Northwestern University - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Maria Kokkori’s academic journey seamlessly blends chemistry and art history. She earned her Ph.D. in Art History-Heritage Science from The Courtauld Institute of Art, after completing an M.A. in Conservation of Easel Paintings and an M.Sc. in Chemistry from Cambridge University. Her interdisciplinary background laid the foundation for her innovative research at the intersection of science and art.

🔬 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Currently a Research Professor at Northwestern University, she also serves as a Senior Scientist at the Art Institute of Chicago. Her career has spanned esteemed institutions such as the University of Chicago, The Courtauld Institute, and the Museum of Modern Art. Through these roles, she has advanced scientific studies in art conservation and material analysis.

🖼️ CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Her research focuses on the scientific analysis of artworks, from pigments and dyes to structural compositions. She has applied advanced imaging and analytical techniques to study historical masterpieces, bridging scientific methods with cultural heritage preservation. Her work has reshaped how art is examined, conserved, and understood.

🏆 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

As an esteemed researcher, Maria Kokkori has co-authored numerous books and edited collections on art and science. She has played a pivotal role in international research collaborations and has contributed to groundbreaking studies on artists such as Malevich, Cezanne, and Rodchenko. Her expertise is widely recognized in both conservation science and art history.

📚 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Her interdisciplinary approach has influenced both art historians and conservation scientists. By merging heritage science with cutting-edge research, she has pioneered methods that redefine art analysis. Her contributions help museums and conservationists worldwide protect and interpret valuable artworks with scientific precision.

🌍 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Committed to advancing the intersection of science and art, she continues to explore new analytical methods for cultural heritage preservation. Her legacy lies in fostering a deeper understanding of art through scientific discovery, ensuring that historical masterpieces are studied, preserved, and appreciated for generations to come.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Painting on the margins: Investigating the pigments, media, and techniques of Séraphine Louis
Authors: A. Haddad, Abed; K.R. Sutherland, Ken R.; S.A. Centeno, Silvia A.; N. Balcar, Nathalie; G. Barabant, Gilles
Journal: Heritage Science (2024).

Haigang Ma – Optical Bioimaging Research – Best Researcher Award

Posted on 05/03/202505/03/2025 by Biophotonics Research

Haigang Ma - Optical Bioimaging Research - Best Researcher Award

Nanjing University of Science and Technology - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

🏆 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Haigang Ma embarked on his academic journey at the MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, earning his Ph.D. from South China Normal University. His research was rooted in laser life sciences, setting the foundation for his pioneering contributions to biomedical imaging. His doctoral studies fueled his passion for innovative imaging techniques, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in the field.

🔬 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Currently serving as an Associate Professor of Optical Engineering at Nanjing University of Science and Technology, he has dedicated his career to developing next-generation biomedical imaging systems. His work extends across optical holography, photoacoustic microscopy, and ultrasound imaging, striving to enhance diagnostic accuracy and medical imaging applications.

📡 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

His research primarily focuses on novel biomedical imaging techniques, particularly in multifunctional photoacoustic microscopy. Over the years, he has introduced innovative detection methods and advanced imaging systems, expanding the scope of clinical and experimental applications of photoacoustic technology. His contributions are shaping the future of non-invasive medical diagnostics.

📄 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Haigang Ma has authored more than 30 scientific papers in esteemed journals, demonstrating his expertise in photoacoustic imaging systems. His innovative work has led to 27 national invention patents in China, marking a significant impact in the field. His pioneering efforts also resulted in the development of China's first clinical photoacoustic microscopic imaging instrument for skin detection.

🚀 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Beyond academia, he has played a crucial role in translating research into practical medical applications. His contributions have directly influenced the medical imaging industry, improving clinical diagnostic tools and advancing non-invasive imaging methods for healthcare professionals. His research continues to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world medical applications.

