Dr. Zhi Cao | Optical Sensing Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhi Cao | Optical Sensing Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhi Cao, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, China

Dr. Zhi Cao is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, affiliated with the Second Hospital of Jinan University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from Wuhan University, where he worked under the guidance of Prof. Zilin Chen. Dr. Cao has extensive research experience in the fields of theranostic probe development, targeted protein degradation, and multi-omics in drug discovery. He is particularly focused on the development of NIR-I/II probes for cancer and neuroinflammation diagnosis, as well as designing PROTACs for targeted protein degradation. His work also involves single-cell transcriptomics in pancreatic regeneration, CRISPR-Cas9/CAR-T engineering for immunotherapies, and the pharmacodynamic evaluation of antitumor/anti-inflammatory agents. Throughout his career, Dr. Cao has contributed to several competitive research grants, including projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Guangdong Provincial Key R&D Program. He has held various academic positions, including a visiting scholar role at Tokyo Metropolitan University and research assistantships at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute. Dr. Cao’s interdisciplinary expertise and contributions continue to push the boundaries of pharmacological research, with a focus on innovative approaches to cancer and immune-related diseases.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Zhi Cao, Ph.D.

Dr. Zhi Cao is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, as evidenced by his academic excellence, research expertise, and notable contributions to the fields of theranostic probe development, targeted protein degradation, and drug discovery. With a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from Wuhan University and a wealth of postdoctoral experience at prestigious institutions such as Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Tokyo Metropolitan University, and Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Cao has demonstrated a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and practical applications in the healthcare field.

Education šŸŽ“

  • Ph.D. in Pharmacy
    Wuhan University (2018.09 – 2021.06)
    Advisor: Prof. Zilin Chen
  • M.Sc. in Microbial & Biochemical Pharmacy
    South China Normal University (2014.09 – 2017.06)
    Advisor: Prof. Xiaodong Ma
  • B.Sc. in Traditional Chinese Pharmacy
    Hunan University of Chinese Medicine (2010.09 – 2014.06)
    Advisor: Prof. Xiangqian Liu

Work Experience šŸ’¼

  • Postdoctoral Fellow
    Shenzhen People’s Hospital (Affiliated Second Hospital of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology) (Nov. 2021 – Present)
    Supervisors: Prof. Lisheng Wang, Prof. Shaohui Tang, Prof. Xiaodong Ma
  • Visiting Scholar
    Tokyo Metropolitan University (JST Sakura Science Exchange Program) (Dec. 2019)
    Advisor: Prof. Uchiyama
  • Research Assistant
    Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (July 2017 – Aug. 2018)
  • Joint Training Scholar
    Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic (Jan. 2016 – Mar. 2017)
    Advisor: Prof. Yong Li

Research Expertise šŸ”¬

  1. Theranostic Probe Development:
    Design and application of NIR-I/II probes for cancer and neuroinflammation diagnosis and mechanistic studies.
  2. Targeted Protein Degradation:
    Design, synthesis, and target identification for PROTACs (Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras).
  3. Multi-Omics & Drug Discovery:
    • Single-cell transcriptomics in pancreatic regeneration (acute necrotizing pancreatitis)
    • CRISPR-Cas9/CAR-T engineering for immunotherapies
    • Capillary electrophoresis/chromatography-based drug target screening
    • Pharmacodynamic evaluation of antitumor/anti-inflammatory agents

Achievements šŸ†

  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Grants:
    1. CAIX-Targeted Hypoxia Imaging in Tumors (82073808, Ā„560,000, 2021-2024) – Key Member
    2. Wearable Biosensing for Interstitial Biomarkers (22074113, Ā„630,000, 2021-2024) – Key Member
  • Guangdong Provincial Key R&D Program:
    • microRNA-Optimized CAR-T Cell Therapy (2017A030311004, Ā„500,000, 2017-2020) – Co-Investigator

Awards & Honors šŸ„‡

  • Key Member of NSFC Grants for cancer imaging and biosensing projects.
  • Co-Investigator for Guangdong Provincial Key R&D Program on CAR-T cell therapy.

