Peng Wang | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Peng Wang | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Group Leader at The University of Hong Kong, School of Biological Sciences, Hong Kong.

🌍Dr. Peng Wang, an Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong, has demonstrated exceptional contributions to plant molecular biology and chloroplast biogenesis. With a Ph.D. from Sun Yat-sen University and extensive postdoctoral research at Humboldt University of Berlin, his work focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms of chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis in plants. Dr. Wang has led innovative research in chloroplast-mediated regulatory networks, resulting in high-impact publications and multiple prestigious awards.

Profile👤

Education 🎓

🎓Dr. Wang completed his B.A. in Agriculture from Yantai University (2008) and his Ph.D. in Genetics from Sun Yat-sen University (2013). During his doctoral research, he focused on plant molecular genetics, specifically on chloroplast biogenesis. His education laid the foundation for his work in plant physiology and chlorophyll metabolism. 🧬🎓

Experience💼

🩺Dr. Wang’s academic journey includes a postdoctoral associate position at Humboldt University of Berlin (2014-2019), where he worked in the Institute for Biology. As a Principal Investigator (2019-2022) at the same institution, he led groundbreaking research in plant molecular biology. He is now an Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong, where he continues to advance the field of plant physiology through his leadership in the Plant Cell and Physiology Laboratory. 👨‍🔬🌍

Research Interests 🔬

🔬Dr. Wang’s research focuses on chloroplast biogenesis, photosynthesis, and post-translational regulation of chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis in plants. He investigates the role of molecular chaperones in maintaining chlorophyll homeostasis and explores mechanisms behind plant responses to environmental stresses, such as heat. His work aims to enhance our understanding of plant metabolic networks and has broad applications in agriculture and environmental sustainability. 🌿🧪

Awards and Honors 🏆

🏆Dr. Wang has received numerous prestigious awards, including the 2024 Outstanding Junior Presentation Award at the International Symposium on Photosynthesis, the 2023 NSFC Excellent Young Scientists Fund, and the 2022 RGC Early Career Scheme Award. He has also been recognized with the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship in 2015 and the Excellent Postgraduate Student Scholarship from Sun Yat-sen University. 🏆🎉

Conclusion 🔚 

Dr. Peng Wang’s exceptional research in plant molecular biology, leadership in academic roles, and contributions to understanding chloroplast biogenesis make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also offers potential practical applications in agriculture and environmental sustainability. With continued support and expanded outreach, Dr. Wang’s future contributions will undoubtedly continue to make a significant global impact.

Publications Top Notes 📚

A highly efficient rice green tissue protoplast system for transient gene expression and studying light/chloroplast-related processes
Authors: Y Zhang, J Su, S Duan, Y Ao, J Dai, J Liu, P Wang, Y Li, B Liu, D Feng, …
Citations: 844
Year: 2011

The bHLH transcription factor bHLH104 interacts with IAA-LEUCINE RESISTANT3 and modulates iron homeostasis in Arabidopsis
Authors: J Zhang, B Liu, M Li, D Feng, H Jin, P Wang, J Liu, F Xiong, J Wang, …
Citations: 258
Year: 2015

Connecting Chlorophyll Metabolism with Accumulation of the Photosynthetic Apparatus
Authors: P Wang, B Grimm
Citations: 170
Year: 2021

Evidence for a role of chloroplastic m-type thioredoxins in the biogenesis of photosystem II in Arabidopsis
Authors: P Wang, J Liu, B Liu, D Feng, Q Da, P Wang, S Shu, J Su, Y Zhang, …
Citations: 113
Year: 2013

Organization of chlorophyll biosynthesis and insertion of chlorophyll into the chlorophyll-binding proteins in chloroplasts
Authors: P Wang, B Grimm
Citations: 110
Year: 2015

HYPERSENSITIVE TO HIGH LIGHT1 interacts with LOW QUANTUM YIELD OF PHOTOSYSTEM II1 and functions in protection of photosystem II from photodamage in Arabidopsis
Authors: H Jin, B Liu, L Luo, D Feng, P Wang, J Liu, Q Da, Y He, K Qi, J Wang, …
Citations: 85
Year: 2014

Thioredoxin and NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase C regulation of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis
Authors: Q Da, P Wang, M Wang, T Sun, H Jin, B Liu, J Wang, B Grimm, HB Wang
Citations: 77
Year: 2017

Post-translational coordination of chlorophyll biosynthesis and breakdown by BCMs maintains chlorophyll homeostasis during leaf development
Authors: P Wang, AS Richter, JRW Kleeberg, S Geimer, B Grimm
Citations: 67
Year: 2020

LIL3, a Light-Harvesting Complex Protein, Links Terpenoid and Tetrapyrrole Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: D Hey, M Rothbart, J Herbst, P Wang, J Müller, D Wittmann, K Gruhl, …
Citations: 63
Year: 2017

Chloroplast SRP43 acts as a chaperone for glutamyl-tRNA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in tetrapyrrole biosynthesis
Authors: P Wang, FC Liang, D Wittmann, A Siegel, S Shan, B Grimm
Citations: 62
Year: 2018

 

 

Aakansha Kanojia | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Aakansha Kanojia | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral scientist at Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, Bulgaria.

