Che Ping Cheng | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Che Ping Cheng | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Che Ping Cheng, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, United States.

Dr. Che Ping Cheng, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA, is a distinguished cardiovascular physiologist and internal medicine specialist whose career has been dedicated to advancing the understanding of heart function and failure. From earning his medical degree in China to completing a Ph.D. in Physiology at Wayne State University, and later conducting pivotal postdoctoral research at Wake Forest School of Medicine, Dr. Cheng has consistently pursued excellence in science and education. His research on ventricular mechanics, volume loading, and heart failure has significantly influenced both experimental cardiology and clinical practice. Recognized as a Fellow of the American Heart Association, he is also a dedicated mentor, shaping the next generation of cardiovascular researchers through his academic leadership.

Profile

Scopus

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Che Ping Cheng’s journey into medicine and science began in Nanjing, China, where he earned his M.D. degree from Nanjing Railway Medical University in 1977. His early academic path reflected a deep interest in understanding the intricacies of human health, particularly in cardiovascular physiology. Driven by a desire to expand his knowledge and research capabilities, Dr. Cheng pursued his Ph.D. in Physiology at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan, completing his degree in 1986. Under the mentorship of Dr. Robert S. Shepard, his doctoral work focused on exploring the mechanisms of cardiovascular response to volume loading in a canine model with tricuspid valvulectomy, setting a strong foundation for his lifelong focus on heart function and disease mechanisms.

🩺 Professional Endeavors

Following his academic training, Dr. Cheng embarked on postdoctoral studies at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine (now part of Wake Forest School of Medicine), where he continued to cultivate his expertise in internal medicine and cardiovascular physiology. Between 1986 and 1988, he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow under the guidance of Dr. William C. Little. His research during this period focused on ventricular dynamics and the physiological factors affecting active ventricular filling, which would later inform his broader work on heart failure and cardiac function. Dr. Cheng has since remained at Wake Forest School of Medicine, where he is currently a distinguished member of the Section on Cardiovascular Medicine.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Cheng’s career has been characterized by a deep commitment to advancing the understanding of cardiac hemodynamics, ventricular interaction, and heart failure mechanisms. His research has explored how ventricular function responds under altered physiological states, and how these responses inform disease progression and treatment strategies. His early animal model studies have provided critical insights into the interplay between structural and functional changes in the heart, especially in the context of diastolic dysfunction and volume overload conditions. Dr. Cheng has also made significant strides in translating these findings to clinical contexts, influencing how cardiologists approach diagnosis and therapy.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Dr. Cheng has received considerable recognition for his scholarly contributions. He is a Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA), an honor that reflects his standing in the field of cardiovascular research and his commitment to scientific excellence. His work has earned the respect of colleagues and institutions alike, leading to numerous invitations to contribute to collaborative projects, serve on peer-review panels, and mentor future generations of cardiovascular researchers.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Cheng’s work has had a lasting impact on both experimental and clinical cardiology. By elucidating the mechanistic basis of ventricular dysfunction, he has helped shift paradigms in heart failure management, particularly in the areas of ventricular interdependence and preload responsiveness. His research findings are frequently cited in textbooks and high-impact journals, and they continue to inform guidelines for cardiac care and interventions. Through his work at Wake Forest and beyond, Dr. Cheng has played a pivotal role in bridging laboratory discoveries with bedside applications.

👨‍🏫 Legacy and Mentorship

As a respected mentor and educator, Dr. Cheng has dedicated a significant portion of his career to training medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows. His mentorship has influenced numerous emerging scholars in cardiovascular medicine, many of whom have gone on to successful academic and clinical careers. His guidance combines a rigorous scientific approach with a deep sense of responsibility to patient care and scientific integrity, shaping a legacy that extends well beyond his own research output.

🔬 Future Contributions and Vision

Looking ahead, Dr. Cheng remains committed to the advancement of cardiovascular research, with a continued focus on uncovering the cellular and mechanical determinants of heart disease. His vision includes fostering collaborative projects that integrate biomedical engineering, imaging, and computational modeling to further understand cardiac performance. With decades of experience and a forward-thinking approach, Dr. Cheng’s future contributions are poised to leave a lasting mark on the field of translational cardiovascular medicine.

