Dr. Meinan Wang | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Meinan Wang, Washington State University, Dep. of Plant Pathology, United States

Dr. Meinan Wang is a plant pathologist with extensive expertise in the biology, genetics, and management of stripe rust in wheat. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Northwest A & F University in China, following a Master’s and Bachelor’s in related agricultural sciences from the same institution. Currently serving as a Research Associate and Laboratory Manager at Washington State University since 2010, Dr. Wang has played a critical role in advancing research on the virulence, population genetics, and genomic structure of the stripe rust pathogen. His work focuses on identifying novel resistance genes, developing disease-resistant wheat germplasms, and conducting genetic mapping of resistance traits. A former associate professor and experienced international collaborator, Dr. Wang is also an active member of the American Phytopathological Society and frequently serves as a reviewer for leading journals in plant science and genetics.

Professional Profile:

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Dr. Meinan Wang is a distinguished plant pathologist with over three decades of experience in academic research, specializing in the genetic and molecular study of stripe rust—a devastating disease in wheat. With a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology and a strong track record of contributions at both Northwest A & F University and Washington State University (WSU), Dr. Wang exemplifies the qualities of a high-impact researcher in agricultural biotechnology and crop protection.

🎓 Education

📍 Ph.D. in Plant Pathology – Northwest A & F University, China (2002)
📍 M.S. in Plant Pathology – Northwest Agricultural University, China (1999)
📍 B.S. in Plant Protection – Northwest Agricultural University, China (1992)

💼 Work Experience

🧪 Research Associate & Laboratory Manager
Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA (2010–Present)
🌾 Visiting Scholar
Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA (2005–2010)
🎓 Associate Professor
Northwest A & F University, China (2003–2005)
🧬 Lecturer
Northwest A & F University, China (1998–2002)
🔬 Research Assistant
Northwest Agricultural University, China (1992–1997)

🏆 Achievements

🧬 Advanced research on stripe rust pathogen biology, genetics, and virulence
🌱 Identified novel resistance genes and developed disease-resistant wheat germplasms
🧫 Conducted genetic and molecular mapping of resistance genes/QTLs in wheat
📚 Reviewer for major journals like Plant Disease, Phytopathology, Molecular Ecology Resources, etc.

🎖️ Awards & Honors

🌎 Member of the American Phytopathological Society
🏅 Recognized expert in plant pathology and crop disease resistance research

Publication Top Notes:

Next generation sequencing provides rapid access to the genome of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, the causal agent of wheat stripe rust

CITED:227

Role of alternate hosts in epidemiology and pathogen variation of cereal rusts

CITED:175

Molecular mapping of Yr53, a new gene for stripe rust resistance in durum wheat accession PI 480148 and its transfer to common wheat

CITED:158

Comparative analysis highlights variable genome content of wheat rusts and divergence of the mating loci

CITED:156

Characterization and molecular mapping of Yr52 for high-temperature adult-plant resistance to stripe rust in spring wheat germplasm PI 183527

CITED:154

An ancestral NB-LRR with duplicated 3′ UTRs confers stripe rust resistance in wheat and barley

CITED:139

Assoc Prof Dr. Wujing Cao, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Wujing Cao is an Associate Professor at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and serves as a Master’s thesis supervisor at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Recognized as a young talent by the China Association for Science and Technology, recommended by the Chinese Society of Rehabilitation Medicine, his research focuses on lower limb exoskeletons and intelligent prosthetics. He has led or contributed to 10 national, provincial, and municipal research projects, publishing 20 SCI-indexed journal articles, including 2 ESI Highly Cited Papers as first or corresponding author. With 25 patents to his name, Wujing has earned several prestigious awards, including the Second Prize of the Science and Technology Award from the Chinese Society of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Chapecoense Outstanding Young Scholar Award. His contributions have also been instrumental in winning the First Prize for Technological Invention in Guangdong Province and Shenzhen City, as well as the Second Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress in Chongqing Municipality. He currently holds several prominent roles, including Standing Committee Member and Secretary-General of the Youth Working Committee of the Chinese Society of Rehabilitation Medicine, youth editorial board member of the “Robot” magazine, and special issue editor for three SCI-indexed journals.

Suitability for the Best Researcher Award: Wujing Cao

In evaluating Wujing Cao’s suitability for the Best Researcher Award, his academic and research accomplishments make a strong case. As an Associate Professor at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, CAS, and a Master’s supervisor at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, his research focuses on lower limb exoskeletons and intelligent prosthetics—both critical areas in rehabilitation technology and biomechatronics. Supported by the China Association for Science and Technology, he has demonstrated leadership in these fields.

Professional Experience:

Associate Professor, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)

Master’s Thesis Supervisor, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Young Talent, Supported by the China Association for Science and Technology (recommended by the Chinese Society of Rehabilitation Medicine)

Publication top Notes: