Jianhua Liu | Neuroscience | Excellence in Research Award

Mrs. jianhua Liu | Neuroscience | Excellence in Research Award

East China Normal University | China

Jianhua Liu is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate in Cognitive Psychology at East China Normal University with a strong academic foundation including an M.Sc. in Physiology from Weifang Medical University and a B.Sc. in Clinical Discipline of Chinese and Western Integrative Medicine. She has gained extensive professional experience through participation in multiple national and provincial research projects, collaborating with peers and mentors across several institutions in China, and contributing to a range of biomedical and rehabilitation studies. Her research interests center on episodic memory, oculomotor behavior, recognition memory, endothelial progenitor cells, and rehabilitation medicine, bridging cognitive neuroscience and clinical applications. She has published over ten peer-reviewed articles in both Chinese and international journals, demonstrating proficiency in experimental design, behavioral analysis, data interpretation, and interdisciplinary research methodologies. Jianhua Liu has been recognized for her scholarly excellence with awards such as the Best Research Scholar Award and the Excellence in Research Award, reflecting her commitment to advancing memory science and rehabilitation therapies. Her contributions have enhanced understanding of memory mechanisms in non-human primates and investigated cellular responses in biomedical contexts, highlighting her ability to integrate theory and practice. Overall, she stands out as a researcher who combines rigorous scientific inquiry, innovative methodologies, and collaborative engagement to drive meaningful advancements in cognitive psychology and translational medicine.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

 

Yue Dong | Neurodegeneration | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yue Dong | Neurodegeneration | Best Researcher Award

Hebei Hospital of Xuanwu Hospital | China

Dr. Yue Dong is a research scientist specialising in Alzheimer’s disease, neuromodulation, and translational neuroscience, with work rooted in uncovering metabolic, molecular, and circuit-level mechanisms of cognitive vulnerability while advancing non-invasive brain-stimulation technologies. She holds a medical degree from Hebei Medical University and a doctoral degree in biomedical engineering from the University of California, Irvine, followed by postdoctoral training at leading American institutions, where she deepened her expertise in neurodegeneration, electrophysiology, multi-omics analysis, network imaging, and cellular–circuit physiology. Her professional experience spans neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and clinical translation, and she currently serves as a researcher at Hebei Hospital of Xuanwu Hospital, contributing to precision neuromodulation research. Her interests include Alzheimer’s pathology, brain aging, sleep–memory interactions, synaptic resilience, photobiomodulation, and AI-enabled wearable stimulation systems. She is skilled in multi-omics profiling, fluorescence lifetime imaging, fMRI and EEG analytics, metabolic modelling, and neuromodulation parameter optimisation. Her work has earned recognition through competitive national and provincial research grants, talent awards, and leadership roles in professional societies. Dr. Dong’s career reflects a commitment to advancing mechanistic discovery and real-world clinical innovation, with the overarching goal of transforming neuromodulation into accessible, scalable brain-health technology for future therapeutic applications.

Profile: Googlescholar

Featured Publications

David Blum | Neurodegeneration | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. David Blum | Neurodegeneration | Best Academic Researcher Award

Inserm | France

Dr. David Blum is a leading physiologist and neuroscientist specialising in neurodegeneration, serving as a research director at Inserm within a prominent laboratory dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease and tauopathies. He completed his academic training in physiology and neuroscience, building a strong foundation that guides his work on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders. His professional experience includes extensive leadership in research programmes focused on Tau biology, metabolic regulation, neuroinflammation, and purinergic signalling, with particular emphasis on adenosine pathways. His research interests centre on understanding how Tau pathology disrupts memory, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function, as well as exploring environmental, metabolic, and epigenomic contributors to disease progression. He possesses advanced research skills in experimental neuroscience, molecular physiology, genetic models, biomaterial applications, and translational approaches linking bench discoveries to clinical insights. Dr. Blum has been recognised through international collaborations, scientific contributions, and participation in excellence centres dedicated to neurodegenerative disease research. His honours reflect his influential role in advancing knowledge on Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and related disorders. Overall, he stands as a highly respected scientist whose integrative work continues to shape current understanding of neurodegenerative mechanisms and supports the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Na Li | Neurology and Nursing Science | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. Na Li | Neurology and Nursing Science | Women Researcher Award

Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital  | China

Li Na is a dedicated researcher at Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital in Hohhot, China, recognised for her contributions to clinical pharmacology and evidence-based medicine. Her academic background in medicine and pharmacology has provided a strong foundation for her work in translational research focused on improving therapeutic outcomes for neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Professionally, she has been involved in advanced clinical investigations, particularly systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing the efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions such as fingolimod in acute ischemic stroke. Her research interests span drug efficacy evaluation, neuroprotective mechanisms, and the integration of novel pharmacotherapies into clinical practice. Skilled in biostatistics, data synthesis, and the use of analytical tools for evidence evaluation, she demonstrates a methodical and data-driven approach to medical research. With several publications indexed in Scopus and a growing citation record, she maintains an active academic profile and collaborates with national and international teams. Her work has earned recognition within the field, reflecting both scientific rigour and clinical relevance. Committed to advancing modern pharmacology and patient care, Li Na continues to bridge clinical insight with research innovation, contributing meaningfully to the evolving landscape of pharmacological science and translational medicine.

Profile: scopus

Featured Publications

Mohamed Taha Moutaoufik | Neurodegenerative Diseases | Best Research Article Award

Prof. Mohamed Taha Moutaoufik | Neurodegenerative Diseases | Best Research Article Award

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University | Morocco

Dr. Mohamed Taha Moutaoufik is an accomplished Moroccan molecular biologist and Assistant Professor at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, with a strong foundation in cell and molecular biology acquired through advanced studies at Université Laval and Université Ibn Zohr. His professional experience spans roles as a Research Associate and Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Regina in Canada, where he contributed to cutting-edge research on protein interactions, mitochondrial biology, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. His scholarly involvement includes memberships in prestigious societies such as the Human Proteome Organization and the Mediterranean Neuroscience Society. Dr. Moutaoufik’s research interests center on proteomics, neurodegeneration, mitochondrial interactomes, and molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. He demonstrates expertise in multi-omics data integration, bioinformatics, protein-protein interaction mapping, and advanced molecular techniques. As an editor for Frontiers in Chemistry and related journals, he has overseen significant contributions to molecular biosciences. His numerous awards, including fellowships from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Parkinson Canada, reflect his research excellence and leadership in biomedical science. Overall, Dr. Moutaoufik exemplifies a dynamic researcher whose interdisciplinary work bridges molecular biology and neuroproteomics, advancing scientific understanding of cellular mechanisms and their implications for precision medicine.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Yu-Young Lee | Natural Product-based Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yu-Young Lee | Natural Product-Based Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Crop Science | South Korea

Dr. Yu-Young Lee is a distinguished scientist at the National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, Korea, with a specialization in the chemistry of natural products and crop quality evaluation. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing agricultural sciences, particularly in improving the nutritional and functional value of food crops through innovative biochemical approaches. She has significantly contributed to research on soybeans, oats, wheat, rice, and peanuts, focusing on bioactive compounds and their roles in human health. With her extensive international collaborations, including research experiences at the USDA and Tufts University, she has established herself as a global leader in agricultural biochemistry and crop quality science. Her numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals showcase her expertise in natural product chemistry, food functionality, and crop science. Through her research, Dr. Lee continues to bridge the gap between agriculture and human nutrition, aiming to improve both food quality and global health.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Yu-Young Lee pursued her academic journey at Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea, where she completed her studies in agricultural biology and life sciences. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Biology, building a solid foundation in crop science and plant research. She then advanced her studies by completing a Master’s degree in Agriculture and Life Science, focusing her research on the isolation of oleanane triterpenes and trans-resveratrol from the root of peanuts, highlighting her early interest in natural products and bioactive compounds. Her academic path culminated in a Ph.D. in Agriculture and Life Science, where she concentrated on the development of tocochromanol compound-enhanced soybeans and the evaluation of their biological activities. This advanced work demonstrated her pioneering vision of integrating crop science with health-promoting biochemical innovations. Her educational background reflects her dedication to merging agricultural productivity with food science to enhance nutritional and functional values of crops.

