Santosh Kumar | Cellular Senescence Aging | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Santosh Kumar | Cellular Senescence Aging | Best Researcher Award

Georgetown University | United States

Dr. Santosh Kumar is a cancer biologist with extensive experience in cellular and molecular oncology, particularly in understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate cancer progression, therapy resistance, and tumor heterogeneity. His work integrates advanced 2D and 3D cell-culture systems, immunophenotyping, flow cytometry, and high-resolution microscopy to dissect tumor cell behavior in physiologically relevant contexts. With strong expertise in RNA–protein interaction assays, including EMSA and complementary biochemical approaches, he investigates post-transcriptional regulation and molecular signaling pathways that influence cancer stem cell dynamics and immune-related phenotypes within tumors. Dr. Kumar’s research has also focused on identifying biomarkers associated with tumor aggressiveness and exploring how stress responses and radiation exposure influence cancer cell survival and transformation. His postdoctoral and faculty-level research contributions have advanced the understanding of stem-like tumor cell populations and their role in therapeutic resistance. Through collaborative translational studies, he has contributed to projects aimed at improving diagnostic strategies and developing targeted interventions in oncology. Recognized through awards such as the Radiation Research Society’s Early Career Investigator Award and the NSBRI Post-Doctoral Fellow Presentation Award, Dr. Kumar continues to contribute to innovative cancer research with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms, immunophenotyping, and stem-cell-driven tumor biology.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications:

  • Kumar, S., Kumar, K., Angdisen, J., Suman, S., Kallakury, B. V. S., & Fornace, A. J., Jr. (2025). cGAS/STING pathway mediates accelerated intestinal cell senescence and SASP after GCR exposure in mice. Cells, 14, 1767.

  • Kumar, K., Moon, B. H., Kumar, S., Angdisen, J., Kallakury, B. V. S., Fornace, A. J., & Suman, S. (2025). Senolytic agent ABT-263 mitigates low- and high-LET radiation-induced gastrointestinal cancer development in Apc<sup>1638N/+ </sup> mice. Aging, 16.

  • Kumar, S., Suman, S., Angdisen, J., Moon, B. H., Kallakury, B. V. S., Datta, K., & Fornace, A. J., Jr. (2024). Effects of high-linear-energy-transfer heavy ion radiation on intestinal stem cells: Implications for gut health and tumorigenesis. Cancers, 16(19), 3392.

  • Kwiatkowski, E., Suman, S., Kallakury, B. V. S., Datta, K., Fornace, A. J., Jr., & Kumar, S. (2023). Expression of stem cell markers in high-LET space radiation-induced intestinal tumors in Apc<sup>1638N/+ </sup> mouse intestine. Cancers, 15(17).

  • Kumar, K., Kumar, S., Datta, K., Fornace, A. J., Jr., & Suman, S. (2023). High-LET-radiation-induced persistent DNA damage response signaling and gastrointestinal cancer development. Current Oncology, 30(6), 5497–5514.

  • Kumar, S., Suman, S., Moon, B. H., Fornace, A. J., Jr., & Datta, K. (2023). Low-dose radiation upregulates Ras/p38 and NADPH oxidase in mouse colon two months after exposure. Molecular Biology Reports, 50(3), 2067–2076.

  • Suman, S., Kumar, S., Kallakury, B. V. S., Moon, B. H., Angdisen, J., Datta, K., & Fornace, A. J., Jr. (2022). Predominant contribution of the dose received from constituent heavy-ions in the induction of gastrointestinal tumorigenesis after simulated space radiation exposure. Radiation and Environmental Biophysics, 61(4), 631–637.

