Alexander Tsankov | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alexander Tsankov | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai | United States

Alexander Tsankov is a leading researcher in computational biology and cancer genomics, known for his contributions to single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Plan II Honors and Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT. His research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression and tissue remodeling, with an emphasis on glioblastoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and colorectal cancer. Dr. Tsankov has published extensively in top-tier journals such as Nature, Nature Communications, Cancer Discovery, Nature Genetics, and Immunity. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications, with an h-index of 36 and more than 15,000 citations according to Google Scholar. His work has earned him several prestigious honors, including the NIH NRSA postdoctoral fellowship and the NSF graduate fellowship. Dr. Tsankov frequently serves as a senior or corresponding author, highlighting his leadership in the field of computational oncology and single-cell genomics.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

  • “Learning the cellular origins across cancers using single-cell chromatin landscapes”

  • “Cellular and spatial atlas of TP53-associated tissue remodeling defines a multicellular tumor ecosystem in lung adenocarcinoma”

  • “Single cell profiling of human airway identifies tuft-ionocyte progenitor cells displaying cytokine-dependent differentiation bias in vitro”

  • “Single-cell dissection of the genotype-immunophenotype relationship in glioblastoma”

  • “Glioblastoma shift from bulk to infiltrative growth is guided by plexin-B2-mediated microglia alignment in invasive niches”

  • “Oncofetal reprogramming drives phenotypic plasticity in WNT-dependent colorectal cancer”

  • “NOTCH1 drives sexually dimorphic immune responses in hepatocellular carcinoma”

  • “Microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages drive progression of pediatric high-grade gliomas and are transcriptionally shaped by histone mutations”

  • “Single cell view of tumor microenvironment gradients in pleural mesothelioma”

  • “Hypoxia drives shared and distinct transcriptomic changes in two invasive glioma stem cell lines”

Hannah Wen | Breast Cancer | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hannah Wen | Breast Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hannah Wen, MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER, United States

Dr. Hannah Y. Wen, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished breast cancer pathologist and cancer researcher at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York. With dual training in medicine and cancer biology, Dr. Wen’s career reflects a deep commitment to advancing the field of translational oncology. Her research focuses on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), rare breast tumor subtypes, and predictive/prognostic biomarkers. Dr. Wen is a prolific academic contributor with publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications and Cancer Research. She integrates molecular biology with diagnostic pathology to improve cancer stratification and therapy decisions. In addition to her investigative work, she contributes as a principal investigator on multiple IRB-approved studies at MSKCC. Recognized with early academic accolades and continuously advancing the frontiers of cancer pathology, Dr. Wen exemplifies the blend of scientific rigor and clinical relevance. She is a strong candidate for any prestigious research award in pathology and oncology.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Academic Training
    Dr. Wen holds an M.D. from Peking University Health Science Center, one of China’s top medical schools, and a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from MD Anderson Cancer Center, a global leader in cancer research.

  2. Robust Postdoctoral and Clinical Research Experience
    Her postdoctoral work at Genentech Inc. and ongoing clinical-scientific role at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) place her at the intersection of innovative molecular research and high-impact clinical diagnostics.

  3. High-Impact Publications
    She has authored landmark papers in journals like Cancer Research, Nature Cell Biology, PNAS, Modern Pathology, and Nature Communications, covering diverse areas such as:

    • Triple-negative breast cancer

    • Genetic markers (e.g., BRCA1, p202)

    • Molecular subtyping of rare breast tumors

    • Pathologic stratification of early-stage breast cancer

  4. Active Investigator and IRB Leadership
    Dr. Wen is Principal Investigator for multiple MSK IRB protocols involving rare breast cancer subtypes and molecular markers. This shows strong leadership in translational research.

  5. Recognition and Consistency
    From receiving Top 10 Student Awards in Beijing to leading diagnostic-pathologic breakthroughs in 2025, her excellence spans over three decades.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Visibility of Awards in the U.S. Academic System
    While her early academic awards are impressive, more documented recent honors, society memberships, or fellowships could further enhance her candidacy.

  2. Mentorship and Teaching Roles
    While likely involved, specific mention of mentorship, educational leadership, or curriculum development would strengthen her profile in academic impact.