Publication

  1. Title: Increased CaMKII activation and contrast changes of cardiac β1-and β3-Adrenergic signaling pathways in a humanized angiotensinogen model of hypertension
    Authors: Sun, Xiaoqiang; Cao, Jing; Chen, Zhe; Ferrario, Carlos M.; Cheng, Cheping
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Heliyon

 

  1. Title: Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activation promotes kidney mesangial expansion in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice
    Authors: Mikhailov, Alexei V.; Liu, Yixi; Cheng, Hengjie; Lin, Jen Jar; Cheng, Cheping
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Heliyon

 

  1. Title: Chronic GPR30 agonist therapy causes restoration of normal cardiac functional performance in a male mouse model of progressive heart failure: Insights into cellular mechanisms
    Authors: Zhang, Xiaowei; Li, Tiankai; Cheng, Hengjie; Groban, Leanne; Cheng, Cheping
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Life Sciences

 

  1. Title: Chronic Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein Kinase II inhibition rescues advanced heart failure
    Authors: Liu, Yixi; Shao, Qun; Cheng, Hengjie; Zhao, David Xiao Ming; Cheng, Cheping
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

 

  1. Title: The Angiotensin-(1–12)/Chymase axis as an alternate component of the tissue renin angiotensin system
    Authors: Ferrario, Carlos M.; Groban, Leanne; Wang, Hao; Sun, Xuming; Ahmad, Sarfaraz
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology

 

  1. Title: Reversal of angiotensin-(1–12)-caused positive modulation on left ventricular contractile performance in heart failure: Assessment by pressure-volume analysis
    Authors: Li, Tiankai; Zhang, Zhi; Zhang, Xiaowei; Ferrario, Carlos M.; Cheng, Cheping
    Year: 2020
    Journal: International Journal of Cardiology

 

  1. Title: Female Heart Health: Is GPER the Missing Link?
    Authors: Groban, Leanne; Tran, Q. K.; Ferrario, Carlos M.; Wang, Hao; Lindsey, Sarah H.
    Year: (Not specified, but likely 2020 or 2021)
    Journal: (Not specified)

 

🏁 Conclusion

Dr. Cheng’s legacy is one of intellectual rigor, clinical relevance, and mentorship. His work has not only deepened the scientific understanding of cardiac physiology but has also shaped modern approaches to diagnosing and managing heart failure. With a career spanning continents and disciplines, Dr. Cheng continues to be a guiding force in cardiovascular medicine, and his future contributions are anticipated to further advance the frontiers of heart research and patient care.

 

Atena Shojaie | Behavioral Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Atena Shojaie | Behavioral Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Atena Shojaie, Kerman university of medical sciences, Iran.

Atena Shojaie is a dedicated medical-surgical nursing professional with a Master’s degree from Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Her early academic journey was marked by a passion for integrating clinical care with research, particularly in neurology and rehabilitation. Over three years of working in critical care settings, including Neurology and ICU wards, she honed her clinical expertise while also serving as a valued clinical instructor. Her research focus on guided imagery as a therapeutic intervention for multiple sclerosis and MRI-induced anxiety has led to innovative practices currently in use at major hospitals. Atena’s academic contributions are beginning to gain recognition through citations and clinical adoption of her methods.

Profile

Google Scholar

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Atena Shojaie began her journey in the field of healthcare with a strong academic foundation, earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing followed by a Master of Science in Medical-Surgical Nursing from Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Her early academic interests revolved around holistic patient care and neuro-rehabilitation, which laid the groundwork for her later clinical and research endeavors. During her postgraduate studies, she demonstrated a deep commitment to understanding patient needs—especially those facing neurological challenges—while also refining her clinical skills in hospital environments.

🏥 Professional Endeavors

In the span of just three years, Atena accumulated extensive experience working in several critical hospital wards, including Neurology, Neurosurgery, and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Her hands-on experience with acute and chronic conditions shaped her clinical intuition and enhanced her ability to manage complex patient cases. Parallel to her clinical work, she embraced the role of a clinical instructor, mentoring nursing and emergency medical students with a balance of academic rigor and compassionate teaching. This dual role of caregiver and educator reflects her deep-seated dedication to both practice and pedagogy.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Atena’s research primarily centers on the intersection of psychological interventions and physical rehabilitation, with a particular emphasis on multiple sclerosis (MS). Her master’s thesis, “The Effectiveness of Guided Imagery on Walking and Balance Dysfunction in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis,” stands as a cornerstone of her academic work. The project demonstrated measurable improvements in gait and balance among MS patients and has since influenced ongoing clinical practices. Additionally, she completed a significant study on the “Anxiety of Patients Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI),” showing how guided imagery can alleviate pre-procedure stress—further reflecting her commitment to patient-centered innovations.

🧠 Innovations in Mental Imagery

Atena Shojaie has been instrumental in translating academic research into practical tools for patient care. One of her notable innovations includes the creation of a guided imagery audio file, which is now regularly used in two major healthcare centers—Bahonar Hospital’s MRI department and Shafa Hospital’s MS Clinic. This therapeutic tool has not only improved the mental well-being of patients but also contributed to smoother clinical workflows, particularly in high-anxiety environments like radiology units.

📈 Impact and Influence

Although still early in her research career, Atena’s work has begun to gain scholarly recognition. With a citation index that includes three citations and an h-index of 1, her research is already laying the foundation for future studies in neuro-nursing and psychological rehabilitation. Her work continues to resonate with clinical teams and academics alike, especially those focused on non-pharmacological interventions for neurological conditions.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Atena’s clinical and research activities have earned her respect among her peers and mentors at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. While formal awards may still be on the horizon, her true recognition lies in the adoption of her guided imagery methods by major hospitals—an endorsement of both her scientific rigor and clinical insight. Her role as a trusted clinical instructor further affirms her reputation as a knowledgeable and compassionate professional.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a solid foundation in research and hands-on care, Atena Shojaie is poised to make enduring contributions to the field of neuro-rehabilitative nursing. Her vision includes expanding the use of therapeutic mental imagery in broader hospital settings and conducting multi-center studies to further validate its effectiveness. As she continues her academic and clinical journey, her legacy will likely be defined by a thoughtful fusion of science, compassion, and innovation—paving the way for future advancements in holistic patient care.

Publication

 

  • Anxiety of Patients Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): The Effectiveness of Guided Mental Imagery
    Authors: A. Shojaie, H. Amiri, T. Dehesh, B. Bagherian
    Year: 2024

 

  • The Effectiveness of Guided Imagery on Walking and Balance Dysfunction in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
    Authors: B.B. Atena Shojaie, Hoda Kamali, Monir Sadat Nematollahi, Zahra Imani Goghary
    Year: 2025

 

✅ Conclusion

Atena Shojaie exemplifies the new generation of nurse-researchers who bridge the gap between evidence-based practice and compassionate patient care. Her work in guided mental imagery not only addresses physical dysfunction but also supports patients’ emotional and psychological needs. As she continues to expand her research and clinical impact, Atena is well-positioned to influence future standards in neuro-nursing and non-pharmacological therapy. Her legacy will likely be defined by innovation, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of better outcomes for patients with neurological conditions.

Wei Li | Cognitive Rehabilitation | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Wei Li | Cognitive Rehabilitation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Wei Li, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, China.

Professor Wei Li is a distinguished leader in the field of rehabilitation medicine, with a strong foundation in biomedical engineering and over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. Trained at Capital Medical University and PLA General Hospital, he now serves as a Professor, Chief Physician, and Director at the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University. His contributions span across clinical rehabilitation, biomechanics, and innovative rehabilitation engineering. Through his leadership in national and provincial research projects, mentorship of young scholars, and roles in major events like the Beijing Winter Olympics, Professor Li has solidified his reputation as a pioneer and innovator in the integration of technology and patient care.

Profile

Scopus

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Professor Wei Li embarked on his academic journey with a deep passion for medical science and engineering, earning his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the esteemed Capital Medical University. His early years were marked by rigorous academic training and a strong inclination towards the integration of technology in medicine. His postdoctoral research at the PLA General Hospital further shaped his expertise, especially in the realms of biomechanics and clinical rehabilitation. This foundational phase instilled in him a scientific rigor and a vision to bridge the gap between biomedical engineering and practical healthcare solutions.

