International Journal of
Molecular Sciences Editorial
Announcing the International Journal of Molecular Sciences Young Investigator and Travel Awards 2017 Editorial
International Journal of Molecular Sciences Editorial Office
Announcing the International Journal of Molecular Sciences Young Investigator and Travel Awards 2017
MDPI AG, St. Alban-Anlage 66, 4052 Basel, Switzerland; [email protected] Received: 7 April 2017; Accepted: 7 April 2017; Published: 8 April 2017 International Journal of Molecular Sciences Editorial Office
MDPI AG, St. Alban-Anlage 66, 4052 Basel, Switzerland; [email protected]
With the goal of7 April recognizing outstanding contributions the2017 field of molecular sciences by young Received: 2017; Accepted: 7 April 2017; Published: 8to April investigators under the age of 40 (by 31 December 2016), and early-career investigators, which includes postdoctoral students and PhD students, and assisting the early-career investigators in attending international conferences inrecognizing 2017, lastoutstanding year the contributions International Molecularsciences Sciences With the goal of to Journal the field of of molecular by accepted young under the age of Travel 40 (by 31Awards December2017. 2016),Over and early-career investigators, which nominations forinvestigators Young Investigator and 200 nominations were received and includesby postdoctoral PhD students, and assisting Journal the early-career investigators in editorial were evaluated a panel ofstudents judgesand comprised of International of Molecular Sciences attending international conferences in 2017, last year the International Journal of Molecular Sciences board members. accepted nominations for Young Investigator and Travel Awards 2017. Over 200 nominations were We are excited announce the Young Investigator award: Rob W.J. Collin received andto were evaluatedthe by awinner panel ofof judges comprised of International Journal Dr. of Molecular Sciences editorial board members. who will be awarded 2000 Swiss Francs; and the following winners for Travel Awards, Dr. Yi Ma, We areand excited announce the winner of the Young Investigator with award:up Dr.toRob Collin Dr. Miranda Ween, Dr. toReza M. Zadegan who will be supported 800W.J. Swiss Francs each who will be awarded 2000 Swiss Francs; and the following winners for Travel Awards, Dr. Yi Ma, Dr. towards their travel expenses to attend international conferences in 2017. Miranda Ween, and Dr. Reza M. Zadegan who will be supported with up to 800 Swiss Francs each towards their travel expenses to attend international conferences in 2017.
1. Young Investigator Awardee
1. Young Investigator Awardee
Dr. Rob W.J. Collin Dr. Rob W.J. Collin
Dr. Rob W.J. Collin is an Associate Professor at the Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University MedicalisCenter in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and is affiliatedof toHuman the Donders Institute Radboud Dr. Rob W.J. Collin an Associate Professor at the Department Genetics, for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. In 2000, Dr. Collin obtained his M.Sc. degree in Chemistry and University Medical Center in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and is affiliated to the Donders Institute for in 2006, he successfully defended his doctoral thesis entitled “Exploring the role of Alzheimer’s Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. In APP 2000,and Dr.itsCollin obtained his intermediate M.Sc. degree in Chemistry and in 2006, amyloid-β precursor protein relatives in Xenopus pituitary', under the he successfully defended entitled “Exploring thedegree, role of supervision of Prof.his Dr. doctoral Gerard J.M.thesis Martens. After obtaining his PhD he Alzheimer’s changed gears toamyloid-β field ofAPP Human Genetics, and as ain post-doctoral researcher, he was involved in the identification precursor the protein and its relatives Xenopus intermediate pituitary, under the supervision of of several novel disease-causing genes for inherited hearing impairment (ESRRB, LRTOMT) and Prof. Dr. Gerard J.M. Martens. After obtaining his PhD degree, he changed gears to the field of inherited (vitreo)retinal diseases (EYS, C2orf71, IMPG2, MVK, TSPAN12 and ZNF408). Since 2009, Dr. Human Genetics, as a researcher, hedevelopment was involved in the identification Collin hasand moved hispost-doctoral scientific activities towards the of novel genetic therapies for of several novel disease-causing genes for inherited hearing impairment (ESRRB, LRTOMT) and inherited Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18, 791; doi:10.3390/ijms18040791 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms (vitreo)retinal diseases (EYS, C2orf71, IMPG2, MVK, TSPAN12 and ZNF408). Since 2009, Dr. Collin has moved his scientific activities towards the development of novel genetic therapies for retinal diseases, in particular those focusing on correcting pre-mRNA splicing defects. Supported by a prestigious VENI grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, and an Individual Investigator Award
