Shixuan Peng | Oncology | Excellence in Research Award

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Ms. Shixuan Peng | Oncology | Excellence in Research Award

 Peking University, China

Shixuan Peng is an emerging clinical researcher and medical scholar specializing in anesthesiology and oncology. With a foundational background in clinical medicine and growing expertise in cancer-related translational research, Peng has contributed extensively to peer-reviewed publications, particularly in oncology, critical care, and molecular medicine. He is known for his analytical skills in handling large clinical datasets and his strong command of scientific writing. As a first and corresponding author on numerous high-impact papers, Peng has explored diverse research topics such as DNA methylation in female tumors, mortality predictors in critical care, and immunotherapy mechanisms. Actively engaged in collaborative studies with renowned institutions, he integrates basic science with clinical outcomes, aiming to improve precision diagnostics and treatment strategies. Alongside his academic pursuits, he has reviewed for multiple international journals and mentored by respected faculty, affirming his growing impact in the scientific community.

Profile

Scopus

Scholar

🎓 Education

Shixuan Peng pursued his undergraduate degree in Anesthesiology at the University of South China from 2017 to 2022, where he developed a solid clinical foundation and early exposure to research in perioperative care. Currently, he is completing his Master’s in Oncology at the same university (2022–2025), where his academic focus has transitioned toward cancer biology, clinical trials, and evidence-based treatment strategies. During his postgraduate studies, Peng engaged in extensive laboratory work and advanced statistical modeling for clinical outcomes research. He has also honed his skills in molecular techniques such as PCR, western blotting, and flow cytometry, guided by prominent mentors at Central South University’s Xiangya Hospital. His formal education is further enriched by hands-on experience in bioinformatics and the analysis of critical care databases like MIMIC-III and MIMIC-IV. His academic training has been tailored to bridge the gap between translational research and clinical application, with an emphasis on cancer immunology and molecular oncology.

💼 Experience

Shixuan Peng has diverse academic and clinical research experience, serving as a research assistant under Professors Hong Liu and Xingli Zhang at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, where he investigates the NUDT21 gene’s role in pyroptosis. Since 2023, he has worked on multiple high-impact studies analyzing clinical outcomes using real-world data from ICU settings, exploring relationships between serum markers and mortality in heart failure and sepsis patients. His practical skills include clinical data analysis, molecular biology techniques, and the creation of scientific visuals. Peng’s expertise in academic writing and interpretation of large-scale datasets has positioned him as a reliable collaborator in multi-author projects. His roles have spanned project design, data cleaning, statistical analysis, and manuscript drafting. Beyond his research assistantship, Peng frequently collaborates with oncology and cardiology units, providing multidisciplinary insight. His expanding responsibilities in project management and scientific communication demonstrate his readiness for independent research leadership in clinical and translational medicine.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Although early in his academic career, Shixuan Peng has distinguished himself through scholarly excellence, becoming first or corresponding author on more than a dozen indexed journal publications in high-impact venues such as Biochim Biophys Acta, International Journal of Surgery, and Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy. His recognition as a peer reviewer for respected journals including Frontiers in Immunology, BMC Anesthesiology, and Medicine reflects his growing authority in the field. He was selected for data mentorship programs and collaborative research under prestigious faculty at Xiangya Hospital, which signifies academic trust in his abilities. While not formally listed with national awards yet, his consistent publication in Q1/Q2 journals and co-leadership on systematic reviews and meta-analyses represent critical accomplishments. His ongoing involvement in cutting-edge cancer immunotherapy projects and predictive modeling in cardiovascular diseases positions him for future accolades in precision medicine and clinical epidemiology. His rapid progression underscores his potential for future academic and research awards.

🔬 Research Focus

Shixuan Peng’s research focuses on oncology, critical care outcomes, and translational medicine, with a strong emphasis on clinical epidemiology and molecular diagnostics. He has contributed significantly to understanding the prognostic value of biomarkers such as serum sodium, red blood cell distribution width, and serum anion gap in ICU patients. In oncology, his interests lie in tumor immunotherapy, cancer-related pain management, and DNA methylation testing in gynecologic tumors. Peng also investigates treatment response predictors in KRAS-mutated lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, often using retrospective analyses of large clinical datasets like MIMIC-III and IV. He is engaged in studies exploring the integration of immune checkpoint inhibitors into multimodal strategies for liver cancer. His work blends clinical informatics with lab-based insights, including the role of genes like NUDT21 in cell death mechanisms. With experience in scientific visualization and academic writing, his research aims to translate lab findings into meaningful clinical applications.

