Pavan Kumar | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pavan Kumar | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pavan Kumar , Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FEAT), Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DMIHER), DU, India

Dr. Pavan Kumar is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FEAT), Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DMIHER), DU, India. With a Ph.D. from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Dr. Kumar has made significant contributions to biomedical research, focusing on head and neck cancer detection. His research integrates spectroscopic and imaging devices for non-invasive detection of oral and throat cancers. Dr. Kumar has published 8 journal articles and has contributed to two books. He is well-versed in applying machine learning tools, including PCA, LDA, SVM, and others, to improve cancer diagnosis. His work also involves developing portable devices for in-vivo testing. Dr. Kumar is dedicated to bridging the gap between technology and healthcare, demonstrating excellence in both research and teaching.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Pavan Kumar’s work in the field of head and neck cancer detection using innovative bio-photonics techniques is exemplary. His research focuses on non-invasive diagnostic methods, such as fluorescence spectroscopy, Stokes shift, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, which have significant potential in clinical applications for early cancer detection. He has developed portable, handheld devices for in-vivo testing of oral cancers, showcasing his innovation in medical technology. Dr. Kumar’s expertise in machine learning tools like PCA, LDA, and SVM for data classification demonstrates his ability to integrate advanced computational techniques into medical diagnostics. Additionally, his publication record, with 8 journal articles and several book chapters, reflects his dedication to advancing the field. Dr. Kumar has also collaborated with various researchers, further enhancing the depth of his work.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Kumar’s research is highly focused and innovative, expanding his collaborations to include larger multidisciplinary teams or industry partnerships could provide additional avenues for technology transfer and real-world applications. Increasing the scope of his work to include other cancer types or medical conditions could broaden the impact of his research. Furthermore, engaging in more professional memberships and editorial roles could increase his visibility and influence within the global research community.

Education:

Dr. Pavan Kumar completed his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur in 2020. His doctoral research was focused on the development of spectroscopic and imaging techniques for the detection of head and neck cancer. Prior to his Ph.D., he completed a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, gaining a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of medical technology. His academic journey also includes a postdoctoral position in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at IIT Ropar, where he continued to expand his expertise in the field of bio-photonics and cancer detection. Dr. Kumar’s educational background provided him with the tools to develop innovative methods in cancer diagnosis using fluorescence spectroscopy, Stokes shift, and diffuse reflectance techniques. His education laid the foundation for a career marked by both academic and research excellence.

Experience:

Dr. Pavan Kumar has over five years of experience in academic research, teaching, and development of diagnostic devices. After completing his Ph.D. from IIT Kanpur, Dr. Kumar worked as a postdoctoral fellow at IIT Ropar (January 2020 to January 2021) in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. During this period, he focused on cancer detection using advanced spectroscopic and imaging techniques. Since then, Dr. Kumar has been an active faculty member at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FEAT), Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DMIHER), DU, where he teaches medical physics and coordinates project-based learning initiatives. His work combines cutting-edge technology with practical applications, such as in-vivo cancer detection using handheld devices. Dr. Kumar has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, with his work focused on applying machine learning models to improve diagnostic accuracy. His contributions have significantly advanced the fields of biomedical engineering and bio-photonics.

Research Focus:

Dr. Pavan Kumar’s primary research focus lies in the development of advanced spectroscopic and imaging techniques for the early detection of head and neck cancers. Specifically, he has concentrated on fluorescence spectroscopy, Stokes shift (SS), and diffuse reflectance (DR) as non-invasive tools for diagnosing oral and throat cancers. His work includes the development of handheld, portable devices that use fluorescence for in-vivo testing of oral mucosal lesions. Dr. Kumar’s research also integrates machine learning algorithms, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and Support Vector Machines (SVM), to classify different stages of cancer and enhance diagnostic precision. Additionally, his exploration of human saliva as a diagnostic medium for cancer detection demonstrates his commitment to innovative, cost-effective solutions in healthcare. Through his interdisciplinary research, Dr. Kumar is pushing the boundaries of bio-photonics to provide accessible and accurate diagnostic tools for cancer detection.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Detection of Oral Mucosal Lesions by Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Classification of Cancerous Stages by Support Vector Machine – Lasers in Medical Science (2024) 🔬📊