  3. Interdisciplinary Collaborations
    Explicit examples of cross-disciplinary collaborations (e.g., computational oncology, AI in pathology) would underscore her innovation potential in modern biomedical research.

Education:

Dr. Hannah Y. Wen obtained her M.D. from Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China (1988–1993), where she was consistently recognized as an outstanding student. She pursued her Ph.D. in Cancer Biology at the University of Texas Health Science Center/MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX (1997–2001), focusing on molecular oncology. During her Ph.D., she contributed significantly to understanding interferon-inducible proteins in cancer suppression. Her educational journey reflects deep interdisciplinary training, combining clinical medicine with cutting-edge research. This robust academic background has laid the foundation for her success in translational cancer research and diagnostic pathology. Dr. Wen’s training continues with postdoctoral work at Genentech Inc. in Experimental Pathology, which further honed her molecular diagnostic skills. Her global academic trajectory—from China to elite U.S. institutions—has shaped her into a well-rounded researcher capable of addressing complex challenges in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Experience:

Dr. Wen brings over two decades of research and clinical experience in cancer biology and diagnostic pathology. After completing her Ph.D. at MD Anderson Cancer Center, she conducted postdoctoral research in Experimental Pathology at Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco (2002–2003). Since then, she has held a faculty position at the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. At MSKCC, Dr. Wen has served as Principal Investigator on multiple IRB-approved protocols investigating rare breast cancer subtypes and genetic alterations. Her daily work bridges histopathology and genomics to advance precision medicine in breast cancer. Beyond research, she mentors fellows and contributes to academic committees, reinforcing her role as a leader in her field. Her hands-on experience with triple-negative breast cancer, breast tumor markers, and breast pathology variants gives her a rare clinical-research dual expertise, making her a vital figure in contemporary breast cancer diagnostics.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Hannah Y. Wen has received numerous recognitions throughout her academic journey. Early in her career, she was honored with the Outstanding Student Award by Peking University Health Science Center (1988–1992), a distinction granted to top-tier medical students. She was also named among Beijing’s Top 10 Outstanding Students in 1992, recognizing her academic and leadership excellence. While formal awards during her U.S. career are not extensively documented in the data provided, Dr. Wen’s growing impact in high-impact journals and role as a Principal Investigator at MSKCC are implicit accolades in the competitive world of academic medicine. Her contributions to translational breast cancer research, including studies on BRCA1 inactivation and tumor progression markers, underscore her continuous excellence. Given her record of impactful research and professional standing at one of the world’s leading cancer centers, she remains a strong contender for recognition such as the Best Researcher Award.

Research Focus:

Dr. Wen’s research centers on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a challenging and aggressive subtype of breast cancer with limited therapeutic targets. She also investigates rare and under-recognized breast tumor subtypes such as microglandular adenosis, acinic cell carcinoma, and tall cell carcinoma with reversed polarity. Her work involves the identification of predictive and prognostic markers, employing techniques such as targeted gene sequencing, BRCA1 methylation analysis, and molecular stratification models. As Principal Investigator, she leads studies under MSK IRB Protocols #16-411 and #16-596, exploring the genomic and epigenetic landscape of TNBC. Her research stands out for its clinical translation, directly impacting patient diagnosis and treatment planning. Recent contributions to Nature Communications and Modern Pathology show her innovative use of multimodal histopathological models and molecular profiling. Dr. Wen’s research reflects a powerful blend of diagnostic pathology, molecular genetics, and precision oncology—positioning her as a leader in breast cancer research.

Publications Top Notes:

  1.  The Role of Platelet Activating Factor in Reproduction – Progress of Anatomical Sciences (1996)

  2.  Transforming Growth Factor-α and Its Receptor in Reproduction – Medical Sciences (1997)

  3.  TGF-α Expression in Mouse Embryos and Uterus – J. Beijing Medical Univ. (1997)

  4.  p202 Slows Prostate Cancer Cell Growth – Oncogene (1999)

  5.  p202 Enhances TNF-α-Induced Apoptosis in Breast Cancer – Cancer Research (2000)

  6.  β-catenin as a Prognostic Marker in Breast Cancer – PNAS USA (2000)

