Xiangfei Li | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiangfei Li | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, China

Dr. Xiangfei Li is an accomplished researcher in food science and gut microbiota, specializing in the regulatory mechanisms of bioactive compounds and their impact on metabolic health. She holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Jiangnan University and currently serves as an Associate Professor at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics. Her research focuses on feruloyl oligosaccharides from rice bran and their effects on gut microbiota, as well as the hypoglycemic properties of lactic acid bacteria for managing Type 2 Diabetes. With a strong background in food chemistry, microbiology, and functional foods, Dr. Li has led multiple research projects, supervised graduate students, and contributed significantly to scientific literature. She has received recognition for her work through research grants and academic honors. Her contributions to nutritional sciences and disease prevention continue to make a significant impact in the field of functional food research and microbiome health.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Xiangfei Li has a strong academic background in food science and engineering, with a focus on functional foods, microbiome research, and metabolic health. She earned her Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Jiangnan University (2012-2016), where she conducted research on bioactive compounds and their role in gut microbiota regulation under the guidance of Professor Chen Wei. Prior to that, she completed her Master’s degree in Food Science at Jiangsu University (2009-2012), mentored by Professor Huang Daming, focusing on nutritional biochemistry and food processing technologies. Her education provided her with a comprehensive foundation in food chemistry, microbiology, and biomedical applications, allowing her to integrate biotechnology and nutrition in her research. Through her academic training, she developed expertise in functional food development, intestinal microbiota analysis, and metabolic health studies, laying the groundwork for her successful career as a researcher and educator in the field of food science.

Professional Experience

Dr. Xiangfei Li has built a distinguished career in food science and microbiome research, with extensive experience in academia and research. She began her professional journey as a Lecturer at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics in 2016, where she contributed to food science education, research, and student mentorship. In 2022, she was promoted to Associate Professor, reflecting her academic achievements and research excellence. Throughout her tenure, she has led numerous research projects focusing on functional food bioactives, gut microbiota regulation, and metabolic health. She has also been actively involved in curriculum development, interdisciplinary collaborations, and scientific outreach, helping to advance the field of food science and nutrition. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Li has supervised graduate students, published research articles, and contributed to food innovation studies. Her professional expertise continues to shape functional food development and disease prevention strategies in the scientific community.

Research interest

Dr. Xiangfei Li’s research interests lie at the intersection of food science, gut microbiota, and metabolic health, with a strong focus on functional food bioactives and their regulatory effects. She specializes in the extraction, purification, and characterization of feruloyl oligosaccharides from rice bran, investigating their role in modulating intestinal microbiota and enhancing gut health. Her work also explores the hypoglycemic effects of lactic acid bacteria, aiming to develop probiotic-based interventions for Type 2 Diabetes. Using animal models, in vitro assays, and microbiome analysis, she seeks to understand how bioactive food compounds influence metabolic processes and disease prevention. Additionally, she is interested in the development of gut microbiota databases and simulated gastrointestinal models to study the metabolism of functional ingredients. By integrating food chemistry, microbiology, and biotechnology, Dr. Li’s research contributes to advancing nutritional science and personalized dietary strategies for improved health outcomes.

Award & Honor

Dr. Xiangfei Li has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to food science, gut microbiota research, and functional food innovation. Her work on feruloyl oligosaccharides and lactic acid bacteria has earned her research grants, institutional awards, and accolades from scientific organizations. She has been acknowledged for her innovative approaches to gut health and metabolic disease prevention, particularly in developing functional foods with bioactive properties. Dr. Li has also been invited to present her findings at national and international conferences, where her research on intestinal microbiota and diabetes management has been widely recognized. In addition to her academic achievements, she has received grants and funding support for her research projects, further solidifying her reputation as a leading expert in food science and biotechnology. Her continuous efforts in scientific discovery and public health improvement have made her a highly respected researcher in her field.

Conclusion

Dr. Xiangfei Li is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a well-defined research niche in food science, gut microbiota, and health applications. Her theoretical and applied research contributions are significant, particularly in diabetes management and functional foods. However, adding details on publications, collaborations, and industry impact would further solidify her position as an outstanding researcher.

