glycan metabolites in human kidney cells, further strengthening their broad skillset. Dr. Sabo has consistently demonstrated an ability to mentor and collaborate with students, as well as present complex research findings at conferences.

Awards and Honors

Dr. E.T. Sabo has earned several accolades recognizing their outstanding contributions to research and academics. They received the Mines GRADS Best Oral Talk award in March 2024, securing 2nd place in Biological, Health, and Social Sciences. Their work was recognized for its depth and clarity in communicating complex scientific concepts. Dr. Sabo also received the prestigious ACS travel award in August 2022, facilitating their participation in the American Chemical Society’s Division of Inorganic Chemistry conference. As an undergraduate, Dr. Sabo was awarded the Classic Scholar Award at the University of Georgia, which acknowledged their academic excellence. Their dedication to advancing scientific understanding and contributing to the academic community has been instrumental in the recognition they’ve received. These honors highlight Dr. Sabo’s growing reputation as an emerging leader in the field of applied chemistry and biochemistry, especially in the study of bacterial biochemistry.

Research Focus

Dr. E.T. Sabo’s research is focused on understanding sulfur mobilization mechanisms for Fe-S cluster biosynthesis in Staphylococcus aureus, a critical process for bacterial survival and virulence. By studying the cysteine desulfurase complex in this pathogenic bacterium, Dr. Sabo aims to uncover potential targets for novel antimicrobial therapies. Their work delves into enzyme kinetics, protein-protein interactions, and the structural characterization of sulfur transfer pathways, with the goal of improving our understanding of microbial biochemistry. The research also extends to the study of small molecule inhibitors and their effect on sulfur metabolism, which could offer insights into the development of new antibiotic strategies. Additionally, Dr. Sabo is exploring computational approaches to model protein-ligand interactions, further enhancing the ability to predict and design compounds that interfere with sulfur cluster biosynthesis. This interdisciplinary approach promises to advance both basic biochemistry and applied pharmaceutical research.

Publications

  1. Boncella, A. E.; Sabo, E. T.; Santore, R. M.; Carter, J.; Whalen; Hudspeth, J. D.; Morrison, C. N. “The expanding utility of iron-sulfur clusters: Their functional roles in biology, synthetic small molecules, maquettes and artificial proteins, biomimetic materials, and therapeutic strategies.” Coordination Chemistry Reviews, 453, 2022. 🔬⚛️
  2. Hudspeth, J.D.; Boncella, A. E.; Sabo, E. T.; Andrews, T.; Boyd, J.; Morrison, C.N. “Structural and Biochemical Characterization of the Cysteine Desulfurase Complex SufSU.” ACS Omega, 7(48), 44124-44133, 2022. 🧬🧪
  3. Sabo, E.T. and Nelson, C.; Stark, V.; Aasman, K.; Boyd, J.; Holz, R. “Practical Spectrophotometric Assay for the Cysteine Desulfurase SufS from Staphylococcus aureus, a Potential Antibiotic Target.” Antibiotics. Accepted. 💊🦠
  4. Sabo, E.T.; Gerlich, G.; Nelson, C.; Stark, V.; Aasman, K.; Morrison, C.; Boyd, J.; Holz, R. “Kinetic Analysis of Cysteine Desulfurase SaSufS from Staphylococcus aureus.” In preparation. 🧑‍🔬🔎
  5. Sabo, E.T., Nelson, C.; Bennet, B.; Holz, R. “Cobalt Substitution of the Zinc-dependent Sulfur Transferase SaSufU from Staphylococcus aureus.” In preparation. ⚙️💡

 

 

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.