Eunhee Lee | Neuronal Cell Biology | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Eunhee Lee | Neuronal Cell Biology | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Eunhee Lee, Daegu Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, K-MEDI hub, South Korea

Dr. Eun-Hee Lee, Ph.D., is a distinguished biomedical researcher with expertise in therapeutic ultrasound and neurobiology. Currently serving as Senior Researcher and Head of the Advanced Technology Department at the Medical Device Development Center, DGMIF, South Korea, she has consistently contributed to the advancement of focused ultrasound applications in neurological disorders. With over a decade of research experience spanning government institutions and clinical collaborations, Dr. Lee has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals on brain delivery mechanisms, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Her pioneering studies have deepened our understanding of the blood-brain barrier and the therapeutic potential of ultrasound. Her work stands at the forefront of translational neuroscience, aiming to enhance drug delivery and brain repair mechanisms. Dr. Lee’s dedication to impactful and clinically relevant research makes her a strong contender for the Best Research Article Award.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award

  1. Innovative Research Focus:
    Dr. Lee’s work on focused ultrasound (FUS)-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is at the cutting edge of neurotherapeutics and non-invasive brain drug delivery. Her investigations hold promise for treating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injuries.

  2. Extensive Peer-Reviewed Publications:
    With over 15 high-quality, peer-reviewed articles published from 2019 to 2024 in reputable journals like Scientific Reports, Frontiers in Neuroscience, and Biomedicines, her research output reflects consistent and impactful contributions.

  3. Interdisciplinary Approach:
    Her integration of biomedical engineering, imaging, and neurobiology enhances the translational value of her findings. Numerical modeling and simulation studies further strengthen the clinical feasibility of her techniques.

  4. Clinical and Preclinical Impact:
    Dr. Lee’s work bridges preclinical models (rats, skull simulations) with potential human applications, offering real translational pathways for drug delivery across the BBB.

  5. Leadership and Collaboration:
    As the Head of the Advanced Technology Department at DGMIF, she demonstrates leadership in medical innovation and fosters collaboration between academia, hospitals, and research institutes.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement

  1. Greater International Collaboration:
    While her work is deeply embedded in Korean institutions, expanding partnerships internationally could amplify her research reach and global influence.

  2. Clinical Trial Transition:
    Much of her published work is preclinical. Advancing to clinical trials or human pilot studies would significantly increase the translational impact of her findings.

  3. Public Engagement and Visibility:
    Enhanced visibility through global neuroscience or biomedical engineering conferences could further validate and showcase her research excellence.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Eun-Hee Lee received all her academic training from Chonnam National University, Kwangju, South Korea. She earned her Ph.D. (2007–2010) and M.S. (2005–2007) in Biological Sciences and Technology, gaining extensive knowledge in cellular and molecular biology. Her B.S. in Genetic Engineering (2001–2005) laid the groundwork for her interest in biomedical innovations and neurogenetics. During her graduate and doctoral studies, she focused on cellular pathways and gene expression relevant to neurodegenerative diseases and molecular interventions. Her academic journey shaped her multidisciplinary perspective, merging genetics, bioengineering, and neurobiology. These foundations have enabled her to pursue cutting-edge research on the blood-brain barrier, drug delivery systems, and brain stimulation. Dr. Lee’s strong academic background provides her with the theoretical and technical expertise essential for high-impact research.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Eun-Hee Lee has more than 14 years of progressive research experience. Since 2017, she has led the Advanced Technology Department at DGMIF, where she develops novel medical devices using therapeutic ultrasound. Prior to this, she worked as a Research Scientist at the Korea Atomic Energy Institute’s Advanced Radiation Technology Institute (2015–2017), where she explored radiation-mediated biological responses. Between 2013 and 2015, she contributed to TB and molecular microbiology research at the Korean Institute of Tuberculosis. Her postdoctoral fellowship (2011–2012) at the NIH’s Division of HIV/AIDS and Tumor Viruses expanded her expertise into virology and immunopathology. Dr. Lee’s multidisciplinary roles across leading institutions demonstrate her adaptability, leadership, and commitment to translational science. Her professional trajectory shows strong contributions to national research priorities in healthcare and medical technology.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Eun-Hee Lee’s research centers on focused ultrasound (FUS) as a non-invasive modality for drug delivery and neural repair. Her work explores ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption to enhance targeted therapeutic access to the brain. She also investigates ultrasound stimulation’s effects on neurogenesis, neuroinflammation, and neuroprotection in various neurological models including Alzheimer’s disease and spinal cord injury. Another significant area of focus includes numerical modeling of skull structures to improve the precision of transcranial FUS applications. Through collaborations with clinicians and physicists, Dr. Lee has produced evidence-based methodologies for safer, more effective BBB modulation. Her integrative approach, combining bioengineering, neuroimmunology, and computational simulation, is impactful in the field of therapeutic neuromodulation and has implications for treating neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular disorders.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

