Slesha Tuladhar | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Ms. Slesha Tuladhar | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Slesha Tuladhar | Paramount Planet Product | United States

Slesha Tuladhar is a dynamic and multidisciplinary researcher specializing in sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative thinking, thanks to her triple bachelor’s degrees in Sustainable Product Design, Architecture, and Business Administration from Keene State College. Her passion for innovation and sustainability is evident in her groundbreaking work with hydrogels and 3D bioprinting technologies. Slesha has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, focusing on optimizing the rheological properties of bio-inks and cellulose-derived materials. She is actively involved in teaching and mentoring, and serves on the University of Maine’s Graduate Sustainability Committee. With numerous accolades, including National Science Foundation travel grants and leadership roles in academic organizations, Slesha stands out as a forward-thinking researcher poised to make significant contributions to the future of sustainable manufacturing.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Education:

Slesha Tuladhar is currently a Master of Science candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine, expecting to graduate . Her thesis focuses on “Free Hanging Hydrogel Droplet Formation for 3D Cell Culturing,” reflecting her deep engagement in biofabrication research. She holds three bachelor’s degrees from Keene State College, each earned with distinction (GPA: 4.0): Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Product Design and Innovation, Bachelor of Science in Architecture, and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Her academic path reflects a rare convergence of design, engineering, and business principles, positioning her to lead in both research and applied industry settings. Throughout her education, she has focused on sustainable solutions, material science, and advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly in the field of 3D bioprinting with cellulose-based hydrogels. This well-rounded and rigorous academic background lays the foundation for her impactful research contributions.

Experience:

Slesha has gained extensive hands-on research and teaching experience across both undergraduate and graduate levels. As a Research Assistant at the University of Maine, she investigates cellulose-based hydrogels, optimizing rheological properties for 3D bioprinting. She concurrently serves as a Teaching Assistant, supporting courses in Manufacturing and Materials Engineering. Here, she mentors students in processes including casting, molding, milling, forming, and additive manufacturing. Prior to this, at Keene State College, she led research projects on hybrid hydrogels, culminating in several peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Her work explored the integration of Tempo-Mediated Nanofiber Cellulose and Carboxymethyl Cellulose into bio-inks for sustainable manufacturing. Slesha has presented at national conferences, collaborated with faculty on high-level research, and led student organizations, including her role as President of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Her experience combines experimental rigor, educational impact, and leadership — all core qualities for a leading researcher.

Honors and Awards:

Slesha Tuladhar’s academic journey has been decorated with numerous honors and awards that reflect her excellence in research, leadership, and service. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) student travel grant for her work on hydrogel-based bioprinting. At Keene State College, she was awarded the Peter Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Endowment, recognizing her academic distinction and research contributions. Slesha was also supported throughout her undergraduate career by the Little Sister’s Fund (LSF) Scholarship, awarded for outstanding potential and academic commitment. Her work has garnered attention across academic communities and the media, featured in outlets like New Hampshire Business Review, Union Leader, and the EPSCoR Idea Foundation. Additionally, she held leadership positions, including serving as President of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and Graduate Student Senator at the University of Maine. These accolades underscore her potential as a transformative researcher and emerging leader in sustainable technologies.

Research Focus:

Slesha Tuladhar’s research lies at the intersection of material science, biofabrication, and sustainability. Her work focuses on the formulation and rheological optimization of hydrogel-based bio-inks, with a special emphasis on cellulose-derived polymers like Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) and Tempo-Oxidized Nanofiber Cellulose (TONFC). She investigates how parameters like shear rate, solid content, and fiber integration impact 3D printability and scaffold fidelity, with applications in tissue engineering and sustainable manufacturing. Through her thesis on “Free Hanging Hydrogel Droplet Formation for 3D Cell Culturing,” she explores innovative methods for precision cell placement and viability. Her long-term vision involves developing biocompatible and environmentally sustainable materials that can replace synthetic polymers in biomedical and industrial applications. Her work contributes both theoretical insights (via rheological modeling) and practical methodologies (via extrusion-based bioprinting), making it impactful for academic, clinical, and commercial fields. She integrates engineering precision with ecological responsibility, aiming to reshape future manufacturing practices.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Tuning Shear Thinning Factors of 3D Bio-Printable Hydrogels Using Short Fiber – Materials

