Dr. Qingtao Sun | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Qingtao Sun | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Qingtao Sun , Biochemistry , Postdoc at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, United States

Dr. Qingtao Sun is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), working under the mentorship of Prof. Bo Li. With a strong foundation in neuroscience and biomedical photonics, Dr. Sun is recognized for his contributions to brain-wide mapping, neural circuitry, and neuroimmune interactions. Originally from Weihui, Henan, China, he earned his B.S. in Biological Sciences and Ph.D. in Biomedical Photonics from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST). His Ph.D. research dissected long-range inputs to GABAergic neurons in the mouse prefrontal cortex. Prior to joining CSHL, he served as an Assistant Investigator at the HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics. Dr. Sun’s prolific research output includes impactful publications in Nature Neuroscience, Nature Communications, and Neuron. His work bridges advanced imaging with neurobiology to uncover mechanisms of behavior, motivation, and disease. He has been honored with prestigious awards including the CSHL Postdoc Scientific Breakthrough Award.

Professional Profile :         

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Qingtao Sun, currently a postdoctoral research associate at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), has established himself as an outstanding young neuroscientist with a robust academic foundation and impactful research trajectory. With a Ph.D. in Biomedical Photonics from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, his work has consistently bridged advanced imaging techniques with complex neurobiological questions, particularly focusing on GABAergic neurons, neural circuitry, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer cachexia. Dr. Qingtao Sun is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award.” His interdisciplinary expertise, innovation in neuroimaging and neurocircuitry, publication record, and recognized scientific impact place him among the top-tier emerging neuroscientists. He represents the ideal candidate who merges cutting-edge methods with real-world biomedical relevance, making transformative contributions to brain science.

🎓Education:

Dr. Qingtao Sun began his academic journey at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (2009–2013) from the School of Life Science and Technology. He pursued his doctoral degree in Biomedical Photonics (2013–2019) at the Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, HUST. His Ph.D. thesis, titled “Dissection of long-range inputs to three types of GABAergic neurons in mouse medial prefrontal cortex,” was supervised by Prof. Hui Gong. Throughout his education, Dr. Sun was actively engaged in neuroimaging, circuit dissection, and computational neuroscience. His training included in-depth exposure to advanced microscopy, whole-brain imaging techniques, and connectomics, which laid the foundation for his later work in brain function and neurocircuitry. He has seamlessly integrated interdisciplinary approaches, combining biology, optics, and computation in neuroscience research, making him an exceptional contributor in the field of systems neuroscience and brain mapping.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Qingtao Sun is currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), where he joined in February 2021. At CSHL, he works under the guidance of Prof. Bo Li, focusing on motivation, social behavior, and neuroimmune interactions using cutting-edge circuit-level neuroscience approaches. Prior to this role, Dr. Sun was an Assistant Investigator at the HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics from June 2020 to February 2021. There, he contributed to high-resolution whole-brain imaging and analysis of neuronal circuits. His expertise spans in vivo and ex vivo imaging, large-scale brain mapping, neural tracing, and functional manipulation using optogenetics and chemogenetics. Dr. Sun has collaborated with leading neuroscientists globally and has co-authored numerous high-impact publications. His career trajectory reflects a deep commitment to exploring neural mechanisms underlying behavior and disease through interdisciplinary methodologies in neuroscience.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Qingtao Sun has been consistently recognized for his excellence in both academic and scientific research endeavors. During his doctoral studies at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, he received the National Scholarship in 2014 for outstanding academic performance. He was honored multiple times as an Outstanding Graduate Student Cadre in 2014, 2016, and 2017 for his leadership and contributions to student initiatives. In 2020, he earned the Outstanding Dissertation Award in Biomedical Engineering for his impactful doctoral work on GABAergic neurons and brain circuitry. Most recently, he received the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Postdoc Scientific Breakthrough Award in 2025, a prestigious acknowledgment of his contributions to neuroscience at the postdoctoral level. These awards underscore Dr. Sun’s dedication to advancing scientific understanding and his innovative approach to neuroscience research. His accolades reflect both his academic rigor and his pioneering research in brain science.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Qingtao Sun’s research lies at the intersection of systems neuroscience, circuit mapping, and disease modeling. His primary focus is on understanding how specific brain circuits govern behaviors such as motivation, social interaction, and appetite regulation. He specializes in dissecting long-range neuronal inputs to GABAergic interneurons, with a particular emphasis on the medial prefrontal cortex. At Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, he explores neuromodulatory mechanisms through the pallido-amygdala cholinergic circuit and the role of area postrema neurons in cancer cachexia. His work integrates advanced imaging techniques, including light-sheet microscopy and dual-color tomography, with molecular tools like optogenetics and viral tracing. He also investigates neuronal disruptions in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Through his interdisciplinary approach combining optics, connectomics, and behavior, Dr. Sun is unraveling complex neuronal networks at synaptic and systems levels. His research advances both fundamental neuroscience and its translational potential for psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.

