Shijia Lu | Medical Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Shijia Lu | Medical Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, China

Shijia Lu is an emerging biomedical researcher and Associate Editor of the Guide to Biomedical Research Tools, affiliated with Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University. With a foundational academic background in Biotechnology, she has focused her expertise on tumor-targeted therapy and drug resistance mechanisms. As a Student Member of the Chinese Society for Biotechnology, she actively contributes to bridging computational biology with clinical oncology. Her research integrates network pharmacology, molecular dynamics, and in silico simulations to explore anti-cancer drug discovery. Shijia has led and participated in several significant research projects, including a Henan Province Science and Technology Innovation initiative. Her contributions as first author to a peer-reviewed SCI journal article on PCNA-targeted inhibitors have drawn national recognition. She has won three national research awards and two provincial translation honors, reflecting her interdisciplinary proficiency. Known for developing dual-ligand inhibitors that counteract mutation-based resistance, her work has received acclaim in innovation competitions and scientific circles alike. Passionate about leveraging bioinformatics for real-world medical challenges, Shijia promotes tool-based translational cancer research through editorial leadership. Her professional trajectory demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing oncology therapeutics through an integrative and experimental lens, making her an excellent candidate for the Young Scientist Award.

Professional Profile

ORCID Profile

 Education

Shijia Lu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, where she built a solid foundation in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning disease, especially cancer. During her academic tenure, she distinguished herself by merging theoretical coursework with hands-on laboratory research, focusing on tumor biology and pharmacological interventions. Her keen interest in bioinformatics led her to independently master essential research software such as AutoDock Vina, STRING, Cytoscape, and others, allowing her to translate genomic and proteomic data into therapeutic insights. As part of her academic progression, she actively engaged in university-sponsored research competitions and projects that emphasized the intersection of computational biology and experimental science. Her education was not confined to the classroom—she collaborated across departments on interdisciplinary initiatives, strengthening her expertise in network pharmacology, molecular simulation, and drug-target interaction studies. Her early exposure to grant-funded projects and her participation in the Henan Province Science and Technology Innovation Program further solidified her academic profile. With a rigorous academic background paired with a practical grasp of translational biomedical research, Shijia Lu is well-prepared for a long-term career in developing innovative solutions for drug-resistant cancer therapies.

 Professional Experience

Shijia Lu has cultivated an impressive blend of editorial, research, and project leadership experience. Currently serving as the Associate Editor of the Guide to Biomedical Research Tools, she curates and reviews innovative bioinformatics and molecular biology tools for cancer research, aiding scientists across disciplines. Beyond editorial responsibilities, Shijia has actively led three major university-level research projects and collaborated on a province-level scientific initiative, demonstrating both autonomy and teamwork in research execution. Her landmark role as Principal Investigator on the 2025–2026 PCNA-targeted inhibitor project marks a high point in her professional experience, where she designed dual-ligand molecules to overcome drug resistance mutations. She also oversaw the development of a patented anti-tumor drug screening system, highlighting her capacity for product-oriented research. Her consultancy work in national innovation contests, where she secured second place for a novel cancer treatment strategy, further underscores her practical contributions. Shijia’s experience spans laboratory-based experimental verification, high-level simulation, and tool development. Her engagement in both academic and translational science demonstrates a maturity beyond her years, making her an asset to collaborative biomedical innovation. Her multifaceted career blends scientific rigor with editorial insight, contributing meaningfully to cancer research advancement.

Research Interest

Shijia Lu’s research is deeply rooted in the mechanisms of tumor-targeted therapy and overcoming resistance through computational and experimental synergy. She is particularly interested in how network pharmacology, molecular docking, and bioinformatics can converge to inform drug discovery for aggressive cancers. Her ongoing work explores PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) as a pivotal target in anticancer therapy, focusing on its mutations, druggability, and protein interaction networks. Shijia leverages cutting-edge tools such as ESM-Fold, MM/GBSA simulations, and AutoDock Vina to identify novel compounds and validate them through simulation-driven predictions. Her interdisciplinary curiosity extends to toxicogenomics, as seen in her research on ribavirin-induced hemolytic anemia. A key facet of her research interest is “multi-dimensional synergy,” a concept she introduced to integrate dual-ligand designs and structural-functional coupling strategies. She also utilizes multi-omics datasets to pinpoint plant-derived bioactives, such as from pomegranate peel, offering eco-sustainable therapeutic options. This combination of wet-lab experiments and dry-lab modeling makes her approach both innovative and pragmatic. Shijia’s vision is to bridge in silico drug design with clinical applicability, ultimately reducing trial costs and improving therapeutic precision. Her research ambition is to contribute meaningfully to the fight against cancer by creating data-validated, mutation-resistant therapeutic options.