🔍 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As an innovator in biomedical imaging, he remains committed to refining and expanding the capabilities of photoacoustic imaging. His goal is to further enhance medical diagnostics, ensuring more accurate, efficient, and accessible imaging technologies. With ongoing research and continuous advancements, he is set to leave a lasting legacy in optical and biomedical engineering.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Monitoring of microvascular calcification by time-resolved photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: H. Ma, Haigang; Y. Yu, Yinshi; Y. Zhu, Yahui; Q. Chen, Qian; C. Zuo, Chao
Journal: Photoacoustics

Title: Adaptively spatial PSF removal enables contrast enhancement for multi-layer image fusion in photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: T. Feng, Ting; H. Li, Hang; H. Ma, Haigang
Journal: Optics Letters

Dr. Atta Ur Rehman – Light-Matter Interactions – Young Scientist Award

Posted on 05/03/202505/03/2025 by Biophotonics Research

Dr. Atta Ur Rehman - Light-Matter Interactions - Young Scientist Award

UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG - Hong Kong

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Dr. Atta Ur Rehman developed a passion for physics early in his academic journey. Excelling in his studies, he earned a gold medal in both his BS and MS degrees. His fascination with materials science led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Applied Physics, focusing on ferrite and magnetoelectric composites, laying the foundation for his advanced research.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 💼

With a strong academic background, Dr. Atta Ur Rehman has held various teaching and research roles. He served as a University Teaching Assistant at Air University, Islamabad, and later as a Research Assistant at the University of Hong Kong. Currently, he works as a Senior Research Assistant, contributing to innovative research in photocatalysis and microplastics degradation.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🌍

His research centers around developing high-performance materials for environmental and electronic applications. His Ph.D. explored electrically and magnetically tuned Fe3O4 composites for high-frequency applications, while his ongoing work focuses on photocatalytic degradation of microplastics, aiming to convert waste into valuable energy sources.

SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS AND INNOVATIONS 🔬

Dr. Atta’s work on novel photocatalysts has led to the successful upcycling of microplastics into hydrogen and methane under solar illumination. His expertise extends to thin-film deposition techniques like PLD and CVD, essential for developing high-k dielectric materials and advanced electronic devices.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION 🏆

His academic excellence has been recognized through multiple awards, including gold medals in his BS and MS studies. His Ph.D. was fully funded by the Pakistan Air Force and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) due to his outstanding research contributions, further establishing his credibility in the scientific community.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌐

By integrating fundamental physics with environmental and material sciences, Dr. Atta’s research has contributed significantly to sustainable energy solutions and waste management. His collaborations across international institutions and mentorship roles continue to inspire future researchers in materials science and applied physics.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌟

With a strong vision for innovation, Dr. Atta aims to further explore the intersection of magnetoelectric materials and sustainable energy. His future work will focus on refining photocatalysts for environmental applications and enhancing the stability of perovskite-based optoelectronic devices, shaping the next generation of advanced materials.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Impact of strontium substitution on the structural, magnetic, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of Ba1-xSrxFe11Cr1O19 (x= 0.0–0.8) hexaferrites
Authors: M Atif, MH Alvi, S Ullah, AU Rehman, M Nadeem, W Khalid, Z Ali, H Guo
Journal: Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

Title: Enhancement in the magnetoelectric and energy storage properties of core-shell-like CoFe2O4− BaTiO3 multiferroic nanocomposite
Authors: S Ahmed, M Atif, AU Rehman, S Bashir, N Iqbal, W Khalid, Z Ali, ...
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Title: Evaporation Deposition Strategies for All‐Inorganic CsPb(I1–x Br x )3 Perovskite Solar Cells: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: S Ullah, J Wang, P Yang, L Liu, Y Li, AU Rehman, SE Yang, T Xia, H Guo, ...
Journal: Solar RRL

Title: Photocatalytic degradation of different types of microplastics by TiOx/ZnO tetrapod photocatalysts
Authors: Y He, AU Rehman, M Xu, CA Not, AMC Ng, AB Djurišić
Journal: Heliyon

Title: Structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of Ti4+− M2+ co-doped BaFe11Ti0.5M0.5O19 hexaferrites (M= Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+)
Authors: M Atif, S Ullah, AU Rehman, K Shahzad, W Khalid, Z Ali, Y Chen, H Guo, ...
Journal: Ceramics International

