Assist. Prof. Dr. Yen-Chein Lai | Developmental Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award
Assist. Prof. Dr. Yen-Chein Lai | Chung Shan Medical University | Taiwan
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Camargo Ortega, G., Falk, S., Johansson, P. A., Peyre, E., Broix, L., Sahu, S. K., … (2019). The centrosome protein AKNA regulates neurogenesis via microtubule organization. Nature, 567(7746), 113–117.
Zaidi, D., Chinnappa, K., & Francis, F. (2022). Primary cilia influence progenitor function during cortical development. Cells, 11(18), 2895.
Chinnappa, K., Cárdenas, A., Prieto-Colomina, A., Villalba, A., … (2022). Secondary loss of miR-3607 reduced cortical progenitor amplification during rodent evolution. Science Advances, 8(2), eabj4010.
Prieto-Colomina, A., Fernández, V., Chinnappa, K., & Borrell, V. (2021). MiRNAs in early brain development and pediatric cancer: At the intersection between healthy and diseased embryonic development. BioEssays, 43(7), 2100073.
Chatterjee, A., Chinnappa, K., Ramanan, N., & Mani, S. (2018). Centrosome inheritance does not regulate cell fate in granule neuron progenitors of the developing cerebellum. The Cerebellum, 17(5), 685–691.
Zaidi, D., Chinnappa, K., Yigit, B. N., Viola, V., Cifuentes-Diaz, C., Jabali, A., … (2024). Forebrain Eml1 depletion reveals early centrosomal dysfunction causing subcortical heterotopia. Journal of Cell Biology, 223(12), e202310157.
Chinnappa, K., Márquez-Galera, Á., Prieto-Colomina, A., Nomura, Y., … (2019). MIR3607 regulates cerebral cortex development via activation of Wnt/βCat signaling. bioRxiv, 729939.
Chinnappa, K., Ballorin, F., & Francis, F. (2025). Fundamental Neurochemistry Review: Sphingolipids and ceramides in brain development. Journal of Neurochemistry, 169(10), e70262.
Bieber, E., Smits-Engelsman, B. C. M., Sgandurra, G., Martini, G., Guzzetta, A., Cioni, G., Feys, H., & Klingels, K. (2023). Insights on action observation and imitation abilities in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder and typically developing children. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 136, 104556.
Bieber, E., Smits-Engelsman, B. C. M., Sgandurra, G., Di Gregorio, F., Guzzetta, A., Cioni, G., Feys, H., & Klingels, K. (2021). A new protocol for assessing action observation and imitation abilities in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A feasibility and reliability study. Human Movement Science, 78, 102717.
Buchignani, B., Beani, E., Pomeroy, V., Iacono, O., Sicola, E., Perazza, S., Bieber, E., Feys, H., Klingels, K., & Cioni, G. (2019). Action observation training for rehabilitation in brain injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurology, 19, 186.
Bieber, E., Smits-Engelsman, B. C. M., Sgandurra, G., Cioni, G., Feys, H., Guzzetta, A., & Klingels, K. (2016). Manual function outcome measures in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): Systematic review. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 55, 53–63.
Mozzanica, F., Pizzorni, N., Gitto, M., Dosi, C., Mandelli, A., Gandolfi, S., & others. (2024). Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1: Feasibility, swallowing safety and efficacy, and dysphagia phenotype. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 281(12), 6523–6532.
Gandolfi, S., Dosi, C., Parravicini, S., Arnoldi, M. T., Zanin, R., Biagi, S., Rinaldi, L., & others. (2025). Exploring the trajectory of swallowing within psychomotor development in spinal muscular atrophy: Moving toward integrated care. Audiology Research.
Masson, R., Dosi, C., Parravicini, S., Scopelliti, M., Arnoldi, M., Zanin, R., & others. (2025). 519P The challenge of swallowing assessment in SMA1: Dysphagia clinical features and available assessment tools. Neuromuscular Disorders, 53, 105608.
(2025). Factors influencing source separation intention for improving waste management in educational places: A case study for a university campus. International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering.
(2024). Microplastics contamination in popular soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages marketed in Iran: Quantity and characteristics. Results in Engineering.
(2024). Soil pollution indices and health risk assessment of metal(loid)s in the agricultural soil of pistachio orchards. Scientific Reports.
