Assist. Prof. Dr. Changtong YANG | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Changtong YANG | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Changtong YANG , Medicinal Chemistry,  Radiochemist/Chemist at Singapore General Hospital, Singapore

Dr. Chang-Tong Yang is a renowned radiochemist based in Singapore, specializing in radiopharmaceuticals and molecular imaging. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Radiological Science Academic Clinical Programme at Duke-NUS Medical School and as a Radiochemist at Singapore General Hospital. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Yang has made significant contributions to the development of nuclear imaging probes and radiolabeled therapeutics. His research career spans prestigious institutions, including Nanyang Technological University and A*STAR. Dr. Yang is internationally recognized for advancing nanomaterial probes and novel radiolabeling strategies. He has authored impactful publications in top-tier journals, reflecting his innovation in theranostics, radiochemistry, and nanomedicine. With a strong background in academic and clinical research, Dr. Yang continues to shape the future of molecular imaging for personalized medicine. His global education and interdisciplinary expertise make him a leading figure in translational radiochemistry research.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Chang-Tong Yang exemplifies the qualities of a “Best Researcher Award” recipient. His innovative contributions to radiochemistry and molecular imaging, combined with a strong publication record, interdisciplinary leadership, and global training, establish him as a trailblazer in translational medical research. His work is not only scientifically rigorous but also clinically impactful, directly advancing the field of nuclear medicine. Therefore, he is highly recommended for recognition as a top-tier researcher deserving of this award.

🎓Education:

Dr. Chang-Tong Yang received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the National University of Singapore (1998–2002), where he laid the foundation for his career in radiochemistry. He further enhanced his expertise with postdoctoral fellowships at three prestigious U.S. institutions: University of Iowa (2003–2005), University of Michigan (2005–2006), and Purdue University (2006–2007), focusing on chemistry and health sciences. These formative years provided Dr. Yang with a multidisciplinary perspective in synthetic chemistry, radiopharmaceutical development, and imaging sciences. His international training exposed him to cutting-edge methodologies and collaborative projects across biomedical research, which he has since translated into innovative imaging solutions. The combination of rigorous education and hands-on research across these top institutions shaped his ability to bridge fundamental science with clinical applications, particularly in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Chang-Tong Yang brings extensive professional experience across both academic and clinical research settings. He is currently an Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School (2020–present) under the Radiological Science ACP, focusing on radiopharmaceutical sciences. Concurrently, he serves as a Radiochemist at Singapore General Hospital (2018–present) in the Department of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, where he translates research into clinical practice. Prior to that, he worked as a Senior Scientist at Nanyang Technological University (2014–2018), contributing to molecular imaging initiatives within the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. He also held a Senior Scientist role at A*STAR’s Singapore Bio-Imaging Consortium (2007–2014), leading various radiochemistry research programs. Across these roles, Dr. Yang has developed and validated imaging agents, optimized radiolabeling techniques, and led translational studies that impact diagnostic imaging and therapeutic strategies. His multidisciplinary engagements underscore his pivotal role in bridging chemistry and medicine.

🏅Awards: 

While specific awards are not listed in the available data, Dr. Chang-Tong Yang’s extensive contributions to radiopharmaceuticals and molecular imaging reflect a highly respected and impactful career. His appointments at top institutions such as Duke-NUS, A*STAR, and Singapore General Hospital indicate peer recognition and institutional trust. His publications in reputed journals such as Molecules, Nanomaterials, and Drug Discovery Today highlight his standing in the scientific community. His ongoing leadership roles and collaboration with clinicians further underscore professional acknowledgment of his expertise. Dr. Yang’s selection for multiple postdoctoral positions at prestigious U.S. institutions—University of Iowa, University of Michigan, and Purdue University—suggests early recognition of his academic promise. His interdisciplinary contributions to nuclear medicine, nanotechnology, and molecular imaging may have earned him internal institutional awards, research grants, and invitations to present at scientific forums, which commonly accompany such roles.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Chang-Tong Yang’s research is centered on radiopharmaceutical science, with a strong emphasis on the development of molecular imaging probes and radiolabeled nanomaterials for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. His expertise lies in designing novel radioisotope-labeled compounds for use in nuclear medicine imaging techniques such as PET and SPECT, targeting cancer and other pathological conditions. He is particularly interested in enhancing the in vivo behavior of nanomaterial-based agents, improving tumor targeting, retention, and safety. Dr. Yang also explores the biocompatibility and stability of these probes, including how formulation and labeling protocols influence their function. His translational work bridges laboratory innovations with clinical imaging requirements, enabling personalized diagnostics and theranostic approaches. Furthermore, he investigates radiochemical compatibility in clinical settings, such as the mixing of imaging agents with contrast media, which supports safe and effective imaging protocols. His work integrates chemistry, imaging, and clinical practice seamlessly.