  2. Controlling Rheological Properties of Hybrid Hydrogel Using Short Fiber for Extrusion-Based 3D Bioprinting – ASME MSEC

  3. Developing Hybrid Hydrogels for Full-Scale Scaffold Fabrication Using Extrusion-Based Bioprinting Process – ASME MSEC

  4. Pre-Crosslinked Hybrid Hydrogels for 3D Bio-Printing Process: Rheological Analysis – ASME MSEC

  5. Rheological Analysis of Low Viscosity Hydrogels for 3D Bio-Printing Processes – ASME MSEC

  6. Rheological Study of Highly Thixotropic Hydrogels for 3D Bio-Printing Processes – IIE Conference Proceedings

  7. Modulating Rheological Characteristics of Bio-Ink with Component Weight and Shear Rate for Enhanced Scaffold Fidelity – Bioprinting,  (Link Disabled)

  8. Fine-Tuning Rheological Properties of 3D Bio-Printable Hybrid Hydrogel by Controlling Component Solid Content – Conference Paper,
    (Additional journal titles not provided, assuming 12 total in the record)

Conclusion:

Slesha Tuladhar is an exceptional young researcher whose work stands at the intersection of sustainability, material science, and biofabrication. Her strong academic foundation, innovative research contributions, and proactive engagement in leadership and community roles present her as a well-rounded and highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a forward-thinking approach and dedication to solving real-world challenges through sustainable engineering, Slesha embodies the values and promise of future scientific leadership.

 

 

Wen Li | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Mr. Wen Li | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wen Li , State key laboratory of supramolecular structure and materials, college of chemistry, Jilin University , China

Professor Wen Li is a leading scientist at the College of Chemistry, Jilin University, recognized for his contributions to peptide- and protein-based bioactive materials. Earning his Ph.D. from Jilin University in 2006, he rapidly advanced through academic ranks—from lecturer to full professor by 2013. His academic journey also includes postdoctoral research at Seoul National University, South Korea. Professor Li’s interdisciplinary research integrates chemistry, materials science, and biomedical applications, positioning him as a pioneering figure in supramolecular chemistry and bioinspired adhesives. With numerous high-impact publications and innovations in antimicrobial peptides, tissue sealants, and soft electronics, he has significantly contributed to both scientific knowledge and real-world biomedical applications. His commitment to translating fundamental research into functional materials continues to drive breakthroughs in sustainable, degradable, and biocompatible materials.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Academic Progression

    • From Ph.D. completion in 2006 to full professorship by 2013, Professor Wen Li has shown rapid and consistent academic advancement.

    • He has international research exposure through his postdoctoral work at Seoul National University.

  2. High-Impact Research Contributions

    • Published extensively in top-tier journals such as Angewandte Chemie, Biomaterials, Advanced Healthcare Materials, Langmuir, and Journal of Materials Chemistry.

    • His research is highly interdisciplinary, linking peptide self-assembly, biomaterials, antimicrobial systems, and energy devices.

  3. Real-World Impact & Innovation

    • Developed cutting-edge bioadhesives, nano-antimicrobial systems, and biodegradable materials with significant medical and environmental relevance.

    • Strong emphasis on sustainability, biocompatibility, and smart responsive materials like redox or photo-controlled systems.

  4. Leadership and Collaboration

    • Leads a productive research group, mentoring young scientists and collaborating across multiple institutions.

    • His publications include a large network of co-authors, showing evidence of team science and academic collaboration.

  5. Diverse Research Outputs

    • Contributions span various formats: fundamental studies, applied innovations, material designs, and medical applications.

    • From self-healing hydrogels to stretchable supercapacitors, his portfolio is both deep and diverse.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Commercial and Clinical Translation

    • While the foundational work is strong, more efforts toward industrial partnerships and clinical trials would increase real-world adoption.

    • Filing patents or working with biotech/medical device companies could help scale his research outcomes.

  2. Global Visibility

    • Greater involvement in international conferences, editorial boards, or global initiatives can further enhance his global academic footprint.

    • Collaborative projects with top labs outside Asia could diversify perspectives and increase influence.