(2024). Treatment of real carwash wastewater using high-efficiency and energy-saving electrocoagulation technique. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy.
(2024). Water recovery and treatment of spent filter backwash from drinking water using chemical reactor–ultrafiltration process. Journal of Water Process Engineering.
(2024). Utilization of local corn (Zea mays) wastes for bioethanol production by separate hydrolysis and fermentation. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances.
Ms. Karen Kikuta is an accomplished MD Candidate at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine with expertise in neuroscience, immunology, and global health research. She earned her B.S. in Neuroscience with minors in Public Health and Biology from Santa Clara University and conducted advanced immunological studies at Stanford University’s Binns Program for Cord Blood Research, investigating immune cell subsets using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. Her work has resulted in publications in high-impact journals, including Frontiers in Immunology and the International Journal of Infectious Diseases. Karen has contributed to seven major research projects spanning neurodevelopment, infectious disease, and translational medicine, notably pioneering studies on antenatal Zika virus exposure and its long-term neurobehavioral and cardiac outcomes in children. Her research portfolio includes 2 published documents, 45 citations, and an h-index of 2. She has presented findings at national and international conferences, reflecting her dedication to bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical application. As a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neurological Association, Karen is committed to integrating scientific innovation with compassionate care to advance understanding and treatment of neuroinfectious and developmental disorders.
Kikuta, K., Hernandez, C. J., Dunshee de Abranches, A., Damasceno, L., de Britto, J. A., Jardim Duarte, C., Vasconcelos, Z., Zin, A., Brasil, P., Moreira, M. E., & Nielsen-Saines, K. (2025). Academic and social-behavioral assessment in a prospective cohort of normocephalic school-aged children with antenatal Zika virus exposure. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 159, Article 108026.
Wilfred Angie Abia is an accomplished biochemist and food safety toxicologist whose career bridges Africa and Europe through impactful teaching, research, and international collaborations. His academic foundation in medical biochemistry, nutrition, and toxicology has evolved into a distinguished career specializing in food contaminants, mycotoxin biomonitoring, fraud detection, and risk assessment. He has held influential postdoctoral and leadership positions in projects addressing agri-food safety and consumer health protection. His contributions span mycotoxicology, food fraud prevention, One Health research, and climate-related food safety challenges. Beyond research, he plays an important role as a senior lecturer and mentor, advancing both academic excellence and professional training in food safety.
Wilfred Angie Abia began his academic journey with a strong foundation in biochemistry, focusing on medical laboratory technology, nutritional sciences, and food safety. His doctoral studies at the University of Yaoundé I provided him with advanced expertise in food contaminants, safety, and biomonitoring of multimycotoxin exposures. His early academic years were marked by interdisciplinary training that connected biochemistry, nutrition, toxicology, and public health, setting the stage for his specialized career in agri-food safety and toxicology.
His professional career spans teaching, research, and project management across multiple institutions and international collaborations. He has held postdoctoral fellowships and senior research positions in Africa, Europe, and the United Kingdom, where he advanced projects on food safety, toxicology, and fraud detection. His work at Queen’s University Belfast included leadership roles in large-scale European initiatives, where he served as both a researcher and project manager. As a Senior Lecturer of Biochemistry and Food Safety/Toxicology at the University of Yaoundé I, he combines teaching, mentorship, and research with program coordination responsibilities, shaping the next generation of food safety professionals.
Abia’s research focuses on food contaminants, safety, and human health with a special emphasis on mycotoxicology. He has pioneered studies in exposure assessment, biomarker development, and human biomonitoring, particularly in vulnerable populations. His work extends to food integrity, authenticity, fraud detection, and traceability, ensuring consumer health protection. He has contributed significantly to toxicological risk assessments of chemicals in food, drugs, and the environment, while also addressing broader themes such as climate change, food security, and the One Health approach. His unique contributions include research into the neurotoxicology of mycotoxins, highlighting the intersection of food safety and neuroscience.
Throughout his career, Abia has been recognized through prestigious international research fellowships and visiting scholar positions in leading research centers across Europe and Africa. His involvement in high-impact projects such as MycoMarker and FoodSafer underscores his leadership in global food safety initiatives. His achievements are further strengthened by professional certifications, including specialized training in food fraud prevention, which demonstrate his commitment to continuous professional growth and excellence in his field.