  • 🧠 Numerical Investigation of Layered Homogeneous Skull Model for Simulations of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound (2024)

  • 🔥 The New Insight into the Inflammatory Response Following Focused Ultrasound-Mediated Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption (2022)

  • 🧪 Methylene Blue Delivery via Focused Ultrasound Reduces Neural Damage and Amyloid-Beta by AQP-4 Upregulation (2022)

  • 🐀 Novel Animal Model of Spontaneous Cerebral Petechial Hemorrhage Using Focused Ultrasound in Rats (2022)

  • ♻️ Ultrasound Stimulation Improves Inflammation Resolution and Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury (2022)

  • 🚑 Relationship Between Treatment Types and BBB Disruption in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Two Case Reports (2022)

  • 🧲 Effects of Transducer Displacement on Focused Ultrasound in the Rat Brain (2022)

  • 📉 BBB Disruption After Syncope: A DCE-MRI Case Report (2021)

  • 🧪 Verification of BBB Disruption Using Rat Model with Human Skull (2021)

  • 💧 Localized Water Molecule Transport Modulation Post-FUS BBB Disruption (2021)

  • 🚨 DCE-MRI for Evaluating BBB Disruption in Traumatic Brain Injury: Review (2021)

  • 🧬 TREM2 Promotes Natural Killer Cell Development in pNK Cells (2021)

  • 🌿 Gintonin Enhances Donepezil Brain Delivery via LPA and VEGF Receptors (2021)

  • 🔄 Cyclophilin A is a Ligand for TREM2 in Myeloid Cells (2021)

  • 🧠 Local Differences in BBB Permeability Induced by Focused Ultrasound (2020)

  • 💉 Advanced FUS Protocol Improves Doxorubicin Delivery in Rat Brain (2019)

  • 🔄 FUS-Induced Diminished P-glycoprotein via JNK Pathway in Cerebral Vessels (2019)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Eun-Hee Lee is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Research Article Award. Her work is scientifically rigorous, clinically relevant, and methodologically innovative. The focus on ultrasound-mediated drug delivery through the BBB is a transformative area in neuroscience and drug delivery technology. Her comprehensive research output, leadership, and translational potential strongly position her among top contenders for recognition. Encouraging clinical application and broader dissemination will only enhance the already substantial value of her contributions.

Lingyan Zhou | Cell Death Pathway | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lingyan Zhou | Cell Death Pathway | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lingyan Zhou , Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University , China

Dr. Lingyan Zhou is a dedicated neuroscientist and clinician specializing in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Currently serving in the Department of Neurology at Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Dr. Zhou holds a doctorate and has made notable contributions to neurodegeneration research through high-impact publications and cutting-edge studies. Her work focuses on molecular mechanisms such as protein aggregation, homocysteinylation, and neuroprotection, with particular attention to α-synuclein and DJ-1. Dr. Zhou has co-authored more than 15 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals like Nature Communications, Science Advances, and Aging Cell, earning recognition for her insights into disease-modifying pathways. A researcher with a strong translational focus, she bridges the gap between bench and bedside, aiming to develop therapeutic strategies that can mitigate or reverse neurodegenerative processes. Her commitment to science and patient-centered research makes her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Strong Publication Record in High-Impact Journals
    Dr. Zhou has consistently published in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Science Advances, Aging Cell, and Movement Disorders, reflecting the significance and innovation of her work. Many of these are Q1 journals with high impact factors.

  2. Focused Research on Neurodegeneration
    Her core focus on the molecular basis of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, especially novel mechanisms like N-homocysteinylation, STAT1-PARP1, and microRNA signaling, demonstrates depth and relevance to global health priorities.

  3. Translational Impact
    Her research bridges basic science and clinical application, particularly through studies on neuroprotection, early disease biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets.

  4. Early Career Excellence
    Despite being in the early stages of her career, Dr. Zhou has already authored or co-authored over 17 peer-reviewed publications, many as first or corresponding author, which is exceptional at this stage.

  5. Multidisciplinary Collaborations
    Dr. Zhou’s collaborations with experts across genetics, immunology, bioinformatics, and neurology highlight her integrative approach to complex diseases.

