Shiqi Hu – Surface Plasmon Technologies – Best Researcher Award

Shiqi Hu - Surface Plasmon Technologies - Best Researcher Award

Jinan University - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

🌟 PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Dr. Shiqi Hu, a dedicated postdoctoral fellow at Jinan University, is emerging as a pioneering researcher in the field of optical engineering. Her academic journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation, culminating in a Ph.D. with a strong emphasis on near-infrared plasmonic modulation. Dr. Hu has carved a niche in theoretical modeling and functional implementation of micro-nano optical systems. Her innovative work on 3D-tunable hypersurfaces and hyperbolic metamaterials enables unprecedented control over plasmonic resonance across the visible and near-infrared spectra. With 26 SCI-indexed publications, 4 patents, and over 850 citations, her contributions have left a strong imprint on both theoretical optics and real-world sensor technologies. Her research directly addresses key societal challenges such as health diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Through precision, creativity, and cross-disciplinary insight, Dr. Hu is redefining what is possible in biophotonics and optical sensor design.

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Hu’s academic excellence was evident early in her scholarly career at Jinan University, where she pursued both her graduate and doctoral studies. Specializing in optical engineering, she quickly gravitated toward the challenging and high-impact domain of plasmonics. During her Ph.D. (2017–2023), she exhibited a rare combination of theoretical depth and experimental agility. Her early research contributions include the design of micro-nano structures for modulating optical signals and fabricating functional fiber-optic devices. These initial breakthroughs laid the groundwork for her transformative research in hypersurfaces and metamaterials. Motivated by both curiosity and a sense of social responsibility, Dr. Hu positioned her doctoral work at the intersection of physics, engineering, and biomedical applications. Her drive to create practical solutions for real-world problems fueled her research trajectory, earning her early recognition in academic circles and setting a strong foundation for her future as an innovator in the optical sciences.

💼 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

In her postdoctoral tenure, Dr. Hu has assumed key leadership roles in advanced optical research. At Jinan University, she not only contributed to high-impact publications but also successfully led three competitive research grants, including the prestigious National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Project. Her portfolio includes eight completed or ongoing research projects and two collaborative consultancy endeavors with industry. These projects reflect her ability to bridge fundamental science with application-driven engineering. As a research leader, she continues to explore innovative interfaces and sensor applications, contributing to the next generation of diagnostic and monitoring tools. Her day-to-day work involves a mix of theoretical simulations, nanofabrication, and applied biosensing studies—demonstrating her dynamic engagement across the research pipeline. Dr. Hu’s commitment to advancing science and mentoring young scholars underscores her broader mission: to elevate China’s presence in global biophotonics through cutting-edge research and international collaboration.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Hu’s contributions span theoretical innovation, sensor development, and biomedical integration. Her pioneering work on 3D-tunable hypersurfaces has reshaped the field’s understanding of light–matter interactions. She also proposed a novel hyperbolic metamaterial dispersion modulation framework, which allows for tunable plasmonic resonance across a wide spectral range. These innovations have been applied to practical biosensors for non-invasive health monitoring—particularly sweat pH sensors with direct electronic readout. Her research extends to advanced materials, such as graphene and other two-dimensional nanomaterials, aimed at enhancing sensitivity, functionality, and miniaturization. Dr. Hu has successfully merged theoretical physics with material science and bioengineering, positioning her work at the forefront of next-generation optical devices. Her focus on temperature and dual-parameter modulation sensors is especially impactful in environments demanding high precision and adaptability. With 26 high-quality publications and ongoing interdisciplinary projects, Dr. Hu exemplifies a rare fusion of innovation, impact, and scientific rigor.