His work has had a profound impact on advancing food safety research, shaping policies, and protecting public health. By bridging biochemistry with toxicology, agri-food safety, and environmental sciences, he has influenced how food contaminants and fraud are detected and managed. His role as a lecturer and mentor ensures that his expertise is transmitted to students and young researchers who will continue to advance the field. His contributions also extend to policy and science diplomacy, where he actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration for sustainable solutions in food and health security.
Abia’s legacy lies in his dedication to safeguarding food systems, advancing toxicological research, and promoting interdisciplinary approaches that connect human, animal, and environmental health. His work in mycotoxin biomonitoring and neurotoxicology offers critical insights into the hidden health risks of food contamination. Looking ahead, his future contributions are likely to expand in areas of food fraud prevention, climate-smart agriculture, and One Health frameworks, ensuring resilient food systems for global populations. His combination of research excellence, teaching, and science diplomacy positions him as a thought leader in shaping the future of food safety and toxicology.
Title: Determination of multi-mycotoxin occurrence in cereals, nuts and their products in Cameroon by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Authors: WA Abia, B Warth, M Sulyok, R Krska, AN Tchana, PB Njobeh, MF Dutton, …
Year: 2013
Title: Mycotoxin exposure in rural residents in northern Nigeria: A pilot study using multi-urinary biomarkers
Authors: CN Ezekiel, B Warth, IM Ogara, WA Abia, VC Ezekiel, J Atehnkeng, …
Year: 2014
Title: Development and validation of a rapid multi‐biomarker liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method to assess human exposure to mycotoxins
Authors: B Warth, M Sulyok, P Fruhmann, H Mikula, F Berthiller, R Schuhmacher, …
Year: 2012
Title: Bio-monitoring of mycotoxin exposure in Cameroon using a urinary multi-biomarker approach
Authors: WA Abia, B Warth, M Sulyok, R Krska, A Tchana, PB Njobeh, PC Turner, …
Year: 2013
Title: Ultra-sensitive, stable isotope assisted quantification of multiple urinary mycotoxin exposure biomarkers
Authors: B Šarkanj, CN Ezekiel, PC Turner, WA Abia, M Rychlik, R Krska, M Sulyok, …
Year: 2018
Title: Low doses of mycotoxin mixtures below EU regulatory limits can negatively affect the performance of broiler chickens: A longitudinal study
Authors: O Kolawole, A Graham, C Donaldson, B Owens, WA Abia, J Meneely, …
Year: 2020
Title: Urinary analysis reveals high deoxynivalenol exposure in pregnant women from Croatia
Authors: B Šarkanj, B Warth, S Uhlig, WA Abia, M Sulyok, T Klapec, R Krska, …
Year: 2013
Wilfred Angie Abia’s work exemplifies a rare integration of scientific expertise, international leadership, and educational impact. His contributions to food safety, toxicology, and agri-food research not only safeguard public health but also strengthen global food systems. With his continued focus on innovation, interdisciplinary approaches, and capacity building, he stands as a key figure in shaping the future of food safety science and policy worldwide.
Dr. Rania Awadi is a biophysics and medical imaging researcher whose work centers on cardiac biomechanics and non-invasive diagnostic techniques. With a PhD in biophysics and medical imaging, she has conducted advanced studies on left ventricle biomechanics using finite element modelling and gained international experience through research internships in France and collaborations with leading medical institutions in Tunisia. Her research expertise lies in cardiovascular MRI, image processing, and myocardial strain assessment, particularly in pediatric populations where diagnostic challenges are more pronounced. Among her significant contributions is a study on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, where she applied cardiac MRI feature tracking to identify early subclinical myocardial dysfunction without contrast agents, an advancement with meaningful clinical impact.
From the outset of her academic journey, Dr. Rania Awadi cultivated a strong foundation in biophysics, medical physics, and medical imaging. Her doctoral studies at the Higher Institute of Medical Technologies of Tunis were marked by a deep focus on the biomechanics of the left ventricle, where she applied finite element modelling to explore complex cardiac dynamics. Early research internships at prestigious institutions such as IMT Atlantique in France and Sorbonne University enriched her academic profile, enabling her to refine her expertise in advanced imaging and computational modelling techniques.
