Hannah Wen | Breast Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

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.

Guojie Ji | Cancer Cell Biology | Cancer Cell Biology Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Mr. Guojie Ji | Cancer Cell Biology | Cancer Cell Biology Award

Mr. Guojie Ji, NORTH HENAN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, China

Guojie Ji, Master of Medicine Science, is a laboratory technician and the Provincial Director of the Demonstration Center for Biological and Basic Medical Experimental Teaching. With a core research focus on fertility preservation and tumor therapy, he brings an interdisciplinary approach to biomedical science. Ji has played a pivotal role in guiding over 30 research papers and acquiring 13 national patents. In addition to managing over 15 national and provincial projects, his mentorship has led students to win numerous innovation and entrepreneurship awards at both national and provincial levels. Ji is an editorial board member for Contemporary Chemical Research and a peer reviewer for Cell Death Discovery. His leadership and scholarly work have earned him several honors, including being named Outstanding Teacher and Provincial Outstanding Mentor. His recent research delves into ferroptosis in cancer and reproductive toxicity, making impactful contributions to both cancer biology and regenerative medicine.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Relevant Research Contributions:

    • Ji has made direct contributions to cancer biology, particularly through:

      • Ferroptosis mechanisms in breast cancer cells (2025, BBRC)

      • 5-Fluorouracil-induced oxidative damage and DNA disruption (2024, Ecotoxicology & Environmental Safety)

      • Exosome impact on melanoma cell growth (2021, Journal of Yangzhou University)

    • These studies reflect deep involvement in molecular mechanisms of cancer cell death, a central theme in cancer cell biology.

  2. Multidisciplinary Integration:

    • Ji’s research spans stem cells, oxidative stress, and reproductive toxicity, all of which tie into cancer research—especially in terms of chemotherapy side effects and regenerative implications.

  3. High Research Output and Recognition:

    • Over 30 peer-reviewed articles, including in high-impact journals such as Cell Death Discovery and BBRC.

    • 13 national patents, indicating applied innovation in biomedical research.

    • Leads national and provincial projects with substantial funding (~¥1 million), showcasing leadership and research management.

  4. Mentorship and Scientific Community Service:

    • Recognized as an Outstanding Innovation Mentor, Editorial Board Member, and Peer Reviewer, reflecting active participation in advancing the field.

    • Mentored award-winning student teams in national competitions, indicating talent cultivation in biomedical research.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Primary Focus Is Fertility & Reproductive Biology:

    • While Ji has notable cancer-related studies, his primary research base lies in fertility preservation. For this award, a broader and more central focus on oncogenic signaling, tumor microenvironments, or immunotherapy might strengthen his profile.

  2. Limited Clinical Cancer Studies:

    • Most cancer work is preclinical or in vitro; integrating clinical collaborations or translational oncology trials could enhance relevance to applied cancer therapy.

Education:

Guojie Ji holds a Master of Medicine Science, with specialized training in biological sciences, biomedical research, and clinical applications in fertility and tumor biology. His academic background includes comprehensive training in cell biology, molecular biology, reproductive medicine, and translational oncology. Through this foundation, he developed a research orientation focused on bridging cell-level discoveries with clinical potential, particularly in the areas of cryopreservation, stem cell differentiation, and tumor cell regulation. Ji’s academic excellence and commitment to research have driven his involvement in interdisciplinary fields, where he combines elements of life sciences and therapeutic innovation. His deep-rooted academic experiences have been critical in enabling his success as a project leader, educator, and recognized biomedical scientist. His education is not just academic but applied, demonstrated by his integration of research into experimental teaching models and training future life scientists.