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retinal diseases, in particularBlindness those focusing on amongst correcting pre-mRNA by a from the Foundation Fighting USA, others, hesplicing and hisdefects. groupSupported have developed an prestigious VENI grant from the Netherlandsstrategy Organization for Scientific Research, and an Individual antisense oligonucleotide-based therapeutic for the future treatment of CEP290-associated Award from the Foundation Fighting Blindness USA, amongst others, he and his group LCA. InInvestigator 2010, he was a visiting scientist in the lab of Prof. Dr. Jean Bennett, at the F.M Kirby Center for have developed an antisense oligonucleotide-based therapeutic strategy for the future treatment of Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA, USA. CEP290-associated LCA. In 2010, he was a visiting scientist in the lab of Prof. Dr. Jean Bennett, at the Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18, 791
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F.M Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
2. Travel Awards Awardees retinal diseases, in particular those focusing on correcting pre-mRNA splicing defects. Supported by a 2. Travel Awards Awardees prestigious VENI grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, and an Individual
2.1. Research Field: Biochemistry Investigator Award from the Foundation Fighting Blindness USA, amongst others, he and his group
2.1.have Research Field: Biochemistry developed an antisense oligonucleotide-based therapeutic strategy for the future treatment of CEP290-associated LCA. In 2010, he was a visiting scientist in the lab of Prof. Dr. Jean Bennett, at the F.M Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA, USA. 2. Travel Awards Awardees 2.1. Research Field: Biochemistry
Dr. Yi Ma
Dr. Yi Ma Dr. Yi Ma, Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at University of Connecticut, USA. Dr. Ma obtained her Ph.D in Plant Biology Research from the Pennsylvania University 2008 under the supervision Dr. Yi Ma, Post-Doctoral Scientist atState University of in Connecticut, USA. Dr. Ma of obtained Professor David Braun. Her Ph.D research was focused on carbohydrate partitioning in maize. She her Ph.D in Plant Biology from the Pennsylvania State University in 2008 under the supervision of Dr. Yi(tdy1) Ma mutant, which accumulates excess levels of was working on the characterization of a tie-dyed1 Professor David Braun. Her Ph.D research was focused on carbohydrate partitioning in maize. She sugars and starch in leaves. She cloned Tie-dyed1, a novel gene that expresses in phloem cells was working on the characterization of a tie-dyed1 (tdy1) mutant, which accumulates excess Dr.sieve Yi Ma, Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at University of Connecticut, USA. Dr. reticulum Ma obtained including elements and companion cells. TDY1 is localized on the endoplasmic (ER)levels of her Ph.D in Plant Biology from the Pennsylvania State University in 2008 under the supervision of sugars and starch in leaves. She cloned Tie-dyed1, a novel gene that expresses in phloem cells including membranes involved in phloem unloading in maize. The findings provide insights into managing Professor David Braun. Her Ph.D research was focused on carbohydrate partitioning in maize. She 2+ sieve elements and companion cells. TDY1 localized on theDr. endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes carbohydrate for yield improvement and is biofuel production. Ma then switched to studying Ca was working on the characterization of a tie-dyed1 (tdy1) mutant, which accumulates excess levels of associated signaling in plantincells. She The is working on identifying Ca2+ conducing channels that are involved in phloem unloading findings insights into managing carbohydrate sugars and starch in leaves. maize. She cloned Tie-dyed1, a provide novel gene that expresses in phloem cells involved in different signaling transduction pathways, such as BR signaling, plant innate immunity 2+ for yield improvement and biofuel production. Dr. is Ma then switched to studying Ca(ER)associated including sieve elements and companion cells. TDY1 localized on the endoplasmic reticulum 2+ sources could be responsible andmembranes meristem development. She has demonstrated that different Ca 2+ involved in phloem unloading in maize. The findings provide insights into managing signaling in plant cells. She is working on identifying Ca conducing channels that are involved in for carbohydrate different pathways. Ma is investigating Arabidopsis an optogenetic cAMP 2+ for yieldDr. improvement and biofuel production.plants Dr. Maexpressing then switched to studying Ca differentsensor signaling transduction pathways, such asto BR signaling, plant innate immunity and meristem to monitor cAMP generation in responses various environmental cues. 2+ associated signaling in plant cells. She is working on identifying Ca conducing channels that are
2+ sources could be responsible for different development. Shein has demonstrated that different Casuch involved different signaling transduction pathways, as BR signaling, plant innate immunity 2.2.and Research Molecular Medicine pathways. Dr.meristem MaField: is development. investigating plants expressing an optogenetic cAMP sensor to SheArabidopsis has demonstrated that different Ca2+ sources could be responsible for different pathways. Ma is investigating Arabidopsis plants expressing monitor cAMP generation in Dr. responses to various environmental cues. an optogenetic cAMP
sensor to monitor cAMP generation in responses to various environmental cues.