🩺 Professional Endeavors

With over 15 years of hands-on clinical and academic experience, Professor Wei Li currently serves as a Professor, Chief Physician, and Director of both the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Department of Science & Technology at the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University. His dual leadership roles reflect not only his clinical excellence but also his strategic insight in advancing research and development within the hospital. He plays a vital role in shaping the institution’s medical innovation ecosystem and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that drive translational research into rehabilitation technologies.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Professor Li’s research centers around clinical rehabilitation, biomechanics, and rehabilitation engineering, where he explores advanced therapeutic interventions to enhance patient recovery outcomes. His work integrates cutting-edge biomedical engineering with evidence-based clinical practices, making notable strides in the development of customized rehabilitation protocols and assistive technologies. With six major research projects under his leadership—four as Principal Investigator—he has made significant contributions to projects funded by prestigious bodies like the National Key R&D Program of China, the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation, and the Beijing Natural Science Foundation.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Wei Li has received numerous honors that reflect his outstanding service and innovation in rehabilitation medicine. He has been named a National Clinical Specialty Leader, an acknowledgment reserved for top-tier medical professionals in China. Notably, he was selected as a Medical Expert for the Beijing Winter Olympics, showcasing his role in elite sports medicine and rehabilitation support. His research achievements have garnered several provincial scientific awards, underlining his contributions to the field’s academic and practical advancements.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Professor Li’s influence extends beyond the hospital and research lab. He is a mentor to emerging scientists and postdoctoral researchers, guiding the next generation of rehabilitation engineers and clinical researchers. His mentorship has created a ripple effect in nurturing talent and promoting interdisciplinary research. He frequently participates in national academic forums, contributing to policy discussions and the development of standardized practices in rehabilitation medicine across China.

Publication

  • Title: Metabolism-Related Adipokines and Metabolic Diseases: Their Role in Osteoarthritis
    Authors: Zhang, Qian; Zhao, Yixuan; Li, Longfei; Li, Chen; Li, Wei
    Year: Not specified (likely 2024 or 2025 based on context)

 

  • Title: Surface Electromyography and Gait Features in Patients after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
    Authors: Wu, Xipeng; Zhang, Hao; Cui, Hongxing; Cao, Zhijie; Li, Wei
    Year: 2025

 

  • Title: Dorsal raphe dopaminergic neurons target CaMKII+ neurons in dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis for mediating depression-related behaviors
    Authors: Wang, Wentao; Wang, Dan; Zhao, Di; Li, Wei; Li, Chen
    Year: 2024

 

 

🏁 Conclusion

Professor Wei Li’s career is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary excellence, where science, medicine, and technology converge to transform patient rehabilitation. His impactful research, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to both education and innovation continue to inspire the medical community. As he moves forward, his efforts are not only shaping the future of rehabilitation medicine in China but also setting a global standard for integrated, patient-centric care through biomedical innovation.

Jin Yong Hong | Behavioral Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jin Yong Hong | Behavioral Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jin Yong Hong,  Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine,  South Korea.

Dr. Jin Yong Hong, MD, PhD, is a distinguished neurologist and academic leader with a career grounded in excellence, innovation, and service. Beginning his medical education at Yonsei University, he steadily advanced through rigorous academic and clinical pathways to become an Associate Professor at Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine. His focused expertise in movement disorders and dementia, enriched by both national and international research experience, especially at the University of Pennsylvania, highlights his dedication to solving complex neurological diseases. Through teaching, research, and clinical practice, he has significantly contributed to the growth of neuroscience and medical education in South Korea.

 

Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Jin Yong Hong embarked on his journey in medicine with a deep commitment to academic excellence, beginning with his premedical studies at Yonsei University in Seoul from 2001 to 2003. He swiftly advanced through the rigorous medical curriculum, earning a Bachelor of Medical Science in 2007. Not content with just clinical practice, he pursued higher education with a Master of Medical Science completed in 2014 and culminated his scholarly journey with a Doctorate in Medical Science from the same esteemed institution in 2021. His academic path reflects a relentless pursuit of knowledge in the neurological sciences and a strong foundation in research methodology and clinical application.

🧠 Professional Endeavors in Neurology

Following his graduation, Dr. Hong immersed himself in hands-on clinical training, beginning with an internship and residency in Neurology at the renowned Severance Hospital of the Yonsei University Health System. This period, from 2007 to 2012, was marked by rigorous clinical immersion and specialization. His passion for neuroscience led him to pursue subspecialty training in Movement Disorders and Dementia, completing both clinical and research fellowships. Notably, he expanded his research exposure internationally through a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States from 2022 to 2024, further enriching his expertise in neurodegenerative pathology and laboratory medicine.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Hong’s research has consistently revolved around movement disorders and dementia, placing him at the forefront of understanding neurodegenerative diseases. His clinical experience, paired with extensive research work in both Korea and the United States, underscores his commitment to unraveling the complexities of disorders like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and related cognitive impairments. His interdisciplinary approach bridges clinical neurology with translational science, contributing significantly to advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the field.

