Weifen Zhang | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Weifen Zhang | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Weifen Zhang , Shandong Second Medical University , China

Professor Weifen Zhang is a renowned scientist in pharmaceutical sciences, serving as a Professor at the School of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Medical University. She also directs the Shandong Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Materials and Regenerative Medicine and the Pharmaceutical Experimental Teaching Center. With over 50 SCI-indexed publications and 27 national and international patents, her contributions have significantly influenced the development of targeted drug delivery systems and smart biomaterials. A recipient of the State Council Special Allowance and recognized as a Shandong Provincial Outstanding Expert, Professor Zhang combines academic excellence with practical innovation. She has led and collaborated on numerous national-level research projects, focusing on novel therapeutic strategies for cancer, regenerative medicine, and nano-drug technologies. Additionally, she plays a prominent role in scientific publishing as a guest editor and reviewer for leading journals. Her dedication to interdisciplinary research continues to shape the future of pharmaceutical technology.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. 📚 High Research Productivity: Over 50 SCI-indexed publications in high-impact journals such as ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology, and Science China Materials.

  2. 💡 Innovation & Intellectual Property: Holds 27 national and international patents, showing a strong translation of academic work into real-world applications.

  3. 🔬 Research Focus & Impact: Cutting-edge work in targeted drug delivery systems, intelligent biomaterials, and regenerative medicine, especially impactful in oncology.

  4. 🎯 Project Leadership: Principal Investigator for multiple nationally funded projects, managing significant funding amounts and driving original discoveries.

  5. 🌐 Academic Influence: Serves as a guest editor and reviewer for leading scientific journals, contributing to quality control and peer knowledge advancement.

  6. 📖 Educational Impact: Contributions to national-level textbooks like Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical English highlight her role in shaping future pharmaceutical education.

  7. 🤝 Industry Collaboration: Active collaborations with companies like NOIMAIER (Shandong) Medical Technology Co., Ltd, demonstrating practical application and outreach.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. 🌍 Global Outreach: While her influence is strong nationally, increased participation in international conferences, collaborations, and global visibility would further elevate her stature.

  2. 🎙️ Public Engagement: Enhanced involvement in science communication, including talks, public articles, or media, could broaden her societal impact.

  3. 🌐 Online Presence: A more visible online research profile (e.g., Google Scholar, ResearchGate, LinkedIn) could help in networking and research dissemination globally.

🎓 Education:

Professor Weifen Zhang received comprehensive training in pharmaceutical sciences, culminating in a doctorate in pharmacy or a related biomedical field (specific degree and institution not provided in the current profile). Her academic journey has been deeply rooted in advancing applied pharmaceutical research, especially in the field of drug delivery and intelligent materials. Her educational background laid the foundation for her specialization in nanoformulations, regenerative medicine, and drug resistance reversal. Professor Zhang has supplemented her academic credentials with continued professional development through her work with major national science foundations and governmental innovation programs. Her commitment to combining traditional pharmaceutical training with cutting-edge material science has enabled her to become a leader in translational research. Although the detailed degrees and institutions are not specified, her track record in high-impact research, publications, and academic leadership reflects a strong and diverse educational background.

🧪 Experience:

Professor Zhang brings over two decades of experience in pharmaceutical sciences, nanomedicine, and biomaterial engineering. She has served in multiple leadership roles, including Director of both the Shandong Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Materials and Regenerative Medicine and the Pharmaceutical Experimental Teaching Center at Shandong Second Medical University. As Principal Investigator on numerous high-profile projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and regional innovation programs, she has demonstrated excellence in both basic and translational research. Her industrial collaborations and consultancy projects, such as those with NOIMAIER Medical Technology, reflect her ability to translate scientific innovation into practical solutions. Her experience is also reflected in her active editorial and peer review contributions to top-tier journals, as well as her involvement in educational contributions through national textbook projects. Her academic, industrial, and clinical translational experiences make her a uniquely qualified and impactful researcher.