2.2. Research Field: Molecular Medicine
2.2. Research Field: Molecular Medicine
Dr. Miranda Ween
Dr.Miranda Miranda Ween Dr. Ween
Dr. Ween completed her undergraduate Biomedical Science degree at the University of Adelaide, majoring in Human Physiology and Immunity and Infection. She was awarded her PhD in 2011 from
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the UniversityDr. ofWeen Adelaide, forher a project performing highly complex technically demanding cell completed undergraduate Biomedical Science degree atand the University of Adelaide, majoring in the Human and Immunity and was awarded her PhD in 2011 from an award biology studies into rolePhysiology of protein interactions inInfection. ovarianShe cancer progression and received the University of Adelaide, for a project performing highly complex and technically demanding cell for her outstanding thesis. Dr Ween then joined the Research Centre for Infectious Diseases for her biology studies into the role of protein interactions in ovarian cancer progression and received an first postdoctoral role, investigating how lung bacteria survive in different conditions. Dr. Ween then award for her outstanding thesis. Dr Ween then joined the Research Centre for Infectious Diseases joined the for Lung Research Laboratory located in the Hanson Institute at the Royal Adelaide Hospital her first postdoctoral role, investigating how lung bacteria survive in different conditions. Dr. Ween then related joined thelung Lung Research located in the Hanson Institute From at the Royal Adelaide to study smoking damageLaboratory and susceptibility to infection. there, Dr. Ween also to studyinto smoking related lung the damage and susceptibility infection. there, Dr. Ween expanded Hospital her research investigating effects E-cigarettestohave on From the lungs, with a particular also expanded her research into investigating the effects E-cigarettes have on the lungs, with a focus on how their usage may affect the users’ immune cells’ ability to recognize pathogenic bacteria particular focus on how their usage may affect the users’ immune cells’ ability to recognize and phagocytose them. pathogenic bacteria and phagocytose them. 2.3.Field: Research Field: Biomaterial 2.3. Research Biomaterial
Dr. Reza M. Zadegan
Dr. Reza M. Zadegan To become a leading biomedical DNA nanotechnologist, Dr. Zadegan earned a B.Sc. in BiologyCytologyaand Microbiology with a minor Cell and Molecular Biology, an M.Sc. in Cell and To become leading biomedical DNA innanotechnologist, Dr. Zadegan earned a B.Sc. in Molecular Biology with a minor in bioelectronics, as well as a Ph.D. in Nanoscience with a minor in Biology-Cytology and Microbiology with a minor in Cell and Molecular Biology, an M.Sc. in Cell Molecular Biology. He completed graduate work under RNA/DNA bio-nanoscience pioneer, Prof. and Molecular Biology withleda minor in bioelectronics, as well and as acharacterization Ph.D. in Nanoscience with a Jørgen Kjems, which to the design, modeling, construction, of DNA nanostructures for biological and chemical applications. To under gain interdisciplinary skills, Dr. pioneer, minor in Molecular Biology. He completed graduate work RNA/DNAresearch bio-nanoscience Zadegan thenwhich joined the State University as a postdoctoral researcherand in thecharacterization Micron School of of DNA Prof. Jørgen Kjems, ledBoise to the design, modeling, construction, Materials Science and Engineering under the leadership of Dr. William L. Hughes whose team creates nanostructures for biological and chemical applications. To gain interdisciplinary research skills, chemical reaction networks, nucleic acid memory, and lithographic masks using DNA as the Dr. Zadegan then joined the As Boise State University as a postdoctoral researcher in the Micron School engineering material. a researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Hughes, he has been providing operational in the Nucleicunder Acid Memory (NAM) group. believes that nucleic of Materials Scienceleadership and Engineering the leadership of Dr. Dr.Zadegan William L. Hughes whose team acid-based materialsnetworks, are ideal candidates interdisciplinary bio-nanomaterials and it is DNA as creates chemical reaction nucleicfor acid memory, and lithographicscience, masks using hence their coding, synthesis, and exploration of their unique properties that forms the basis of the the engineering material. As a researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Hughes, he has been providing research program he plans to establish. His current research focuses on synthesizing innovative operational leadership the Nucleic Acid Memory (NAM) group. Dr. Zadeganmaterials believesand that nucleic biomaterials for in a range of applications, with particular emphasis on nanostructured devices and on developing alternative digital memory storage technologies given the likelihood that acid-based materials are ideal candidates for interdisciplinary bio-nanomaterials science, and it is demand willsynthesis, outpace capacity production of of current technologies. hence their coding, and and exploration their unique properties that forms the basis of the On behalf of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences’ editorial board members and editorial research program he plans to establish. His current research focuses on synthesizing innovative staffs, we wish to congratulate these four outstanding scholars for their accomplishments. biomaterials for a range of applications, with particular emphasis on nanostructured materials and Conflicts of Interest: The author declaredigital no conflict of interest.storage technologies given the likelihood that devices and on developing alternative memory demand will production technologies. Prizeoutpace Awardingcapacity Committee:and The Editorial Board ofof thecurrent International Journal of Molecular Sciences On behalf of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences’ editorial board members and editorial staffs, we wish to congratulate these four outstanding scholars for their accomplishments.
Conflicts of Interest: The author declare no conflict of interest. Prize Awarding Committee: The Editorial Board of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. © 2017 by the author. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Molecular Sciences Editorial
Announcing the International Journal of Molecular Sciences Young Investigator and Travel Awards 2017 Editorial
International Journal of Molecular Sciences Editorial Office
Announcing the International Journal of Molecular Sciences Young Investigator and Travel Awards 2017
MDPI AG, St. Alban-Anlage 66, 4052 Basel, Switzerland; [email protected] Received: 7 April 2017; Accepted: 7 April 2017; Published: 8 April 2017 International Journal of Molecular Sciences Editorial Office
MDPI AG, St. Alban-Anlage 66, 4052 Basel, Switzerland; [email protected]
With the goal of7 April recognizing outstanding contributions the2017 field of molecular sciences by young Received: 2017; Accepted: 7 April 2017; Published: 8to April investigators under the age of 40 (by 31 December 2016), and early-career investigators, which includes postdoctoral students and PhD students, and assisting the early-career investigators in attending international conferences inrecognizing 2017, lastoutstanding year the contributions International Molecularsciences Sciences With the goal of to Journal the field of of molecular by accepted young under the age of Travel 40 (by 31Awards December2017. 2016),Over and early-career investigators, which nominations forinvestigators Young Investigator and 200 nominations were received and includesby postdoctoral PhD students, and assisting Journal the early-career investigators in editorial were evaluated a panel ofstudents judgesand comprised of International of Molecular Sciences attending international conferences in 2017, last year the International Journal of Molecular Sciences board members. accepted nominations for Young Investigator and Travel Awards 2017. Over 200 nominations were We are excited announce the Young Investigator award: Rob W.J. Collin received andto were evaluatedthe by awinner panel ofof judges comprised of International Journal Dr. of Molecular Sciences editorial board members. who will be awarded 2000 Swiss Francs; and the following winners for Travel Awards, Dr. Yi Ma, We areand excited announce the winner of the Young Investigator with award:up Dr.toRob Collin Dr. Miranda Ween, Dr. toReza M. Zadegan who will be supported 800W.J. Swiss Francs each who will be awarded 2000 Swiss Francs; and the following winners for Travel Awards, Dr. Yi Ma, Dr. towards their travel expenses to attend international conferences in 2017. Miranda Ween, and Dr. Reza M. Zadegan who will be supported with up to 800 Swiss Francs each towards their travel expenses to attend international conferences in 2017.