Experience

Dr. Yu-Young Lee has built a distinguished career as a scientist at the National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, Korea, where she has contributed extensively to crop quality research and evaluation. Her role encompasses investigating natural compounds in crops and developing methods to enhance their nutritional and functional properties. She has conducted international research as an invited scientist at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University and at the Soft Wheat Quality Laboratory at USDA-ARS, gaining global perspectives on agricultural and nutritional sciences. Her research extends across multiple crops, including soybeans, oats, wheat, rice, and peanuts, where she explores bioactive compounds and their potential benefits for human health. She has led and collaborated on numerous projects focusing on food quality, safety, and functionality, establishing herself as a trusted authority in agricultural biochemistry and crop research. Her professional journey reflects a balance of national service and global collaboration.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Yu-Young Lee’s outstanding contributions to agricultural science and natural product chemistry have earned her recognition within Korea and internationally. Her invited appointments as a visiting scientist at world-renowned institutions such as Tufts University and the USDA-ARS underscore her respected position in the global research community. She has received honors through research collaborations and publications in high-impact journals, reflecting her strong academic and scientific reputation. Her work on enhancing soybean, oat, and rice quality with bioactive compounds has been widely acknowledged for its originality and relevance to both food science and human health. She has been instrumental in developing innovative methodologies for analyzing crop quality, which has advanced national agricultural programs. By bridging crop science and nutrition, her work has supported food security initiatives while improving the value of staple crops. Her career stands as a testament to her dedication, excellence, and the impact of her scientific endeavors.

Research Focus

Dr. Lee’s research focuses on the chemistry of natural products and their application in improving crop quality and human health. She investigates bioactive compounds such as tocochromanols, avenanthramides, polyphenols, and triterpenes, aiming to enhance the nutritional and functional value of staple crops. Her studies span multiple crops, including soybeans, oats, rice, wheat, and peanuts, where she analyzes their biochemical properties, antioxidant potential, and biological effects. A key aspect of her work is developing functional foods through biochemical enrichment, such as tocochromanol-enhanced soybeans and germinated oat extracts with neuroprotective effects. She also explores food processing methods, post-harvest improvements, and crop germplasm evaluation to optimize both quality and safety. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates agricultural science, plant biochemistry, and nutritional research, making her contributions vital to global health and food security. By linking agricultural outputs with human well-being, she pioneers innovative strategies for functional crop development and sustainable food systems.

 

Publications

 

Title: Standardization of Germinated Oat Extracts and Their Neuroprotective Effects Against Aβ1-42 Induced Cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Cells
Year: 2025

Title: Oat Extract Avenanthramide-C Reverses Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation Decline in Tg2576 Mice
Year: 2021

Title: Oat (Avena sativa) Extract against Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis in Human Keratinocytes
Year: 2021

Title: Influences of hydrothermal and pressure treatments on compositional and hydration properties of wheat bran and dough mixing properties of whole wheat meal
Year: 2021

Title: Development of Nano Soy Milk through Sensory Attributes and Consumer Acceptability
Year: 2021

Title: Avenanthramide-C Restores Impaired Plasticity and Cognition in Alzheimer’s Disease Model Mice
Year: 2020

Title: Oat germination and ultrafiltration process improves the polyphenol and avenanthramide contents with protective effect in oxidative damaged HepG2 cells
Year: 2019

Title: Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of rice cooked with different proportions of black soybeans and cooking methods
Year: 2018

Title: Assessment of microbial safety and quality changes of brown and white cooked rice treated with atmospheric pressure plasma
Year: 2018

Title: Black soybeans protect human keratinocytes from oxidative stress-induced cell death
Year: 2018

Conclusion

Dr. Yu-Young Lee is a pioneering agricultural scientist whose expertise in natural product chemistry, crop quality enhancement, and functional food development continues to make a profound impact on global agriculture and human nutrition.

