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 🎓

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 💼

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 🔬

Theranostic Probe Development:
Design and application of NIR-I/II probes for cancer and neuroinflammation diagnosis and mechanistic studies.
Targeted Protein Degradation:
Design, synthesis, and target identification for PROTACs (Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras).
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 🏆

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

Awards & Honors 🥇

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.

Publication 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

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.

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.