Building upon her academic training, Dr. Awadi advanced into professional roles that merged teaching and research. She joined the Higher Institute of Medical Technologies of Tunis as a lecturer in biomechanics, where she has contributed to shaping future professionals in medical physics and imaging. Her work also extended to clinical collaborations, including her involvement with the Principal Military Hospital of Tunis and Monji Ben Hmida Center, emphasizing translational research that bridges scientific innovation with patient care.
Dr. Awadi’s contributions to medical science are anchored in cardiovascular imaging and cardiac biomechanics. Her expertise lies in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, image processing, and computational modelling, with a particular focus on assessing myocardial strain. She has addressed the unique challenges of pediatric populations, where smaller heart sizes, higher heart rates, and variability in strain demand precise methodologies. Her research has sought to make early diagnosis more accessible and reliable, especially in vulnerable groups affected by genetic and muscular disorders.
Among her notable achievements, Dr. Awadi conducted a pioneering study on myocardial strain assessment for early diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in pediatric patients using cardiac MRI. Through the application of feature tracking techniques, she demonstrated the feasibility of detecting subclinical myocardial dysfunction without the use of contrast agents, reducing risks in younger patients. Her findings, published in Applied Sciences, underscored significant associations between myocardial strain parameters and structural cardiac changes, providing a non-invasive tool for monitoring disease progression in affected children.
Dr. Awadi’s scholarly contributions have been recognized in the international research community through publication in high-impact journals. Her work in Applied Sciences has strengthened her standing as an emerging researcher in cardiac imaging and biomechanics. Her collaborations with European and Tunisian research institutions reflect her growing reputation as a scientist capable of fostering cross-border innovation in medical imaging and biomechanics.
The impact of Dr. Awadi’s research extends beyond academic recognition to meaningful influence on clinical practices. By offering new insights into myocardial strain assessment, she has contributed to refining diagnostic approaches for conditions like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, where early intervention can significantly alter outcomes. Her teaching and mentorship also shape a new generation of researchers and clinicians, further amplifying the reach of her work across academia and healthcare.
Looking ahead, Dr. Awadi’s career continues to chart a path of scientific advancement and clinical relevance. With expertise spanning biomechanics, MRI, and computational modelling, she is poised to deepen investigations into cardiac function across diverse patient populations. Her future contributions are expected to expand the frontiers of non-invasive diagnostics, ensuring that her legacy in cardiovascular biomechanics and imaging is defined by both innovation and tangible impact on patient health.
Numerical study of two microwave antennas dedicated to superficial cancer hyperthermia
N. Benameur, R. Awadi, A. Bouabidi, M.A. Mohammed, M.U. Rehman, … – 2024
A quasi-static biomechanical model of the human myocardium based on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance images
R. Awadi, N. Benameur, T. Kraiem, L. Salam – 2023
Comparison of Left Ventricle Deformation Analysis Using Abaqus and CVi42 Software: Insights from Healthy Subjects and patients with Myocardial Infarction
R. Awadi, N. Benameur, A. Sleimi, L. Salam – 2025
Myocardial Strain Assessment for Early Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosis in Pediatric Patients Using Cardiac MRI
R. Awadi, N. Benameur, H. Hafsi, T.B. Younes, Y. Arous, S. Labidi, … – 2024
Left Ventricle Wall Motion Abnormalities Detection in Cardiac MRI
N. Benameur, R. Awadi, R. Mahmoudi, M. Deriche, M. Al Betar – 2023
Finite Element of Biomechanical Model of the Human Myocardium from a Cardiac MRI Images
A. Rania, N. Benameur, T. Kraiem, S. Labidi – 2022
of the Human Myocardium from a Cardiac MRI Images
A. Rania, N. Benameur, T. Kraiem, S. Labidi – 2022
Dr. Awadi’s career reflects a blend of academic rigor, professional dedication, and innovative research that addresses pressing clinical needs in pediatric cardiology. Her work has advanced the understanding of myocardial strain assessment, offering tools that improve early diagnosis and patient care. Through her teaching, collaborations, and published research, she has established herself as a promising figure in cardiac imaging and biomechanics. Looking forward, her contributions are set to further bridge the gap between research and clinical application, reinforcing her role as a driving force in the development of non-invasive diagnostic technologies.