 Research Skills

Shijia Lu possesses an advanced set of interdisciplinary research skills that span computational biology, molecular pharmacology, and bioinformatics. She is proficient in molecular docking (AutoDock Vina), protein interaction analysis (STRING), pathway visualization (Cytoscape), and structure prediction (ESM-Fold). These skills have enabled her to develop innovative inhibitors, simulate their interactions under mutation conditions, and validate their potential efficacy in silico. Her command over MM/GBSA free energy calculations has been crucial in quantifying ligand-protein binding affinities in mutation scenarios. Beyond software, she is experienced in network pharmacology frameworks, toxicogenomic analysis, and data-driven compound screening, using multi-omics datasets to identify phytochemicals for anti-cancer properties. Shijia is also skilled in designing and conducting wet-lab experiments, including molecular cloning and cell-based assays, for validating computational predictions. Her capabilities extend to scientific writing, patent filing, and data visualization—key components that have facilitated her publication in an SCI-indexed journal and the development of a research reference book. Furthermore, her leadership as a principal investigator in multiple research projects shows her competence in proposal writing, budget management, and collaborative project execution. Her comprehensive skill set equips her to tackle multifaceted biomedical challenges and positions her as a strong contributor to translational cancer research.

Awards and Honors

Shijia Lu has received multiple prestigious recognitions that affirm her contributions to biomedical research and innovation. She is the recipient of three national-level awards from competitive research and innovation contests in the medical health category, including second place at the Fourth National College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Her project, “A New Anti-Cancer Strategy Targeting PCNA,” earned national acclaim for its novel approach to overcoming drug resistance using dual-ligand inhibitors. Additionally, she has won two provincial awards for excellence in scientific translation, demonstrating her ability to convey complex biomedical content across languages—a skill vital in international research collaboration. Shijia has also been recognized through institutional grants and provincial-level research sponsorships, such as the Henan Province Science and Technology Innovation Project (No: 252102310194), for which she played a leading role in experimental verification. Her achievements extend to academic publishing, with her first-author SCI paper being widely cited and referenced in cancer pharmacology studies. These accolades reflect her exceptional interdisciplinary capacity, scientific communication proficiency, and innovative mindset. Through consistent recognition at institutional, provincial, and national levels, Shijia Lu has proven herself a rising leader in biomedical research deserving of the Young Scientist Award.

Conclusion

In summary, Shijia Lu exemplifies the ideal profile of a young and dynamic biomedical researcher dedicated to tackling some of the most pressing challenges in oncology. With a robust academic background, hands-on project leadership, and deep technical skills in computational drug design and network pharmacology, she has already made notable contributions to the field of tumor-targeted therapy. Her research on PCNA-targeted inhibitors has not only earned her national recognition but also holds translational promise in overcoming cancer drug resistance. As an Associate Editor and an active member of academic societies, Shijia promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Her commitment is evident in her editorial work, her numerous research outputs, and her continuous quest for merging digital simulation with practical experimentation. Through her combination of creativity, technical mastery, and academic leadership, she represents the new generation of scientists driving biomedical progress forward. With several national awards and published research to her credit, she is poised to contribute significantly to future breakthroughs in cancer treatment. For her excellence in research, leadership potential, and impactful contributions.

Publications Top Notes

Title:
Design and Anti-Drug Resistance Research of Novel PCNA-Targeted Inhibitors Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Authors:
Shijia Lu, YiRan Zhen, Jinwen Sima, Jinle Wang, Qihao Zhu, Miaoyan Han, Mengdan Sang, Xuejiao Li, Bing Zhang, Zihan Wang, et al.

Year:
2025

Xiaolian Sun | Biomedical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Xiaolian Sun | Biomedical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

China Pharmaceutical University, China

Dr. Xiaolian Sun is a distinguished professor and researcher in the field of nanomedicine, radiolabeled nanomaterials, and molecular imaging. Currently based at the State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Dr. Sun has built a prolific career that bridges fundamental chemistry with translational biomedical applications. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Brown University in 2012 and completed her undergraduate studies at Nanjing University in 2008. With extensive research experience in magnetic nanomaterials and cancer theranostics, she has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, accruing over 2,000 citations and achieving an H-index of 22. Her work is characterized by innovation in designing multifunctional nanoplatforms for synergistic imaging and therapeutic strategies, particularly in oncology. Dr. Sun’s contributions extend beyond academic research through her leadership roles at top institutions, including Xiamen University and China Pharmaceutical University. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans chemistry, nanotechnology, radiology, and biomedical engineering. She has also secured multiple national-level research grants and continues to play a vital role in advancing precision medicine. As a mentor, she actively supports young scientists and graduate students, fostering a collaborative research environment. Dr. Sun remains a pioneering force in the integration of nanotechnology with modern medicine.