Publication Top Notes:

1. pH-Induced In Situ Aggregation of Cu₂₋ₓSe-POED with Extended Tumor Retention for Enhanced Chemodynamic/Photothermal Therapy

2. Standard Radio-Iodine Labeling Protocols Impaired the Functional Integrity of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell Exosomes

3. Radiolabeled Liposomes for Nuclear Imaging Probes

4. Radiochemical Feasibility of Mixing of 99mTc-MAA and 90Y-Microspheres with Omnipaque Contrast

5. Nanomaterial Probes for Nuclear Imaging

6. Positron Emission Tomographic Imaging in Drug Discovery

7. An In Vivo Study of a Rat Fluid-Percussion-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury Model with [11C]PBR28 and [18F]flumazenil PET Imaging

8. Gadolinium-Based Bimodal Probes to Enhance T1-Weighted Magnetic Resonance/Optical Imaging

9. Activatable Cell-Penetrating Peptide Conjugated Polymeric Nanoparticles with Gd-Chelation and Aggregation-Induced Emission for Bimodal MR and Fluorescence Imaging of Tumors

10. Dealing with PET Radiometabolites

11. PET-MR and SPECT-MR Multimodality Probes

 

Dr. Lemlem Gebremariam Aregawi | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lemlem Gebremariam Aregawi | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lemlem Gebremariam Aregawi , Medicinal Chemistry , PhD Candidate at University of Debrecen, Hungary

Lemlem Gebremariam Aregawi is an Ethiopian health professional and researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Debrecen, Hungary. With over a decade of academic and clinical experience, she has made significant contributions to public health, particularly in the areas of reproductive health, clinical nutrition, and functional gastrointestinal disorders. She served in academic, research, and leadership roles at Adigrat University and Mekelle University in Ethiopia before moving to Hungary on a prestigious scholarship. Her current research explores the therapeutic potential of natural compounds like ginger, and she has presented at numerous international scientific conferences. Lemlem is a published author with more than 19 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, and several are currently under review. She has also served as an external examiner for multiple universities. Her multidisciplinary expertise bridges laboratory science, clinical practice, and public health interventions with a strong focus on evidence-based approaches.

Professional Profile :         

Orcid 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Lemlem Gebremariam Aregawi is an accomplished Ethiopian researcher in Nutritional Sciences, currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Debrecen, Hungary. Her dedication to advancing clinical nutritional research, particularly involving ginger supplementation and gastrointestinal health, has resulted in over 19 peer-reviewed publications, with multiple clinical trials and systematic reviews in high-impact journals such as Current Therapeutic Research, Advances in Integrative Medicine, and Clinical Nutrition Open Science. Her work is pioneering in its translational focus on using natural compounds to improve public health outcomes. Given her extensive research output, commitment to evidence-based public health interventions, and international academic footprint, Dr. Lemlem Gebremariam Aregawi is a highly suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award”. Her work exemplifies the integration of scientific rigor, clinical relevance, and community health impact—making her an outstanding researcher deserving of global recognition.