 

Lichun Zhao | Cellular Senescence Aging | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lichun Zhao | Cellular Senescence Aging | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lichun Zhao | Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine | China

Dr. Lichun Zhao, Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher from Changchun, Jilin, China, currently a postdoctoral fellow at Hong Kong Baptist University and a leading academic at Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine. He serves as Director of both the Research Department and the Center for Trace Elements and Health Development. As the first National Youth Qihuang Scholar and winner of numerous prestigious awards, including the Guangxi Youth Science and Technology Award, Dr. Zhao has significantly advanced research in traditional Chinese medicine, trace elements, and mineral pharmacology. He holds editorial and leadership positions in several national academic and professional associations. With more than 200 publications. His work bridges science, technology, and healthcare innovation. Dr. Zhao remains a powerful force in scientific research and a mentor shaping the future of integrative medical sciences.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Lichun Zhao earned his Ph.D. from a top Chinese institution in a discipline closely linked to pharmaceutical sciences and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Building on his doctoral training, he advanced into postdoctoral research at Hong Kong Baptist University, a recognized hub for integrative medicine and health sciences. His academic foundation combines in-depth knowledge of biomedicine, trace elements, mineral nutrition, and traditional medicinal systems. This unique educational blend enabled him to pioneer multi-disciplinary research across TCM, pharmacology, and materials science. Dr. Zhao’s education journey reflects not only academic rigor but also his drive to merge traditional practices with modern science. His continuous learning through international collaborations, advanced certifications, and national talent programs demonstrates a lifelong commitment to scientific excellence and translational research. His education has played a pivotal role in forming his holistic, innovation-driven research vision that integrates ancient wisdom with contemporary health science.

Experience:

Dr. Zhao holds a multitude of roles showcasing his vast expertise. Currently, he is a postdoctoral fellow at Hong Kong Baptist University and a doctoral supervisor and director at Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine. He also serves as Director of Guizhou and Guangxi Key Laboratories focused on endangered medicinal materials. Additionally, he is the Executive Editor-in-Chief of Trace Elements and Health Research. Nationally recognized as a Qihuang Scholar, National Youth Post Expert, and leader in several elite Chinese talent development programs, he serves as an evaluator for China’s most prestigious science awards and grants. In his academic and professional trajectory, Dr. Zhao has hosted more than 30 major national and international research projects and contributed significantly to public health through innovative product development and clinical applications. His combined roles as researcher, leader, editor, mentor, and evaluator underscore his all-round impact in academic, industrial, and clinical ecosystems.

Research Focus:

Dr. Zhao’s research focuses on the biological roles and therapeutic potential of trace elements—notably Cu, Fe, Zn, Se, Rb, Cr, Si, and V—in relation to human health and chronic diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, ulcerative colitis, and chronic inflammatory conditions. He bridges Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern bioscience, exploring minerals’ pharmacological effects, ferroptosis mechanisms, bacteriostatic mineral activity, and the integration of TCM with AI and big data. His innovative studies in MOF-polymer microreactors and rubidium salts demonstrate an advanced understanding of interfacial chemistry and drug delivery systems. He has developed Class 1.1 innovative Chinese medicine and contributed clinically approved products, highlighting his translational impact. His work also explores mitochondrial fission, apoptosis, and bioelement interactions at molecular and cellular levels. Dr. Zhao’s research philosophy is rooted in cross-disciplinary integration, with the goal of modernizing TCM and delivering tangible health benefits.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. The close relationship between trace elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, Se, Rb, Si, Cr, and V) and Alzheimer’s disease: Research progress and insights

  2. Bacteriostatic activity and mechanism of minerals containing rubidiumScience of Traditional Chinese Medicine

  3. Traditional Chinese medicine in chronic rhinosinusitis: Mechanisms and postoperative recoveryPhytomedicine

  4. Rosmarinic acid promotes mitochondrial fission and induces ferroptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cellsNaunyn Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology

  5. Interfacial Stabilization through MOF-Polymer Core-Shell Design: Ultraefficient, Stable and Recyclable Enzymatic MicroreactorsACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

  6. Rubidium salt can effectively relieve the symptoms of DSS-induced ulcerative colitisBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

Conclusion:

Dr. Lichun Zhao stands out as a multi-dimensional, high-impact researcher, blending scientific excellence, clinical innovation, technological advancement, and academic leadership. His contributions span traditional medicine, mineral pharmacology, chronic disease research, biotechnology, and national science development strategies. He embodies the vision of a modern, globally oriented researcher who successfully integrates traditional wisdom with contemporary science.