🔬 Research Focus:

Professor Weifen Zhang’s research is at the forefront of targeted drug delivery, intelligent biomaterials, and regenerative medicine. Her primary scientific focus involves developing novel nanoparticle-based platforms to improve therapeutic outcomes in diseases such as non-small cell lung cancer. She has led pioneering studies in dual-drug synergistic delivery, utilizing agents like quercetin and paclitaxel, aimed at overcoming drug resistance. Her lab also explores smart, biodegradable materials, such as Bletilla striata polysaccharide microneedles, for innovative therapeutic applications including hair regrowth and skin regeneration. In regenerative medicine, she is advancing bionic materials, such as mineralized collagen scaffolds, for orthopedic and dental use. Additionally, she works on plant-derived compounds, contributing to both pharmaceutical and agricultural solutions. Through interdisciplinary approaches, including nanotechnology, immunology, and pharmacokinetics, Professor Zhang’s work is positioned to influence both academic research and clinical practice. Her vision continues to shape the field of personalized and precision medicine.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📌 Bletilla striata polysaccharide-based dissolving microneedle patch integrated with nanoparticles for promoting hair regrowth

  2. 🧱 Composite scaffolds based on egg membrane and eggshell-derived inorganic particles promote soft and hard tissue repair

  3. 💉 Efficient chemo-immunotherapy leveraging minimalist electrostatic complex nanoparticle as “in situ” vaccine integrated tumor ICD and immunoagonist

  4. 🌿 A Chinese drug-compatibility-based approach to purslane hydrogels for acute eczema therapy

  5. 🔬 Dynamic Covalent Bond-Based Nanoassembly of Curcumin to Enhance the Selective Photothermal Therapy for Tumor Treatment

  6. 🧵 Multifunctional Nanofiber Membranes Constructed by Microfluidic Blow-Spinning to Inhibit Scar Formation at Early Intervention Stage

  7. 📄 Corrigendum to “Synergistically enhanced cancer immunotherapy by combining protamine-based nanovaccine with PD-L1 gene silence nanoparticle”

  8. 💉 Minimalist “in situ” tumor vaccine leveraging versatile dendrimer nanoplatform coordinated ICD and immunoagonist for boosted chemoimmunotherapy

  9. 🧬 A minimalist cancer cell membrane-shielded biomimetic nanoparticle for nasopharyngeal carcinoma active-targeting therapy

  10. ⚗️ Biodegradable Manganese-Containing Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Precisely Controlled Quercetin Delivery

 

📌 Conclusion:

Professor Weifen Zhang demonstrates exceptional qualifications for the Best Researcher Award. Her deep scientific contributions, robust patent portfolio, influential publications, and national leadership in pharmaceutical innovation mark her as a leader in biomedical research. With a few enhancements in global visibility and science communication, her already impressive profile could reach even greater heights.

Mrinal Saha | Cell Structure Analysis | Cell Biology Research Award

Dr. Mrinal Saha | Cell Structure Analysis | Cell Biology Research Award

Dr. Mrinal Saha , University of Oklahoma , United States

Dr. Mrinal C. Saha is a Professor at the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. He earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics from Old Dominion University in 2001. With extensive experience in academia and research, Dr. Saha has made significant contributions to advanced materials and sensor technologies, including the development of self-powered sensors and environmental remediation technologies. His professional journey includes serving as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma. He is a seasoned researcher and innovator, holding patents and receiving various best paper awards. Throughout his career, he has been involved in interdisciplinary research, collaborating with experts across various fields to enhance engineering applications in structural health monitoring and nanocomposite technologies.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Mrinal C. Saha’s expertise in mechanical engineering, especially in material science and sensor technology, is highly relevant for interdisciplinary applications, including those in cell biology research. His research has focused on advanced materials such as composite structures, nanocomposites, and self-powered sensors, which could have implications for biosensors and medical devices used in cell biology. His work on embedding sensors in structures and developing multifunctional electrodes is particularly pertinent to cellular monitoring and bioengineering applications. Moreover, his collaborations with prominent researchers, as well as funding from various high-profile sources, demonstrate his ability to lead innovative projects with significant implications for multiple fields.

Areas for Improvement:

While Mrinal C. Saha’s work has an obvious focus on material science and mechanical engineering, his direct experience in cell biology research is less evident. Bridging the gap between his materials-focused research and cell biology could further enhance his suitability for the Cell Biology Research Award. Expanding his network to include collaborations with biologists and bioengineers could help integrate his expertise with biological research directly.

