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”

Dr. Xufen Yu | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 24/02/202524/02/2025 by sciencefather

Dr. Xufen Yu | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xufen Yu | Medicinal Chemistry | Associate Professor at Fudan University, China

Dr. Xufen Yu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at Fudan University’s School of Pharmacy. She specializes in drug discovery, chemical biology, and targeted protein degradation, particularly in cancer therapeutics. Before joining Fudan University, she was an Instructor and Postdoctoral Fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she contributed significantly to pharmacological sciences. Dr. Yu has also held postdoctoral positions at Purdue University and the University of Hawaii at Hilo. She holds a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry. Her research has led to numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Oncogene, and Nature Cancer. With extensive expertise in PROTAC-based therapeutics and epigenetic regulation, Dr. Yu continues to make significant contributions to the field of medicinal chemistry and targeted cancer therapy.

Professional Profile :

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Xufen Yu is an exceptionally accomplished researcher in medicinal chemistry, with significant contributions to drug discovery, targeted protein degradation, and epigenetics. Her extensive academic background, including a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and postdoctoral research at prestigious institutions such as Purdue University and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, demonstrates her expertise in chemical biology and small-molecule therapeutics. She has consistently advanced the field through high-impact publications, innovative research, and groundbreaking discoveries in PROTACs and DUBTACs, which have transformed targeted cancer therapy. Given her outstanding achievements, innovative research, and contributions to medicinal chemistry, Dr. Xufen Yu is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award”. Her pioneering work in targeted protein degradation, combined with her international recognition and research excellence, makes her a strong candidate. Her research has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also holds significant promise for therapeutic applications, reinforcing her eligibility for this distinguished honor.

🎓Education:

Dr. Xufen Yu earned her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, in 2011. Her doctoral research focused on synthetic organic chemistry and drug discovery. Prior to that, she completed her undergraduate studies at Anhui University, Hefei, China, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 2006. With a strong academic foundation, Dr. Yu developed expertise in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and targeted protein degradation. Her educational journey equipped her with extensive knowledge of molecular design, synthetic methodologies, and structure-activity relationship studies, laying the groundwork for her future contributions to pharmacological sciences. Her rigorous training in organic synthesis and chemical biology has driven her impactful research in developing novel therapeutics, particularly in targeted protein degradation and epigenetic regulation.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Xufen Yu has had a distinguished career in academia and research, with extensive postdoctoral and faculty experience. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Before joining Fudan, she was an Instructor in the Department of Pharmacological Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York (2021–2022), following a postdoctoral fellowship at the same institution from 2017 to 2020. She also worked as a postdoctoral fellow in Chemistry at Purdue University (2013–2014) and in Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Hawaii at Hilo (2011–2013). Through these roles, she has contributed significantly to medicinal chemistry, focusing on drug discovery, targeted protein degradation, and cancer therapeutics. Her work across multiple prestigious institutions reflects her expertise in interdisciplinary research, integrating chemistry and pharmacology to develop novel small-molecule therapeutics.

🏅Awards:

Dr. Xufen Yu has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. She has received multiple awards and research grants for her pioneering work in targeted protein degradation and epigenetics. Her innovative research has been acknowledged with prestigious fellowships and funding from institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Additionally, she has been honored for her significant publications in high-impact journals, receiving accolades for breakthrough studies on PROTACs and epigenetic regulators in cancer therapy. Her commitment to scientific excellence has led to invitations as a speaker at international conferences, where she has shared her expertise in medicinal chemistry. Dr. Yu’s contributions have been instrumental in advancing chemical biology and therapeutic discovery, making her a well-respected figure in her field.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Xufen Yu’s research focuses on the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting disease-related proteins, particularly in cancer and metabolic disorders. Her expertise lies in targeted protein degradation, including the design and synthesis of PROTACs (Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras) and DUBTACs (Deubiquitinase Targeting Chimeras). She has explored epigenetic regulation in cancer therapy, investigating how small molecules can modulate oncogenic transcription factors and chromatin regulators. Her work also includes studying the role of ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy systems in disease mechanisms, aiming to develop highly selective small-molecule therapeutics. Through interdisciplinary approaches combining medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and pharmacology, she has contributed to advancing targeted cancer treatments. Dr. Yu’s research has led to the discovery of several potent and selective degraders for oncogenic proteins such as EZH2, WDR5, and USP7, paving the way for new treatment modalities in oncology.