Anett Hudák | Neurodegeneration | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Anett Hudák | Neurodegeneration | Women Researcher Award

Anett Hudák is a skilled molecular biologist with deep expertise in neurobiology, virology, and molecular pathology. She earned her MSc in Molecular Biology from the University of Debrecen with a specialization in biomedical sciences and pharmacology. Over the years, she has significantly contributed to the understanding of cellular communication, amyloid pathology, and viral entry mechanisms through her work on syndecans. With professional experience spanning academia and industry, Anett currently serves as a molecular biologist at Pharmacoidea Ltd., where she leads impactful research on Alzheimer’s disease, SARS-CoV-2, and neurodegeneration. Her publications in high-impact journals like Scientific Reports and International Journal of Molecular Sciences reflect her strong research acumen. Anett’s extensive training in laboratory techniques, radiation protection, and animal experimentation, along with her dedication and collaborative mindset, make her a valued asset in translational biomedical research. She continues to drive discovery at the intersection of molecular biology and therapeutic innovation.

Profile

🎓 Education

Anett Hudák began her academic journey at Benka Gyula Lutheran Primary School and graduated from Andrássy Gyula Secondary School. She completed her BSc in Biology with a specialization in Laboratory Operations at the University of Debrecen’s Faculty of Science and Technology. She further pursued an MSc in Molecular Biology at the University of Debrecen’s Faculty of Medicine, specializing in Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacology. During her studies, she also received extended-level radiation protection training from the University of Debrecen’s Radiation Protection Service. Anett later earned a Certification in Laboratory Animal Science from the Institutional Animal Welfare Committee at Semmelweis University. Her academic formation has been enriched by intensive hands-on research training in various biomedical techniques including PCR, genotyping, electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry, and animal experimentation. This solid educational background has laid the groundwork for her successful transition into a career in academic and industrial molecular biology research.

🧪 Experience

Anett Hudák has a rich portfolio of research and laboratory experience, beginning with her early work on HPV detection in cervical cancer diagnostics at the Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Debrecen. She expanded her expertise during her research internship at the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, where she investigated IL-1RI’s role in inflammatory pain models. From 2012 to 2014, she gained proficiency in cell biology techniques including immunofluorescence and Western blotting. She worked as a laboratory biologist at the Institute of Physiology, Semmelweis University (2015–2016), contributing to studies on lymphangiogenesis in embryonic development. Since 2016, she has been a molecular biologist at Pharmacoidea Ltd., conducting translational research on syndecans in viral transmission, amyloid aggregation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Her contributions to scientific conferences and collaborative publications demonstrate her ability to lead and participate in high-impact research projects that bridge molecular science and therapeutic development.

🏅 Awards and Honors

While formal awards are not extensively listed in Anett Hudák’s CV, her achievements are evident through her selection for prominent speaking roles and poster presentations at respected conferences such as the Pannonia Congress of Pathology (2014), MÉT 2015, and FAMÉ 2016. Her research has consistently been showcased in these forums, highlighting its relevance and impact. Furthermore, Anett’s work has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals like Scientific Reports and International Journal of Molecular Sciences, indicating recognition by the scientific community. Her collaborative publications with international experts, such as Martin Hofmann-Apitius and Mimoun Azzouz, underscore her respected standing in biomedical research. Anett’s ability to lead first-author publications and contribute significantly to multi-author research reflects a level of distinction that is often synonymous with academic honors. Her rising trajectory in neurodegenerative and virology research suggests she is well-positioned for future scientific accolades and leadership roles.

🔬 Research Focus

Anett Hudák’s research centers on the role of syndecans in cellular communication, neurodegenerative disease pathology, and viral entry mechanisms. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding how these membrane proteins facilitate the internalization and aggregation of amyloid-β, α-synuclein, and tau—key proteins involved in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. She also explores how syndecans enable SARS-CoV-2 entry, including variants like Delta and Omicron, offering insights into COVID-19 pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention. Recent studies delve into the interaction between apolipoproteins and syndecans and how these pathways impact cellular events relevant to amyloid disorders. Her use of tissue decolorization, single-cell resolution imaging, and endocytosis analysis has positioned her research at the forefront of molecular neuroscience and virology. Anett’s interdisciplinary approach, spanning molecular biology, cell signaling, and pathology, not only addresses fundamental mechanisms but also aims to inform novel therapeutic strategies for infectious and neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusion

Anett Hudák is a dedicated and impactful molecular biologist whose research on syndecans, neurodegeneration, and viral entry has advanced both basic science and translational applications in biomedicine.

