Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaoming Zhang | Physical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaoming Zhang | Physical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaoming Zhang , Physical Chemistry , Minzu University of China , China

Dr. Zhang Xiaoming is an Associate Professor in Physical Chemistry at the College of Science, Minzu University of China. She specializes in functional self-assembly and interfacial physics of nanomaterials for applications in energy batteries, photocatalytic water splitting, and ultra-high-resolution imaging. She earned her Ph.D. from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2007. Dr. Zhang has held postdoctoral positions at Keio University (Japan), Dublin City University (Ireland), and the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (China). She has published over 60 SCI-indexed papers and led multiple national and municipal research projects. Her work bridges fundamental nanoscience with real-world applications in energy and biotechnology. She is actively involved in editorial boards and academic committees and has received several teaching and research awards. She also mentors postgraduate and international postdoctoral researchers, contributing to global scientific exchange.

Professional Profile : 

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Zhang holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the prestigious Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, with additional advanced training from globally recognized institutions such as Keio University (Japan) and Dublin City University (Ireland). She has published over 60 SCI-indexed papers as first or corresponding author, indicating her leading role in innovative research. Her work on nanomaterials, interfacial physics, and applications in energy storage, photocatalysis, and super-resolution imaging is both interdisciplinary and of high societal relevance. Dr. Zhang is the Principal Investigator for a major National Natural Science Foundation of China project and has led/co-led several national and international research initiatives, including talent introduction and key development programs. She is a Master’s and Ph.D. supervisor, actively mentoring both domestic and international researchers, especially women and underrepresented groups, thus contributing to capacity building and gender equity in science. Dr. Zhang Xiaoming embodies the ideal profile for the “Women Researcher Award”—a dynamic scientist who excels in cutting-edge research, mentors the next generation, contributes to international scientific dialogue, and advances gender representation in science. Her contributions not only enrich the scientific community but also serve as a role model for aspiring women researchers globally. Awarding her would recognize and further empower women’s leadership in science and technology.

🎓Education:

Dr. Zhang Xiaoming completed her Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (2007) at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences under the supervision of Prof. Junbai Li. She earned her M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry (2004) from Shandong Normal University, mentored by Prof. Zexin Wang, where she began her research into molecular self-assembly. Prior to that, she obtained her B.Sc. in Chemistry (2001) from the same university. Her education laid the foundation for her interdisciplinary approach, combining chemistry, nanotechnology, and physics. Through her studies, she developed a deep understanding of surface chemistry, interfacial interactions, and bio-functionalization, which now underpin her research on nanomaterial design for energy and biomedical applications.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Zhang has extensive academic and industrial experience. Since 2017, she has served as an Associate Professor at Minzu University of China. Before that, she was Deputy General Manager and Senior Engineer at the American Bentley Company (Beijing) from 2015 to 2017. Her academic journey includes postdoctoral positions at Keio University (Japan, 2007–2008), Dublin City University (Ireland, 2010–2012), and the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China (2012–2015). This international research exposure has shaped her cross-disciplinary expertise in nanoscience, interfacial physics, and functional materials. She has been actively involved in major national-level research projects and contributes to graduate education and talent training initiatives.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Zhang has received numerous awards for her academic, research, and teaching excellence. These include the 2025 Outstanding Individual in Undergraduate Recruitment Publicity and 2024 Outstanding Work Performance awards from Minzu University. She earned Second Prize in the 2024 Education and Teaching Innovation Competition and several awards for teaching excellence, including the First Prize in the 11th Teaching Competition and the Best Teaching Demonstration Award (2018). Her research was internationally recognized with the IRCSET EMPOWER Fellowship (2010) in Ireland. She has also been honored as an Outstanding Instructor and Outstanding Communist Party Member and continues to be a highly active contributor in national education evaluations and academic forums.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Zhang’s research focuses on functional nanomaterials, particularly their self-assembly, bio-functionalization, and interfacial physics. Her goal is to harness these properties for energy storage, photocatalytic water splitting, and ultra-high resolution fluorescence imaging. Her interdisciplinary approach blends chemistry, nanotechnology, and biology. She investigates how nanostructures form and behave at interfaces, which is key to improving battery performance and catalytic efficiency. One of her recent projects explores the co-assembly of glucagon-like peptide GLP-1 with lipopeptides, using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to visualize intracellular transport. She also studies the epitaxial growth of GeSn alloys for use in mid-infrared photodetectors, expanding her expertise into semiconductor applications.