 Conclusion

Shixuan Peng is a highly capable and driven early-career researcher whose contributions to oncology and clinical science are both substantial and timely. His publishing record, technical skill set, and interdisciplinary focus position him as a deserving candidate for the Excellence in Research Award. With continued development in research leadership and clinical integration, he is poised to make sustained, high-impact contributions to the medical research community.

Publication

  • Bifidobacterium modulation of tumor immunotherapy and its mechanism | 2024 | B Pei, S Peng, C Huang, F Zhou | Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy 73(5), 94

  • Relationship between serum sodium levels and all-cause mortality in congestive heart failure patients: a retrospective cohort study based on the MIMIC-III database | 2023 | S Peng, J Peng, L Yang, W Ke | Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 9, 1082845

  • Association between red blood cell distribution width and all-cause mortality in unselected critically ill patients: Analysis of the MIMIC-III database | 2023 | S Peng, W Li, W Ke | Frontiers in Medicine 10, 1152058

  • The association between serum anion gap and all‐cause mortality of unselected adult patients: A retrospective cohort study of >20,000 patients | 2023 | X Ji, S Peng | Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis 37(1), e24818

  • The relationship between preoperative anemia and length of hospital stay among patients undergoing radical surgery for esophageal carcinoma: a single-centre retrospective study | 2023 | Z Zheng, S Peng, J Yang, W Ke | BMC Anesthesiology 23(1), 322

  • Potential applications of DNA methylation testing technology in female tumors and screening methods | 2023 | S Peng, X Zhang, Y Wu | Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Reviews on Cancer 1878(5), 188941

  • The application and therapeutic effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in the treatment of patients with pain after cancer treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis | 2024 | S Li, S Peng, F Chen, B Zeng, Z Zhang, Z Zhang | International Journal of Surgery 110(2), 1215–1223

  • Stratification of patients with KRAS-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer: improving prognostics | 2023 | Y Zhang, F Zeng, S Peng, Y Chen, W Jiang, Z Wang, L Deng, Z Huang, … | Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine 17(9), 743–751

  • The relationship between serum anion gap levels and short-, medium-, and long-term all-cause mortality in ICU patients with congestive heart failure: a retrospective cohort study | 2024 | S Peng, Q Chen, W Ke, Y Wu | Acta Cardiologica 79(6), 705–719

  • Predicting In-Hospital Mortality in Myocardial Infarction: A Nomogram-Based Retrospective Analysis of the MIMIC-IV Database | 2025 | S Peng, Q Chen, W Ke, Y Wu | Vascular Health and Risk Management, 461–476

  • Combining Cetuximab and Immunotherapy for Treating MSS/pMMR Colorectal Cancer: Current Evidence and Challenges | 2025 | B Pei, S Peng, W Chen, L Lai, F Zhou | Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment 24, 15330338251334209

  • Perspectives on cancer therapy—synthetic lethal precision medicine strategies, molecular mechanisms, therapeutic targets and current technical challenges | 2025 | S Peng, M Long, Q Chen, Z Yin, C Zeng, W Zhang, Q Wen, X Zhang, W Ke, … | Cell Death Discovery 11(1), 179

  • Mendelian randomization analyses support causal relationships between HPV infection and colorectal cancer | 2024 | B Pei, P Liu, S Peng, F Zhou | Discover Oncology 15(1), 795

  • Renewed call for action: Highlight negative results to improve science | 2024 | B Pei, H Yang, S Peng | Clinics 79, 100426

  • ICIs in hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive analysis of path forward for multimodal treatment strategies | 2024 | S Peng, Q Chen, Y Wu | Hepatology Communications 8(8), e0509

 

Lilian Makgoo | Cancer genomics | Young Researcher Award

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Mrs. Lilian Makgoo | Cancer genomics | Young Researcher Award