Publications

Agota Apati | Stem Cell Based Disease Modelling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Agota Apati | Stem Cell Based Disease Modelling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ágota Apáti, PhD, DSc, is a distinguished Hungarian molecular biologist and Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Research Centre for Natural Sciences. She leads the Pluripotent Stem Cell Laboratory and is renowned for establishing Hungary’s first human pluripotent stem cell lab. With over 70 publications and an H-index of 25, her work is widely recognized internationally. Dr. Apáti’s research encompasses human iPSC-derived disease models, membrane transporters, and cellular signaling pathways, with implications in schizophrenia, diabetes, and rare syndromes. She has supervised numerous PhD students and maintains active roles in both national and international scientific societies. Her commitment to translational stem cell research and ethical scientific practice positions her as a leading figure in the field of regenerative medicine and cellular therapeutics.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Ágota Apáti holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Chemistry from Eötvös Loránd University of Sciences, Budapest (1984–1989). She later pursued doctoral studies and earned her PhD from Semmelweis Medical University (1998–2003), focusing on molecular and cellular aspects of hematology and immunology. Her academic training blends rigorous biochemical education with advanced medical sciences, establishing a solid foundation for her research career in stem cell biology and cellular therapeutics. Through continuous engagement in teaching and supervising graduate students, she has also remained an integral part of academic development at Hungary’s premier institutions. Her strong interdisciplinary background supports her work on complex cellular processes and disease modeling, and she is also a Doctor of Science (DSc, 2024) from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences—an honor awarded for substantial contributions to biomedical research in Hungary.

🧪 Experience

With over three decades of research experience, Dr. Ágota Apáti began her scientific career as a Research Fellow at Semmelweis Medical University (1989–1993). She progressed through multiple institutions, including the National Institute of Haematology and Immunology (1993–2004) and the National Blood Service (2005–2013), where she led various molecular biology projects. Between 2013 and 2023, she was a Senior Research Associate and lab head at the Institute of Enzymology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Since 2023, she continues her leadership as Laboratory Head at the Institute of Molecular Life Sciences under HUNREN. She has consistently taught and mentored postgraduate students in biochemistry, hematology, immunology, and membrane biology. Dr. Apáti’s collaborative and interdisciplinary projects have helped develop multiple disease models and cellular assays. Her scientific leadership has been instrumental in expanding Hungary’s role in cutting-edge stem cell research and molecular diagnostics.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Ágota Apáti has been recognized both nationally and internationally for her contributions to biomedical research. Early in her career, she received the prestigious UNIDO award during the ICRO course on RNA structure and function in Trieste, Italy (1994). In 2024, she was awarded the Doctor of Science (DSc) degree by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences—a distinguished title granted to researchers with a substantial, impactful body of scientific work. Her membership in renowned scientific organizations, such as the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), Hungarian Society of Biology, Hungarian Society of Biochemistry, and the Hungarian Medical Research Council’s Ethical Board for Human Reproduction, underscores her stature in the field. These accolades not only reflect her scientific excellence but also her contributions to ethical research practice, public health, and mentoring within the scientific community, cementing her reputation as a key contributor to molecular life sciences.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Apáti’s research centers on pluripotent stem cells, disease modeling, and cellular signaling. She specializes in generating and differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into neuronal, cardiac, mesenchymal, and endothelial lineages. Her work extends into disease modeling for schizophrenia, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, DiGeorge syndrome, and Frank-Ter Haar syndrome using patient-derived iPSC lines and CRISPR-based genome editing. She has developed cellular reporter systems to study membrane transporter function and calcium signaling pathways, significantly advancing understanding in neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular disorders. Through integrative omics and 3D organoid models, Dr. Apáti’s lab explores metabolic and genetic dysregulation in human pathologies. Her translational research aims to identify drug targets and therapeutic strategies using patient-specific cell lines. She also investigates multidrug resistance in stem cells and cancer, contributing to better clinical interventions. Her multidisciplinary projects bridge fundamental biology with clinical relevance, making her a vital contributor to regenerative medicine and personalized therapy.