Professional Profiles

Education

Dr. Xiaolian Sun has pursued a rigorous academic path that laid the groundwork for her interdisciplinary research in nanomedicine and molecular imaging. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Brown University in 2012, where she was immersed in an intellectually vibrant environment that emphasized fundamental research in materials chemistry and its biomedical applications. Her doctoral work focused on designing and characterizing nanomaterials, with an emphasis on their potential in catalysis, imaging, and therapy. During her time at Brown, she developed strong analytical, synthetic, and problem-solving skills that would serve as the foundation for her future innovations. Prior to her Ph.D., Dr. Sun completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Nanjing University in 2008, one of China’s most prestigious institutions. There, she developed her initial interest in nanomaterials and their role in biomedical sciences, gaining critical lab experience and a deep understanding of core chemical principles. Both educational experiences helped shape her cross-disciplinary expertise, preparing her to integrate chemical sciences with bioengineering and medical imaging. This combination of Eastern and Western academic training provided Dr. Sun with a unique global perspective, enriching her approach to research and collaboration. Her educational background continues to inform her leadership in advanced biomedical technologies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Xiaolian Sun’s professional journey is marked by excellence and leadership in both academic and research environments. Since November 2017, she has served as a Professor at the School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, where she is affiliated with the State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines. In this role, she leads multiple research initiatives focused on nanomedicine and molecular imaging, mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows while securing competitive research funding. Prior to her current position, Dr. Sun was a Professor at the Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine at Xiamen University from August 2015 to November 2017. There, she expanded her research on radiolabeled nanoparticles and multifunctional imaging agents, making significant contributions to the development of novel cancer theranostics. Her postdoctoral training took place at the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the Intramural Research Training Award program from September 2012 to August 2015. At NIH, she worked on cutting-edge projects involving radiolabeled inorganic nanomaterials for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Across all positions, Dr. Sun has demonstrated a consistent commitment to research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation, contributing significantly to the fields of nanotechnology, bioimaging, and cancer treatment.

Research Interest

Dr. Xiaolian Sun’s research interests lie at the forefront of nanomedicine, with a particular focus on magnetic and radiolabeled nanomaterials for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Her work explores the intersection of materials chemistry, biomedical imaging, and targeted cancer therapy, aiming to develop novel multifunctional nanoparticles that respond to tumor microenvironments. A central theme in her research is the design of magnetic nanoplatforms and radiopharmaceuticals that can simultaneously deliver therapy and enhance imaging capabilities, thereby enabling more precise and effective treatment strategies. She has extensively studied X-ray and radiation-triggered nanostructures, PROTAC-based therapeutics, and self-assembling nanomedicines that modulate immune responses in tumor tissues. Dr. Sun is particularly interested in using metal-based nanomaterials such as FeAu, Fe/Fe₃O₄, and iodine-labeled structures to activate ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and photodynamic mechanisms. Her work also involves investigating radiation-responsive and near-infrared (NIR-II) technologies to overcome tumor hypoxia and improve treatment efficacy. By integrating chemistry with immunotherapy, her research addresses key challenges in current cancer treatments. Through collaborations with interdisciplinary teams, she continues to expand her research into clinical translation, seeking to develop next-generation nanoplatforms that support imaging-guided, personalized cancer therapies. Her interests reflect a deep commitment to solving real-world problems through advanced material science and biomedical engineering.

Research Skills

Dr. Xiaolian Sun possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that bridge chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedical imaging. Her expertise includes the synthesis and functionalization of magnetic nanomaterials, radiolabeled nanoparticles, and hybrid nanostructures for applications in cancer theranostics. She is highly proficient in advanced nanomaterial fabrication techniques, including core-shell assembly, metal alloy nanoparticle synthesis, and redox-responsive nanostructure design. Dr. Sun has extensive experience in radiolabeling, particularly with isotopes such as ¹³¹I, ⁶⁴Cu, and ⁸⁹Zr, enabling her to develop nanoplatforms suitable for SPECT, PET, and multimodal imaging. Her technical skills extend to photodynamic and photothermal therapy applications, using Cerenkov luminescence, persistent luminescence, and X-ray-triggered responses for tumor-specific treatments. She is adept in utilizing in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate nanoparticle biodistribution, therapeutic efficacy, and immunomodulation effects. Dr. Sun is also skilled in the use of imaging modalities such as MRI, PET/CT, fluorescence imaging, and NIR-II imaging for preclinical validation. Additionally, she has strong command over data analysis software, materials characterization tools (TEM, SEM, XRD), and bioconjugation chemistry. Her ability to integrate these diverse skills enables her to innovate across disciplines, pushing the boundaries of nanomedicine for precision diagnostics and therapy.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Xiaolian Sun has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her groundbreaking research in nanomedicine and molecular imaging. Among her most notable achievements are multiple grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, including the prestigious project on porous yolk-shell Fe/Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles for MRI-guided cancer therapy (2019–2023). She also led research on copper-gold/iron oxide nanostructures for imaging-guided photothermal therapy (2016–2018), and participated in key national initiatives such as the tumor microenvironment-responsive magnetic nanovesicles project under China’s National Key Research and Development Program (2016–2020). These grants underscore the scientific merit and societal impact of her research. In addition to funding recognition, Dr. Sun’s scholarly excellence is reflected in her publication record, including articles in top-tier journals such as Angewandte Chemie, JACS, Advanced Functional Materials, and Biomaterials. Her works have garnered international attention and substantial citations, contributing to her growing influence in the scientific community. Furthermore, she has been invited to speak at global conferences and serves as a peer reviewer for multiple high-impact journals. These accolades not only highlight her research leadership but also affirm her role as a pioneer in the development of smart nanoplatforms for cancer therapy and biomedical imaging.