Xu Huaqian is a dedicated and accomplished joint master’s and doctoral student at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, specializing in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics. Under the mentorship of Professor Zeng Kuo and Professor Yang Haiping, he has cultivated a strong academic and research foundation focused on high-temperature thermal energy storage. With over 20 published research papers in leading journals such as Energy, Chemical Engineering Journal, and Journal of Energy Storage, Xu has significantly contributed to advancing knowledge in sustainable thermal systems and energy efficiency. He has received multiple prestigious awards including the First-Class Academic Scholarship, Weichai Power Scholarship, Zhixing Scholarship, and the Outstanding Graduate Award, reflecting both academic excellence and research impact.
Xu Huaqian embarked on his academic journey with a keen interest in energy systems and thermal sciences. Demonstrating outstanding aptitude early in his studies, he was admitted into the prestigious joint master’s and doctoral program at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 2021. This rigorous academic environment, paired with his innate curiosity and analytical mindset, laid a strong foundation for his future contributions in power engineering and engineering thermophysics. Guided by esteemed mentors, Professor Zeng Kuo and Professor Yang Haiping, Xu’s early academic years were marked by intellectual growth, precision in scientific inquiry, and a deepening commitment to sustainable energy research.
Xu Huaqian’s academic career is complemented by a professional research trajectory that reflects dedication and technical sophistication. His involvement in cutting-edge research within the domain of high-temperature thermal storage has allowed him to bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications. His work contributes to the development of efficient and robust thermal systems crucial for next-generation energy infrastructure. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he has actively participated in high-impact research projects that align with global efforts to address energy security and climate resilience.
Specializing in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics, Xu has focused his research on the challenging yet pivotal area of high-temperature thermal energy storage. His investigations delve into material behavior, system optimization, and thermodynamic performance of storage systems under extreme thermal conditions. Xu’s work not only contributes to the enhancement of renewable energy utilization but also supports the integration of solar thermal and industrial waste heat recovery technologies. With over 20 published research articles in reputed journals like Energy, Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal of Energy Storage, and Journal of the Energy Institute, he has consistently added valuable insights to the academic and industrial discourse on energy efficiency.
Xu Huaqian’s scholarly excellence has been widely recognized through numerous prestigious awards. He was honored with the First-Class Academic Scholarship by Huazhong University of Science and Technology, reflecting his top-tier academic standing. In 2023, he received the Weichai Power Scholarship, which acknowledges innovative contributions to the field of energy engineering. Additionally, accolades such as the Zhixing Scholarship and the Outstanding Graduate Award highlight his consistent commitment to excellence and research impact throughout his graduate education.
Through his prolific publishing record and focus on critical energy challenges, Xu has begun to establish a strong presence in the international research community. His studies have the potential to reshape how industries and energy providers view thermal energy storage, especially in the context of decarbonization and grid flexibility. Xu’s influence extends beyond the academic realm, touching on environmental sustainability and policy implications. His work encourages cross-sector collaboration, enabling innovations that can power industries more cleanly and efficiently.
Looking ahead, Xu Huaqian is poised to be a thought leader in sustainable thermal technologies. As the global demand for reliable and eco-friendly energy solutions intensifies, his research is expected to play a central role in developing scalable, high-performance energy storage systems. He is likely to contribute not only through future publications and patents but also by mentoring the next generation of energy scientists and engineers. His academic legacy will be marked by a steadfast dedication to science-driven innovation and societal advancement.
At the intersection of engineering thermophysics and sustainable development, Xu Huaqian’s work exemplifies the potential of scientific research to solve pressing global problems. Whether through enhancing the efficiency of renewable energy storage systems or developing materials capable of withstanding high thermal loads, his work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the energy domain. With an unwavering focus on innovation and societal impact, Xu represents a new wave of researchers committed to building a smarter, cleaner energy future.
Title: Investigation of metal foam enhancement under multilayer interaction for large-scale latent heat storage
Authors: Zheyu Fang, Kuo Zeng, Huaqian Xu, Haiping Yang, Hanping Chen
Year: 2025
Journal: Energy
Xu Huaqian emerges as a promising figure in the field of energy research, particularly in the area of high-temperature thermal storage technologies. His blend of scientific rigor, innovative thinking, and strong academic mentorship positions him to make enduring contributions to the energy sector. Through his research, Xu not only addresses technical challenges in thermal engineering but also aligns with global sustainability goals. His achievements and ongoing work indicate a future filled with impactful discoveries and leadership in the advancement of clean and efficient energy systems.