  7.  HER-2/neu Drives Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer – Cancer Research (2000)

  8.  EGFR’s Nuclear Role as a Transcription Factor – Nature Cell Biology (2001)

  9.  p202 Mediates Anti-Tumor Activity in Pancreatic Cancer – Cancer Research (2001)

  10.  Systemic Tumor Suppression via Bik Gene – Cancer Research (2002)

Conclusion:

Dr. Hannah Y. Wen is a highly qualified and deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Her outstanding academic background, consistent and impactful research output, and leadership in breast cancer pathology make her a top-tier researcher in the field of translational oncology. She excels in integrating molecular biology with diagnostic pathology to improve cancer detection, stratification, and treatment.

With minor enhancements in visibility and cross-disciplinary leadership, Dr. Wen is not only suitable but a model candidate for this award. Her work is advancing breast cancer care at both the bench and bedside—fulfilling the core mission of research excellence.

HEMAMALINI MADHUKAR | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. HEMAMALINI MADHUKAR | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. HEMAMALINI MADHUKAR, Mother Teresa Women’s University, India

Dr. Madhukar Hemamalini is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal. With over five and a half years of dedicated research experience and eight years of teaching, she has made significant contributions to the field of structural and bioorganic chemistry. Her expertise lies in X-ray crystallography, protein-ligand interactions, and the synthesis of supramolecular and pharmaceutical compounds. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Bharathidasan University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship under Prof. H.-K. Fun at Universiti Sains Malaysia. With 234 international publications and a citation index reflecting her research impact, Dr. Hemamalini’s academic presence is both global and influential. Her guidance to 10 M.Phil. and 21 M.Sc. students reflects her commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists. She actively contributes to academic committees and has led a UGC Minor Research Project on hydrogen bonding and phase transition.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Publication Record

    • Over 234 international research publications, primarily in reputed journals such as Journal of Molecular Structure, Molecular Diversity, Russian Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, and IUCrData.

    • Research themes include X-ray crystallography, drug-likeness prediction, molecular docking, and biochemical analysis.

  2. Strong Research Background

    • Postdoctoral research in crystallography at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) under a globally respected crystallographer, Prof. H.-K. Fun.

    • More than five and a half years of focused research experience in supramolecular and macromolecular chemistry.

  3. Citation Impact

    • Accumulated 228 citations, with a h-index of 12 and i10-index of 8, reflecting a solid impact in her field.

  4. Mentorship & Teaching

    • 8 years of teaching experience as an Assistant Professor.

    • Mentored 10 M.Phil. and 21 M.Sc. students — demonstrating her commitment to research training and knowledge dissemination.

  5. Research Funding

    • Successfully secured UGC Minor Research Project funding of ₹5,00,000 for studies on hydrogen bonding and phase transition.

  6. Academic Service

    • Contributed to institutional growth as inspection committee member for women’s colleges, affirming leadership in academic governance.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Enhance International Collaboration

    • Collaborations beyond Malaysia, particularly with Europe or North America, could increase citation visibility and interdisciplinary reach.

  2. Diversify Funding Sources

    • Apply for major national/international grants (e.g., DST, DBT, SERB, or industry-academic partnerships) for scaling research infrastructure and student involvement.

  3. Intellectual Property & Innovation

    • Translating research into patents, prototypes, or industry consultancies would enhance her research’s practical value and real-world impact.