1. Young Investigator Awardee
1. Young Investigator Awardee
Dr. Rob W.J. Collin Dr. Rob W.J. Collin
Dr. Rob W.J. Collin is an Associate Professor at the Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University MedicalisCenter in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and is affiliatedof toHuman the Donders Institute Radboud Dr. Rob W.J. Collin an Associate Professor at the Department Genetics, for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. In 2000, Dr. Collin obtained his M.Sc. degree in Chemistry and University Medical Center in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and is affiliated to the Donders Institute for in 2006, he successfully defended his doctoral thesis entitled “Exploring the role of Alzheimer’s Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. In APP 2000,and Dr.itsCollin obtained his intermediate M.Sc. degree in Chemistry and in 2006, amyloid-β precursor protein relatives in Xenopus pituitary', under the he successfully defended entitled “Exploring thedegree, role of supervision of Prof.his Dr. doctoral Gerard J.M.thesis Martens. After obtaining his PhD he Alzheimer’s changed gears toamyloid-β field ofAPP Human Genetics, and as ain post-doctoral researcher, he was involved in the identification precursor the protein and its relatives Xenopus intermediate pituitary, under the supervision of of several novel disease-causing genes for inherited hearing impairment (ESRRB, LRTOMT) and Prof. Dr. Gerard J.M. Martens. After obtaining his PhD degree, he changed gears to the field of inherited (vitreo)retinal diseases (EYS, C2orf71, IMPG2, MVK, TSPAN12 and ZNF408). Since 2009, Dr. Human Genetics, as a researcher, hedevelopment was involved in the identification Collin hasand moved hispost-doctoral scientific activities towards the of novel genetic therapies for of several novel disease-causing genes for inherited hearing impairment (ESRRB, LRTOMT) and inherited Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18, 791; doi:10.3390/ijms18040791 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms (vitreo)retinal diseases (EYS, C2orf71, IMPG2, MVK, TSPAN12 and ZNF408). Since 2009, Dr. Collin has moved his scientific activities towards the development of novel genetic therapies for retinal diseases, in particular those focusing on correcting pre-mRNA splicing defects. Supported by a prestigious VENI grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, and an Individual Investigator Award
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18, 791; doi:10.3390/ijms18040791
www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18, 791
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retinal diseases, in particularBlindness those focusing on amongst correcting pre-mRNA by a from the Foundation Fighting USA, others, hesplicing and hisdefects. groupSupported have developed an prestigious VENI grant from the Netherlandsstrategy Organization for Scientific Research, and an Individual antisense oligonucleotide-based therapeutic for the future treatment of CEP290-associated Award from the Foundation Fighting Blindness USA, amongst others, he and his group LCA. InInvestigator 2010, he was a visiting scientist in the lab of Prof. Dr. Jean Bennett, at the F.M Kirby Center for have developed an antisense oligonucleotide-based therapeutic strategy for the future treatment of Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA, USA. CEP290-associated LCA. In 2010, he was a visiting scientist in the lab of Prof. Dr. Jean Bennett, at the Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18, 791
2 of 4
F.M Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
2. Travel Awards Awardees retinal diseases, in particular those focusing on correcting pre-mRNA splicing defects. Supported by a 2. Travel Awards Awardees prestigious VENI grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, and an Individual
2.1. Research Field: Biochemistry Investigator Award from the Foundation Fighting Blindness USA, amongst others, he and his group
