Dr. Qingtao Sun | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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

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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 cachexiaDr. 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

 

Prof. Dr. Mona Alwahibi | Biochemistry | Chemical Environmental Award

Prof. Dr. Mona Alwahibi | Biochemistry | Chemical Environmental Award

Prof. Dr. Mona Alwahibi , Saudi Arabia/king Saud university/ Botany and Microbiology , Saudi Arabia

Prof. Mona Soliman Al-Wahaibi is a distinguished Professor of Plant Molecular Taxonomy at the Botany and Microbiology Department, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. She earned her Ph.D. in 2013 and has contributed significantly to plant genetics and taxonomy. Fluent in Arabic and English, Prof. Mona Soliman Al-Wahaibii has held various academic and administrative roles, including Head of the Botany and Microbiology Department. Her leadership extends to coordinating academic enrichment programs, guiding graduate students, and serving as a consultant for national initiatives. An active member of professional societies like the Botanical Society of America, she is dedicated to promoting research and education in her field. Her research bridges classical and modern taxonomy, biotechnology, and sustainable development, with a focus on plant biodiversity and nanoparticle biosynthesis. As an author of impactful publications, she contributes to global understanding in her discipline while mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Professional Profile:

Orcid  

Summary of Suitability for Award:

🌍 Prof. Mona Soliman Al-Wahaibi is an exemplary candidate for the “Chemical Environmental Award” due to her innovative and impactful contributions to environmental sustainability through chemical research. Her focus on biochar development, heavy metal remediation, and biotechnology addresses critical challenges in soil, water, and air quality management. She has explored the application of biochar for improving contaminated soils and promoting plant growth, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Her research on PM10 particulate sources and their environmental impact demonstrates her dedication to addressing air pollution concerns.

🎓Education:

Prof. Mona Soliman Al-Wahaibi earned her Ph.D. from King Saud University, specializing in Molecular Plant Taxonomy. Her thesis focused on the genetic diversity of Heliotropium digynum populations using advanced molecular and non-molecular techniques. She previously completed her M.Sc. at King Saud University, where she explored the systematic studies of the genus Heliotropium in Saudi Arabia. She holds a B.Sc. in Botany and Microbiology from the same institution, providing her with a solid foundation in plant sciences. Her academic training has equipped her with deep knowledge of molecular taxonomy, plant genetics, and systematics. With a keen interest in environmental sustainability and biotechnological applications, her education has paved the way for impactful research contributions.

🏢Work Experience:

Prof. Mona Soliman Al-Wahaibi is a Professor at King Saud University, where she teaches and conducts research in molecular taxonomy. She has held leadership roles, including Head of the Botany and Microbiology Department, where she managed academic programs and promoted interdisciplinary collaborations. As an educator, she has mentored numerous graduate students, guiding them in molecular biology and taxonomy research. Prof. Mona Soliman Al-Wahaibi’s experience extends to coordinating national programs such as Mawhiba Academic Enrichment and serving as an environmental consultant for Aramco. Her administrative roles include Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Chair of several academic committees, showcasing her dedication to institutional development. Her career reflects a blend of academic, administrative, and research excellence, establishing her as a leading figure in plant molecular taxonomy and academic leadership.

🏅Awards: 

Prof. Mona Soliman Al-Wahaibi has been recognized for her contributions to science and education through several awards and honors. She has been the Head of the Mawhiba Academic Enrichment Program, fostering young talents in plant sciences. She received acknowledgment as Chair of the National Center for Measurement and Evaluation Committee, ensuring academic quality and innovation. Her role as an environmental consultant for Aramco’s Environmental Education Program highlights her dedication to sustainability. She has also served as a National Olympiad Arbitrator, mentoring students in creativity and talent competitions. Prof. Mona Soliman  Al-Wahaibi’s accolades reflect her commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and leadership, making her a celebrated academic and role model.

🔬Research Focus:

Prof. Mona Soliman Al-Wahaibi’s research focuses on molecular plant taxonomy, utilizing advanced molecular techniques alongside traditional methods to study plant biodiversity. She is particularly interested in the genetic diversity and classification of desert plants, with a specialization in Saudi Arabia’s flora . Her work also integrates nanobiotechnology, where she explores the biosynthesis of nanoparticles from medicinal plants for antimicrobial and anticancer applications. Additionally, she addresses global challenges through research in sustainable development, promoting environmentally friendly solutions. Prof. Mona Soliman Al-Wahaibi’s interdisciplinary research bridges taxonomy, molecular biology, and biotechnology, contributing to innovative approaches in understanding and conserving plant biodiversity.

Publication Top Notes:

  • First Report on Taxonomic Significance of Foliar Microanatomy of Lamiaceae Taxa from Pakistan; A Correct Tool for Taxa Authentication
  • Effects of Boron and Zinc Micro-Fertilizer on Growth and Quality of Jujube Trees (Ziziphus jujuba) in the Desert Area
  • Sorption-Desorption of Phosphorus on Manure- and Plant-Derived Biochars at Different Pyrolysis Temperatures
  • Regulation of Proline Metabolism, AsA-GSH Cycle, Cadmium Uptake and Subcellular Distribution in Brassica napus L. under the Effect of Nano-Silicon
  • The Imperative Use of Bacillus Consortium and Quercetin Contributes to Suppress Fusarium Wilt Disease by Direct Antagonism and Induced Resistance