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

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.

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.

📚 Education:

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

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

🎓 B.Sc. (2002 – 2007) – Mechatronics Systems and Control [Smart Systems], GPA: 3.88
📍 October 6 University, Egypt

🏆 Honors & Awards:

📜 Appreciation Award – Journal of Optical Engineering for volunteer reviewing (2019)
🏅 National Instruments Award (NIDays) – Academic & Research Track (2017, Beirut, Lebanon)
🎖️ Notable Alumni Award – Southern Methodist University (Fall 2017)
🏅 National Instruments Award (NIDays) – Academic & Research Track (2016, Cairo, Egypt)
🥇 Dedication Award – Egyptian Engineers Syndicate for Ph.D. research & publications (2015)
🚀 Entrepreneurship Award – US-INDIA Chamber of Commerce, Spirit of Innovation (2014, Dallas-Fort Worth)
🎓 Egyptian Government Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Studies – Five years in a row (2002-2007)