🏅 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Dr. Hu’s academic reputation is solidified through a series of prestigious achievements. Her work has garnered significant citations (857+) and an impressive h-index of 16, illustrating both the quality and relevance of her research. She has been recognized with competitive funding awards, notably the Youth Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, which reflects national confidence in her scholarly vision. Moreover, her portfolio of four patents evidences her drive toward innovation with real-world utility. Dr. Hu's publication record—26 SCI-indexed journal articles—demonstrates sustained excellence and commitment to advancing knowledge. Her scholarly output in top-tier journals like Nano Letters and Photonics Research speaks volumes about her influence in the international research community. In the realm of academic honors, she has also been nominated for global awards such as the Best Researcher and Young Researcher categories by BiophotonicsResearch.com, further affirming her growing global impact.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Beyond technical achievements, Dr. Hu’s work holds profound societal and economic value. By enhancing the sensitivity and responsiveness of biosensors, she directly contributes to early disease detection and public health optimization. Her research has potential applications in point-of-care diagnostics, wearable health monitoring, and intelligent sensing systems. This makes her work especially relevant to healthcare providers, tech innovators, and policymakers alike. Additionally, the dual-readout and non-invasive features of her sensor technologies could significantly reduce costs and improve patient compliance in medical diagnostics. In industry, her consultancy projects are already informing the design of next-gen sensor platforms. Dr. Hu's research inspires a new wave of optical device engineering, blending aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Her influence stretches beyond academia into areas that directly impact quality of life—testament to a researcher whose insights translate into measurable progress. Her ability to align fundamental research with societal needs positions her as a changemaker in biophotonics.

📈 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Looking ahead, Dr. Shiqi Hu envisions a future where photonic and plasmonic technologies integrate seamlessly into daily life—from smart healthcare systems to environmental sensors. With a solid foundation in hyperbolic dispersion and material-plasmon interactions, she is well-poised to lead the next generation of bio-integrated devices. She aims to expand her research into intelligent sensor systems that combine optical engineering with artificial intelligence for autonomous detection and decision-making. Her continued engagement in patent development and international collaboration will further translate academic innovation into commercial and societal solutions. Dr. Hu is also committed to nurturing young talent and expanding interdisciplinary education in optics and engineering. Through sustained scientific inquiry, strategic partnerships, and visionary leadership, she aspires to leave a legacy that inspires, informs, and empowers future generations of researchers and engineers. Her career trajectory exemplifies a rising global leader with enduring influence in photonics and beyond.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Title: Sensitivity-enhanced surface plasmon resonance sensor utilizing a tungsten disulfide (WS₂) nanosheets overlayer
Authors: H. Wang, H. Zhang, J. Dong, S. Hu, W. Zhu, W. Qiu, H. Lu, J. Yu, H. Guan, ...
Journal: Photonics Research, Volume 6, Issue 6, Pages 485–491 (2018)

Title: High-sensitivity vector magnetic field sensor based on side-polished fiber plasmon and ferrofluid
Authors: Z. Jiang, J. Dong, S. Hu, Y. Zhang, Y. Chen, Y. Luo, W. Zhu, W. Qiu, H. Lu, ...
Journal: Optics Letters, Volume 43, Issue 19, Pages 4743–4746 (2018)

Title: Long-range surface plasmon resonance sensor based on side-polished fiber for biosensing applications
Authors: H. Zhang, Y. Chen, X. Feng, X. Xiong, S. Hu, Z. Jiang, J. Dong, W. Zhu, W. Qiu, ...
Journal: IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, Volume 25, Issue 2, Pages 1–9 (2018)

Title: Side-polished few-mode fiber based surface plasmon resonance biosensor
Authors: J. Dong, Y. Zhang, Y. Wang, F. Yang, S. Hu, Y. Chen, W. Zhu, W. Qiu, H. Guan, ...
Journal: Optics Express, Volume 27, Issue 8, Pages 11348–11360 (2019)

Title: Plasmonic interface modified with graphene oxide sheets overlayer for sensitivity enhancement
Authors: X. Xiong, Y. Chen, H. Wang, S. Hu, Y. Luo, J. Dong, W. Zhu, W. Qiu, H. Guan, ...
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Volume 10, Issue 41, Pages 34916–34923 (2018)

Toquier Azam – Environmental Biophotonics Research – Best Researcher Award

Toquier Azam - Environmental Biophotonics Research - Best Researcher Award

Southwest University of Science and Techonology - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

ORCID

🎓 SUMMARY

Dr. Toquier Azam is a Pakistani microbiologist and biotechnologist with over 15 years of experience spanning academia, pharmaceutical industries, and advanced laboratory research. With a Ph.D. in Biology from Southwest University of Science & Technology, China, and an M.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Baluchistan, his work bridges the realms of microbiology, bioinformatics, environmental biotechnology, and pharmacological quality control. His contributions encompass groundbreaking studies on halophilic fungi for heavy metal and radionuclide bioremediation, protein biochemistry, and structural characterization of biomolecules. He is also proficient in implementing international standards of laboratory quality management systems including GMP, GLP, and ISO 17025.

