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

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

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.

Adithi Randeni | Transcytosis Mechanisms and Hydrocephalus Pathophysiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Adithi Randeni | Transcytosis Mechanisms and Hydrocephalus Pathophysiology | Best Researcher Award

Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, United Kingdom

Dr. Randeni A. Adithi H. Randeni is a Foundation Year One doctor at Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust with a dynamic portfolio in clinical research, innovation, and academic leadership. A graduate of the University of Leeds (MBChB), she has gained international exposure through observerships and research collaborations in the UK and USA, including SUNY Upstate. Her scholarly contributions span neurosurgery, cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and biomedical innovation, with publications in top-tier journals such as IJMS, BJS, and BMC Medical Education. Dr. Randeni has received numerous awards and bursaries and is an active educator and mentor. Her leadership roles in university bodies and national societies reflect her commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity. With a future goal of specializing in neurosurgery, she aims to contribute to translational research and advance surgical practice globally through innovation and collaboration.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Adithi Randeni earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Leeds, where she excelled in both academic and research endeavors. Her education was enriched by multiple research projects and electives across the UK and internationally, including SUNY Upstate Medical University in the USA. During her time at Leeds, she engaged deeply with translational research, contributing to projects on hydrocephalus, tissue engineering, neurotrauma, and breast cancer genetics. Her academic training included structured research programs and specialized modules in biomedical innovation, CSF dynamics, and advanced surgical techniques. She also undertook audits, systematic reviews, and service evaluations during clinical placements. Beyond formal education, she participated in national research fellowships and student interest groups that fostered interdisciplinary learning and mentorship. Dr. Randeni’s educational journey reflects a strong integration of clinical knowledge with scientific inquiry, preparing her for a future as a research-driven neurosurgeon and academic leader.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Adithi Randeni currently serves as a Foundation Year One doctor at Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust, where she is engaged in hands-on patient care, audits, and quality improvement projects. She has amassed extensive research experience through clinical, translational, and lab-based projects, including those at SUNY Upstate and the University of Leeds. Her past roles include conducting systematic reviews, performing service evaluations in neurosurgery, and leading national student surveys like SMART. She has presented her findings at both national and international conferences and has co-authored peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter. In addition to clinical duties, she has held leadership roles in student organizations, served as a medical student representative, and organized educational workshops. Her involvement with professional societies and interdisciplinary teams highlights her ability to balance clinical work, academic productivity, and collaborative initiatives, making her a well-rounded early-career professional with a clear trajectory in neurosurgical research and innovation.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Adithi Randeni has been the recipient of numerous academic awards, conference bursaries, and leadership recognitions during her medical training. Her achievements include international presentation opportunities and publication accolades for research on hydrocephalus, surgical outcomes, and student engagement in research pathways. She was invited to co-author a chapter in Springer’s “Arachnoid Cysts: State-of-the-Art” and has contributed to high-impact journals like the British Journal of Surgery and BMC Medical Education. She has earned research travel grants, elective placement scholarships, and teaching recognitions for organizing peer education workshops. Active in student leadership, she received commendations for her roles within the Medical Student Representative Council and societies such as NANSIG and the National MedTech Foundation. Her selection for the “Best Researcher Award” nomination reflects her growing influence in academic medicine. These honors affirm her commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and medical education at an early stage of her professional journey.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Adithi Randeni’s research focus lies at the intersection of neurosurgery, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, and biomedical innovation. She has explored pathological mechanisms such as abnormal transcytosis in hydrocephalus, authored a chapter on the genetics of arachnoid cysts, and is actively investigating CSF composition in hydrocephalus through collaborations with SUNY Upstate. Her research interests also include neurotrauma, surgical outcomes, antimicrobial stewardship, and tissue-engineered cardiovascular grafts. With a strong inclination toward translational research, she integrates clinical insights with lab-based findings to drive innovation. Dr. Randeni also explores medical education, having co-led the SMART study on student engagement in research. Her contributions aim to bridge the gap between bedside care and bench science, with ongoing work assessing surgical site infections and diagnostic accuracy in neurosurgical imaging. She is passionate about leveraging biomedical research and digital tools to enhance patient outcomes and surgical practice, particularly in underserved and complex neurological conditions.