Publication Top Notes:

​Cell-type-specific striatal modulation of amygdalar acetylcholine in salience assignment

​Dynorphin modulates motivation through a pallido-amygdala cholinergic circuit

​Unlocking opioid neuropeptide dynamics with genetically encoded biosensors

​Area postrema neurons mediate interleukin-6 function in cancer cachexia

​Long-range Connectome of Pyramidal Neurons in the Sensorimotor Cortex

​The Mesoscopic Connectome of the Cholinergic Pontomesencephalic Tegmentum

​Acetylcholine deficiency disrupts extratelencephalic projection neurons in the prefrontal cortex in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease​

​Dissection of the long-range projections of specific neurons at the synaptic level in the whole mouse brain

Multicolor high-resolution whole-brain imaging for acquiring and comparing the brain-wide distributions of type-specific and projection-specific neurons with anatomical annotation in the same brain

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Musa TÜRKMEN | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Musa TÜRKMEN | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Musa TÜRKMEN | Biochemistry | Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Turkey

Dr. Musa Türkmen is an Associate Professor at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University’s Faculty of Agriculture, specializing in medicinal plants and essential oils. His research focuses on the chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils, particularly their antifungal and antioxidant properties. Dr. Türkmen has contributed significantly to the field through numerous publications and active participation in both national and international research projects. His expertise encompasses gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), herbs, chromatography, antioxidant activity, bioactivity, antibacterial activity, biological activities, Soxhlet extraction, and plants.

Professional Profile :         

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Musa Türkmen is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award” due to his outstanding contributions in the field of medicinal plants, essential oils, and agricultural sciences. His research is impactful, focusing on the chemical composition, bioactivity, and agricultural applications of essential oils, which have significant implications for sustainable agriculture, disease management, and human health. Dr. Musa Türkmen’s remarkable research productivity, interdisciplinary impact, and scientific leadership make him an excellent candidate for the “Best Researcher Award”. His contributions have not only advanced essential oil research but also provided practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and plant disease management. His dedication to innovative and impactful research strongly supports his nomination for this prestigious honor.

🎓Education:

Dr. Türkmen completed his Bachelor’s degree in Plant Protection at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University in 2013. He earned his Master’s degree in Arable Crops from Mustafa Kemal University in 2015, with a thesis on the antifungal efficacy of essential oil mixtures obtained by different methods. In 2019, he obtained his Ph.D. in Arable Crops from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, focusing his thesis on determining the in vitro and in vivo antifungal efficacy of essential oil microemulsions against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causal agent of white mold disease.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Türkmen began his academic career as a Research Assistant at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University’s Faculty of Agriculture in 2016. He was promoted to Assistant Professor in 2020 and Associate Professor in 2022. In addition to his academic roles, he has held administrative positions, including Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture (2021-2022), Deputy Head of the Department of Arable Crops (since 2023), and Director of the Kırıkhan Vocational School (since 2023).

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Türkmen has received several accolades for his contributions to science, including the Young Scientist Fellowship Award from the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trade (IFEAT) in 2017 and 2018. He was also honored with the TÜBİTAK Türkiye Adresli Uluslararası Bilimsel Yayınları Teşvik (UBYT) award in 2020. Additionally, he received appreciation certificates in 2022 for his outstanding work.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Türkmen’s research centers on the study of medicinal plants and essential oils, with a particular emphasis on their chemical compositions and biological activities. He employs techniques such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze essential oil constituents and investigates their potential antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. His work aims to explore the applications of these natural compounds in agriculture and medicine.

Publication Top Notes:

Title: Effects of Different Nitrogen and Phosphorus Doses on the Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.)

Title: Combining non-destructive devices and multivariate analysis as a tool to quantify the fatty acid profiles of linseed genotypes

Citations: 2

Title: Phytochemical Profiling and In Vitro Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxicity Effects of Some Glycyrrhiza Species from Turkey

Citations: 1

 

Esra Maltas Cagil | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Esra Maltas Cagil | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Selcuk University, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Esra Maltas Cagil is a distinguished academic in the field of biochemistry, currently serving as a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy at Selcuk University, Turkey. With a robust background in chemistry, she has significantly contributed to the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences through her research on protein-drug interactions, drug delivery systems, and biosensors. Her work reflects a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, aiming to improve therapeutic approaches and enhance drug efficacy.

Author Metrics

Google Scholar Profile

Prof. Cagil boasts an impressive citation index of 750, highlighting her impact in the academic community. Her research productivity includes 58 publications in prestigious journals indexed in SCI and Scopus. She has received numerous citations for her work, with an h-index of 18 and an i10-index of 29, indicating her contributions are well-recognized and frequently referenced in the field.

Education

Prof. Cagil completed her Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry at Selcuk University in 2005 and 2011, respectively. Her academic journey laid a solid foundation in the chemical sciences, equipping her with the necessary skills and knowledge to delve into biochemistry and pharmaceuticals. Her commitment to continuous learning and research has been a hallmark of her academic career.