  2. Human Saliva as a Substitute Diagnostic Medium for the Detection of Oral Lesions Using Stokes Shift Spectroscopy – Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention (2023) 💧🦷

  3. In-vivo Testing of Oral Mucosal Lesions with an In-house Developed Portable Imaging Device and Comparison with Spectroscopy Results – Journal of Fluorescence (2023) 💡🔍

  4. Detection of Oral Cancer Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Classification of Different Stages of Cancer by Multivariate Analysis – ICETEMS Conference (2022) 🦷📉

  5. Fluorescence-Based Handheld Imaging Device for In-vivo Detection of Oral Precancer – Optics InfoBase (2021) 💡🖥️

  6. Porphyrin as a Biomarker for the Detection of COVID-19 Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Human Body Fluid Saliva – Applied Research Development (2021) 🦠🧪

  7. Fluorescence-Based Handheld Imaging Device for In-vivo Detection of Oral Precancer – Translational Biophotonics (2021) 💡📱

  8. Detection of Inaccessible Head and Neck Lesions Using Human Saliva and Fluorescence Spectroscopy – Lasers in Medical Science (2021) 👄🔬

  9. Human Tissue and Saliva as Diagnostic Media for Detection of Oral Cancer Using Stokes Shift Spectroscopy – Asian Journal of Physics (2020) 🔬🧪

  10. In Vivo Detection of Oral Precancer Using a Fluorescence-Based, In-House-Fabricated Device – Lasers in Medical Science (2019) 🦷💡

Conclusion:

Dr. Pavan Kumar is undoubtedly a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His contributions to cancer detection, especially in head and neck cancers, using spectroscopy and machine learning, have the potential to revolutionize diagnostic methods. His innovative approach to bio-photonics and commitment to advancing medical technology make him an outstanding researcher in his field. With continued growth in collaboration and outreach, Dr. Kumar’s work has the potential to make a profound impact on global healthcare.

Huifeng Hao | Tumor pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huifeng Hao | Tumor pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huifeng Hao , Peking University Cancer Hospital , China

Dr. Huifeng Hao is an Assistant Investigator at Peking University Cancer Hospital, specializing in the integration of Chinese and Western medicine. He holds a Ph.D. from Peking University Health Science Center, where he explored Chinese-Western medical integration. His research journey began with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Medicine from Hebei Medical University. Dr. Hao has accumulated valuable postdoctoral experience at Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) in Vascular Pharmacology. His work has greatly contributed to the understanding of cancer progression, focusing on the interactions between cancer cells and vascular endothelial cells and the therapeutic effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine. With over a decade of expertise, Dr. Hao has published extensively in renowned journals, addressing critical topics in cancer research, endothelial cell function, and vascular health.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Educational and Research Background: Dr. Huifeng Hao has a comprehensive and solid academic foundation. With a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine from Hebei Medical University and a Ph.D. in the Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine from Peking University Health Science Center, his educational background is robust. Moreover, his postdoctoral research in Vascular Pharmacology at Peking Union Medical College significantly bolsters his expertise, particularly in vascular biology and its implications in cancer progression.

  2. Groundbreaking Research Areas: Dr. Hao’s research primarily focuses on the complex interactions between cancer cells and vascular endothelial cells, along with exploring how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can influence cancer progression. This intersection of modern pharmacology and traditional medicine offers a unique and innovative approach to cancer therapy. His studies on cancer metastasis, endothelial cell signaling, and the use of TCM as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer represent cutting-edge work.

