Forough Sanjarian | Secondary Metabolite | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Forough Sanjarian | Secondary Metabolite | Best Researcher Award

Faculty member at National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.

Dr. Forough Sanjarian is a seasoned plant molecular biologist affiliated with the National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran. Her interdisciplinary research bridges plant stress physiology, genetic regulation of secondary metabolites, and biomaterial applications. With over two decades of experience in academic and applied research, she has contributed significantly to understanding how environmental factors influence plant molecular responses. She has received a research scholarship from NIGEB and was a guest scientist at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Vienna, Austria.

Publication Profile

Scopus 

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education

  • Ph.D. in Biology (2001–2006)
    Razi University, Faculty of Science, in collaboration with the National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.

  • M.Sc. in Biology (1995–1998)
    Tehran University, Faculty of Science, Iran.

  • B.Sc. in Biology (1991–1995)
    Isfahan University, Faculty of Science, Iran.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sanjarian has served as a Researcher at the National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB) since 2002, contributing to advancements in plant biotechnology, genetic expression, and stress physiology. She previously worked as an Invited Tutor in Molecular Biology at Azad University (1998–2006), where she taught and mentored undergraduate and graduate students.

Research Interest 

  • Plant molecular biology and gene expression under abiotic stress

  • Secondary metabolite biosynthesis (e.g., monoterpenes, thymol)

  • Hormetic responses to low-dose gamma irradiation

  • Genetic engineering for enhanced oil and metabolite production in plants

  • Development of biomaterials for medical applications (e.g., wound dressings)

Google Scholar Profile (est.):

  • Total Citations: ~500+

  • h-index: ~10

  • Most Cited Paper: Nigella sativa anti-inflammatory study, 160 citations

Top Noted Publication

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Seeds and Callus of Nigella sativa L. Extracts on Mix Glial Cells with Regard to Their Thymoquinone Content

  • Journal: AAPS PharmSciTech
  • Citation: 160
  • Year: 2013
The effects of nanoencapsulated curcumin-Fe3O4 on proliferation and hTERT gene expression in lung cancer cells
  • Journal: Anti-Cancer Agents in Med. Chem.
  • Citation: 80
  • Year: 2017
Changes in Antioxidant Enzymes Activities and Proline, Total Phenol and Anthocyanin Contents in Hyssopus officinalis L. Plants Under Salt Stress
  • Journal: Acta Biologica Hungarica
  • Citation: 57
  • Year: 2016
Transcriptional Responses in Root Tissue of Bread Wheat Reveal Drought Avoidance Mechanisms
  • Journal: PLOS ONE
  • Citation: 37
  • Year: 2019
Comparative Study of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Plasmid DNA Extraction
  • Journal: Analytical Biochemistry
  • Citation: 36
  • Year: 2016

Conclusion

Dr. Zhigang Shang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Engineering. His cutting-edge research in underwater acoustics, national defense systems, and intelligent sensing platforms, combined with leadership roles, innovation output, and national-level recognition, make him a standout nominee. While international exposure and citation breadth could be further enhanced, his contributions already position him as a strategic research leader with real-world impact.

 

Zhigang Shang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhigang Shang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Harbin Engineering University, China.

Dr. Zhigang Shang is a leading expert in underwater acoustic engineering and marine information systems. He serves as Deputy Director of the Key Laboratory of Marine Information Acquisition and Security at Harbin Engineering University. With a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and extensive experience in national defense research, he has led and participated in over 20 major national and military R&D projects. Dr. Shang is widely published, holding more than 50 patents and authoring 7 monographs. He is actively involved in multiple editorial and advisory boards and has received numerous national awards for innovation and excellence in unmanned and acoustic system technologies.

Publication Profile

Scopus 

Education

Dr. Zhigang Shang earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Information Engineering (Underwater Acoustics) from Harbin Engineering University in 2010. He then completed his Ph.D. at the Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in 2015, where he specialized in acoustic signal processing and underwater sensing technologies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Shang began his professional career in July 2015 at the China Academy of Electronic Sciences, where he worked until October 2021. Following this, he held a short tenure at the China Star Network Innovation Research Institute until April 2022. Since then, he has been a faculty member at Harbin Engineering University, where he currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Key Laboratory of Marine Information Acquisition and Security, under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Dr. Shang holds several academic and professional positions, including:

  • Young Editorial Board Member of Piezoelectric and Sound and Light, Journal of Unmanned Systems, and Journal of Harbin Engineering University.

  • Senior Member of the Chinese Institute of Electronics.

  • Secretary General of the Youth Working Committee of the Acoustics Society.

  • Mentor at the Beijing Institute of Technology.

  • Recognized leader in Underwater Acoustic Engineering as noted in the Blue Book of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Research Interest 

Dr. Shang’s research focuses on:

  • Underwater acoustics

  • Marine information acquisition

  • Unmanned systems

  • Intelligent sensing

  • Signal processing

  • Acoustic stealth and detection technologies

  • Multimodal marine data fusion

He is particularly recognized for his contributions to unmanned underwater and aerial platforms, with practical applications in military defense, marine security, and autonomous systems.

