Gonca Çelik | Developmental Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik | Developmental Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik , Karadeniz Technical University , Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik, born on April 18, 1984, is a distinguished academic with an extensive background in chemistry, particularly in organic chemistry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Teaching from Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in 2008. Later, she pursued a doctorate in Chemistry, specializing in Organic Chemistry, from KTU, completing her Ph.D. in 2017. With an h-index of 12, she has made significant contributions to scientific research, including 38 publications in SCI-Expanded indexed journals. Dr. Çelik is also recognized for her involvement in various research projects, particularly in enzyme inhibition, molecular docking studies, and the synthesis of bioactive compounds. Fluent in both Turkish and English, she actively collaborates internationally and has authored several impactful publications related to drug development and the synthesis of biologically active compounds, contributing to fields such as medicinal chemistry and biochemistry.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Çelik is a highly accomplished researcher with a strong background in organic chemistry, particularly in drug development and biological evaluations. Her significant contributions to the field are reflected in her 38 publications in SCI-Expanded indexed journals. She has demonstrated expertise in synthesizing bioactive compounds, investigating their biological activities, and applying molecular modeling techniques, including molecular docking and ADMET studies. Her work on the synthesis of flavonol derivatives, which are potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2, underscores her impact on global health research. Dr. Çelik has also been an active participant in multiple national and international research projects, including Tubitak-funded projects, focusing on enzyme inhibition and molecular modeling for disease treatment. Her leadership in scientific research, combined with a solid academic background, positions her as a valuable contributor to scientific advancements.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Çelik’s research is impressive, there is room for greater visibility and dissemination of her findings to broader interdisciplinary audiences. Increased collaboration with researchers from other scientific fields, such as pharmacology and clinical medicine, could enhance the real-world application of her work, particularly in the development of drug therapies. Expanding her research focus to include more clinical trials or translational research could help bridge the gap between laboratory findings and practical medical applications. Additionally, increasing her involvement in scientific outreach or mentorship programs could further contribute to the development of the next generation of researchers in chemistry and pharmacology.

Education:

Dr. Gonca Çelik’s educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Teaching from Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in 2008. She then pursued postgraduate studies, enrolling directly in the doctoral program in Chemistry at KTU, where she specialized in Organic Chemistry, completing her Ph.D. in 2017. Her doctoral research focused on developing bioactive organic compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Dr. Çelik has also gained international exposure during her Master’s studies, spending time at Clausthal University of Technology in Germany in 2014, which broadened her academic perspective and research experience. Over the years, her educational background and research expertise have provided a solid foundation for her ongoing contributions to the field of organic chemistry, particularly in medicinal chemistry, enzyme inhibition, and molecular docking studies. This strong academic base supports her continued success as an academic and researcher in the field of chemistry.

Experience:

Dr. Gonca Çelik’s academic and professional journey spans over a decade. She began her career as a Research Assistant at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in 2010, where she worked until 2017. During her time at KTU, she contributed to several research projects in the field of chemistry, including organic synthesis and biological evaluation of compounds. Her academic work has led her to publish multiple papers in international and national journals. In 2014, she expanded her research horizons by spending time as a Master Student at Clausthal University of Technology in Germany, further strengthening her academic profile. Dr. Çelik has also been involved in various Tubitak and KTU-supported research projects, particularly focusing on enzyme inhibition, molecular docking, and bioactive compound synthesis. She has held roles in multiple projects, such as the synthesis of flavonol derivatives for drug development and the study of antimicrobial and anticancer properties of organic compounds.

