Dr. Weiqing Zheng , Hainan Medical University , China
Dr. Weiqing Zheng is an Associate Professor at Hainan Medical University, China. He obtained his doctoral degree from Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. He has dedicated over 14 years to research at the Nanchang Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, primarily focusing on the prevention and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases. Since February 2023, he has joined Hainan Medical University, where his work centers on tick-microbe interactions and their impact on tick growth and development. Zheng is widely known for his studies on Coxiella symbionts in ticks, contributing to understanding tick ecology and disease transmission. He has authored 11 journal papers and published two books. His research has been recognized with several citations, and his work continues to shape the understanding of tick biology and its implications for public health.
Publication Profile:
Scopus
Strengths for the Award:
Dr. Weiqing Zheng’s research contributions are highly impactful in the field of tick biology and vector-borne diseases. His work on tick-microbe interactions, especially the role of the endosymbiont Coxiella in regulating tick growth and development, is groundbreaking and has the potential to influence both basic science and public health. His systematic exploration of tick distribution patterns in China, including the Poyang Lake region and Hainan province, adds substantial value to the field of epidemiology. Additionally, Dr. Zheng’s contribution to tick-borne disease research, as well as his ongoing projects and publications, demonstrate his commitment to advancing our understanding of tick biology and its implications for disease transmission.
His high citation index, with 2,866 Research Interest Score, 307 citations, and an h-index of 30, further attests to the impact and relevance of his research. Furthermore, his involvement in editorial appointments, collaborations, and industry consultancy indicates his leadership role in the research community.
Areas for Improvements:
While Dr. Zheng’s research and academic output are impressive, a stronger emphasis on collaborative projects with international research institutions could further expand the global impact of his work. Engaging in broader outreach, such as public health initiatives and awareness programs, could also help translate his findings into actionable measures for tick-borne disease prevention. Additionally, as two of his books are still in publication, the availability of finalized publications could strengthen his overall academic portfolio.
Experience:
Dr. Weiqing Zheng’s extensive career spans over 14 years in the field of tick biology and vector-borne diseases. Beginning his career at the Nanchang Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Zheng focused on the epidemiology and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases, publishing his findings on tick distribution and pathogen prevalence. He has made significant contributions to understanding tick populations in Hainan Province and surrounding areas, addressing public health concerns in regions prone to tick-borne diseases. In February 2023, Zheng joined Hainan Medical University as an Associate Professor, where he shifted focus to studying tick-microbe interactions and their influence on tick growth and development. His expertise includes the regulation of tick growth by Coxiella symbionts, a topic he is currently investigating in-depth. He is a key figure in tick-borne disease research in China and has contributed to international research on tick ecology, with notable publications in well-regarded journals.
Research Focus:
Dr. Zheng’s research focuses on the complex interactions between ticks and microbes, specifically investigating how symbiotic microbes, like Coxiella, influence tick biology, growth, and development. His work explores how microbial endosymbionts regulate tick reproduction, survival, and fitness, with particular emphasis on their role in tick-borne disease transmission. Zheng’s studies also delve into tick ecology, including the distribution and prevalence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens across various regions of China. His research aims to enhance the understanding of tick-microbe interactions, offering insights that could lead to more effective control and prevention strategies for tick-borne diseases. Zheng has contributed to the identification of novel microbial symbionts, and his ongoing research aims to uncover mechanisms by which these microbes affect tick physiology. His work has broad implications for public health, particularly in areas affected by tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome.
Publications Top Notes:
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Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus found in Northern Jiangxi Province, China 🦠
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Identification and Characterization of Rhipicephalus microplus ATAQ Homolog from Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks and Its Immunogenic Potential as an Anti-Tick Vaccine Candidate Molecule 🐜🔬
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Coxiella R1 symbiont regulates the Asian long-horned tick on its reproduction and development 🦗
Conclusion:
Dr. Zheng’s achievements and contributions to tick biology, especially his exploration of tick-microbe interactions and the regulation of tick growth, make him a strong candidate for the Research for Excellence in Research Award. His research has significant implications for tick-borne disease prevention and control, which aligns with both scientific advancement and public health priorities. Given his strong publication record, citation impact, and the innovative nature of his work, Dr. Zheng is undoubtedly a deserving nominee for this prestigious award.