Publication Top Notes:

1. High-performance ethanol detection achieved by WO₃/Co₃O₄ composite heterojunctions with synergistic p-n junction features

2. Probing Peptide Assembly and Interaction via High-Resolution Imaging Techniques: A Mini Review.

3. Engineering of peptide assemblies for adaptable protein delivery to achieve efficient intracellular biocatalysis

4. Manganese doped tailored cobalt sulfide as an accelerated catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction

5. Solution-processed, ultrasensitive, high current density vertical phototransistor using porous carbon nanotube electrode

6. Dramatic increase in SWIR detection for GeSn strip detector with graphene hybrid structure

7. A review on III–V compound semiconductor short wave infrared avalanche photodiodes

8. Two-dimensional antimony selenide (Sb₂Se₃) nanosheets prepared by hydrothermal method for visible-light photodetectors

9. Fabrication of graphene: CdSe quantum dots/CdS nanorod heterojunction photodetector and role of graphene to enhance the photoresponsive characteristics

10. One-Step Synthesis of SiOx@Graphene Composite Material by a Hydrothermal Method for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

 

Dr. Ji-Wei Ren | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ji-Wei Ren | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ji-Wei Ren, Organic Chemistry, Taishan University , China 

Dr. Ji-Wei Ren is a Lecturer in the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Taishan University, China. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Technology from Central South University, where he developed expertise in visible light catalysis, organo catalysis, and green synthesis. Dr. Ren has previously served as a Research Associate at Ningbo University’s Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, engaging in interdisciplinary research on biomimetic reducing agents and chiral resolution. With a strong foundation in heterocyclic construction and peptide synthesis, his work integrates sustainable and biomimetic chemistry with modern synthetic methodologies. Dr. Ren has published multiple high-impact research articles in leading journals such as Org. Lett., J. Org. Chem., and Org. Chem. Front.. His research is characterized by innovation, precision, and relevance to both pharmaceutical and materials chemistry. He actively contributes to academic platforms like ORCID and collaborates with renowned scientists across China.

Professional Profile :         

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Ji-Wei Ren exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher through his pioneering work in the field of organic synthesis, particularly in visible light catalysis, organocatalysis, and green chemistry. He has published over 11 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals such as Organic Chemistry Frontiers, Journal of Organic Chemistry, Organic Letters, and Chemistry – A European Journal. Several of his works have been highlighted by Synfacts, showcasing their novelty and scientific impact. His innovative contributions include the development of racemization-free synthesis protocols, the application of biomimetic reducing agents, and the design of sustainable methodologies for heterocycle and peptide construction. He brings a fresh perspective to traditional synthetic methods by incorporating visible light and bio-inspired techniques, addressing both the efficiency and environmental responsibility in chemical synthesis. Dr. Ji-Wei Ren is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award”. His significant scientific output, innovation in research, recognition by the international community, and dedication to sustainable chemistry clearly distinguish him as a leading researcher in his field. His commitment to impactful and environmentally conscious science makes him not only an excellent candidate but also a role model for emerging researchers. This award would be a deserving recognition of his ongoing contributions to the scientific world.

🎓Education:

