Zohreh Bagher | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zohreh Bagher | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zohreh Bagher | Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) | Iran

Dr. Zohreh Bagher is an Associate Professor at the ENT and Head and Neck Research Center, Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences. She is an expert in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine with a strong background in anatomy and radiology. Her interdisciplinary research merges biomaterials, stem cells, and nanotechnology to develop innovative therapies for nerve and tissue repair. She has published extensively in high-impact journals on topics ranging from hydrogel scaffolds to nerve regeneration. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Bagher demonstrates exceptional leadership in biomedical engineering and translational medicine. Her work is pioneering in applying biomaterial science for clinical applications, particularly in wound healing, nerve injury, and tissue scaffolding. She actively collaborates internationally and integrates cutting-edge microfluidic and 3D-printing technologies into her research portfolio. Dr. Bagher’s commitment to science, education, and patient care positions her as a prime candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus
Google Scholar

Education:

Dr. Bagher completed her Ph.D. in Tissue Engineering at Iran University of Medical Sciences, specializing in the differentiation of Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells into motor neuron-like cells using advanced PCL/collagen nanofibrous scaffolds. Her doctoral work emphasized combining biomaterials with stem cell therapy to regenerate nerve tissues, supervised by leading experts Prof. Joghataei and Prof. Mirzadeh. Prior to her Ph.D., she earned a Master’s degree in Anatomy from Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, focusing on bone repair through comparative studies using hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate and xenograft scaffolds in animal models, guided by Prof. Rajaei. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Radiology from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, laying a solid foundation in medical imaging and diagnostics. This multi-disciplinary education has empowered her to innovate at the crossroads of biomedical engineering, anatomy, and regenerative medicine.

Experience:

Dr. Bagher holds a faculty position as Associate Professor at the ENT and Head and Neck Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, where she spearheads cutting-edge research on biomaterials and tissue engineering. Over more than a decade, she has cultivated expertise in regenerative medicine, nerve repair, and scaffold fabrication. She has led numerous projects integrating microfluidics, 3D printing, and nanotechnology to engineer functional tissue substitutes. Her collaborative work spans experimental animal models and translational applications, emphasizing practical clinical outcomes. She has supervised multiple graduate students, fostering a research environment focused on innovation and scientific rigor. Dr. Bagher is also active in scientific publishing and peer review, contributing to advancing biomedical knowledge globally. Her interdisciplinary skills in anatomy, radiology, and tissue engineering, combined with leadership at a prestigious research center, make her a prominent figure in medical science and a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Research Focus:

Dr. Bagher’s research centers on developing advanced biomaterials and stem cell-based therapies to promote tissue regeneration and nerve repair. Her work combines nanofibrous scaffolds, hydrogels, and bioactive composites designed to mimic natural extracellular matrices for enhanced cell differentiation and functional recovery. Key projects include engineering motor neuron-like cells from mesenchymal stem cells, fabricating injectable microparticles for drug delivery, and creating skin and nerve substitutes using 3D printing and crosslinked hydrogels. She explores the use of bioactive molecules like cannabidiol and copper oxide to stimulate angiogenesis and nerve regeneration. Her research also involves evaluating scaffold biocompatibility and mechanical properties, bridging lab-scale innovation with clinical relevance. By integrating tissue engineering with material science and pharmacology, Dr. Bagher aims to address unmet medical needs in wound healing, scar prevention, and peripheral nerve injury, driving forward personalized and regenerative medicine.

Publications Top Notes: 

  •  Fabrication of injectable dexamethasone-loaded hydrogel microparticle via microfluidic technique for biomedical applications

  •  Effectiveness of the injectable hyaluronic acid-based microparticles loaded with cannabidiol on rat sciatic nerve injury model

  •  Utilizing biomaterials for laryngeal respiratory mucosal tissue repair in an animal model

  •  A cellulose-based skin adhesive hydrogel incorporating N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline peptide for enhanced wound healing and scar prevention in rabbit scar ear model in vivo

  •  Testicular extracellular matrix/gelatin-based scaffold using gas foaming to support spermatogonial stem cells

  •  Engineering of a CuO-Releasing 3D-Printed Bilayer Skin Substitute with Improved Angiogenesis: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations

  •  Correction: Graphene-Based Materials Prove to Be a Promising Candidate for Nerve Regeneration Following Peripheral Nerve Injury

  •  Vanadium ferrite-doped mesoporous bioactive glass-ceramics: controlled cisplatin delivery in chemohyperthermia

  • Photo- and thermal-crosslinked GelMA/chitosan hydrogels: A novel approach to enhanced mechanical and biological properties

Conclusion:

Dr. Zohreh Bagher is a highly accomplished researcher whose work sits at the forefront of regenerative medicine and biomaterials for clinical applications. Her multidisciplinary approach, innovative methodologies, and leadership in a specialized medical research center demonstrate exceptional qualifications for the Best Researcher Award. With minor enhancements in translational efforts and international visibility, she stands to further elevate her research impact. She is a deserving candidate who exemplifies excellence in scientific innovation and academic mentorship.

Lin Jin | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Lin Jin | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Lin Jin, university of alabama at birmingham, United States

Dr. Lin Jin, PhD, is a leading biomedical scientist specializing in cancer biology and dermatological diseases. Currently affiliated with the Department of Dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Dr. Jin has over 15 years of experience in translational research with a focus on epithelial cell biology, stemness, and inflammation. His research has significantly contributed to the understanding of hidradenitis suppurativa and colorectal cancer. Dr. Jin has held postdoctoral fellowships at both Vanderbilt University and UAB and earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Jinan University, China. As a first and co-corresponding author in several high-impact journals, including PNAS, Nature Communications, and Cancer Research, Dr. Jin is known for his cutting-edge work in molecular mechanisms underlying oncogenesis and inflammatory skin diseases. His dedication to science, paired with strong collaborative leadership, has earned him recognition, including a Best Research Poster award at the Southeastern Consortium for Dermatology in 2023.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. High-Impact Publications:
    Dr. Jin has consistently published in top-tier journals including PNAS, Nature Communications, Cancer Research, and Gastroenterology. He has multiple first-author and co-corresponding author credits, which underscores his leadership in research.

  2. Translational Research Excellence:
    His work bridges basic science and clinical application, particularly in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and cancer biology, contributing both to understanding molecular mechanisms and developing models for therapeutic screening.

  3. Interdisciplinary Expertise:
    Dr. Jin’s research spans stem cell biology, epigenetics, cancer signaling, and dermatological inflammation, showcasing a rare and valuable interdisciplinary scope.

  4. Award-Winning Research:
    He received the Best Research Poster Award at the 2023 Southeastern Consortium for Dermatology, a competitive and peer-reviewed platform.

  5. Consistent Productivity:
    Over 20 peer-reviewed publications in just over a decade reflect sustained scientific output, with several articles receiving high citation counts.

  6. Academic Mentorship and Collaboration:
    Active involvement in multi-author studies and mentorship roles indicate his collaborative nature and influence in team science.

  7. Recognition by Institution:
    His Nature Communications study was highlighted as a UAB Featured Discovery, which reflects institutional validation of research impact.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Independent PI Track:
    While Dr. Jin has a robust publication record, formal documentation of his role as a Principal Investigator (PI) on grants or independent funding initiatives could further strengthen his candidacy.

  2. Broader Leadership Roles:
    Participation in grant review panels, editorial boards, or leadership within professional societies (e.g., SID committees) would demonstrate a broader academic influence.