Publication Top Notes:

Macrocyclic drugs and synthetic methodologies toward macrocycles
Authors: X Yu, D Sun
Citations: 276
Year: 2013

Glutamine anabolism plays a critical role in pancreatic cancer by coupling carbon and nitrogen metabolism
Authors: AJ Bott, J Shen, C Tonelli, L Zhan, N Sivaram, YP Jiang, X Yu, V Bhatt, …
Citations: 155
Year: 2019

Discovery of potent and selective epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) bifunctional small-molecule degraders
Authors: M Cheng, X Yu, K Lu, L Xie, L Wang, F Meng, X Han, X Chen, J Liu, …
Citations: 151
Year: 2020

EZH2 noncanonically binds cMyc and p300 through a cryptic transactivation domain to mediate gene activation and promote oncogenesis
Authors: J Wang, X Yu, W Gong, X Liu, KS Park, A Ma, YH Tsai, Y Shen, T Onikubo, …
Citations: 134
Year: 2022

A selective WDR5 degrader inhibits acute myeloid leukemia in patient-derived mouse models
Authors: X Yu, D Li, J Kottur, Y Shen, HS Kim, KS Park, YH Tsai, W Gong, J Wang, …
Citations: 103
Year: 2021

Discovery of first-in-class protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) degraders
Authors: Y Shen, G Gao, X Yu, H Kim, L Wang, L Xie, M Schwarz, X Chen, …
Citations: 84
Year: 2020

Dose-dependent activation of gene expression is achieved using CRISPR and small molecules that recruit endogenous chromatin machinery
Authors: AM Chiarella, KV Butler, BE Gryder, D Lu, TA Wang, X Yu, S Pomella, …
Citations: 77
Year: 2020

Cationic Palladium Complex Catalyzed Diastereo-and Enantioselective Tandem Annulation of 2-Formylarylboronic Acids with Allenoates
Authors: X Yu, X Lu
Citations: 57
Year: 2009

AKT degradation selectively inhibits the growth of PI3K/PTEN pathway–mutant cancers with wild-type KRAS and BRAF by destabilizing aurora kinase B
Authors: J Xu, X Yu, TC Martin, A Bansal, K Cheung, A Lubin, E Stratikopoulos, …
Citations: 51
Year: 2021

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of potent, selective, and bioavailable AKT kinase degraders
Authors: X Yu, J Xu, L Xie, L Wang, Y Shen, KM Cahuzac, X Chen, J Liu …
Citations: 42
Year: 2021

Prof. Massimo Padalino | Medicinal Chemistry | Excellence in Innovation Award

Posted on 21/02/2025 by sciencefather

Prof. Massimo Padalino | Medicinal Chemistry | Excellence in Innovation Award

Prof. Massimo Padalino | Medicinal Chemistry | Professore associato at University of Bari, Italy

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino obtained his M.D. from the University of Padova, Italy, in 1995. He completed his residency in Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Padova Medical School (1995-1999), where he served as Chief Resident (1999-2000). He pursued advanced surgical training through prestigious fellowships, including a Surgical Clinical Fellowship in Cardiovascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic, USA (2001-2002), and specialized training in Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School (2002), and Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan (2003-2004). He earned a Ph.D. in Cardiovascular Sciences from the University of Padova (2005-2008) and further specialized with a Master’s degree in Cardiovascular Pathology (2011) and Pediatric Cardiology (2014). Additionally, he completed a research fellowship at the Cardiac Registry, Harvard Medical School, and a visiting fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital (2015), solidifying his expertise in congenital and pediatric cardiac surgery.