  3. Impressive Publication Record: Dr. Hao has co-authored numerous high-impact publications in leading journals, such as Phytomedicine, Frontiers in Pharmacology, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, and Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. His work spans across critical cancer pathways, pharmacological interventions, and the exploration of novel therapeutic agents like Marsdenia Tenacissima and Berberine in combating metastasis and endothelial dysfunction.

    • His 2022 papers on the modified Bu-Fei decoction’s effects on lung metastasis and the role of CUEDC2 in promoting breast cancer progression are particularly notable for their novel findings and potential clinical applications.
  4. Collaborative and Multi-Disciplinary Research: Dr. Hao’s ability to collaborate with a wide array of experts and researchers in diverse fields demonstrates his interdisciplinary approach to solving complex scientific questions. This collaboration enhances the relevance and applicability of his work in various research areas, particularly in cancer biology, pharmacology, and integrative medicine.

  5. Pioneering Work on TCM in Cancer Therapy: Dr. Hao’s research on the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in cancer therapy is especially noteworthy. His studies examining how TCM influences tumor microenvironments and endothelial cell interactions provide critical insights into how integrative medicine might be leveraged to treat cancer in combination with conventional therapies. This pioneering research has the potential to redefine cancer treatments and offer patients holistic therapeutic options.

  6. Strong Impact on Cancer Research: His work on vascular pharmacology, tumor angiogenesis, and metastasis in lung cancer, particularly through the modulation of transforming growth factor beta receptors and nitric oxide signaling, has significant implications for the development of new cancer therapies. His publications are contributing valuable knowledge toward better understanding cancer progression and discovering more effective treatments.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Research Scope in Clinical Settings: While Dr. Hao’s research has focused heavily on preclinical studies, including animal models and cellular assays, expanding his research into clinical trials or human-based studies would provide essential validation for his findings. Involving clinical datasets and patient-centered research could strengthen the real-world applicability of his work.

  2. Increase in Independent Research Funding: While Dr. Hao has contributed significantly to various collaborative projects, securing independent research grants would allow him more freedom to explore his unique research hypotheses in greater depth and broaden the scope of his investigations.

  3. Expansion of International Collaborations: While Dr. Hao’s collaborations are impressive, further expanding his international network could provide additional insights and allow him to take his research to the global forefront. Partnerships with leading international cancer research institutions could also amplify the impact of his work.

Education:

  • 2004.09-2009.06: Hebei Medical University (Bachelor Degree in Clinical Medicine)
  • 2009.09-2014.06: Peking University Health Science Center (Ph.D. in Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine)
  • 2014.09-2018.08: Peking Union Medical College (Postdoctoral Training in Vascular Pharmacology)

Dr. Hao’s academic journey spans over a decade of rigorous training, blending Western scientific research with Traditional Chinese Medicine. He received his bachelor’s degree in clinical medicine and later pursued his Ph.D. in an interdisciplinary program that focused on integrating these two approaches to medicine. His postdoctoral research in vascular pharmacology furthered his expertise in understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms of cancer-related vascular changes.

Experience:

  • 2014.09-2018.08: Postdoctoral Researcher, Peking Union Medical College, Vascular Pharmacology
  • 2018.08-Present: Assistant Investigator, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine

Dr. Hao’s research career spans significant academic institutions in China. During his postdoctoral research at PUMC, he specialized in vascular pharmacology, focusing on the molecular pathways involved in tumor vasculature. At Peking University Cancer Hospital, Dr. Hao continues to investigate how traditional medicine can alter the interactions between cancer cells and endothelial cells, with a goal of developing novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. His interdisciplinary approach has led to multiple breakthrough discoveries in cancer biology and integrative medicine.