Conclusion

Dr. Ágota Apáti is a trailblazing scientist whose pioneering work in human stem cell research, disease modeling, and membrane biology continues to shape translational medicine, with a sustained commitment to research excellence, scientific mentorship, and ethical innovation in biomedical sciences.

Publications

  • Haloperidol, Olanzapine, and Risperidone Induce Morphological Changes in an In Vitro Model of Human Hippocampal Neurogenesis

    Biomolecules
    2024-06 | Journal article | Author
    CONTRIBUTORS: Bálint Jezsó; Sára Kálmán; Kiara Gitta Farkas; Edit Hathy; Katalin Vincze; Dzsenifer Kovács-Schoblocher; Julianna Lilienberg; Csongor Tordai; Zsofia Nemoda; László Homolya et al.
  • Partial Disturbance of Microprocessor Function in Human Stem Cells Carrying a Heterozygous Mutation in the DGCR8 Gene

    Genes
    2022-10 | Journal article | Author
    CONTRIBUTORS: Dóra Reé; Ábel Fóthi; Nóra Varga; Orsolya Kolacsek; Tamas Orban; Agota Apat
  • A Novel Cell-Based Model for a Rare Disease: The Tks4-KO Human Embryonic Stem Cell Line as a Frank-Ter Haar Syndrome Model System

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2022-08 | Journal article | Author
    CONTRIBUTORS: Loretta László; Hédi Maczelka; Tamás Takács; Anita Kurilla; Álmos Tilajka; László Buday; Vas Virag; Agota Apati
  • Synthesis and Systematic Investigation of Lepidiline A and Its Gold(I), Silver(I), and Copper(I) Complexes Using In Vitro Cancer Models and Multipotent Stem Cells

 

Camille Blackman | Neurology and Gender-Affirming Care | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Camille Blackman | Neurology and Gender-Affirming Care | Best Researcher Award

Camille Blackman is a dedicated medical student and multidisciplinary researcher with a passion for advancing gender-affirming healthcare and surgical education. Currently pursuing her MD at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, she brings a diverse background in anthropology, emergency medicine, and clinical research. Camille’s clinical experiences range from working as an EMT and physical therapist assistant to serving as a medical assistant in dermatology. Her current research at Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health centers on surgical outcomes, educational innovation, and health equity. She has published and presented nationally on topics like craniofacial surgery, sexual medicine, and transgender health. Outside of medicine, she is a nationally competitive runner and co-founder of Nameless Track Club. Camille also contributes to mentoring, leadership development, and medical education reform. Fluent in English and French, she exemplifies a well-rounded, compassionate, and forward-thinking physician in training.

Profile

🎓 Education

Camille Blackman’s academic journey reflects her interdisciplinary strength and commitment to health equity. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from Northwestern University (2012–2016), where she was also a Division 1 athlete. To transition into a medical career, she completed a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at DePaul University (2016–2017). Camille is currently a Doctor of Medicine (MD) candidate at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, expected to graduate in 2026. Her medical education is enhanced by participation in the Surgical Exploration and Discovery (SEAD) program and leadership in multiple mentorship initiatives. Her academic excellence is evidenced by her involvement in high-impact research, her role as an M3 mentor, and her selection for honors like Academic All-Big Tens. Throughout her academic path, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to inclusion, excellence in scholarship, and innovation in clinical care, especially for underserved populations such as the transgender and gender-diverse community.

