Weiqing Zheng | Developmental Cell Biology | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Weiqing Zheng | Developmental Cell Biology | Excellence in Research Award

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:

  1. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus found in Northern Jiangxi Province, China 🦠

  2. Identification and Characterization of Rhipicephalus microplus ATAQ Homolog from Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks and Its Immunogenic Potential as an Anti-Tick Vaccine Candidate Molecule 🐜🔬

  3. 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.

 

 

 

Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Women Researcher Award

MS. Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai  , Ohio State University , United States

Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai, PhD, RN, is an accomplished cardiovascular nurse researcher currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of Rochester, New York. Her research focuses on improving the estimation of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction using ECGs in acute heart failure patients. With a background in emergency and critical care nursing from multiple international institutions, she is committed to advancing healthcare quality, particularly in heart failure care. Dr. Pokhrel Bhattarai’s work is widely published, showcasing expertise in clinical trials, big data analysis, and electrocardiographic assessments in heart failure. She has also contributed significantly to nursing education as a lecturer at Purbanchal University, Nepal. Passionate about reducing healthcare discrepancies, she actively participates in academic and clinical research collaborations, making significant strides in her field.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai is an exceptional researcher with a clear commitment to advancing cardiovascular nursing and improving healthcare outcomes for acute heart failure patients. Her research on estimating Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction using ECGs demonstrates innovation and clinical relevance. Her ability to bridge clinical practice with advanced research methodologies, including big data analysis and electrocardiographic assessment, sets her apart. Moreover, her international academic background and diverse professional experience in countries like Nepal, Spain, and the United States highlight her versatility and ability to contribute globally to healthcare solutions. Dr. Pokhrel Bhattarai’s consistent publication record in top-tier journals and her involvement in prestigious research projects further underscores her dedication to advancing nursing knowledge.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Pokhrel Bhattarai has an outstanding academic and research profile, expanding her research to explore broader healthcare disparities, particularly in rural or underserved populations, could enhance the impact of her work. Additionally, pursuing interdisciplinary collaborations with engineers, statisticians, and other healthcare professionals could provide opportunities for more cutting-edge innovations, particularly in ECG-based diagnostic technology and AI integration.

Education:

Dr. Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai has an extensive academic background. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Health Science and Nursing at the University of Rochester (2020-2024), under the mentorship of Dr. Mary G Carey. Her research explores estimating Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction using ECGs for acute heart failure patients. Dr. Pokhrel Bhattarai earned her MS in Nursing (2015-2017), specializing in Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, from institutions across Spain, Portugal, and Finland. Her research during this time focused on Advanced Cardiac Life Support knowledge among critical care nurses. She completed her BS in Nursing in 2012 from Maharajgunj Nursing Campus, Nepal, with a focus on Community Health Nursing. Throughout her academic career, she has demonstrated a commitment to advancing nursing knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes in cardiovascular care.

Experience:

Dr. Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai has diverse professional experience across multiple countries. She has worked as a Nursing Lecturer at Purbanchal University in Kathmandu, Nepal (2017-2020), where she educated future nurses in critical care and advanced cardiovascular practices. As a registered nurse at Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal (2009-2015), she gained hands-on experience in cardiovascular care, particularly in heart failure management. Additionally, she has been involved in research coordination and manuscript review, demonstrating expertise in big data analysis and clinical trials. Dr. Pokhrel Bhattarai has also held positions as a Research Lead Coordinator and Associate, collaborating with international researchers and contributing to advancing healthcare outcomes, particularly in cardiovascular nursing.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai has received numerous prestigious awards, highlighting her excellence in research and commitment to healthcare. In 2023, she was awarded the Travel Grant by the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Early Career, American Heart Association, and received the Presidential Stronger as One Diversity Award from the University of Rochester. She also secured a research grant from the International Society for Computerized Electrocardiology Conference. Dr. Pokhrel Bhattarai’s accomplishments include the Ireta Neumann Scholarship for International Nurses, providing $5,000 to support her research endeavors. These awards emphasize her leadership and contributions to cardiovascular nursing, both academically and clinically.

Research Focus:

Dr. Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai’s research focus lies in the intersection of acute heart failure, ECG technology, and cardiovascular nursing. Her PhD dissertation explores estimating Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction using ECGs, aiming to provide accurate, non-invasive diagnostic tools for acute heart failure. She is passionate about identifying self-care strategies for heart failure patients and improving healthcare implementation strategies. Additionally, her work involves big data analysis, electrocardiographic assessment, and clinical trials to better understand heart failure progression and outcomes. Dr. Pokhrel Bhattarai is dedicated to addressing healthcare discrepancies, particularly in global cardiovascular health, and advancing evidence-based nursing practices through innovative research.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Association Between Increased Serum Albumin and the Length of Hospital Stay among Acute Heart Failure 🏥
  2. Delays in Door-to-Diuretic Time and 1-Year Mortality among Patients with Heart Failure ⏳❤️
  3. Signs and Symptoms Clusters Among Patients With Acute Heart Failure 🔍💓
  4. Integrative Review of Electrocardiographic Characteristics in Patients with Reduced, Mildly Reduced, and Preserved Heart Failure 📊📈
  5. Knowledge and Practices on Prevention of Coronary Artery Diseases in Nepalese Community 🇳🇵💓
  6. Estimating Ejection Fraction from the 12 Lead ECG among Patients with Acute Heart Failure 💖📉
  7. Door-to-Diuretic Time is Related to Length of Hospital Stay Independent of Diuretic Dose ⏰💊
  8. Estimating Very Low Ejection Fraction from the 12 Lead ECG among Patients with Acute Heart Failure ❤️📉
  9. Association Between Serum Albumin and the Length of Hospital Stay Among Patients With Acute Heart Failure 🧑‍⚕️⏱
  10. Estimating Ejection Fraction from the 12 Lead ECG in Acute Heart Failure 💓📝

Conclusion:

Dr. Sunita Pokhrel Bhattarai’s combination of innovative cardiovascular research, global nursing expertise, and dedication to improving patient outcomes makes her an excellent candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her strong track record in research, awards, and contributions to cardiovascular nursing makes her deserving of this recognition, and her future endeavors hold great potential to further elevate the field of health science and nursing.