🎓Education:

Lemlem Gebremariam Aregawi is a Ph.D. candidate in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Debrecen, Hungary (2019–present), where she is conducting clinical trial-based research focusing on dietary interventions and gastrointestinal health. She earned her Master of Public Health in Reproductive Health from Mekelle University, Ethiopia (2011–2013), gaining deep insights into maternal and child health and community-based healthcare strategies. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology at Jimma University, Ethiopia (2004–2006), where she developed solid clinical and laboratory diagnostic skills. Her academic journey is enriched with various specialized trainings from institutions such as Virge University in the Netherlands, and multiple pedagogical certifications from programs sponsored by USAID and the Ethiopian Ministry of Education. Her education reflects a rich integration of scientific research, health promotion, laboratory diagnostics, and public health practice—laying a strong foundation for her ongoing research and academic pursuits in nutritional science.

🏢Work Experience:

Lemlem Gebremariam Aregawi has accumulated diverse experience in academia, healthcare, and research over nearly two decades. Since 2019, she has been a Ph.D. researcher at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, working on clinical trials evaluating the nutritional effects of ginger. Prior to this, she served as Assistant Professor and Head of Research and Community Services at Adigrat University, Ethiopia (2014–2019), where she also taught public health and coordinated community programs. She worked briefly as a Clinical Laboratory Expert at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle University (2013–2014), and previously as Assistant Lecturer and Department Head at Mekelle Health Sciences College (2007–2011). Her early career began as a Medical Laboratory Technologist at Axum St. Merry Hospital (2006–2007). She has also served as an external examiner at Mekelle and Axum Universities. Lemlem’s roles span education, laboratory diagnostics, health systems strengthening, and nutritional research, reflecting her multidisciplinary expertise and leadership.

🏅Awards: 

Lemlem Gebremariam Aregawi has been recognized for her academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to public health. She is a recipient of a competitive international scholarship to pursue her Ph.D. studies in Hungary, highlighting her research potential and academic distinction. Throughout her career in Ethiopia, she earned accolades for her outstanding contributions as Head of Research and Community Services at Adigrat University. Lemlem has also been selected as an external examiner for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, reflecting her academic credibility and peer recognition. She has completed prestigious international training, including a pre-doctoral program at Virge University, Amsterdam. Additionally, she received multiple certifications from USAID-sponsored initiatives and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education, including Training of Trainers (ToT) certifications on sexual and reproductive health, curriculum development, and biosafety. These honors and professional development achievements underscore her commitment to quality education, public health, and global scientific collaboration.

🔬Research Focus:

Lemlem Gebremariam Aregawi’s research centers on the role of nutritional interventions—particularly ginger—in preventing and managing chronic gastrointestinal conditions and metabolic disorders. As a Ph.D. candidate, she is currently engaged in clinical trials investigating the efficacy, safety, and quality-of-life impacts of ginger supplementation in patients with functional dyspepsia. Her broader interests include the therapeutic role of bioactive compounds in disease prevention, integrative medicine, reproductive health, and public health nutrition. She has authored several systematic reviews on ginger’s pharmacological effects, including its impact on body weight, gastrointestinal malignancies, diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory bowel disease. Lemlem’s work bridges clinical nutrition, public health, and biomedical sciences, offering evidence-based insights into the dietary management of chronic diseases. Her multidisciplinary approach enables her to evaluate both biological mechanisms and public health implications of nutritional therapies, with the ultimate goal of translating scientific findings into practical dietary recommendations and health policies.

Publication Top Notes:

“Ginger’s Nutritional Implication on Gastrointestinal Health”

“Evaluation of Adverse Effects and Tolerability of Dietary Ginger Supplementation in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia”

“Effects of Ginger Supplementation on Quality of Life in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: An Open-Label, Clinical Trial”

“Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Ginger on Bowel Disease: A Review of Clinical Trials”

“The Effect of Ginger Supplementation on the Improvement of Dyspeptic Symptoms in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia”

“Ginger Constituents and Its Effects on Gastrointestinal Malignancies: A Review of Clinical Trials”

“Assessment of Service Satisfaction and Associated Status Among Women Who Have Given Birth in Adigrat General Hospital, Ethiopia”

“Prevalence and Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Utilization Among Women in the Reproductive Age Group in Edaga-Hamus Town, Eastern Zone, Tigray Region, Ethiopia”