Publications Top Noted

  • Development of dual polymerase spiral reaction for detection of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus simultaneously

    • Authors: M. Zhang, H. Chen, J. Huang, J. Sun, Y. Lu
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0
  • Heterologous Expression and Transglycosylation of Acarviosyltransferase

    • Authors: Z. Xue, Y. Wang, C. Li, S. Zhu, X. Li
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0
  • Cinnamaldehyde for the Prevention and Control of Foodborne Pathogens and Their Biofilms: a Review of Research and Applications

    • Authors: X. Du, X. Hu, Z. Feng, X. Pang, Y. Lu
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0
  • Regulatory mechanisms of the probiotic-targeted gut–liver axis for the alleviation of alcohol-related liver disease: a review

    • Authors: F. Yang, X. Li, J. Sun, Q. Sun, Y. Lu
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0
  • Transcription factor NeyR enhances neomycin synthesis in Streptomyces fradiae

    • Authors: Y. Cheng, X. Li, R. Han, Y. Liu, Z. Xue
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Screening of bile salt hydrolase-producing lactic acid bacteria and evaluation of cholesterol-lowering activity in vitro

    • Authors: C. Lv, X. Pang, J. Sun, X. Li, Y. Lu
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Rapid and accurate AuNPs-sodium deoxycholate-propidium monoazide-qPCR technique for simultaneous detection of viable Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella

    • Authors: J. Huang, X. Pang, X. Li, J. Sun, Y. Lu
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 2

 

Chen Pan | fruit quality | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Chen Pan | fruit quality | Best Researcher Award

Student, student College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University,China

Chen Pan is a dedicated and innovative researcher specializing in plant biotechnology, cryopreservation, and virology. Born in Shanxi, China, in 1992, she has developed expertise in preserving and studying plant genetic resources. Chen earned her B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture and Olericulture from Northwest A&F University, and she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Pomology at Zhejiang University. Her research aims to improve agricultural practices, enhance crop preservation, and tackle virus-related challenges in horticulture. Chen has contributed significantly to plant cryopreservation and biochemical biosynthesis studies, impacting both academic research and practical applications in agriculture.

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

  1. Academic Excellence and Research Focus: Chen Pan has demonstrated a strong academic background with a solid progression in horticultural and olericultural sciences. She completed her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at prestigious institutions in China, under the mentorship of recognized advisors. This highlights her ability to work in diverse and interdisciplinary fields, as seen in her contributions to plant biotechnology, cryopreservation techniques, and virus detection in horticultural crops like Lilium, grapevines, and pear.
  2. Innovative Contributions in Cryopreservation: Chen’s work on the cryopreservation of plant tissues, including her studies on the preservation of Lilium and grapevine species, contributes significantly to advancing plant biotechnology, specifically in genetic resource conservation. Her research on the cryopreservation of small leaf squares-bearing adventitious buds of Lilium and the exploration of vitrification techniques for grapevine preservation demonstrate her technical expertise and innovation in a critical area of plant biotechnology.
  3. Multidisciplinary Research Interests: Her research spans multiple important areas including virus eradication and detection, biochemical biosynthesis in fruit, and the genetic and environmental factors that affect plant growth. For instance, her Ph.D. work on the ethylene-responsive transcription factor PpERF9 and its role in anthocyanin biosynthesis in pears, as well as her studies on blue light’s effect on mango fruit, reveal a sophisticated understanding of molecular biology and plant physiology. These studies have potential applications in improving fruit quality and stress tolerance in horticultural crops.
  4. Scientific Publications and Contributions to the Field: Chen has contributed significantly to plant virology and cryobiology, as evidenced by her publications, including her work on the biological indexing of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus-3 and biochemical assessments of Chrysanthemum morifolium. Her interdisciplinary approach to plant virology, cryopreservation, and metabolic biosynthesis in crops positions her as an emerging expert in these areas.
  5. Diverse Research Experience: Chen has worked with a wide range of crops, from ornamental species like Lilium to fruit crops like grapes and mangoes, highlighting her adaptability and broad knowledge base. Her understanding of both the basic and applied aspects of plant science makes her an invaluable asset to research teams tackling challenges like crop preservation and viral infections.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Research Dissemination: While Chen has made significant contributions to the field, her visibility in international conferences and collaborations could be expanded. Engaging more actively in global research forums and publishing in high-impact journals would help her work gain more exposure within the international scientific community. It is important for emerging researchers to establish networks that bridge their research with global issues and broader scientific debates.
  2. Integration of Advanced Technologies: Although her work is highly commendable, there may be opportunities to integrate more cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR gene editing, high-throughput sequencing, and advanced bioinformatics tools into her research. These techniques could potentially enhance her cryopreservation methods and enable deeper insights into plant molecular responses to biotic and abiotic stressors.
  3. Interdisciplinary Collaborations: As her research spans multiple areas, Chen could further benefit from fostering more interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly with groups focused on agricultural engineering, biotechnology, and molecular genetics. This could open up new pathways for her to explore the genetic underpinnings of plant stress resistance, virus eradication, and yield improvement.
  4. Public and Commercial Impact: While her research is of high academic value, exploring the translational aspect of her work could further enhance its impact. Partnerships with agricultural industries or public policy-making bodies could help bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and practical applications, such as the development of more robust agricultural practices or sustainable farming solutions.