University of Limpopo, South Africa

Dr. Lilian Makgoo is a passionate biochemist and dedicated academic from South Africa, currently serving as an nGAP Lecturer at the University of Limpopo. With a robust background in molecular and life sciences, her journey in academia showcases a commitment to both scientific research and student development. She is actively involved in teaching undergraduate biochemistry and contributes to curriculum development, laboratory supervision, and mentoring. Dr. Makgoo’s research expertise lies in cancer biology, specifically studying molecular mechanisms of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and the effects of HIV protease inhibitors on HPV-related cervical cancer. She has presented her findings at national and international conferences and published widely in peer-reviewed journals. Outside the lab, she supports her community as a change agent with the Mohlotlo Thuto Foundation. Her scientific passion is matched by technical proficiency in advanced molecular biology techniques, making her an emerging leader in biochemistry and biomedical sciences.

Profile

Orcid

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🎓 Education

Dr. Lilian Makgoo’s academic journey began at the University of Limpopo, where she earned her BSc in Molecular and Life Sciences (2013–2015) , followed by a BSc Honours in Biochemistry in 2016 . She then pursued and completed her Master’s degree in Biochemistry from 2017–2018 , focusing on apoptosis and cell signaling. Currently, she awaits final results for her Ph.D. in Biochemistry 🧬, also from the University of Limpopo. Her doctoral research investigates the cytotoxic effects of HIV protease inhibitors on HPV-induced cervical cancer, highlighting her commitment to translational cancer research. Throughout her studies, Dr. Makgoo has displayed an exceptional aptitude for scientific inquiry and lab-based experimentation. Her education has been marked by strong mentorship, multidisciplinary exploration, and a seamless transition from student to academic staff. This solid foundation equips her to tackle complex biochemical problems while educating the next generation of life science professionals.

💼Experience

Dr. Makgoo began her professional journey as a Laboratory Assistant (2016–2018) at the University of Limpopo , where she supported undergraduate practicals, handled lab operations, and aided in experimental troubleshooting. Since then, she has taken on a full-time Lecturer role , teaching biochemistry to 2nd and 3rd-year students, preparing lectures, marking assessments, and guiding students through consultations. Her dual experience in lab management and classroom instruction uniquely positions her to offer a holistic learning environment. Her mentorship roles and committee involvement in academic affairs underline her leadership capabilities. She is proficient in executing molecular biology techniques and leading research projects involving cytotoxic assays, gene expression analysis, and therapeutic investigations. Her hands-on experience spans flow cytometry, PCR, fluorescence microscopy, and cell culture. As an academic and researcher, Dr. Makgoo combines theoretical knowledge with practical excellence, inspiring students and contributing significantly to the scientific community.

🏅 Awards & Honors

Dr. Lilian Makgoo’s academic excellence has earned her multiple recognitions within the scientific community . She has presented her groundbreaking cancer biology research at prestigious conferences such as the South African Society for Microbiology and the Biomedical Research & Innovation Symposium 🧬. Notably, she was selected to speak at the Ellisras Longitudinal Study International Conference and the Faculty of Science and Agriculture Research Day, where her insights on arsenic trioxide and curcumin in breast cancer treatment received significant attention. Her impactful poster presentations on the anticancer potential of HIV protease inhibitors also highlight her contributions to global health research. In addition to her academic achievements, she plays a community role through the Mohlotlo Thuto Foundation, reflecting her dedication to science-led societal transformation. These accomplishments signify not just scientific brilliance but also leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to improving public health through biochemical research and education.

🔬 Research Focus

William Niemiec’s research focuses on the inzersection of Software Engineering and Healthcare Informatics, particularly the development of no-code platforms for mHealth based on structured care plans . His work explores component-based software engineering (CBSE) and model-driven development (MDD) to streamline healthcare app development for non-technical users, empowering clinicians to create custom digital tools . His contributions address the challenge of translating medical protocols into functional mobile applications, ensuring better patient engagement and follow-up . He is also exploring how artificial intelligence can aid in healthcare decision-making while mitigating algorithmic bias . Past research includes the viability of functionality generalization in health apps and leveraging data mining to evaluate test coverage. His cross-platform development and AI-centered investigations aim to boost accessibility and efficiency in digital health services, contributing to a smarter, more inclusive healthcare ecosystem .