Dr. Ji-Wei Ren completed both his undergraduate and doctoral studies at Central South University. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Pharmaceutical Engineering in June 2013, where he gained foundational knowledge in pharmaceutical chemistry, drug design, and synthesis. Subsequently, he pursued a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering and Technology (2013–2019) at the same university. His Ph.D. research focused on innovative synthetic strategies using organo catalysis and visible-light-driven methodologies for the construction of functional molecules, especially in the development of peptide and heterocyclic compounds. Under the mentorship of distinguished faculty, he honed his skills in reaction design, stereoselective synthesis, and catalysis. His academic training also included a deep understanding of biomimetic reactions, green synthesis, and photochemical transformations. This robust educational background laid the groundwork for his interdisciplinary research efforts, enabling him to contribute significantly to the fields of sustainable and asymmetric synthesis.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Ji-Wei Ren began his academic career as a Research Associate (2019–2022) at the Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, where he focused on peptide synthesis and the development of bio-inspired reducing agents. His role involved collaborative projects in pharmaceutical chemistry and catalysis, contributing to the advancement of efficient and eco-friendly synthetic methods. In August 2022, he joined Taishan University as a Lecturer in the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. At Taishan University, Dr. Ren continues his research in visible light catalysis and organocatalytic transformations, guiding students in advanced organic chemistry techniques and experimental methodologies. He has also contributed to curriculum development and interdisciplinary research programs. His teaching and research philosophy is rooted in innovation, sustainability, and student engagement. With over a decade of academic training and research, Dr. Ren combines a strong theoretical foundation with hands-on experience in both industrial and academic labs.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Ji-Wei Ren has been consistently recognized for his impactful contributions to organic chemistry and green synthesis methodologies. His 2021 publication in Organic Letters was highlighted by Synfacts in 2022 for its innovative racemization-free synthesis approach, underlining the originality and practical importance of his work. Additionally, his earlier work in The Journal of Organic Chemistry (2017) was also spotlighted in Synfacts, reflecting his ongoing excellence in visible light-mediated and organocatalytic transformations. During his doctoral studies at Central South University, he was honored with multiple academic excellence awards for his outstanding research and scholarly dedication. His publications in top-tier journals like Organic Chemistry Frontiers, Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, and Chemistry – A European Journal have further established him as a rising expert in his field. These recognitions underscore both the scientific value and the practical applicability of his research in modern organic synthesis.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Ji-Wei Ren’s research is centered on the development of innovative, environmentally friendly methodologies in organic synthesis. His primary interests lie in visible light catalysis, where he designs photochemical processes to enable mild and selective transformations. He is also deeply involved in chiral resolution and organocatalysis, with a particular emphasis on enantioselective reactions that are crucial for pharmaceutical synthesis. A significant part of his work involves constructing complex heterocyclic compounds, often using biomimetic and green synthesis strategies to reduce environmental impact. Dr. Ren has pioneered the use of L-amino acid esters as biomimetic reducing agents and introduced new deoxygenation and amidation protocols that avoid racemization—critical for peptide and amide bond formation. His interdisciplinary approach blends traditional organic chemistry with sustainability, aiming to create scalable, efficient, and selective processes suitable for industrial application. His contributions significantly enhance both academic understanding and practical implementation in organic synthesis.

Publication Top Notes:

“A visible light-mediated deoxygenation protocol for the synthesis of dipeptides, amides and esters without racemization”

“L-Amino acid ester as a biomimetic reducing agent for the reduction of unsaturated C=C bonds”

“Umpolung Strategy for the One-Pot Synthesis of Highly Steric Bispirooxindoles via the L-Amino Acid Ester-Promoted In Situ Reduction/Nucleophilic Addition/Cyclization Cascade Reaction”

“A visible light-induced deoxygenative amidation protocol for the synthesis of dipeptides and amides”

“An organocatalytic enantioselective ring-reorganization domino sequence of methyleneindolinones with 2-aminomalonates”

“Straightforward Synthesis of 3-Selenocyanato-Substituted Chromones through Electrophilic Selenocyanation of Enaminones under Grinding Conditions”

“Organocatalytic, Enantioselective, Polarity-Matched Ring-Reorganization Domino Sequence Based on the 3-Oxindole Scaffold”

“A One‐Pot Ring‐Opening/Ring‐Closure Sequence for the Synthesis of Polycyclic Spirooxindoles”

“L-Pyroglutamic Sulphonamide as Hydrogen-Bonding Organocatalyst: Enantioselective Diels–Alder Cyclization to Construct Carbazolespirooxindoles”

“Acid-Relayed Organocatalytic exo-Diels-Alder Cycloaddition of Cyclic Enones with 2-Vinyl-1H-indoles”