  4. Public Engagement and Outreach

    • Participation in conferences as keynote speaker, science communication, or popular science articles would further establish her academic persona.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Madhukar Hemamalini completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry in October 2006 from Bharathidasan University, India, specializing in structural and supramolecular chemistry. Her doctoral research focused on the synthesis and crystallographic analysis of organic compounds, laying a strong foundation for her future work in macromolecular systems. Prior to her doctorate, she obtained her M.Sc. in Chemistry in August 2000 and B.Sc. in Chemistry in August 1998, both from Bharathidasan University. Her academic training has equipped her with a deep understanding of chemical interactions at the molecular level, especially those relevant to drug design, protein-ligand binding, and pharmaceutical solids. Her academic trajectory showcases her longstanding passion for exploring the molecular world through advanced techniques like X-ray crystallography and computational chemistry. Additionally, her exposure to interdisciplinary research at Universiti Sains Malaysia has expanded her global outlook and enriched her research methodologies.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Hemamalini has a cumulative 13+ years of experience in academia and research. She is currently serving as Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal since March 2015. Her teaching portfolio includes mentoring postgraduate and M.Phil. students, with 21 M.Sc. and 10 M.Phil. students successfully guided under her supervision. From December 2009 to February 2012, she pursued Post-Doctoral research in X-ray crystallography at Universiti Sains Malaysia under the mentorship of Prof. H.-K. Fun, focusing on supramolecular motifs and metal coordination complexes. Her total research experience spans over five and a half years, during which she explored protein-ligand interactions, crystal engineering, and bioorganic compound synthesis. She also participated in institutional academic committees and inspection boards, contributing to higher education quality assurance. Her dual expertise in both teaching and high-impact research makes her a well-rounded academic professional.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Madhukar Hemamalini has been the recipient of the prestigious Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi (2004–2006), which stands as a testimony to her research potential and academic rigor. In addition to this major national honor, she has been involved in several university-level academic panels, including Inspection Committees for women’s colleges in Dindigul, highlighting her contributions to academic governance and quality control. Her funded project under the UGC Minor Research Project Scheme—with a sanctioned amount of ₹5,00,000—focused on the hydrogen bonding interactions and phase transition studies in organic compounds, an area of current interest in molecular chemistry. Her work has been cited over 228 times, and she holds a h-index of 12 and an i10-index of 8, reflecting a consistent and meaningful research output across international journals.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Hemamalini’s research revolves around X-ray crystallography, macromolecular chemistry, and supramolecular design. Her scientific interest lies in unraveling structure–function relationships in molecules, particularly in protein-ligand complexes, bioorganic frameworks, and pharmaceutical solids. She has applied her expertise in both experimental (e.g., crystal growth and structural analysis) and computational techniques (e.g., molecular docking, dynamics simulations) to synthesize novel compounds with potential drug-like behavior. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges chemistry with biology, enabling her to work on problems like TNF-α inhibition in rheumatoid arthritis, anti-cancer screening, and antidiabetic compound design. She has actively published in reputed journals, showcasing both synthetic and theoretical studies. Her postdoctoral training at Universiti Sains Malaysia helped her master crystallographic techniques, further enriching her analytical capabilities. Her work continues to contribute valuable insights into biomolecular recognition, drug-receptor modeling, and material science.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

  1. 📄 Synthesis of 3-Methoxy…phenol Schiff base: spectral, in-silico & in-vitro studies – Heliyon, 2022

  2. 🧬 In silico and in vitro identification of TNF-α inhibitors from Euphorbia hirta for rheumatoid arthritis – Molecular Diversity, 2025

  3. 💊 Anti-diabetic activity of pyrimidinium-hydrogen oxalate conjugates: synthesis, docking & simulation – Journal of Molecular Structure, 2025

  4. 🧪 [2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-(4-nitrobenzylidene)amine: anti-breast cancer & antibacterial insights – Journal of Molecular Structure, 2025

  5. 🔬 PPI networking, expression analysis & TNF-α inhibitor screening for RA – Molecular Diversity, 2025

  6. 🧫 6-Bromo-9,9-diethyl-N,N-diphenylfluoren-2-amine – Data Paper

  7. 🧊 Insights into oxidovanadium porphyrin: synthesis & Hirshfeld surface analysis – Journal of Molecular Structure, 2024

  8. 🧬 1,4-Dimethylpiperazine-2,3-dione – crystal structure study – Iucrdata, 2024

  9. ⚗️ (1H-Benzodiazol-2-ylmethyl)diethylamine – molecular characterization – Iucrdata, 2024

  10. 🔍 Structural & oxidative studies of (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)Porphyrin Ni(II) Complex – Russian Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2024

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Madhukar Hemamalini possesses a well-rounded academic profile with consistent research output, teaching excellence, mentorship, and academic service. Her work in structural and medicinal chemistry, particularly involving crystallography and biomolecular interactions, has practical implications in drug discovery and material science. She demonstrates all the key markers of a successful and impactful researcher.