Research Focus

Her research encompasses several key areas, including biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, biomedical applications, nanotechnology, molecular biology, and genetics. Prof. Cagil’s innovative work involves developing new drug delivery systems using nanoparticles and nanofibers, creating DNA/protein/enzyme/antibody biosensors, and exploring the synthesis of fluorescent molecules for cell labeling. This diverse research portfolio reflects her dedication to advancing science and improving healthcare outcomes.

Professional Journey

Prof. Cagil began her academic career as an assistant professor and quickly ascended to the position of associate professor in biochemistry in 2015. She played a critical role in establishing the Faculty of Pharmacy at Selcuk University, serving as the assistant dean in 2017. In 2020, she was promoted to professor, further solidifying her leadership in the field. Her professional journey is marked by her active involvement in research projects, collaborations with national and international academics, and mentorship of graduate students.

Honors & Awards

Throughout her career, Prof. Cagil has received several prestigious awards, including the Higher Education Council (YÖK) Foreign Postgraduate Research Scholarship to the University of Edinburgh, and an Erasmus/Socrates Programme Grant for her studies at the University of Hull. These accolades recognize her academic excellence and commitment to research and education.

Publications Noted & Contributions

Prof. Cagil has published extensively in international refereed journals, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge in her field. Notable publications include studies on targeted pH-responsive drug delivery systems and the characterization of innovative polymer systems for drug release. Her interdisciplinary collaborations have led to advancements in drug delivery technologies and biosensor development, enhancing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.

1. Preparation of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Polymer Systems with One-Step Sol–Gel Synthesis for pH-Controlled Drug Delivery

  • Authors: F. Ozcan, E. M. Cagil
  • Journal: Macromolecular Research
  • Volume/Issue: 32(4), 337-348
  • Year: 2024
  • Summary: This study presents a novel approach to synthesizing hexagonal boron nitride polymer systems using a one-step sol-gel method. The resulting materials demonstrate effective pH-controlled drug delivery capabilities, showcasing potential applications in targeted therapeutic interventions.

2. Production and Characterization of a New Targeted pH-Responsive Sporopollenin System for Controlled Drug Release

  • Authors: K. Yilmaz, I. H. Gubbuk, E. M. Cagil
  • Journal: Macromolecular Research
  • Volume/Issue: 32(1), 45-57
  • Year: 2024
  • Summary: This research focuses on the production and characterization of a novel sporopollenin-based system designed for controlled drug release. The targeted pH-responsive nature of this system enhances its utility in delivering drugs in a controlled manner, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes.

3. Preparation of Immobilized Metal Affinity Nanofiber for Globulin Depletion

  • Authors: O. Hameed, F. Ozcan, S. Ertul, E. M. Cagil
  • Journal: BioNanoScience
  • Volume: 10, 1084-1093
  • Year: 2020
  • Summary: This publication details the development of immobilized metal affinity nanofibers aimed at the depletion of globulin proteins. The innovative nanofiber technology provides a promising avenue for applications in biopharmaceutical processing and purification techniques.

4. Silver Loaded Functionalized Calixarene Nanofibers and Evaluation in Burn Wound Healing

  • Authors: E. M. Cagil, F. Ozcan, C. Ceylan, S. T. Rama, K. Yilmaz, Z. E. Celik, A. Sivrikaya, …
  • Journal: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
  • Article No.: 106268
  • Year: 2024
  • Summary: This study investigates silver-loaded functionalized calixarene nanofibers and their efficacy in promoting healing in burn wounds. The incorporation of silver enhances the antimicrobial properties of the nanofibers, providing a therapeutic approach for wound management.

5. Preparation of Boron Carbide Biopolymer Systems with One-Step Sol–Gel Synthesis for pH-Controlled Drug Delivery

  • Authors: F. Ozcan, K. Yilmaz, S. Ertul, E. M. Cagil
  • Journal: Journal of Polymers and the Environment
  • Year: 2023
  • Summary: This publication discusses the synthesis of boron carbide biopolymer systems via a one-step sol-gel method, emphasizing their potential as pH-controlled drug delivery platforms. The findings indicate significant implications for improving drug delivery systems in pharmaceutical applications.

Research Timeline

Over her career, Prof. Cagil has been involved in numerous research projects. She has completed or is currently managing 21 research initiatives, focusing on areas such as drug delivery systems, the synthesis of nanomaterials, and the biotechnological applications of chemical compounds. Her leadership in various projects underscores her role as a driving force in advancing research in pharmaceuticals and biochemistry.

Conclusion

In summary, Prof. Dr. Esra Maltas Cagil’s contributions to biochemistry and pharmaceuticals are profound and wide-ranging. Her dedication to research, teaching, and collaboration has positioned her as a leader in her field, with a strong focus on innovative drug delivery systems and biosensors. Through her ongoing research and mentorship, she continues to influence the next generation of scientists, contributing to the advancement of healthcare solutions.