Conclusion

Dr. Lilian Makgoo’s research focuses on cancer cell biology, with special emphasis on drug-induced apoptosis and tumor suppression mechanisms in breast and cervical cancers . Her work investigates the molecular mechanisms by which compounds like arsenic trioxide, curcumin, and HIV protease inhibitors induce cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, and TP53 activity restoration in cancer cells. She is deeply engaged in understanding how RBBP6 and DAPK-1 contribute to tumor progression and therapeutic response, combining in silico analysis, cell culture, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and microscopy techniques . Her multidisciplinary approach bridges biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology, with the goal of developing targeted and low-toxicity anticancer therapies. She has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Viruses, Genes, and Current Issues in Molecular Biology. Through both experimental and translational frameworks, Dr. Makgoo seeks to advance therapeutic strategies against HPV-associated and drug-resistant cancers, making meaningful contributions to biomedical science and personalized medicine.

Publication

Title: In Silico Analysis of s-DAPK-1: From Structure to Function and Regulation
Year: 2025
Authors: Lilian Makgoo, Salerwe Mosebi, Zukile Mbita
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47060416

Title: Susceptibility of HPV-18 Cancer Cells to HIV Protease Inhibitors
Year: 2024
Authors: Lilian Makgoo, Salerwe Mosebi, Zukile Mbita
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/v16101622

Title: The Role of Death-Associated Protein Kinase-1 in Cell Homeostasis-Related Processes
Year: 2023
Authors: Lilian Makgoo, Salerwe Mosebi, Zukile Mbita
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14061274

Title: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HIV-mediated carcinogenesis: Role in cell homeostasis, cell survival processes and drug resistance
Year: 2022
Authors: Lilian Makgoo, Salerwe Mosebi, Zukile Mbita
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ncrna.2022.07.003

 

Xiao-cao Miao | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xiao-cao Miao | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Researcher | Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

Dr. Xiao-cao Miao, a 32-year-old accomplished biomedical researcher, specializes in tumor immune microenvironment, bioinformatics, and environmental microbiology. Currently an Assistant Researcher at the Shanghai Cancer Institute (Renji Hospital), she holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Dr. Miao has led several high-impact projects including studies on diabetes pathogenesis, pancreatic cancer mechanisms, and microbial risks in water systems. She integrates cutting-edge multi-omics analysis with experimental validation, contributing significantly to precision medicine. Her technical expertise spans single-cell sequencing, PCR, microscopy, and bioinformatics tools. Dr. Miao is a prolific author with multiple SCI-indexed publications in journals like Genome Medicine and Journal of Hazardous Materials. A recipient of prestigious academic honors including the Outstanding Graduate Award and Young Scholars Forum prizes, she is passionate about translational research bridging genomics, immunology, and public health. Dr. Miao exemplifies scientific innovation with societal impact.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education

 Xiao-cao Miao began her academic journey at Shanghai Ocean University (2011–2015), earning a B.S. in Food Science. She enriched her undergraduate experience with a one-year exchange program at the Ocean University of China (2013–2014). She then pursued her M.S. in Food Engineering at Shanghai University (2015–2017), where she delved into food safety and biochip technologies. Her academic curiosity evolved into advanced biomedical research, culminating in a Ph.D. in Biology from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2017–2022). During her doctoral studies, she explored microbial resistance and waterborne pathogens, blending environmental microbiology with high-throughput omics approaches. This multidisciplinary background laid the foundation for her expertise in tumor microenvironment and bioinformatics. Her education seamlessly bridges food science, environmental risk, and molecular biology, enabling her to approach health challenges holistically. With each academic stage, she mastered both theoretical insight and hands-on research, emerging as a well-rounded scientist prepared for impactful biomedical innovation.

🧪 Experience

 Since 2022, Dr. Miao has served as an Assistant Researcher at the Shanghai Cancer Institute, affiliated with Renji Hospital. She is Principal Investigator of major projects funded by Shanghai and national grants, including cutting-edge research on pancreatic cancer genetics, immune microenvironment, and cross-disease analysis with neurological disorders. Her leadership in multi-omics data integration and causal inference techniques is critical in unraveling gene-disease relationships. Previously, she was a key contributor to microbial risk assessments in drinking water systems, publishing high-impact work on chlorine resistance and pathogen virulence. She also co-developed a multiplex PCR platform to detect dairy pathogens during her early career (2016–2025 project timeline). Throughout her career, she has demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, grant writing, team management, and scientific publishing. Her combined industry-academic experience highlights her adaptability, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and commitment to applying research for real-world health challenges.