🌍Dr. Aakansha Kanojia is a highly accomplished postdoctoral scientist with extensive expertise in plant molecular biology, stress physiology, phenotyping, and omics-based data analysis. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from Massey University and has made significant contributions to understanding plant responses to abiotic stress and ageing. Her work spans academia, industry, and collaborative EU-funded projects, focusing on advancing crop resilience to environmental challenges. Dr. Kanojia has an impressive track record of publications in prestigious journals, leadership roles in research projects, and international recognition for her science-art exhibitions and conference presentations.

Profile👤

Education 🎓

🎓Dr. Kanojia earned her Ph.D. in Plant Biology from Massey University, New Zealand (2013-2018), where her research unveiled the molecular and metabolic causes of stress tolerance loss in aging monocarpic plants. She holds an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Bangalore University, India (2009-2011), and a B.Sc. in Chemistry (honors) with Biotechnology (subsidiary) from the Institute for Excellence in Higher Education, India (2006-2009). Her doctoral research integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics to explore plant stress responses, establishing her as a leader in plant physiology and molecular biology.

Experience💼

🩺Dr. Kanojia is a research scientist at CPSBB, Bulgaria (2019–present), leading projects on enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in crops using multi-omics analysis and seaweed biostimulants. She collaborated with BioAtlantis Ltd., Ireland (2019–2024), to study biostimulant-mediated crop resilience. Her academic tenure includes a visiting scientist role at the University of Potsdam, Germany (2015–2016), focusing on stress response in Arabidopsis mutants. She also demonstrated labs on plant biology and biochemistry at Massey University. Her efforts extend to sustainable agriculture through Aloe vera tissue culture techniques during her time at Grow Tips Biotech, India.

Research Interests 🔬

🔬Dr. Kanojia specializes in abiotic stress physiology, plant phenotyping, and metabolomics. Her work emphasizes enhancing stress tolerance in crops using seaweed-based biostimulants and comprehensive multi-omics analysis. She has led several EU-funded projects, such as RESIST and BOOSTER, focusing on drought tolerance and stress mitigation in crops like maize, tomato, and lettuce. Her contributions extend to plant aging and the role of reactive oxygen species, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms governing plant resilience under stress conditions.

Awards and Honors 🏆

🏆Dr. Kanojia has received multiple accolades, including the Massey University Doctoral Completion Grant and travel funding for presenting at international conferences. Her poster presentations have been featured at prestigious events like ComBio 2017 and the International Symposium on Plant Senescence (2019). She has also been recognized for her innovative science-art exhibitions organized by CPSBB during the European Researcher’s Night in 2020 and 2023. Her multidisciplinary achievements showcase her commitment to advancing plant science and engaging the public through creative dissemination.

Skills 🛠️

Dr. Kanojia is adept at phenotyping, genotyping, qRT-PCR, and library preparation for DNA and RNA sequencing. She is proficient in bioinformatics tools like Galaxy, MetaboAnalyst, and Genevestigator, alongside programming basics in RStudio. Her hands-on expertise spans plant tissue culture, greenhouse experiments, and transformation techniques in crops like maize and tomato. A strong communicator and leader, she excels in project planning and mentoring, while her analytical skills and multitasking ability make her an exceptional researcher.

Conclusion 🔚 

Dr. Aakansha Kanojia’s expertise, leadership in high-impact research, and commitment to science communication make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her innovative approach to plant science, combined with her contributions to both academia and industry, aligns well with the award’s objectives. Addressing the suggested areas for improvement could further elevate her influence and ensure long-term success in her field.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Molecular insights into plant–microbe interactions for sustainable remediation of contaminated environment

Authors: NR Rane, S Tapase, A Kanojia, A Watharkar, ES Salama, M Jang

Citations: 73

Year: 2022

Abiotic stress responses are governed by reactive oxygen species and age

Authors: A Kanojia, PP Dijkwel

Citations: 61

Year: 2018

An Ascophyllum nodosum-Derived Biostimulant Protects Model and Crop Plants from Oxidative Stress

Authors: NS Staykov, M Angelov, V Petrov, P Minkov, A Kanojia, KJ Guinan

Citations: 27

Year: 2020

Developmentally controlled changes during Arabidopsis leaf development indicate causes for loss of stress tolerance with age

Authors: A Kanojia, S Gupta, M Benina, AR Fernie, B Mueller-Roeber, T Gechev

Citations: 22

Year: 2020

Primary metabolic processes as drivers of leaf ageing

Authors: A Kanojia, DK Shrestha, PP Dijkwel

Citations: 15

Year: 2021

Constructed wetland system and its engineered designs for the treatment of textile industry effluent

Authors: BHJ Niraj R. Rane, Aakansha Kanojia, Swapnil M. Patil, Rahul Khandare, Kisan

Citations: 4

Year: 2023

Identification of Postharvest Senescence Regulators Through Map-Based Cloning Using Detached Arabidopsis Inflorescences as a Model Tissue

Authors: DA Hunter, R Jibran, P Dijkwel, D Chagné, K Sullivan, A Kanojia

Citations: 3

Year: 2018

Ethylene as a plant aging modulator

Authors: A Kanojia, X Xu, DP Paul

Citations: 2

Year: 2023

Physiological and molecular insights into the effect of a seaweed biostimulant on enhancing fruit yield and drought tolerance in tomato

Authors: K Aakansha, L Rafe, S Neerakkal, A Saleh, FJ Martínez-Rivas, AR Fernie

Year: 2024

Stress adaptation and ageing is controlled by senescence-inducing age-related changes in Arabidopsis thaliana: a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Ph.D.

Authors: A Kanojia

Year: 2018