Research Focus:

Dr. Gonca Çelik’s primary research interests lie in the field of organic chemistry, with a particular focus on bioactive compound synthesis, enzyme inhibition, and molecular docking studies. Her research aims to discover and develop novel organic molecules with potential therapeutic applications, especially in drug development for diseases such as COVID-19. She has worked extensively on synthesizing flavonol derivatives and other bioactive compounds, investigating their enzyme inhibition efficiencies and biological activities. Dr. Çelik’s work in molecular modeling and computational studies (e.g., ADMET and molecular docking) complements her experimental research, helping to predict the behavior of synthesized compounds at the molecular level. Her research has contributed to the development of potential inhibitors for viruses and other diseases, highlighting her interdisciplinary approach that bridges chemistry and pharmacology. She has been involved in several national and international projects, contributing to the scientific community through her publications and innovative research efforts.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies of Flavonol-3-O-β-D-glycoside as a Potential Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (3CLpro) in Drug Development for COVID-19 🧬💊
  2. Synthesis, structural, spectroscopic (NMR, FT-IR and UV–Vis), NLO, in silico (ADMET and molecular docking) and DFT investigations of a flavonol derivative 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-fluoro-3-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one 🧪🔬
  3. Antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiviral effects, and spectroscopic characterization of metabolites produced by fusarium oxysporum yp9b 🦠💉
  4. Biological activity, and volatile and phenolic compounds from five Lamiaceae species 🌱🧴
  5. Synthesis, spectroscopic, and photophysicochemical behavior of Zn(II) and Mg(II) phthalocyanine–chalcone conjugates ⚙️🧑‍🔬
  6. New chalcone-3-O-glycoside derivatives: Synthesis and characterization 🧪🔬
  7. Synthesis and characterization of some new pyrazolines and their inhibitory potencies against carbonic anhydrases 🧫💥

Conclusion:

Dr. Gonca Çelik’s academic achievements, extensive publication record, and leadership in research make her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her work has made substantial contributions to drug development, specifically in the context of COVID-19 treatment, enzyme inhibition, and molecular modeling. With a solid foundation in chemistry and a forward-looking approach to interdisciplinary research, she continues to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Enhancing her outreach efforts and fostering collaborations with clinical researchers will further amplify the impact of her work on global health. Therefore, Dr. Çelik’s research excellence, combined with her potential for future advancements, makes her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

 

 

 

Huicong Wang | Developmental Cell Biology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Prof. Huicong Wang | Developmental Cell Biology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Huicong Wang , South China Agricultural University , China

Huicong Wang is a Professor of Pomology and the Director of the Guangdong Litchi Engineering Research Center at South China Agricultural University. With expertise in fruit physiology, Wang has significantly contributed to the research and development of litchi fruit cultivation, focusing on the quality formation and maturation processes. Wang is internationally recognized for advancing the understanding of fruit growth, pigmentation, and metabolic regulation, with particular attention to litchi, a key agricultural product of China. Through a combination of teaching, research, and field-oriented approaches, Wang has improved fruit quality and plant productivity, offering valuable insights into orchard management practices. His works have influenced both academic circles and agricultural practices globally.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Professor Huicong Wang is a highly accomplished scientist in the field of pomology, with a specific focus on fruit crop physiology, particularly litchi. His extensive body of research covers key areas such as fruit maturation, biochemical processes, pericarp pigmentation, and sugar metabolism in litchi. His work has significantly enhanced the understanding of fruit quality formation and the physiological mechanisms governing fruit development. Wang’s contributions extend to the impact of environmental conditions on fruit quality, stress physiology, and the application of field management practices. With over a decade of teaching experience and a substantial publication record, he has demonstrated leadership in both academic and research communities. His ability to translate scientific findings into practical applications for improving fruit yield and quality highlights his potential for making meaningful contributions to the agricultural industry.

Areas for Improvement:

While Professor Wang’s research is comprehensive and influential, further international collaboration with researchers in other horticultural fields could enhance the global applicability of his findings. Additionally, expanding his focus on the climate change impacts on fruit crops could be beneficial, as this remains a critical area of concern for global agriculture.

Education:

Huicong Wang received his Bachelor’s degree in Pomology from South China Agricultural University in 1995, followed by a Master’s degree in Pomology in 1998. He obtained his Ph.D. in Pomology in 2001 from the same institution, where he also completed postdoctoral research. In 2007, Wang was a visiting fellow at Cornell University for one year, expanding his academic and research horizons. His doctoral research focused on litchi fruit maturation, pigmentation, and hormonal regulation under the supervision of Professor Huibai Huang. Wang’s academic foundation has provided him with the knowledge and skills needed to investigate various aspects of fruit physiology, particularly in evergreen fruit trees.