Conclusion

Dr. Xiaolian Sun’s career embodies a rare blend of scientific rigor, innovative thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. From her early academic training at Nanjing University and Brown University to her advanced research at NIH and professorships at Xiamen and China Pharmaceutical University, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in nanomedicine and molecular imaging. Her pioneering research on radiolabeled and magnetic nanomaterials has significantly contributed to the evolution of cancer theranostics, offering new avenues for noninvasive diagnosis and targeted treatment. Her 60+ publications, influential H-index, and sustained research funding reflect a profound and lasting impact on her field. As a mentor and academic leader, Dr. Sun fosters an inclusive and forward-thinking research environment that nurtures the next generation of scientists. Her commitment to translational science bridges the gap between laboratory research and clinical application, underscoring the real-world significance of her work. Through continuous innovation in material design, radiopharmaceuticals, and smart nanotherapeutics, Dr. Sun remains at the cutting edge of precision medicine. Looking ahead, she is poised to further her contributions to global health by advancing personalized, image-guided therapies that respond dynamically to tumor biology. Her scientific vision and leadership ensure that she will continue to be a transformative figure in biomedical research.

 Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: A ROS-responsive hydrogel encapsulated with matrix metalloproteinase-13 siRNA nanocarriers to attenuate osteoarthritis progression

    • Authors: Q. Wang, K. Feng, G. Wan, W. Wang, Q. Jiang

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 1

  2. Title: Hydrogen sulfide-responsive and depleting NIR-II nanoplatform synergistic photodynamic therapy for colorectal cancer

    • Authors: Y. Chai, M. Xu, Y. Sun, Y. Pan, Y. Liu

    • Year: 2025

  3. Title: Responsive and traceless assembly of iron nanoparticles and 131I labeled radiopharmaceuticals for ferroptosis enhanced radio-immunotherapy

    • Authors: J. Shen, K. Feng, J. Yu, T. Zhang, X. Sun

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 3

  4. Title: X-ray triggered bimetallic nanoassemblies as radiosensitizers and STING agonists for a CDT/radio-immunotherapy strategy

    • Authors: R. Chen, J. Gong, Z. Yu, S. Wang, X. Sun

    • Year: 2025

  5. Title: Self-Assembled Triple-Targeted Radiosensitizer Enhances Hypoxic Tumor Targeting and Radio-Immunotherapy Efficacy

    • Authors: Y. Tian, L. Wang, R. Chen, Y. Zhang, D. Ye

    • Year: 2025

  6. Title: FeAu Bimetallic Nanoparticle as Fe(0) Reservoir for Near Infrared Laser Enhanced Ferroptosis/Pyroptosis-Based Tumor Immunotherapy

    • Authors: Y. Ruan, X. Wu, K. Li, S. Sun, X. Sun

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 5

  7. Title: 131I Induced In Vivo Proteolysis by Photoswitchable azoPROTAC Reinforces Internal Radiotherapy

    • Authors: H. Liu, H. Xiong, C. Li, D. Su, X. Sun

    • Year: 2024

  8. Title: A multi-modality imaging strategy to determine the multiple in vivo fates of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells at different periods of acute liver injury treatment

    • Authors: N. Wei, X. Chen, D. Liu, X. Sun, J. Zhang

    • Year: 2024

  9. Title: Copper-based catalysts for carbon monoxide electroreduction to multicarbon products

    • Authors: W. Zhao, J. Liu, G. Wang, G. Zuo, W. Zhu

    • Year: (unspecified but likely 2024/2025)

    • Citations: 4

  10. Title: Self-Illuminating In Situ Hydrogel with Immune-Adjuvant Amplify Cerenkov Radiation-Induced Photodynamic Therapy

    • Authors: X. Zhang, J. Guo, Z. Zhou, L. Tang, X. Sun

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 3