🏥 Academic Leadership and Teaching

As an Associate Professor at the Department of Neurology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Dr. Hong plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of neurologists. Since 2016, he has not only led clinical initiatives but also mentored students and junior faculty. His previous tenure as a Clinical Assistant Professor from 2014 to 2016 helped lay the groundwork for a collaborative and research-driven academic environment at the Wonju Severance Christian Hospital. His academic roles have helped blend clinical excellence with cutting-edge research in one of Korea’s premier medical institutions.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Hong’s excellence has been consistently recognized by peers and institutions alike. In 2014, he received the Academic Award for Highest Achievement from Yonsei University College of Medicine, marking him as a top-tier scholar among his peers. The same year, he was awarded a Fellowship by the Korean Movement Disorder Society, acknowledging his promising contributions to the field. Further cementing his role as a leading voice in neurological research, he was honored in 2021 with the JMD Article Award, reflecting the impact and relevance of his scholarly publications.

🌍 Impact and Influence in Neurological Science

With active memberships in the Korean Neurological Association, the Korean Movement Disorder Society, and the Korean Dementia Association, Dr. Hong maintains an influential presence within the scientific community. His cross-continental experience, especially through his postdoctoral work in the United States, has positioned him as a bridge between Eastern and Western neurological research paradigms. His publications and ongoing collaborations continue to influence both clinical practice and academic discourse, especially in the diagnosis and management of neurodegenerative conditions.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Jin Yong Hong is poised to continue making groundbreaking contributions in the field of neurology. With a career marked by academic distinction, clinical expertise, and research innovation, he represents a model of holistic excellence in medicine. His future work is likely to delve deeper into translational neuroscience, aiming to develop practical solutions for patients suffering from movement and cognitive disorders. As a mentor, researcher, and clinician, Dr. Hong is building a legacy that will inspire and influence the medical community for years to come.

Publication

  • Neuroanatomical substrates of visual hallucinations in patients with non-demented Parkinson’s disease
    S Shin, JE Lee, JY Hong, MK Sunwoo, YH Sohn, PH Lee
    2012

 

  • Presynaptic dopamine depletion predicts levodopa-induced dyskinesia in de novo Parkinson disease
    JY Hong, JS Oh, I Lee, MK Sunwoo, JH Ham, JE Lee, YH Sohn, JS Kim, …
    2014

 

  • The MMSE and MoCA for screening cognitive impairment in less educated patients with Parkinson’s disease
    JI Kim, MK Sunwoo, YH Sohn, PH Lee, JY Hong
    2016

 

  • The burden of white matter hyperintensities is a predictor of progressive mild cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease
    MK Sunwoo, S Jeon, JH Ham, JY Hong, JE Lee, JM Lee, YH Sohn, …
    2014

 

  • Cerebral microbleeds in patients with Parkinson’s disease
    JH Ham, H Yi, MK Sunwoo, JY Hong, YH Sohn, PH Lee
    2014

 

  • Subjective cognitive decline predicts future deterioration in cognitively normal patients with Parkinson’s disease
    JY Hong, MK Sunwoo, SJ Chung, JH Ham, JE Lee, YH Sohn, PH Lee
    2014

 

  • Clinical and biomarker characteristics according to clinical spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the validation cohort of Korean Brain Aging Study for the Early Diagnosis …
    J Hwang, JH Jeong, SJ Yoon, KW Park, EJ Kim, B Yoon, JW Jang, HJ Kim, …
    2019

 

  • Subjective cognitive complaints and objective cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease
    JY Hong, Y Lee, MK Sunwoo, YH Sohn, PH Lee
    2018

 

  • Neurocognitive and atrophic patterns in Parkinson’s disease based on subjective memory complaints
    JY Hong, JE Lee, YH Sohn, PH Lee
    2012

 

  • Telomere shortening reflecting physical aging is associated with cognitive decline and dementia conversion in mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease
    SH Koh, SH Choi, JH Jeong, JW Jang, KW Park, EJ Kim, HJ Kim, JY Hong, …
    2020

 

🧾 Conclusion

Dr. Hong’s journey illustrates the profound impact one dedicated individual can make within the scientific and medical communities. His legacy is already evident in his scholarly achievements, the students he mentors, and the patients he serves. As he continues to advance the understanding and treatment of neurological conditions, Dr. Hong remains a beacon of academic integrity, scientific rigor, and compassionate care. His future promises continued breakthroughs that will shape the field of neurology and bring hope to countless lives affected by neurodegenerative disorders.