  6. International Visibility
    Multiple articles are indexed in PubMed, Crossref, and DOIs, showing her research has international academic presence and reach.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Greater International Exposure
    While her publication record is strong, further participation in international neuroscience conferences, workshops, or global consortia would enhance visibility and foster leadership roles.

  2. Grant Leadership and Independent Funding
    As she progresses, securing independent research funding and leading grant-funded projects will further demonstrate research independence and strengthen her candidacy for top-tier awards.

  3. Mentorship and Teaching Roles
    Involvement in structured mentorship or supervision of Ph.D./postdoctoral researchers could be better highlighted to show contributions to research training and capacity building.

  4. Innovation Translation Pathway
    Filing patents or initiating translational collaborations with biotech/pharma could underline the practical applicability of her findings.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Lingyan Zhou received her doctorate from Wuhan University, one of China’s leading research institutions, between September 2020 and June 2023. During her Ph.D. training, she developed expertise in molecular neuroscience and translational medicine, with a specific focus on the pathological mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Her research explored cellular stress pathways, protein misfolding, and epigenetic regulation in neurodegeneration, leading to multiple first-author publications in high-impact journals. Her academic background provided a solid foundation in experimental techniques such as immunohistochemistry, gene expression analysis, and in vivo disease modeling. The interdisciplinary approach at Wuhan University enriched her understanding of both clinical neurology and basic neuroscience. This rigorous academic training has equipped Dr. Zhou with the analytical and research skills necessary for advancing innovation in neurodegenerative disease treatment.

🧪 Experience:

Since July 2023, Dr. Lingyan Zhou has been serving in the Department of Neurology at Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, where she engages in both clinical practice and translational neuroscience research. Prior to that, she completed her doctoral studies at Wuhan University, where she developed a deep interest in the role of homocysteine metabolism and genetic regulation in Parkinson’s disease. Over her career, she has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and published extensively in internationally recognized journals. Her current position allows her to continue high-impact research while mentoring junior colleagues and participating in multi-center studies. Her combined experience in basic research, clinical neurology, and academic collaboration has established her as a key contributor in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, positioning her well for leadership roles and research recognition such as the Best Researcher Award.

🧠 Research Focus:

Dr. Lingyan Zhou’s research is centered on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive neurodegenerative diseases, with an emphasis on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Her work has shed light on pathological protein modifications, such as N-homocysteinylation of α-synuclein and DJ-1, which contribute to protein aggregation and neurotoxicity. Additionally, she investigates the neuroprotective roles of vitamins, retinoic acid, and microRNAs in slowing disease progression. Dr. Zhou is also exploring how infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2 may trigger or exacerbate neurological disorders, expanding the understanding of systemic factors in brain health. Her studies leverage both in vitro and in vivo models to unravel pathways involving STAT1, PARP1, and Notch signaling. By identifying potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers, her research aims to guide the development of novel treatment strategies that could improve outcomes for patients suffering from movement disorders and cognitive decline.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧪 N-homocysteinylation of alpha-synuclein promotes its aggregation and neurotoxicityAging Cell (2022)

  2. 🧠 Association of vitamin B2 intake with cognitive performance in older adults: a cross-sectional studyJ Transl Med (2023)

  3. 🧬 Homocysteine and Parkinson’s diseaseCNS Neurosci Ther (2023)

  4. 🧴 Retinoic Acid Prevents alpha-Synuclein Preformed Fibrils-Induced Toxicity via Inhibiting STAT1-PARP1 SignalingMol Neurobiol (2023)

  5. 🧫 N-homocysteinylation of DJ-1 promotes neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s diseaseAging Cell (2024)

  6. 🦠 SARS-CoV-2: Underestimated damage to nervous systemTravel Med Infect Dis (2020)

  7. 💊 Potential therapeutic drugs for ischemic stroke based on bioinformatics analysisInt J Neurosci (2019)

  8. 🧬 PTPN22 Gene Polymorphisms and Stroke SusceptibilityDis Markers (2019)

  9. 🧪 IL-18 Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-analysisNeuroreport (2019)

  10. 🚬 Aromatic hydrocarbon receptor links smoking and rheumatoid arthritisClin Exp Rheumatol (2020)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Lingyan Zhou demonstrates an exceptional trajectory for a young neuroscience researcher. Her deep and original contributions to unraveling molecular mechanisms in neurodegeneration, particularly Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, make her highly deserving of recognition. The breadth and quality of her publication record—combined with her translational outlook—signal a rising star in neurodegenerative disease research.