🏅 Awards & Honors

 Dr. Xiao-cao Miao has received numerous accolades for her scientific excellence. She was honored as an Outstanding Graduate at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and received First Prize at the 1st Urban Water Industry Doctoral Forum. Her work also earned her the Excellent Award and Second Prize in SJTU’s 9th and 8th Young Scholars Forums respectively. Recognized for community engagement, she won First Prize in the 2018 SJTU Summer Social Practice. She actively participates in sports, securing 6th place in the 200m Dragon Boat Race at the 16th Shanghai Municipal Games and Second Prize at the 2020 Yangtze River Delta Elite Dragon Boat Competition. During her master’s studies, she received a National Third-Class Scholarship and was named an Outstanding Graduate Student at Shanghai University. These distinctions reflect her well-rounded character, blending academic brilliance, leadership, and teamwork both in research and extracurricular activities.

🔬 Research Focus

 Dr. Miao’s research is centered on the tumor immune microenvironment, bioinformatics, and microbial ecology. She applies advanced multi-omics methods—including single-cell transcriptomics, ATAC-seq, and genome-wide association studies—to unravel mechanisms driving pancreatic cancer and metabolic disorders like diabetes. Her projects explore how HLA gene families modulate immune infiltration and cancer progression, offering potential therapeutic targets. She employs Mendelian randomization to identify causal links between neurological disorders and pancreatic cancer, promoting drug repurposing opportunities. Previously, she led investigations into chlorine-resistant pathogens in drinking water systems and biofilm-related microbial dynamics. With strong expertise in molecular biology, sequencing, and computational analysis, she aims to integrate environmental and genomic data to advance personalized medicine. Her work is highly translational, bridging environmental microbiology and cancer immunology to develop predictive models and interventions. Overall, her research transforms big data into actionable insights for disease prevention and therapeutic innovation.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Xiao-cao Miao demonstrates exceptional promise as a woman scientist leading innovative, data-driven biomedical research. Her strong academic background, independent project leadership, and notable scientific output make her a worthy candidate for the Women Researcher Award. With her current trajectory and continued interdisciplinary integration, she is well-positioned to become a thought leader in tumor biology and translational bioinformatics.

Publication

  • Cell-type-specific cis-eQTLs in pancreatic cell types identify novel risk genes for type 2 diabetes | (Year not provided) | Xiaocao Miao, Hui Li, Qing Li, Lei Zhu, Yanqiu Yu, Tao Chen, Dongxue Li, Zhigang Zhang

  • The role of pipe biofilms on dissemination of viral pathogens and virulence factor genes in a full-scale drinking water supply system | 2022 | Xiaocao Miao, Chenxu Liu, Mingkun Liu, Xue Han, Lingling Zhu, Xiaohui Bai

  • Intrinsic chlorine resistance of bacteria modulated by glutaminyl-tRNA biosynthesis in drinking water supply systems | 2022 | Xiaocao Miao, Xue Han, Xiaohui Bai

  • Characterization of the synergistic relationships between nitrification and microbial regrowth in chloraminated drinking water supply systems | 2021 | Xiaocao Miao, Xiaohui Bai

  • Bacterial community assembly and beta-lactamase (bla) genes regulation in a full-scale chloraminated drinking water supply system | 2022 | Xiaocao Miao, Lingling Zhu, Xiaohui Bai

  • Behavior of last resort antibiotic resistance genes (mcr-1 and blaNDM-1) in a drinking water supply system and their possible acquisition by the mouse gut flora | 2020 | Hira Khan, Xiaocao Miao, Mingkun Liu, Shakeel Ahmad, Xiaohui Bai

  • Multiplex PCR for dairy pathogens | 2018 | Miao, X., Chen, W., Shi, C., et al.

  • Advances in biochips for food detection | 2017 | Miao, X., Chen, W., Zhang, J., et al.