2.1.have Research Field: Biochemistry developed an antisense oligonucleotide-based therapeutic strategy for the future treatment of CEP290-associated LCA. In 2010, he was a visiting scientist in the lab of Prof. Dr. Jean Bennett, at the F.M Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA, USA. 2. Travel Awards Awardees 2.1. Research Field: Biochemistry
Dr. Yi Ma
Dr. Yi Ma Dr. Yi Ma, Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at University of Connecticut, USA. Dr. Ma obtained her Ph.D in Plant Biology Research from the Pennsylvania University 2008 under the supervision Dr. Yi Ma, Post-Doctoral Scientist atState University of in Connecticut, USA. Dr. Ma of obtained Professor David Braun. Her Ph.D research was focused on carbohydrate partitioning in maize. She her Ph.D in Plant Biology from the Pennsylvania State University in 2008 under the supervision of Dr. Yi(tdy1) Ma mutant, which accumulates excess levels of was working on the characterization of a tie-dyed1 Professor David Braun. Her Ph.D research was focused on carbohydrate partitioning in maize. She sugars and starch in leaves. She cloned Tie-dyed1, a novel gene that expresses in phloem cells was working on the characterization of a tie-dyed1 (tdy1) mutant, which accumulates excess Dr.sieve Yi Ma, Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at University of Connecticut, USA. Dr. reticulum Ma obtained including elements and companion cells. TDY1 is localized on the endoplasmic (ER)levels of her Ph.D in Plant Biology from the Pennsylvania State University in 2008 under the supervision of sugars and starch in leaves. She cloned Tie-dyed1, a novel gene that expresses in phloem cells including membranes involved in phloem unloading in maize. The findings provide insights into managing Professor David Braun. Her Ph.D research was focused on carbohydrate partitioning in maize. She 2+ sieve elements and companion cells. TDY1 localized on theDr. endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes carbohydrate for yield improvement and is biofuel production. Ma then switched to studying Ca was working on the characterization of a tie-dyed1 (tdy1) mutant, which accumulates excess levels of associated signaling in plantincells. She The is working on identifying Ca2+ conducing channels that are involved in phloem unloading findings insights into managing carbohydrate sugars and starch in leaves. maize. She cloned Tie-dyed1, a provide novel gene that expresses in phloem cells involved in different signaling transduction pathways, such as BR signaling, plant innate immunity 2+ for yield improvement and biofuel production. Dr. is Ma then switched to studying Ca(ER)associated including sieve elements and companion cells. TDY1 localized on the endoplasmic reticulum 2+ sources could be responsible andmembranes meristem development. She has demonstrated that different Ca 2+ involved in phloem unloading in maize. The findings provide insights into managing signaling in plant cells. She is working on identifying Ca conducing channels that are involved in for carbohydrate different pathways. Ma is investigating Arabidopsis an optogenetic cAMP 2+ for yieldDr. improvement and biofuel production.plants Dr. Maexpressing then switched to studying Ca differentsensor signaling transduction pathways, such asto BR signaling, plant innate immunity and meristem to monitor cAMP generation in responses various environmental cues. 2+ associated signaling in plant cells. She is working on identifying Ca conducing channels that are
2+ sources could be responsible for different development. Shein has demonstrated that different Casuch involved different signaling transduction pathways, as BR signaling, plant innate immunity 2.2.and Research Molecular Medicine pathways. Dr.meristem MaField: is development. investigating plants expressing an optogenetic cAMP sensor to SheArabidopsis has demonstrated that different Ca2+ sources could be responsible for different pathways. Ma is investigating Arabidopsis plants expressing monitor cAMP generation in Dr. responses to various environmental cues. an optogenetic cAMP
sensor to monitor cAMP generation in responses to various environmental cues.