💼 Experience:

Guojie Ji currently serves as a Laboratory Technician and Provincial Director for a Demonstration Center dedicated to experimental biological and medical teaching. He has led or completed 10+ major national and provincial research projects, along with 5 horizontal interdisciplinary research collaborations, collectively funded with nearly 1 million yuan. Ji’s lab has been instrumental in developing fertility-preservation protocols, studying sperm cryopreservation, and examining cancer cell response to drugs like 5-FU. He has authored over 30 peer-reviewed papers, including key publications in Cell Death Discovery, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, and Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. Ji is a mentor to undergraduate innovators, guiding teams to national victories in prestigious competitions. Additionally, he holds editorial and peer-review roles in prominent scientific journals. His work demonstrates strong leadership, scholarly innovation, and an enduring commitment to experimental medical education and biomedical research.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Guojie Ji’s contributions to research and education have earned him widespread recognition. He has been honored as a Key Teacher, Civilized Teacher, and Outstanding Teacher, along with awards for Outstanding Innovation and Entrepreneurship Mentorship at the provincial level. He has received accolades as Outstanding Supervisor for Bachelor’s Degree Dissertations and Life Sciences Competition Mentor. Ji has successfully supervised student teams winning over 25 awards, including 5 national-level prizes in events such as the Challenge Cup, Internet+, and the National College Life Sciences Competition. These honors reflect his commitment to combining cutting-edge research with student training and public impact. His ability to mentor and lead both in the lab and the classroom has set a benchmark for excellence in academic innovation and practical scientific development. Ji’s holistic excellence makes him a role model in both research mentorship and scientific discovery.

🔬 Research Focus:

Guojie Ji’s research lies at the intersection of fertility preservation, cryobiology, and tumor cell biology. He explores the mechanisms of cell damage, oxidative stress, and DNA integrity during sperm and stem cell preservation, with a growing emphasis on ferroptosis—a regulated form of cell death—in cancer biology. His recent studies demonstrate how agents like 5-Fluorouracil affect cancer cells and male fertility via oxidative and mitochondrial pathways. Ji also investigates mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in tumor growth, highlighting a promising field of cell-free therapies. In plant and animal models, he’s contributed to understanding protein and lipid roles in cell signaling and disease resistance, reinforcing the depth and range of his biomedical expertise. With a diverse research portfolio, Ji aims to translate basic discoveries into therapeutic strategies, particularly targeting tumor suppression and reproductive health. His work continues to expand the molecular understanding of cell survival and death pathways in medicine.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧊 Protective Effect of Sucrose and Antioxidants on Cryopreservation of Sperm Motility and DNA Integrity in C57BL/6 Mice

  2. 💧 Effects of MTG and GSH on Human Sperm Motility and DNA Integrity during Vitrification in the Presence of Trehalose

  3. ❄️ Comparison of Rapid Freezing vs. Vitrification for Human Sperm Cryopreservation Using Sucrose in Closed Straw Systems

  4. 🔍 Studies on Basic Issues Relevant to Sperm Cryopreservation in Humans

  5. 📦 Effects of Exosomes Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Growth of Melanoma Cells

  6. 🌱 BMP4 is Insufficient to Differentiate Umbilical Cord MSCs into Germ Cell-like Cells In Vitro

  7. 🧬 Current Status of Male Fertility Preservation in Humans

  8. 🧪 Protein Glycosylation Changes During Systemic Acquired Resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana

  9. 🛡️ Lipid Transfer Proteins in Plant-Pathogen Interactions and Their Molecular Mechanisms

  10. 🔥 Emerging Roles of Ferroptosis in Male Reproductive Diseases

🧾 Conclusion:

Guojie Ji is a strong interdisciplinary researcher with a credible and impactful body of work in cancer cell biology, particularly in the context of ferroptosis, chemotherapy-induced toxicity, and tumor suppression mechanisms. His contributions bridge the fields of cell death, oxidative biology, and reproductive toxicology, offering unique insights into the systemic effects of anti-cancer agents. While cancer is not his sole research domain, his innovative work and translational potential clearly qualify him as a compelling nominee for the Research for Cancer Cell Biology Award—particularly in molecular cancer mechanisms and therapeutic research.