Research Focus:

Dr. Hao’s primary research areas include:

  • Investigating the interactions between cancer cells and vascular endothelial cells, and how these affect cancer progression
  • Exploring the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in regulating cancer cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment, especially with endothelial cells

By bridging the gap between modern biomedical science and traditional medicine, Dr. Hao aims to develop therapies that utilize both modalities to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. His work focuses on understanding how TCM can modulate endothelial cells and vascular pathways, potentially leading to new treatments for cancer that are more holistic and effective.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Modified Bu-Fei decoction inhibits lung metastasis via suppressing angiopoietin-like 4 🫁🦠
  2. CUEDC2 Drives β-Catenin Nuclear Translocation and Promotes Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis 🧬💥
  3. Berberine Suppresses Lung Metastasis of Cancer via Inhibiting Endothelial Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor 1 🌱🏥
  4. Marsdenia tenacissima extract disturbs the interaction between tumor-associated macrophages and non-small cell lung cancer cells by targeting HDGF 🌿🧫
  5. The cyclic adenosine monophosphate elevating medicine, forskolin, reduces neointimal formation and atherogenesis in mice 🐭💉
  6. Nitric oxide, a communicator between tumor cells and endothelial cells, mediates the anti-tumor effects of Marsdenia Tenacissima Extract (MTE) 💡🔬
  7. Marsdenia tenacissima extract promotes gefitinib accumulation in tumor tissues of lung cancer xenograft mice via inhibiting ABCG2 activity 💊🔬
  8. Marsdenia tenacissima extract dilated small mesenteric arteries via stimulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inhibiting calcium influx 🧪🩸
  9. Protective Role of mPGES-1 (Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1)-Derived PGE(2) (Prostaglandin E-2) and the Endothelial EP4 (Prostaglandin E Receptor) in Vascular Responses to Injury 💥🩺
  10. Loss of Endothelial CXCR7 Impairs Vascular Homeostasis, and Cardiac Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction ❤️🫀

Conclusion:

Dr. Huifeng Hao’s contributions to cancer research, particularly the intersection of TCM and Western medicine, make him an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative studies, combined with his dedication to advancing cancer treatment, position him as a leading researcher in his field. His continued research promises to significantly impact both scientific understanding and clinical practices in cancer therapy.

Iwona Kwiecień | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Iwona Kwiecień | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Iwona Kwiecień , Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute , Poland

Iwona Kwiecień, PhD, is an expert in clinical immunology and laboratory medicine. With a strong academic background and extensive experience in medical research, she has dedicated her career to exploring immunological mechanisms in various diseases. She is currently working at the Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw, where she serves as a lab specialist and lecturer. Dr. Kwiecień holds a PhD in Medical Science with a specialization in immunology from the Medical University of Warsaw. Her research focuses on the immune response in lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and other inflammatory diseases, employing advanced techniques such as multicolor flow cytometry. Her scientific contributions have been recognized globally, and she continues to shape the field of immunology through her research and teaching.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień possesses an impressive academic background and a consistent record of significant contributions to the field of immunology and medical research. With a Ph.D. in Medical Science and immunology, along with expertise in laboratory medicine, hematology, and flow cytometry, Dr. Kwiecień has shown remarkable skill in investigating the immune system’s role in lung cancer and other diseases. Her work on antigenic profiles in the lung cancer microenvironment, macrophage subpopulations in lung cancer, and immune responses in systemic inflammation highlights her strong research abilities. The 2024 habilitation diploma is a testament to her research excellence. Furthermore, Dr. Kwiecień has contributed to the publication of numerous peer-reviewed articles with significant citations and impact, indicating her strong presence in the scientific community.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Kwiecień has demonstrated significant strength in immunological research, expanding her focus to include other cancer types or diseases beyond lung cancer may broaden the scope of her impact. Additionally, fostering greater international collaboration could further enhance the dissemination of her research globally.