2.2. Research Field: Molecular Medicine
2.2. Research Field: Molecular Medicine
Dr. Miranda Ween
Dr.Miranda Miranda Ween Dr. Ween
Dr. Ween completed her undergraduate Biomedical Science degree at the University of Adelaide, majoring in Human Physiology and Immunity and Infection. She was awarded her PhD in 2011 from
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the UniversityDr. ofWeen Adelaide, forher a project performing highly complex technically demanding cell completed undergraduate Biomedical Science degree atand the University of Adelaide, majoring in the Human and Immunity and was awarded her PhD in 2011 from an award biology studies into rolePhysiology of protein interactions inInfection. ovarianShe cancer progression and received the University of Adelaide, for a project performing highly complex and technically demanding cell for her outstanding thesis. Dr Ween then joined the Research Centre for Infectious Diseases for her biology studies into the role of protein interactions in ovarian cancer progression and received an first postdoctoral role, investigating how lung bacteria survive in different conditions. Dr. Ween then award for her outstanding thesis. Dr Ween then joined the Research Centre for Infectious Diseases joined the for Lung Research Laboratory located in the Hanson Institute at the Royal Adelaide Hospital her first postdoctoral role, investigating how lung bacteria survive in different conditions. Dr. Ween then related joined thelung Lung Research located in the Hanson Institute From at the Royal Adelaide to study smoking damageLaboratory and susceptibility to infection. there, Dr. Ween also to studyinto smoking related lung the damage and susceptibility infection. there, Dr. Ween expanded Hospital her research investigating effects E-cigarettestohave on From the lungs, with a particular also expanded her research into investigating the effects E-cigarettes have on the lungs, with a focus on how their usage may affect the users’ immune cells’ ability to recognize pathogenic bacteria particular focus on how their usage may affect the users’ immune cells’ ability to recognize and phagocytose them. pathogenic bacteria and phagocytose them. 2.3.Field: Research Field: Biomaterial 2.3. Research Biomaterial
Dr. Reza M. Zadegan
Dr. Reza M. Zadegan To become a leading biomedical DNA nanotechnologist, Dr. Zadegan earned a B.Sc. in BiologyCytologyaand Microbiology with a minor Cell and Molecular Biology, an M.Sc. in Cell and To become leading biomedical DNA innanotechnologist, Dr. Zadegan earned a B.Sc. in Molecular Biology with a minor in bioelectronics, as well as a Ph.D. in Nanoscience with a minor in Biology-Cytology and Microbiology with a minor in Cell and Molecular Biology, an M.Sc. in Cell Molecular Biology. He completed graduate work under RNA/DNA bio-nanoscience pioneer, Prof. and Molecular Biology withleda minor in bioelectronics, as well and as acharacterization Ph.D. in Nanoscience with a Jørgen Kjems, which to the design, modeling, construction, of DNA nanostructures for biological and chemical applications. To under gain interdisciplinary skills, Dr. pioneer, minor in Molecular Biology. He completed graduate work RNA/DNAresearch bio-nanoscience Zadegan thenwhich joined the State University as a postdoctoral researcherand in thecharacterization Micron School of of DNA Prof. Jørgen Kjems, ledBoise to the design, modeling, construction, Materials Science and Engineering under the leadership of Dr. William L. Hughes whose team creates nanostructures for biological and chemical applications. To gain interdisciplinary research skills, chemical reaction networks, nucleic acid memory, and lithographic masks using DNA as the Dr. Zadegan then joined the As Boise State University as a postdoctoral researcher in the Micron School engineering material. a researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Hughes, he has been providing operational in the Nucleicunder Acid Memory (NAM) group. believes that nucleic of Materials Scienceleadership and Engineering the leadership of Dr. Dr.Zadegan William L. Hughes whose team acid-based materialsnetworks, are ideal candidates interdisciplinary bio-nanomaterials and it is DNA as creates chemical reaction nucleicfor acid memory, and lithographicscience, masks using hence their coding, synthesis, and exploration of their unique properties that forms the basis of the the engineering material. As a researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Hughes, he has been providing research program he plans to establish. His current research focuses on synthesizing innovative operational leadership the Nucleic Acid Memory (NAM) group. Dr. Zadeganmaterials believesand that nucleic biomaterials for in a range of applications, with particular emphasis on nanostructured devices and on developing alternative digital memory storage technologies given the likelihood that acid-based materials are ideal candidates for interdisciplinary bio-nanomaterials science, and it is demand willsynthesis, outpace capacity production of of current technologies. hence their coding, and and exploration their unique properties that forms the basis of the On behalf of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences’ editorial board members and editorial research program he plans to establish. His current research focuses on synthesizing innovative staffs, we wish to congratulate these four outstanding scholars for their accomplishments. biomaterials for a range of applications, with particular emphasis on nanostructured materials and Conflicts of Interest: The author declaredigital no conflict of interest.storage technologies given the likelihood that devices and on developing alternative memory demand will production technologies. Prizeoutpace Awardingcapacity Committee:and The Editorial Board ofof thecurrent International Journal of Molecular Sciences On behalf of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences’ editorial board members and editorial staffs, we wish to congratulate these four outstanding scholars for their accomplishments.
Conflicts of Interest: The author declare no conflict of interest. Prize Awarding Committee: The Editorial Board of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. © 2017 by the author. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