Shalini Vardhan – Biophotonics Systems Integration – Best Researcher Award

Posted on 03/03/202503/03/2025 by Biophotonics Research

Shalini Vardhan - Biophotonics Systems Integration - Best Researcher Award

Netaji Subhas University of Technology - India

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Shalini Vardhan developed a deep fascination for silicon photonics early in her academic journey. Her passion led her to pursue a Ph.D. at Netaji Subhas University of Technology, where she specialized in integrated photonic waveguides. With a strong foundation in optoelectronics and nonlinear optics, she set the stage for impactful research in high-performance photonic devices.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 💼

As a Teaching Research Fellow at NSUT Delhi since 2021, Shalini has contributed to academia by mentoring B.Tech. and M.Tech. students in subjects like Optical Communication and Analog Electronics. Her expertise in optical networks and microwave photonics has made her a valuable asset in guiding students through complex technical concepts.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🌍

Shalini's research revolves around developing high-performance, low-loss silicon photonic devices. She explores novel materials and fabrication techniques to enhance photonic device scalability. Her work also extends to integrating silicon photonics with quantum optics and biophotonics, leading to innovative solutions in optical computing and sensing applications.

ONGOING PROJECTS AND INNOVATIONS 🔬

Her current research projects include optimizing silicon-on-insulator-based photonic waveguides and investigating photonic micro-ring resonators for biosensing applications. She is also engaged in developing hybrid photonic interferometers for improved wavelength band performance. Her work is crucial in advancing next-generation photonic circuits.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION 🏆

Shalini’s research contributions have been published in prestigious journals such as Photonics and Silicon. Her work on optical power splitters and integrated filters has been widely cited. Her excellence in research has established her as a promising name in the field of silicon photonics.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌐

Her groundbreaking research has contributed to advancements in photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and quantum information processing. By mentoring students and collaborating on interdisciplinary projects, she continues to influence the next generation of photonics researchers and engineers.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌟

Shalini envisions a future where silicon photonics plays a crucial role in quantum computing and biomedical applications. She aims to expand her research on photonic waveguides and optical sensors, ensuring that her contributions shape the future of optical science and integrated photonics for years to come.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Design, simulation and performance comparison of SoI rectangular waveguide and SMF for methane detection.
Authors: S. Vardhan, R.R. Singh
Journal: Integrated Photonics Platforms II

SoI based optical 1×2 wavelength independent 3-dB power splitter design using three rectangular cross-sectional cuboidal waveguides.
Authors: D. Srivastava, S. Vardhan, R.R. Singh
Journal: Silicon

Optimization and comparative analysis of rectangular and slot waveguide based symmetric ring and racetrack resonators for SoI photonic integrated filters.
Authors: S. Vardhan, R.R. Singh
Journal: Silicon

Poynting Vector Analysis of SoI based Hybrid Plasmonic Rectangular Waveguide.
Authors: S. Vardhan, R.R. Singh
Journal: JSAP-Optica Joint Symposia

A Low Profile Modified Y-shaped RDRA for Triple-band Wireless Applications
Authors: D.G. Patanvariya, A. Gaonkar, S. Vardhan
Journal: IEEE MTT-S International Microwave and RF Conference (IMARC)

Xiang Xu – Cancer Biophotonics – Best Innovation Award

Posted on 03/03/202503/03/2025 by Biophotonics Research

Xiang Xu - Cancer Biophotonics - Best Innovation Award

Amy Medical University of China - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

ORCID

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Professor Xiang Xu's journey in medical sciences began in China, where he displayed an early passion for cellular therapies and regenerative medicine. He earned his doctoral degree from the prestigious Third Military Medical University in 2006. His academic excellence and dedication to advancing medical research led him to pursue postdoctoral studies at Pittsburgh University from 2007 to 2009, where he explored the role of HDAC2 in promoting eIF4E sumoylation and activating mRNA translation gene specifically. These formative years laid the groundwork for his future breakthroughs in cytotherapeutics.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🌍