âś… Conclusion

Dr. Adithi Randeni exemplifies the fusion of clinical excellence, research innovation, and educational leadership, positioning her as a promising future leader in neurosurgery and translational science.

Publications

  • Abnormal Transcytosis Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Hydrocephalus: A Review

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2025-05-19 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms26104881
    Part ofISSN: 1422-0067
    CONTRIBUTORS: Adithi Randeni; Sydney Colvin; Satish Krishnamurthy

  • Genetics of Arachnoid Cysts

    Arachnoid Cysts
    2023 | Book chapter
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-22701-1_8
    Part ofISBN: 9783031227004
    Part ofISBN: 9783031227011
    CONTRIBUTORS: Adithi Randeni; Sydney Colvin; Satish Krishnamurth

  • Cross-sectional Survey of Medical student perceptions of And desires for Research and Training pathways (SMART): an analysis of prospective cohort study of UK medical students

    BMC Medical Education
    2023-12-15 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04881-2
    Part of ISSN: 1472-6920
    CONTRIBUTORS: Gokul Parameswaran; Amelia Bowman; Catherine Swales; Setthasorn Zhi Yang Ooi; Shie Wei Chan; Priya Rose Babu; Daniele Ramsay; Sofia Kostoudi; Soham Bandyopadhyay; SMART-NANSIG-InCiSion Collaborative et al.

Wei Jiang | Cognitive and neuropathology | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

 Dr. Wei Jiang | Cognitive and neuropathology | Women Researcher Award

Medical University of South Carolina , United States

Her academic focus includes microbiome, B cell/autoantibody interactions, and disease pathogenesis, with particular emphasis on HIV, addictive drugs, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She is involved in several clinical and translational research projects, including R01DA059854 (Jiang & Sheng), investigating the impacts of drug abuse on autoantibodies and immune reconstitution in HIV. She also works on CSRD Merit I01 CX002422, exploring B cell-mediated immunological failure in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy. Additionally, she contributes to NIDA-funded studies, such as R01DA055523, examining the oral microbiome’s effect on cognition in HIV-infected cannabis users, and R01DA059538, investigating HIV persistence in cocaine users. Furthermore, she collaborates on a Translational Science Award project exploring the oral microbiome’s impact on cognition in Alzheimer’s disease.

 

 

Profile

Education:

She earned her M.S. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Case Western Reserve University, Medical School, Cleveland, USA, in 2012. Prior to that, she completed a Postdoctoral fellowship at Case Western Reserve University, Medical School, Cleveland, USA, in 2008. She holds an M.S. in Immunology from Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, which she completed in 2001. She also received her M.D. in Internal Medicine from Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, in 1997.

BRIEF RESEARCH INTEREST STATEMENT:

She has 8 years of clinical experience in infectious diseases and 22 years of translational research experience in disease immunopathogenesis. As a corresponding author, she has published 52 peer-reviewed articles on microbiome and disease immunopathogenesis in high-profile journals like Microbiome, Arthritis & Rheumatology, J Autoimmunity, and EbioMedicine, bringing her total number of peer-reviewed publications to 101. As a physician-scientist, she has served as Principal Investigator on five R01 grants from NIAID or NIDA, along with a VA clinical merit grant, focusing on microbiomes, drug abuse, autoimmunity, and HIV immunopathogenesis. Her research primarily focuses on two major areas. The first is understanding the role of B cell perturbation and autoantibodies in disease pathogenesis, particularly in HIV and SLE. In 2017, her team first determined that autoimmunity impacts antiretroviral therapy outcomes in HIV without inducing autoimmune disease. This concept was later corroborated in studies on COVID-19. Her team is currently developing monoclonal autoantibodies and inhibitors to prevent anti-CD4 autoantibody binding, aiming to improve CD4+ T cell recovery and reduce morbidity in HIV patients. The second area of focus is the role of microbiomes in disease pathogenesis, including HIV, SLE, and drug abuse. She has identified the impact of disease-associated pathobionts on immune perturbations and disease progression, with findings validated in animal models. Her microbiome research is supported by R01DA055523.