Experience:

Professor Huicong Wang has extensive teaching experience at South China Agricultural University, where he lectures on “Physiology of Fruit Trees” and “Fruit Tree Research Methods” to graduate students. He also teaches undergraduate courses such as “Aromatic Plants” and “Fruit Nutrition and Healthcare.” Wang’s research experience is centered around fruit crop physiology, particularly focusing on evergreen fruit trees like litchi. His expertise lies in studying fruit maturation, pigmentation, and biochemical composition changes during ripening. Additionally, he investigates the impact of environmental stress, orchard management practices, and genetic regulation on fruit quality and yield. Wang’s work has contributed to improvements in fruit production and quality through scientific advancements and practical applications.

Research Focus:

Huicong Wang’s primary research focuses on fruit physiology, particularly in the growth, maturation, and quality formation of fruit crops such as litchi. His work investigates the biochemical and hormonal processes involved in the pigmentation of pericarps, sugar accumulation in arils, and changes in the fruit’s physical and chemical properties during ripening. He explores key factors like source-sink relationships, fruit abscission, and the influence of environmental conditions on fruit quality and productivity. Wang also conducts research on stress physiology, flower induction, and the impacts of field management practices on fruit trees. His work aims to optimize production and enhance the quality of fruit crops, ensuring sustainability and increasing agricultural output.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Zou SC, Zhou MG, Abbas F, Zeng RF, Hu GB, Wang HC*, Huang XM*. 2024. ROS- and CBF- mediated pathways in ripening litchi fruits. Postharvest Biology and Technology 🥭🍃
  2. Yang MC, Wu ZC, Chen RY, Abbas F, Hu GB, Huang XM, Guang WS, Xu YS, Wang HC*. 2023. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing in litchi floral transition. Journal of Experimental Botany 🌱📚
  3. Zou SC, Zhou MG, Abbas F, Hu GB, Wang HC*, Huang XM*. 2023. LcNAC002 transcription factor in litchi anthocyanin biosynthesis. Plant Physiology 🌸🧬
  4. Yang MC, Wu ZC, Huang LL, Abbas F, Wang HC*. 2022. Isolation of high purity nuclei from plants. Cells 🧫🔬
  5. Yi JW, Ge HT, Abbas F, Zhao JT, Huang XM, Hu GB, Wang HC*. 2022. LcHXK1 in regulating fruit abscission in litchi. Tree Physiology 🍊🌿
  6. Abbas F, O’Neill Rothenberg D, Zhou Y, Ke Y*, Wang HC*. 2022. Volatile organic compounds in plant communication. Physiologia Plantarum 🌸🌿
  7. Yi JW, Wang Y, Ma XS, Zhang JQ, Zhao ML, Huang XM, Li JG, Hu GB, Wang HC*. 2021. LcERF2 in regulating litchi fruit abscission. The Plant Journal 🍇📚
  8. Lai B, Du LN, Wang D, Huang XM, Zhao JT, Wang HC*, Hu GB*. 2019. Litchi MYB transcription factor and anthocyanin biosynthesis. MBC Plant Biology 🌺🎨
  9. Xie DR, Ma XS, Rahman MZ, Yang MC, Huang XM, Li JG, Wang HC*. 2019. Thermo-sensitive sterility in litchi. Scientia Horticulturae 🍃🌞
  10. Zhang JQ, Wu ZC, Hu FC, Liu L, Huang XM, Zhao JT, Wang HC*. 2018. Seed development in Litchi chinensis. Horticulture Research 🌱🍇

Conclusion:

Professor Huicong Wang’s robust research, substantial teaching experience, and contributions to the pomology field make him an excellent candidate for the Outstanding Scientist Award. His work in improving fruit productivity and quality, particularly for litchi, aligns with current agricultural needs, positioning him as a leading scientist in his field. By continuing to broaden the scope of his research and fostering international partnerships, he has the potential to further elevate his impact on both the scientific community and the agricultural sector.