Education:

Dr. Mrinal C. Saha’s educational journey reflects his strong foundation in mechanical engineering. He obtained his PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics from Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA, in 2001. Before that, he earned an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Tuskegee University, Alabama, USA, in 1996. His academic journey began at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, where he completed both his MS and BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1992 and 1988, respectively. His education at BUET equipped him with a solid technical background that has supported his contributions to research in advanced composite materials, sensors, and nanotechnology. Dr. Saha’s academic credentials and his continuous pursuit of knowledge have played a crucial role in shaping his research career, allowing him to make significant strides in the field of mechanical engineering.

Experience:

Dr. Mrinal C. Saha brings a wealth of experience to his role as a Professor at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Saha has held various academic positions, starting as an Assistant Professor in 2006, advancing to Associate Professor in 2012, and ultimately becoming a full Professor in 2018. Throughout his tenure at OU, he has been involved in cutting-edge research and educational development in the areas of structural health monitoring, additive manufacturing, and nanocomposites. Prior to his current role, Dr. Saha contributed to research initiatives at Tuskegee University, collaborating on high-profile projects with the National Science Foundation and the Federal Aviation Administration. His leadership and collaborative research efforts have resulted in numerous funded projects, publications, and significant technological advancements in aerospace and mechanical engineering.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Mrinal C. Saha has earned multiple prestigious awards and recognitions for his research and academic contributions. He has been honored with best paper awards for his exceptional work in the areas of nanocomposite materials, sensors, and additive manufacturing. In addition to this, Dr. Saha holds a patent and has been involved in another patent disclosure, demonstrating his innovative contributions to the field. His research achievements have been recognized both nationally and internationally, underscoring his expertise and impact in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Dr. Saha’s work on embedded sensors, multifunctional electrodes, and self-powered technologies has led to significant advances in structural health monitoring and materials science. These accolades not only reflect his research capabilities but also his role as a leader in advancing engineering solutions for real-world applications. Dr. Saha’s continued success in securing research funding and publishing influential papers speaks to his academic excellence.

Research Focus:

Dr. Mrinal C. Saha’s research focuses on the development of advanced materials, self-powered sensors, and innovative manufacturing techniques. His work spans a wide range of areas, including nanocomposite materials, 3D printing, and multifunctional electrodes for environmental remediation and structural health monitoring. He specializes in the design and characterization of high-performance composite structures and sensors, emphasizing flexibility, sensitivity, and durability for various engineering applications. One of his primary research interests is the integration of embedded sensors into materials for real-time damage detection and monitoring. His work on electrospun nanofibers, piezoelectric nanogenerators, and flexoelectric sensors has led to groundbreaking advancements in self-powered systems for aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries. Dr. Saha’s research is multidisciplinary, blending mechanical engineering, materials science, and sensor technologies to address challenges in the design and performance of smart structures and sustainable engineering solutions.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Mondal, A., Saha, M.C., Rhule, D. (2025). Experimental Investigation of In-Plane Compressive Characteristics of 3D-Printed Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composite Honeycomb Cores 🏗️📑
  2. Mondal, A., Saha, M.C. (2025). Characterization of In-plane Compressive Response of Triangular Honeycomb Carbon Fiber Epoxy Composites 🧱📚
  3. Maity, K., Saha, M.C. (2025). Design of Flexible and Ultrasensitive 3D Printed Flexoelectric Sensors for Self-Powered Damage Detection ⚡🔧
  4. Mondal, A., Saha, M.C., Maity, K., Altan, M.C., Liu, Y. (2023). Analysis of Fiber Flow, Fiber Orientation, and Void Formation in Material Extrusion of Short Carbon Fiber Epoxy Composites 🧵📊
  5. Rhule, D., Mondal, A., Saha, M.C., Cummings, L., Robison, T. (2023). Effect of Silica and Mixing Time on Microstructures and Properties of Porous Polymer Composite 🧪🧬
  6. Mondal, A., Saha, M.C. (2023). 3D Printing and Characterization of Carbon Fiber Epoxy Composites 🖨️🔬

Conclusion:

Mrinal C. Saha’s background in materials science, sensor technology, and advanced manufacturing methods makes him a strong candidate for the Cell Biology Research Award, provided there is a greater focus on integrating his research with biological applications. His innovative work in sensors and nanocomposites could significantly contribute to advancing biosensors, tissue engineering, and other cell biology-related fields.