TRAINING, PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS

She currently serves on the Appointment, Promotion & Tenure (APT) committee in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina, a position she has held since 2024. She was promoted to Full Professor with tenure in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine at the same institution in 2023. She has been a Faculty Senator for the College of Medicine and a Research Health Scientist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center since 2022. Additionally, she is a member of the Translational Science Laboratory IAC (2020-2022) and the MUSC College’s Curriculum Committee (2019-Present). She has held various positions at MUSC, including Associate Professor (2018-2022) and Assistant Professor (2012-2018) in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Since 2018, she has been a member of the Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC and has served on the award committee for the Advancement, Recruitment, and Retention of Women in Science. Her academic career began as an Instructor (2008-2012) and Research Associate (2002-2008) at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.

AWARDS

She received her Chinese Board of Internal Medicine certification in Infectious Diseases in July 1997 and was certified as an Attending Medical Doctor in Infectious Diseases in November 1999 (No: 10203C089758). In July 1997, she also earned a Teacher Qualification from the Educational Institute, National Educational Committee in China (No: 971100071069382). Her licensure is from Beijing, China.

She has received several awards throughout her career, including the Laboratory Travel Grant from the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) in 2019, the MUSC High Impact Research Publication Award in 2019, and multiple travel grants from AAI for various international immunology congresses. She was awarded the Early Career Faculty Travel Grant by AAI and ECI in 2018 and 2017, and received the Travel Award and HIV Section Chair recognition at the 2016 International Congress of Immunology. In 2015, she was honored with the MUSC Foundation Developing Scholar Award and an Early Career Faculty Travel Grant from AAI. Her earlier achievements include multiple Young Investigator Awards from the 13th and 15th Conferences on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (2006, 2008) and the Keystone Meeting on HIV Pathogenesis (2006, 2008). Additionally, she was recognized as an Outstanding Student Leader for five consecutive years during her medical school years from 1986 to 1991.

OTHER EXPERIENCE AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

She has held several key professional roles and memberships throughout her career. Since 2024, she has been serving as a mentor for the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF) Program. She is a member of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology 2024 committee and has been a Treasurer Elect for the Association of Chinese Virologists in America from 2022 to 2024. She has been a member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) since 2021 and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) since 2020. She has also been serving on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology since 2019 and is a member of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology. Additionally, she has been part of the Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (SCBA) and the American College of Rheumatology since 2018. She has contributed as an award committee member for the Advancement, Recruitment, and Retention of Women in Science at the Medical University of South Carolina since 2017 and is an associate member of the Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC.

She is also an active member of the MUSC Oral Health Center, College of Dental Medicine, and the Medical University of South Carolina College of Graduate Studies. Her previous memberships include being part of the American Association of Immunologists from 2011 to 2021, the Center for AIDS Research from 2008 to 2012, and the AIDS Clinic Trial Group since 2008. Her certification in Chinese Board of Internal Medicine in Infectious Diseases dates back to 1997, along with her teacher qualification from the Educational Institute, National Educational Committee, China.

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

She is currently leading several impactful research projects. As the Principal Investigator (PI) on R01DA059854 (9/30/2024-5/31/2029), funded by NIDA with a total of $3,924,302, she is studying the impacts of drug abuse-mediated inflammatory perturbations on affinity maturation of anti-CD4 autoantibodies and poor immune reconstitution from ART in HIV. This project aims to understand the role of cocaine in autoimmunity and immune recovery in HIV patients. Her role in this project is as PI (25% effort).

She is also a multiPI on R01DA059538 (9/30/2023-7/31/2028), with a total of $1,724,585 from NIDA, investigating host gene isoforms contributing to HIV persistence in cocaine users. The study focuses on identifying gene isoforms associated with HIV infection in elite controllers and its implications for cocaine users. Her role is PI (25% effort).

In addition, she is the PI on I01CX002422 (3/1/2022-2/28/2026), funded by the VA Medical Center CSRD Merit with a total of $1,195,899. This project examines the mechanism of autoreactive B cell-mediated immunological failure in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy despite virologic suppression. She is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of anti-CD4 IgG-producing B cells and the pathologic effects of anti-CD4 autoantibodies. Her role is PI with 62.5% effort.

Additionally, she is involved as multiPI on R01DA055523 (9/30/2022-7/31/2027), with a total funding of $1,731,992, where she is working alongside Fitting to investigate the effects of microbiome-related mechanisms on H

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