Professional Profile :

Orcid

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino is an outstanding candidate for the “Excellence in Innovation Award” due to his pioneering contributions to pediatric and congenital cardiovascular surgery. His research has led to innovative surgical techniques for congenital heart disease, particularly in neonatal and single-ventricle repairs. His work on novel bioprosthetic materials, cardiac regeneration, and mechanical circulatory support (ECMO, VAD) has significantly improved patient outcomes. He has also played a key role in international registries (EUROFONTAN, EUROAAOCA) and multicenter studies, advancing global knowledge in congenital heart surgery. His collaboration with premier institutions like Harvard Medical School and Mayo Clinic further highlights his commitment to innovation. Dr. Padalino’s groundbreaking work in pediatric cardiac surgery, including innovative surgical strategies, regenerative medicine, and advanced circulatory support techniques, makes him highly suitable for the “Excellence in Innovation Award.” His contributions have transformed congenital heart disease treatment, making a lasting impact on the field.

🎓Education:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino obtained his M.D. from the University of Padova in Italy. He completed his residency in Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Padova Medical School (1995-1999), where he served as Chief Resident (1999-2000). He pursued advanced surgical training through prestigious fellowships, including a Surgical Clinical Fellowship in Cardiovascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic, USA (2001-2002), and specialized training in Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School (2002), and Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan (2003-2004). He earned a Ph.D. in Cardiovascular Sciences from the University of Padova (2005-2008) and further specialized with a Master’s degree in Cardiovascular Pathology (2011) and Pediatric Cardiology (2014). Additionally, he completed a research fellowship at the Cardiac Registry, Harvard Medical School, and a visiting fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital (2015), solidifying his expertise in congenital and pediatric cardiac surgery.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino has over two decades of experience in pediatric and congenital cardiovascular surgery. Since December 2023, he has served as Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgeon in Chief at UOC Cardiochirurgia, University of Bari, Italy. Previously, he was a senior Pediatric and Congenital Cardiovascular Surgeon at the University of Padova Medical School (2004-2023), where he independently performed approximately 150 complex congenital heart surgeries annually, spanning neonates to adults. His expertise includes neonatal heart surgery, single-ventricle palliation, heart transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support (ECMO and VAD). His clinical training includes tenures at leading institutions such as Mayo Clinic, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the University of Michigan. He has also been actively involved in postoperative intensive care, clinical research, and multicenter studies, significantly contributing to advancements in pediatric cardiac surgery. His leadership extends to mentoring and training the next generation of cardiac surgeons.

🏅Awards:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino has received numerous accolades for his contributions to pediatric and congenital cardiovascular surgery. He is a Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC) and has been recognized for his expertise in congenital heart disease management. His work in innovative surgical strategies and regenerative medicine has earned him invitations to speak at leading international cardiology and cardiac surgery conferences. He has also received research grants for pioneering studies in cardiac regeneration, bioprosthetic materials, and surgical outcomes in congenital heart disease. His collaborations with renowned institutions, including Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic, have strengthened his reputation as a leading figure in pediatric cardiac surgery. His research and clinical excellence are reflected in his numerous high-impact publications, which have significantly influenced advancements in congenital heart surgery and pediatric cardiology worldwide.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Massimo Antonio Padalino’s research focuses on congenital heart disease surgery, particularly early repair techniques and novel surgical strategies for single-ventricle physiology. He actively contributes to international registries, including the EUROFONTAN and EUROAAOCA, studying surgical outcomes in congenital heart defects. His work explores innovative approaches to preserving pulmonary valve function in Tetralogy of Fallot repair and alternative strategies for managing end-stage heart failure in children, including ECMO, VAD, and pulmonary artery banding. Additionally, he investigates heart transplantation in congenital heart disease, cardiac regeneration in infants with dilated cardiomyopathy, and bioprosthetic materials for cardiac tissue reconstruction. His research also addresses the neurological and pulmonary effects of cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric patients, aiming to improve outcomes and long-term survival. Through clinical trials and multicenter studies, Dr. Padalino is dedicated to advancing pediatric cardiac surgery, refining surgical techniques, and enhancing postoperative care for children with complex congenital heart conditions.