Education

Chen Pan completed her B.S. in Horticulture at Northwest A&F University (2011–2015), where she focused on plant science. She pursued her M.S. in Olericulture at the same institution (2015–2018), under the guidance of Prof. Qiaochun Wang. Her Master’s thesis explored novel cryopreservation methods and virus eradication in Lilium. In 2021, Chen entered the Ph.D. program in Pomology at Zhejiang University, mentored by Prof. Yuanwen Teng. Her doctoral research focuses on the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in pears and mangoes, along with the application of cryopreservation techniques for fruit crops and virus control.

Research Focus

Chen Pan’s research focuses on plant biotechnology, with an emphasis on cryopreservation, virus eradication, and biosynthesis regulation in horticultural crops. Her studies on ethylene-responsive transcription factors in pears aim to unlock the genetic mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis. She also investigates the effects of environmental factors such as blue light on fruit metabolism, including carotenoid and sucrose biosynthesis in mangoes. Another key aspect of her research involves the application of advanced cryopreservation techniques to improve the genetic preservation and regeneration of plant species, such as Lilium and grapevine, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Publications

  • “The ethylene-responsive transcription factor PpERF9 represses PpRAP2.4 and PpMYB114 via histone deacetylation to inhibit anthocyanin biosynthesis in pear”
  • “Blue Light Simultaneously Induces Peel Anthocyanin Biosynthesis and Flesh Carotenoid/Sucrose Biosynthesis in Mango Fruit”
  • “Cryopreservation of Small Leaf Squares-bearing Adventitious Buds of Lilium Oriental Hybrid ‘Siberia’ by Vitrification”
  • “Cryopreservation of Grapevine (Vitis spp.)—A Review”
  • “Greenhouse Performance, Genetic Stability, and Biochemical Compounds in Chrysanthemum morifolium ‘Hangju’ Plants Regenerated from Cryopreserved Shoot Tips”
  • “Abiotic Stress Improves In Vitro Biological Indexing of Grapevine Leafroll-associated Virus-3 in Red Grapevine Cultivars”

Conclusion

Chen Pan has proven herself to be a promising researcher with deep expertise in plant biotechnology, cryopreservation, and virology. Her innovative work in tissue preservation and molecular understanding of plant biochemistry is highly commendable, and her interdisciplinary research approach has great potential for addressing both fundamental and applied challenges in agriculture.Despite some areas for growth, particularly in terms of broadening the scope of her research dissemination and exploring new technologies, her research is already making significant contributions to her field. Her dedication, research outcomes, and potential for future advancements make her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With further professional development and greater integration of interdisciplinary tools and global collaborations, she has the potential to emerge as a leading researcher in horticultural sciences.