PublicationĀ Top Notes:

Near‐Infrared Imaging Agent ABSi‐148 Alleviates CA IX‐Mediated Hypoxic Fibrosis in Inflammation‐Cancer Transition

Letrozole‐Based Near‐Infrared Dynamic Imaging Targeting Ductal‐Vascular RhoJ From Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Characterization of tumor-associated endothelial cells and the development of a prognostic model in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Design and synthesis of a novel mitochondria-targeted osteosarcoma theranostic agent based on a PIM1 kinase inhibitor.

Strong hydrophilic monolithic column functionalized with amphiphilic benzyl quinine for capillary electrochromatography and application in pharmaceutical analysis

 

Prof. Amir Ali | Optical Transducers | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Amir Ali | Optical Transducers | Best Researcher AwardĀ 

Prof. Amir Ali, German University in Cairo – GUC, Egypt

Dr. Amir R. Ali is an Associate Professor and Director of the ARAtronics Group at the German University in Cairo (GUC), where he leads the Applied-Science & Robotics Laboratory for Applied Mechatronics. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering from Southern Methodist University, USA, specializing in dielectric micro-resonator-based optomechanical systems for sensing applications. His expertise spans mechatronic systems, robotics, and smart control technologies. Dr. Ali has received numerous awards, including the National Instruments Award (NIDays), the Notable Alumni Award from SMU, and recognition from the Egyptian Engineers Syndicate. His research contributions and dedication to academia have earned him national and international acclaim.

Professional Profile:

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Suitability for the Best Researcher Award

Dr. Amir R. Ali is a highly qualified and accomplished researcher in the field of Mechatronics, with a strong academic background, extensive research contributions, and multiple prestigious awards. His expertise in dielectric micro-resonator-based optomechanical systems, flexible robotics, and sensing applications aligns well with cutting-edge advancements in engineering.

šŸ“š Education:

šŸŽ“ Ph.D. (2011 – 2015) – Dielectric Micro-Resonator-Based OptoMechanical Systems for Sensing Applications, GPA: 3.962
šŸ“ Southern Methodist University, USA

šŸŽ“ M.Sc. (2008 – 2010) – Mechatronics Systems and Control [Flexible Robot Manipulators], GPA: 4.00
šŸ“ German University in Cairo, Egypt

šŸŽ“ B.Sc. (2002 – 2007) – Mechatronics Systems and Control [Smart Systems], GPA: 3.88
šŸ“ October 6 University, Egypt

šŸ’¼ Work Experience:

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ« Associate Professor – Mechatronics Engineering Department, German University in Cairo (GUC)
šŸ§‘ā€šŸ”¬ Director & Principal Investigator – ARAtronics Group (Applied-Science & Robotics Laboratory for Applied Mechatronics)

šŸ† Honors & Awards:

šŸ“œ Appreciation Award – Journal of Optical Engineering for volunteer reviewing (2019)
šŸ… National Instruments Award (NIDays) – Academic & Research Track (2017, Beirut, Lebanon)
šŸŽ–ļø Notable Alumni Award – Southern Methodist University (Fall 2017)
šŸ… National Instruments Award (NIDays) – Academic & Research Track (2016, Cairo, Egypt)
šŸ„‡ Dedication Award – Egyptian Engineers Syndicate for Ph.D. research & publications (2015)
šŸš€ Entrepreneurship Award – US-INDIA Chamber of Commerce, Spirit of Innovation (2014, Dallas-Fort Worth)
šŸŽ“ Egyptian Government Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Studies – Five years in a row (2002-2007)

PublicationĀ Top Notes:

Effect of angular velocity on sensors based on morphology dependent resonances

CITED:56

Photonic electric field sensor based on polymeric microspheres

CITED:44

High-resolution electric field sensor based on whispering gallery modes of a beam-coupled dielectric resonator