✨ EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Toquier Azam's academic path began with a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Zoology, and Botany, progressing to an M.Sc. in Biochemistry. His early research at NORI (Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiology Institute) focused on protein biophysics and medical applications of structural biology. With a strong interest in biotechnology, he enrolled at Southwest University of Science & Technology for his Ph.D., where he specialized in environmental biotechnology and transcriptomics. His doctoral work focused on the bioremediation potential of extremophilic fungi in radioactive and heavy metal-contaminated environments. His research training spanned multiple disciplines including microbiology, molecular biology, cryo-EM, and PCR diagnostics, laying the foundation for his cross-disciplinary expertise.

💼 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Over his extensive career, Dr. Azam has served in pivotal roles across academic and industrial settings. He worked as a senior microbiologist and quality control officer at BF Biosciences and Medipak Pharmaceuticals, where he led compliance-based diagnostics, microbial assays, HPLC, and biocompatibility testing of drugs. His role expanded to overseeing quality assurance and ERP-based inventory in pharmaceutical production environments. Prior to this, he worked as a biochemist in pathology labs and conducted molecular assays using ELISA, LFTs, and CBC panels. These experiences honed his ability to manage diagnostic laboratories and integrate biotechnology into clinical and manufacturing workflows.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Azam has developed a robust research portfolio in bioremediation, transcriptomics, and microbiological diagnostics. His landmark study demonstrated how halophilic fungi can remediate radioactive contaminants where bacteria fail. He led projects on dual-zone enzyme networks and cadmium/strontium tolerance in extremophilic fungi. His work on biosorption, fungal gene expression, and sustainable environmental practices has led to multiple high-impact publications in Environmental Pollution, Scientific Reports, and Biology. He has also explored the intersection of plant-microbe interactions, investigating garlic-based interplanting effects on heavy metal uptake. His research continues to push the boundaries of bio-based environmental remediation.

🏆 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Dr. Azam received a fully funded Ph.D. scholarship from SWUST, China, recognizing his academic excellence and research potential. His publication record includes SCI-indexed articles with a growing number of citations. He has presented at international biotechnology conferences and serves as a reviewer for journals such as Ambio and Journal of Food Quality. He holds certifications in GMP, GLP, ISO 17025, and has completed specialized training in chromatography, real-time monitoring systems, and microbial analysis, further validating his role as a leader in quality assurance and biotechnology.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

With multilingual communication skills and international research experience, Dr. Azam has made significant contributions to biotechnology in South Asia and China. His work has influenced environmental safety protocols, especially in the context of pharmaceutical waste and radioactive pollution. As a mentor and trainer, he imparts technical knowledge to students and professionals, promoting safe laboratory practices. His contributions to policy through microbial diagnostics and environmental monitoring place him at the forefront of sustainable biotechnology in resource-constrained settings.

🚀 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Azam aims to expand his research on extremophiles for industrial bioprocesses and environmental restoration. He plans to collaborate globally on sustainable biotechnology solutions addressing water purification, heavy metal detoxification, and ecological balance. As an aspiring postdoctoral researcher and biology educator, he seeks to merge teaching with high-impact scientific inquiry. His legacy lies in the innovative application of microbiology to solve global environmental and health challenges, and in mentoring the next generation of researchers dedicated to sustainable science.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Bacterial Diversity at Himalayan Pink Salt Extraction Site
Authors: Yasmeen Malik, Imran Ali, Ashif Sajjad, Toquier Azam, Xiaoming Chen
Journal: Biology, 2025