Author Metrics

  • Academic Publications: 50+ peer-reviewed papers

  • National Invention Patents: 50+

  • Software Copyrights: 10+

  • Books/Monographs: 7

  • Major R&D and Military Projects: 20+

Awards:

  • Best Paper Award, 2022 International Unmanned Systems Conference
  • Excellence Award, 2023 China Conversion Application Competition
  • Multiple awards in national UAV and underwater platform competitions
  • Provincial Excellent Youth Fund recipient
  • National Key R&D Young Scientist designation

Top Noted Publication

1. DOA Estimation Exploiting a Single Moving Acoustic Vector Sensor: A Cramér-Rao Bound-Based Study

Authors: Qu, Xinghao; Shang, Zhigang; Qiao, Gang; Liu, Songzuo
Published in: IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, 2025
Citation Count: 0 (as of now)
Summary:
This study presents a novel method for Direction of Arrival (DOA) estimation using a single moving Acoustic Vector Sensor (AVS). The methodology is evaluated through a Cramér-Rao Bound (CRB)-based framework, providing theoretical limits and accuracy benchmarks for DOA performance. The results are particularly relevant for mobile underwater acoustic platforms and defense-related sensing systems.

2. Cross-Domain Communication Buoy System Based on Optimal Communication Link Selection

Authors: Xing, Minghan; Shang, Zhigang; Qiao, Gang; Li, Tianshui; Xie, Jiaxuan
Published in: Journal of Unmanned Undersea Systems, 2024
Citation Count: 0 (as of now)
Summary:
This paper introduces an innovative communication buoy system that optimizes cross-domain (air-sea) communication via dynamic link selection algorithms. The system enhances signal reliability and adaptability across varying marine environments, contributing significantly to unmanned maritime system interoperability and real-time data exchange.

Conclusion

Dr. Zhigang Shang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Engineering. His cutting-edge research in underwater acoustics, national defense systems, and intelligent sensing platforms, combined with leadership roles, innovation output, and national-level recognition, make him a standout nominee. While international exposure and citation breadth could be further enhanced, his contributions already position him as a strategic research leader with real-world impact.

 

Elia Colleoni | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Elia Colleoni, Chemical Engineering, Best Researcher Award

  Elia Colleoni at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia

Summary:

Elia Colleoni is a dedicated researcher in the field of chemical engineering, specializing in the characterization and processing of heavy oils. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), his research interests encompass the gasification, ultrasonically assisted oxidative desulfurization, and pyrolysis of heavy oils.

Elia holds a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, where he achieved a mark of 110/110. His master’s thesis focused on developing a kinetics mechanism for simulating the pyrolysis of heavy fuel oils. With a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the same institution, Elia delved into the analysis of processes for valorizing and upgrading biogas for his thesis.

Professional Profile:

 

👩‍🎓Education & Qualification:

Ph.D., King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano

Diploma (Technical/Vocational), Istituto di Istruzione Superiore Giulio Natta (Bergamo, Italia)

🛠️ Work Experience:

Internship at Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC), KAUST – Focused on oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of heavy fuel oils and simplified kinetics scheme development for heavy fuel oils pyrolysis. (June 2020 – May 2021)

Research Area:

Mr. Elia Colleoni’s research area focuses on several aspects of chemical engineering and energy, with specific interests in the following areas:

Heavy Oils Characterization: Investigating the properties and characteristics of heavy oils, particularly in the context of their gasification and ultrasonically assisted oxidative desulfurization.

Pyrolysis of Heavy Fuel Oils: Developing and studying kinetics mechanisms related to the liquid-phase pyrolysis of heavy fuel oils, aiming to understand the underlying processes and behaviors.

Cavitation Reactors and Oil Processing: Numerical modeling and application of ultrasonically induced cavitation reactors, especially in the context of processing heavy oils.

SARA Fractions Pyrolysis: Exploring the chemical kinetics of pyrolysis, with a focus on specific fractions such as resins within the SARA (Saturates, Aromatics, Resins, and Asphaltenes) classification.

Sonoprocessing of Oil: Studying the effects of sonoprocessing on oil, particularly the declustering of asphaltenes behind fine ultrasonic emulsions.

Publication Top Noted:

Chemical kinetics of asphaltene pyrolysis

  • Authors: P Guida, E Colombo, E Colleoni, S Saxena, A Frassoldati, WL Roberts, …
  • Published in: Energy & Fuels 35 (10), 8672-8684
  • Year: 2021

Unraveling the complexity of pyrolysates from residual fuels by Py-GCxGC-FID/SCD/TOF-MS with an innovative data processing method

  • Authors: E Colleoni, VG Samaras, P Guida, A Frassoldati, T Faravelli, WL Roberts
  • Published in: Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis 175, 106204
  • Year: 2023

Numerical model of an ultrasonically induced cavitation reactor and application to heavy oil processing

  • Authors: P Guida, G Viciconte, A Ceschin, E Colleoni, FEH Pérez, S Saxena, …
  • Published in: Chemical Engineering Journal Advances 12, 100362
  • Year: 2022

Kinetics mechanism of heavy fuel oils liquid-phase pyrolysis

  • Author: E Colleoni
  • Published in: Italy
  • Year: 2021

Chemical kinetics of SARA fractions pyrolysis: Resins

  • Authors: E Colleoni, P Guida, VG Samaras, A Frassoldati, T Faravelli, WL Roberts
  • Published in: Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis 177, 106281
  • Year: 2024

Sonoprocessing of oil: Asphaltene declustering behind fine ultrasonic emulsions

  • Authors: E Colleoni, G Viciconte, C Canciani, S Saxena, P Guida, WL Roberts
  • Published in: Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 106476
  • Year: 2023

A NUMERICAL MODEL OF TRANSIENT ULTRASONICALLY INDUCED CAVITATION ACCOUNTING FOR HOMOGENEOUS NUCLEATION

  • Authors: C Canciani, A Ceschin, P Guida, E Colleoni, HG Im, WL Roberts
  • Published in: International Heat Transfer Conference Digital Library
  • Year: 2023