📘 Education:

Wen Li received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Jilin University in 2006, a prestigious institution known for its advanced research in materials and chemical sciences. His doctoral studies focused on supramolecular structures, laying the foundation for his career in peptide and polymer-based materials. The rigorous academic environment at Jilin University equipped him with deep insights into molecular interactions, material fabrication, and biomedical chemistry. After completing his Ph.D., he expanded his academic perspective by pursuing postdoctoral research at Seoul National University (2010–2011), one of South Korea’s top-tier research universities. There, he collaborated on interdisciplinary projects that fused chemistry with nanotechnology and biomaterials. This international experience enriched his scientific worldview and further refined his expertise in designing functional peptide-based assemblies. His academic training bridges the gap between molecular chemistry and real-world applications, particularly in the biomedical and environmental sectors.

👨‍🔬 Experience:

Professor Wen Li began his academic career as a lecturer at the State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structures and Materials, Jilin University, immediately after receiving his Ph.D. in 2006. By 2008, he was promoted to Associate Professor due to his early contributions to peptide-based material science. Between 2010 and 2011, he broadened his research capabilities as a postdoctoral fellow at Seoul National University, where he engaged in collaborative research on supramolecular assemblies and nano-biotechnology. Returning to Jilin University, he became a full professor in September 2013, leading a dynamic research group dedicated to cutting-edge biomaterials and soft electronics. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, Professor Li has mentored numerous graduate students, secured significant research grants, and maintained a strong publication record. His career trajectory reflects continuous advancement in leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation in bioinspired materials.

🔬 Research Focus:

Professor Wen Li’s research centers on the design and fabrication of peptide- and protein-based bioactive materials with applications in healthcare and sustainability. His work explores self-assembling nano-antimicrobial peptides, biomimetic underwater adhesives, tissue sealants, and flexible hydrogel electronics, integrating supramolecular chemistry with biomedical engineering. A notable strength of his research lies in creating multifunctional materials that are not only biocompatible and degradable but also smart and responsive, such as photo-switchable or redox-reactive assemblies. His group develops materials that perform complex biological tasks—like sealing tissues, healing wounds, or delivering antimicrobial activity—while maintaining eco-friendly characteristics. Recent efforts also include bio-plastics and adhesive tapes for surgical and environmental use. Professor Li’s innovations address pressing challenges in medical technology and sustainability, aiming for materials that are both high-performing and environmentally conscious. His work bridges disciplines and has wide-ranging impact across chemistry, medicine, and green materials science.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Polyoxometalate-Driven Self-Assembly of Short Peptides into Multivalent Nanofibers with Enhanced Antibacterial Activity – Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (2016)

  2. 🔦 Host–Guest Interaction Driven Peptide Assembly into Photoresponsive 2D Nanosheets with Switchable Antibacterial Activity – CCS Chem. (2021)

  3. 🧪 Nano-Antimicrobial Peptides Based on Constitutional Isomerism-Dictated Self-Assembly – Biomacromolecules (2022)

  4. 🧲 Exploiting Redox-Complementary Peptide/Polyoxometalate Coacervates for Spontaneously Curing into Antimicrobial Adhesives – Biomacromolecules (2022)

  5. 💧 Wet and Functional Adhesives from One-Step Self-Assembly of Amino Acids and Polyoxometalates – Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (2017)

  6. 🩹 Peptide/Glycyrrhizic Acid Supramolecular Polymer: A Medical Adhesive for Dural Sealing – Biomaterials (2023)

  7. 🌿 Plant Protein-Peptide Supramolecular Polymers for Surgical Sealing – Adv. Healthcare Mater. (2023)

  8. ⚙️ Protein-Based Supramolecular Adhesive with On-Demand Adhesion for Preventing Tissue Adhesion – Chem. Eng. J. (2025)

  9. 🔋 Embedding Hydrogel Electrodes for Stretchable High-Performance Supercapacitors – Chem. Eng. J. (2024)

  10. 🧼 Advances in Peptide/Polymer Antimicrobial Assemblies – J. Mater. Chem. B (2025)

🧾 Conclusion:

Professor Wen Li is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research addresses critical scientific and societal challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance, surgical innovation, and eco-friendly material development. He combines rigorous chemistry with creative engineering, producing solutions that are both scientifically novel and practically viable.