CITED:32

Nonlinear modeling and control of flexible-link manipulators subjected to parametric excitation

CITED:24

Micro-optical vibrometer/accelerometer using dielectric microspheres

CITED:23

Assoc Prof Dr. Xiangmin Hu | Optical Sensing Award | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Xiangmin Hu | Optical Sensing Award | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Xiangmin Hu, Dalian University of Technology, China

Dr. Xiangmin Hu is an Associate Professor at Dalian University of Technology, China, with a strong background in intelligent sensing, optoelectronic devices, and hyperspectral imaging (HSI). He earned his B.S. degree in Applied Physics and M.S. degree in Physics from Beijing Institute of Technology, followed by a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Tsinghua University. His research focuses on combining artificial intelligence with optical research, particularly in HSI technology and systems. Dr. Hu has made significant contributions to the field, including enhancing detection capabilities of nanoscale defects using image processing algorithms, developing innovative spectrometer technology, and applying machine learning to improve quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs). He has published 18 research papers with over 2,000 citations and an H-index of 8. His work has earned him six national patents (four authorized) and several prestigious awards, including the Youth Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China. Prior to his academic career, he worked as an AI algorithm engineer at BYD Company.

Professional Profile:

 

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Dr. Xiangmin Hu is a highly accomplished researcher specializing in intelligent sensing/detection, optoelectronic devices, and hyperspectral imaging (HSI). His multidisciplinary research spans artificial intelligence (AI), materials science, and optoelectronic sensing, making him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Below are key factors supporting his eligibility:

Education:

  • 2009.09 – 2013.06: B.S. degree in Applied Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology.
  • 2013.09 – 2016.03: M.S. degree in Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology.
  • 2018.09 – 2022.06: Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University.

Work Experience:

  • 2016.11 – 2018.01: AI Algorithm Engineer, BYD Company.
  • 2022.07 – 2024.09: Post-doctoral Researcher, Beijing Institute of Technology.
  • 2024.09 – Present: Associate Professor, Dalian University of Technology.

Publication top Notes:

Miniature spectrometer based on graded bandgap perovskite filter

Machine Learning Correlating Photovoltaics and Electroluminescence of Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes

Ligand Exchange-Induced Shape Transformation of CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals Boosts the Efficiency of Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes

The warming-up effects of quantum-dot light emitting diodes: A reversible stability issue related to shell traps

Machine Learning Assisted Stability Analysis of Blue Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes

 

riOptical Sensors

Introduction of riOpticalĀ  Sensors

Optical sensors represent a diverse and versatile class of sensors that rely on the interaction of light with various materials and phenomena. These sensors are essential across numerous applications, including environmental monitoring, healthcare, telecommunications, and industrial automation.

Fiber Optic Sensors:

Investigating the development of sensors based on optical fibers, which offer advantages in terms of sensitivity, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and the ability to operate in harsh environments. These sensors are used in applications such as structural health monitoring, environmental sensing, and medical diagnostics.

Optical Biosensors:

Focusing on the design and implementation of optical biosensors that can detect and quantify biological molecules, pathogens, and biomarkers for applications in healthcare, drug development, and disease diagnosis.

Spectroscopic Sensors:

Exploring spectroscopic techniques, including absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, used in optical sensors to analyze chemical composition, molecular structure, and physical properties of substances in various fields, including chemistry, food quality control, and environmental science.

Optical Gas Sensing:

Addressing the use of optical sensors to detect and quantify gases in the environment, industrial processes, and emissions monitoring, contributing to air quality assessment and safety.

Optical Imaging and Sensing:

Analyzing technologies for optical imaging and sensing, including imaging sensors used in cameras, medical imaging devices, and remote sensing systems, with a focus on improving resolution, sensitivity, and image processing techniques.

Quantum Optical Sensors:

Investigating the emerging field of quantum optics and its application in developing highly sensitive sensors for measuring physical quantities such as time, magnetic fields, and gravitational waves, pushing the boundaries of precision measurement.