  3. Expanded Recognition:
    Additional national or international awards and invited keynote lectures could enhance his external profile and leadership visibility in the field.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Lin Jin’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to biomedical sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering in 2009 from Jinan University, Guangzhou, China, where he developed expertise in proteomics and molecular biology. Following his doctoral studies, he pursued two consecutive postdoctoral fellowships in Cancer Biology—first at Vanderbilt University (2009–2012), and then at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2012–2013). These positions enabled him to gain advanced experience in translational research, stem cell biology, and oncogenic signaling pathways. Throughout his education, Dr. Jin focused on the molecular basis of cancer development, particularly exploring signaling pathways and gene regulation. His multidisciplinary training in engineering, biology, and cancer research laid the groundwork for his later success in dermatological research. This diverse academic background has empowered him to lead interdisciplinary projects that bridge basic science and clinical dermatology.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Jin has extensive research experience across prestigious institutions. His career began in China, where he contributed to proteomics and apoptosis research. He then advanced his expertise through postdoctoral roles at Vanderbilt University (2009–2012), working on stemness and epigenetics, and at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2012–2013), focusing on epithelial biology and inflammation. Since then, he has served as a senior researcher in UAB’s Department of Dermatology, leading numerous projects on hidradenitis suppurativa, colorectal cancer, and stem cell signaling. Dr. Jin has authored over 20 high-impact publications and plays an active role in collaborative research, working with interdisciplinary teams including dermatologists, molecular biologists, and oncologists. His work has directly contributed to therapeutic advancements and better molecular understanding of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. As a co-corresponding author and lab leader, he has mentored junior researchers, making him not just a scientist but a key figure in translational medicine.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Lin Jin has received notable recognition for his scientific achievements. Most recently, he was honored with the Best Research Poster Award at the 46th Annual Southeastern Consortium for Dermatology in 2023, held in Birmingham, Alabama. This award recognized his pioneering work on epigenetic mechanisms in hidradenitis suppurativa. His work published in Nature Communications was featured as UAB’s Featured Discovery in 2021, underlining the impact of his research in stem cell biology. His contributions have also led to multiple publications in top-tier journals, a testament to his excellence and innovation. Additionally, Dr. Jin has been an active member of the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) since 2022, further cementing his role in the dermatological research community. These accolades highlight his consistent drive to advance science and address pressing clinical problems with molecular insight and translational application.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Jin’s research centers around molecular pathogenesis of inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases, especially hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory condition. His work explores epigenetic regulation, epithelial stem cell dynamics, alternative splicing, and tumorigenesis. His innovative studies use ex vivo models, genomic profiling, and pathway analysis to unravel how dysregulated signaling in epithelial progenitor cells drives both inflammation and hyperproliferation. He has also contributed substantially to understanding cancer stemness and EMT, particularly in colorectal and lung cancers, emphasizing the role of STRAP and Notch/Wnt signaling. Dr. Jin is at the forefront of integrating bioengineering, stem cell biology, and dermatology to discover novel therapeutic strategies. His current projects involve mapping epigenetic switches, developing culture models for drug testing, and identifying biomarkers for skin inflammation and cancer. This integrative and translational approach makes his research highly relevant for both academic advancement and clinical impact.

📚 Publication Top Notes: 

  1. 📘 Epigenetic switch reshapes epithelial progenitor cell signatures and drives inflammatory pathogenesis in hidradenitis suppurativa – PNAS, 2023

  2. 🧬 Mechanism underlying follicular hyperproliferation and oncogenesis in hidradenitis suppurativa – iScience, 2023

  3. 💊 Combined Inhibition of BET Bromodomain and mTORC1/2 Provides Therapeutic Advantage for Rhabdomyosarcoma – Mol Carcinog, 2022

  4. 🧫 Ex Vivo Culture Models of Hidradenitis Suppurativa for Defining Molecular Pathogenesis and Treatment Efficacy – Inflammation, 2022

  5. 🧩 Advances in molecular pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa: Dysregulated keratins and ECM signaling – Semin Cell Dev Biol, 2022

  6. 🧠 STRAP as a mediator of APC mutation-induced intestinal tumorigenesis via a feed-forward mechanism – Gastroenterology, 2021

  7. 🔄 STRAP regulates alternative splicing fidelity during mouse embryonic stem cell lineage commitment – Nat Commun, 2020

  8. 🧪 STRAP deficiency impairs stem cell commitment via retinoic acid dysregulation – Stem Cells, 2018

  9. 🔬 STRAP promotes stemness in colorectal cancer via Notch epigenetic regulation – Cancer Res, 2017

  10. 🧱 TGF-ß-induced Claudin-4 expression via c-Jun signaling in NSCLC – Cell Signal, 2016

📝 Conclusion:

Dr. Lin Jin exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding and impactful researcher. His research has meaningfully advanced the molecular understanding of both inflammatory dermatological disorders and oncogenesis. His strong publication record, interdisciplinary expertise, and recognition within the dermatology and cancer biology communities make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award.