Education:

Iwona Kwiecień earned her Master of Science in Laboratory Medicine from the Medical University of Warsaw in 2012. Later, she completed her PhD at the same university’s First Faculty of Medicine, specializing in immunology, with a thesis on regulatory mechanisms of the immune response, which she defended in 2017. She further pursued a specialization in Laboratory Medical Hematology at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, completing it in 2021. Dr. Kwiecień is also set to receive her habilitation diploma from the Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute in 2024, based on her scientific achievements in lung cancer immunology. Throughout her academic journey, she has developed expertise in clinical cytology, flow cytometry, and immunological assays, contributing significantly to the scientific community.

Experience:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień has accumulated substantial experience in the field of laboratory medicine and immunology, working at several prestigious institutions. Since 2017, she has been a laboratory specialist and lecturer at the Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute in Warsaw, focusing on flow cytometry and hematology. Her role involves designing, performing, and analyzing complex experiments, as well as providing education and training to students. Prior to her current position, Dr. Kwiecień worked as a research coordinator assistant at BioVirtus Research Site and Clinical Research Group in Warsaw. Her academic career also includes time spent at the University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Warsaw, where she collaborated on various pathology and immunology projects. Dr. Kwiecień’s professional experience extends to overseeing numerous grants and research projects, including her work on macrophage subpopulations and lung cancer.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień has received several accolades in recognition of her outstanding contributions to science and research. Among her awards is the prestigious “Gold Laurel Graduate” medal for being the best graduate of Laboratory Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw in 2013. She also received the 2nd award from the Polish Archives of Internal Medicine for her student research on macrophage subpopulations in sarcoidosis in 2014. Additionally, Dr. Kwiecień has been the recipient of numerous research grants, including the 2014-2015 Grant for Young Scientific Researcher from the Medical University of Warsaw. Her work on macrophage subpopulations in lung cancer earned her a statutory grant at the Military Institute of Medicine in 2018-2019. These awards reflect her exceptional research contributions and commitment to advancing the field of clinical immunology and laboratory medicine.

Research Focus:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień’s research focus lies primarily in the immunology of lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and inflammatory diseases. Her studies have explored immune responses, particularly the role of macrophages, regulatory T cells, and other immune cell populations in disease progression. A key area of her research involves the use of multicolor flow cytometry to assess antigenic profiles of cells in cancer microenvironments. She has contributed to the understanding of how immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages, interact with tumor cells in the context of lung cancer and other inflammatory conditions. Dr. Kwiecień has also researched the impact of systemic inflammation on diseases like obstructive sleep apnea. Her work aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets and provide insights into the immune mechanisms driving various pathologies. Through her research, Dr. Kwiecień continues to contribute valuable knowledge to the fields of clinical immunology and hematology.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Frequency and spontaneous cytotoxicity of natural killer cells in healthy children: preliminary results 🧬🧒
  2. Association between M1 and M2 macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and tobacco smoking in patients with sarcoidosis 💨🫁
  3. Cytometric analysis of perforin expression in NK cells, CD8+, and CD4+ lymphocytes in children with autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis 👶🦠
  4. T, B, and NKT Cells in Systemic Inflammation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea 😴🩺
  5. Macrophage polarization in interstitial lung diseases 💔🫁
  6. D4+/CD25high/FoxP3+/CD127- regulatory T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of lung cancer patients 🫀💉
  7. Elevated regulatory T cells, surface and intracellular CTLA‐4 expression and interleukin‐17 in the lung cancer microenvironment in humans 🫀🧪
  8. Elevated Foxp3/CD8 ratio in lung adenocarcinoma metastatic lymph nodes resected by transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy 🔬💊
  9. Immunophenotype of t cells expressing programmed death-1 and cytotoxic T cell antigen-4 in early lung cancer: local vs. systemic immune response 🎗️🫁
  10. Fas-positive lymphocytes are associated with systemic inflammation in obstructive sleep Apnea syndrome 🛏️🔬

Conclusion:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień is a highly capable researcher whose work has made substantial contributions to clinical immunology. Her ongoing focus on the immune responses in cancer offers significant potential for advancing cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. With a strong academic and research background, she is undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.