🧪 Experience

Camille Blackman has built a robust portfolio of healthcare experience over nearly a decade. As a current research trainee at the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, she contributes to cutting-edge projects focused on surgical outcomes and health equity. Prior to that, she worked as a medical assistant at the Illinois Dermatology Institute (2020–2023), a physical therapist assistant at RUSH Rehabilitation (2018–2021), and an EMT at Medical Express Ambulance (2018–2020). Her roles have spanned both emergency and outpatient care, giving her a comprehensive clinical foundation. In addition to her hands-on experience, she’s actively involved in medical education as a mentor and peer leader at UICOM. Camille also volunteers in both clinical and community settings, including Face the Future Foundation and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. Her practical and research experience across diverse settings reinforces her trajectory as a future physician-leader in gender-affirming and reconstructive surgery.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Camille Blackman has been recognized for both academic and athletic excellence. She is a recipient of the prestigious Academic All-Big Ten award (2013–2016) and earned the John and Rita Canning and Dinn Brothers Student-Athlete Scholarships while at Northwestern University. In athletics, she is a Tracksmith-sponsored elite runner and has posted competitive times in major races, including a 2:48 marathon and top finishes in the Chicago 13.1 and Shamrock Shuffle. Her early accolades include the Western Massachusetts Athlete of the Year and the Tommy Cochary High School Mile Grant. As a medical student, she was selected for the Surgical Exploration and Discovery (SEAD) program and received a $25,000 pilot grant from the Hopkins Business of Health Initiative as a co-investigator for transgender health systems innovation. Her honors reflect a rare combination of scientific acumen, athletic discipline, and community impact, affirming her multifaceted contributions to medicine and public health.

🔬 Research Focus

Camille Blackman’s research centers on gender-affirming care, surgical education, and health disparities. At the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, she explores clinical outcomes related to chest masculinization and hormone therapy, and contributes to the development of transgender health infrastructure. She has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications on subjects such as craniofacial surgery techniques, body mass index implications in gender-affirming surgeries, and innovative educational approaches like clay modeling in anatomy instruction. Camille’s forthcoming book chapters on vaginoplasty and transgender care centers further establish her as an emerging scholar in surgical education and gender health equity. She has presented her work at high-profile conferences, including the Plastic Surgery Research Council and the Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Through her research, Camille aims to enhance inclusivity, clinical outcomes, and the surgical learning experience, particularly in areas where historically marginalized populations have faced significant healthcare gaps.

Conclusion

Camille Blackman is a future physician and trailblazer in gender-affirming healthcare whose interdisciplinary expertise, clinical compassion, and research innovation are advancing inclusive medicine, educational reform, and equity in surgical outcomes.

Publications

Forshing Lui | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Forshing Lui | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. For-Shing Lui, a U.S. citizen and licensed neurologist in California, the UK, and Hong Kong, is an esteemed academic and clinician with over four decades of international experience in neurology and internal medicine, currently serving as Professor of Neurology at California Northstate University College of Medicine (CNUCOM), where he contributes significantly to medical education, curriculum development, and professional regulatory boards.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Lui completed his M.B.B.S. from the University of Hong Kong in 1978, followed by an internal medicine residency (1978–1982) at the same institution; he then undertook neurology fellowship training at Newcastle General Hospital, UK (1982–1984), and a neurology residency at UC Davis (1995–1999), also serving as Chief Resident; his qualifications include being a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh), Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Lui has served as Expert Consultant and Reviewer for the Medical Board of California, Professor and Course Director at CNUCOM since 2014, Chair of Clinical Sciences, and Vice Chair of Education; formerly, he was Staff Neurologist and Chief of Neurology at Kaiser Permanente, Clinical Professor at UC Davis, and practiced as a neurologist and internist in Hong Kong; his roles spanned clinical practice, academic leadership, curriculum design, quality assurance, and international consultancy.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Lui received the 2022 A.B. Baker Teacher Recognition Award from the American Academy of Neurology, the ITLE University Distinguished Teacher Award in 2021, and multiple CNUCOM Professor of the Year Awards (2019–2023); his national recognitions include listings in America’s Top Physicians and Sacramento Magazine’s Top Doctors; he won the Croucher Fellowship (1982), John Anderson Gold Medal (1978), and several medical school scholarships for academic excellence, including the Li Shu Fan Prize in Pharmacology.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Lui’s academic and clinical interests lie in neurology education, vascular neurology, neuroimaging, and multiple sclerosis, with a deep commitment to medical pedagogy and curriculum leadership; his research integrates neurodiagnostic techniques with clinical neurology, particularly in imaging-based teaching, and he has presented regularly at neuroradiology conferences and contributed to educational innovation in neurology training at both Kaiser Permanente and CNUCOM, reflecting a lifelong dedication to mentoring, patient care, and advancing neurologic knowledge.