After completing his postdoctoral research, Professor Xu returned to China and became a principal investigator in the field of stem cell and regenerative medicine. In 2010, he joined the first department at the State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn, and Combined Injury, where he carried out groundbreaking research on cytotherapeutics. His leadership and expertise in the field positioned him as a pioneering figure in regenerative medicine.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 💡

Professor Xu has been at the forefront of developing innovative therapies in regenerative medicine. His research primarily focuses on immunocyte-based and stem cell-based therapies. In 2018, he founded the Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine at Daping Hospital of Amy Medical University, where he led multiple clinical and translational research projects. One of his most notable contributions is the development of a novel treatment strategy: the combination of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem (stromal) cell transplantation with IFN-gamma treatment to improve clinical outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION 🏆

Professor Xu’s pioneering research and contributions to cytotherapeutics have earned him widespread recognition. His work has been acknowledged in the scientific community through numerous awards and honors. As a distinguished professor at Amy Medical University, his influence extends beyond research, inspiring the next generation of scientists in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 👨‍🎓

Professor Xu's research has significantly influenced the field of regenerative medicine, particularly in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. His innovative therapeutic strategies have provided new hope for patients suffering from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Through his leadership in academic and medical institutions, he has mentored numerous researchers and clinicians, further advancing the field of cytotherapeutics.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS ⚛️

\With a strong foundation in regenerative medicine, Professor Xu continues to push the boundaries of stem cell research. His legacy is defined by his commitment to translational research and clinical applications of cytotherapeutics. His future endeavors aim to refine stem cell-based treatments, explore new regenerative strategies, and expand the possibilities of cellular therapy for various medical conditions.

VISION FOR SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENT 🛠️

Professor Xu envisions a future where regenerative medicine and cytotherapeutics revolutionize healthcare. His continued efforts in stem cell research and immunotherapy aim to improve treatment outcomes for patients worldwide. Through his dedication to scientific progress, he is shaping a future where cell-based therapies become a cornerstone of modern medicine.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Lactate-mediated lactylation in human health and diseases: Progress and remaining challenges
Authors: Xue-ting Hu, Xiao-feng Wu, Jin-yi Xu, Xiang Xu
Journal: Journal of Advanced Research
Title: The dual role of mesenchymal stem cells in apoptosis regulation
Authors: Zhuo Chen, Xuewei Xia, Mengwei Yao, Yi Yang, Xiang Ao, Zhaoqi Zhang, Li Guo, Xiang Xu
Journal: Cell Death & Disease
Title: XELOX (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) plus bevacizumab (anti-VEGF-A antibody) with or without adoptive cell immunotherapy in the treatment of patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer: a multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled, phase 3 trial
Authors: Qiu-Zhong Pan, Jing-Jing Zhao, Liang Liu, Dong-Sheng Zhang, Li-Ping Wang, Wen-Wei Hu, De-Sheng Weng, Xiang Xu, Yi-Zhuo Li, Yan Tang et al.
Journal: Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy
Title: Effect of GRK4 on renal gastrin receptor regulation in hypertension
Authors: Xia, X.; Zeng, Y.; Li, Z.; Luo, H.; Wang, W.; He, Y.; Lu, B.; Guo, J.; Chen, K.; Xu, X.
Journal: Clinical and Experimental Hypertension
Title: Fibulin2: a negative regulator of BMSC osteogenic differentiation in infected bone fracture healing
Authors: Li, S.-D.; Xing, W.; Wang, S.-C.; Li, Y.-B.; Jiang, H.; Zheng, H.-X.; Li, X.-M.; Yang, J.; Guo, D.-B.; Xie, X.-Y. et al.
Journal: Experimental and Molecular Medicine
Title: HGF Mediates Human Gingival Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviated Airway Inflammation in Animal Models of Allergic Asthma
Authors: Fang, Q.; Wu, W.; Xiao, Z.; Zeng, D.; Liang, R.; Wang, J.; Yuan, J.; Su, W.; Xu, X.; Zheng, Y. et al.
Journal: SSRN