Associate Professor from Yan’an University, China
Dr. Shumei Hei is an accomplished Associate Professor and plant physiologist at the College of Life Sciences, Yan’an University. With over two decades of experience in teaching and research, she has established a strong academic presence in the field of plant stress physiology, particularly focusing on carbon dioxide (CO₂) signaling and stomatal regulation. Her career is characterized by a consistent research focus, scholarly productivity, and leadership in both scientific investigation and academic service. Dr. Hei’s work addresses fundamental questions related to how plants perceive and respond to environmental signals, particularly elevated CO₂ levels, through molecular pathways involving hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and G-protein signaling. Her research contributes both to basic plant science and to potential applications in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Dr. Hei has successfully led multiple funded research projects at national and provincial levels, published in high-impact international journals, and earned several academic honors for teaching and scientific innovation. She is also actively involved in mentoring graduate students and contributing to editorial and review boards. Her dedication to both scientific discovery and academic excellence makes her a respected figure in her field and a valuable contributor to the broader life sciences community in China and beyond.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Shumei Hei holds a comprehensive academic background in the biological sciences, with all her degrees earned from reputable Chinese institutions. She earned her Ph.D. in Botany from Shaanxi Normal University between 2012 and 2018, with her dissertation focusing on the signaling mechanisms involved in CO₂-regulated stomatal movement, a subject that has continued to define her research trajectory. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed a Master of Science in Botany at the same university from 2002 to 2005, where she further strengthened her foundation in plant physiological processes. Her initial entry into the academic world began with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Education from Yan’an University, where she studied from 1996 to 2000. This educational progression demonstrates a deep-rooted commitment to plant biology, beginning with a strong pedagogical base and advancing into sophisticated, specialized research on plant-environment interactions. The continuity in her educational choices underscores her focused interest in plant physiology and her long-standing relationship with institutions in the Shaanxi province. Her advanced training has enabled her to explore complex physiological processes in plants and translate that knowledge into impactful scientific contributions and teaching.
Professional Experience
Dr. Hei has built her professional career entirely at Yan’an University, showcasing steady academic progression and institutional loyalty. She began as a Teaching Assistant in 2005 shortly after completing her master’s degree, where she gained initial teaching experience in biological sciences. In 2006, she was promoted to Lecturer, a position she held for twelve years, during which she balanced teaching responsibilities with her growing involvement in research. Her ability to contribute meaningfully to both education and scientific inquiry was recognized in 2018 when she was appointed as an Associate Professor at the College of Life Sciences. In this capacity, she mentors master’s students, leads grant-funded projects, and publishes extensively in both international and national journals. Her long tenure at Yan’an University is marked by dedication to curriculum development, student mentorship, and the establishment of a productive research program. In addition to her academic roles, she has actively participated in institutional service, including editorial duties and membership in professional societies. Her professional experience reflects a strong alignment between teaching, research, and service, with a particular emphasis on applying scientific insights to local and global plant biology challenges.
Research Interest
Dr. Shumei Hei’s research interests center around plant stress physiology, with a specific focus on how plants respond to changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Her primary area of investigation is the molecular and biochemical signaling pathways that mediate stomatal movement in response to CO₂. These studies delve into the roles of carbonic anhydrase, G-proteins, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and nitric oxide (NO) in regulating guard cell function, which has implications for plant water use efficiency and adaptation to climate change. Additionally, her research addresses hormonal crosstalk involving ethylene and brassinosteroids in stomatal behavior. Beyond stomatal regulation, Dr. Hei has extended her investigations to applied agricultural issues, such as the physiology of jujube fruit cracking and the optimization of soilless cultivation techniques. This dual emphasis on fundamental signaling mechanisms and practical agricultural problems demonstrates her versatility and relevance in the plant sciences. Her work contributes to improving our understanding of plant adaptation strategies and provides a scientific basis for enhancing crop resilience. The consistent theme across her projects is the integration of environmental signals into physiological responses, making her research highly relevant to both academic inquiry and sustainable agriculture.
Research Skills
Dr. Hei possesses a robust set of research skills that span molecular biology, plant physiology, and biochemical analysis. She is proficient in designing and executing experiments related to guard cell signaling, particularly those investigating the roles of reactive oxygen species like hydrogen peroxide and signaling molecules such as nitric oxide. Her research frequently involves model organisms like Arabidopsis thaliana, allowing her to apply genetic and physiological tools to elucidate plant responses to elevated CO₂. She has experience in using microscopy, physiological assays, and various detection techniques for signal molecules, including the quantification of H₂O₂ and NO in plant tissues. In addition to wet-lab skills, Dr. Hei has demonstrated expertise in scientific writing, grant preparation, and project management, having led several nationally and provincially funded research initiatives. Her ability to integrate molecular insights with applied physiological outcomes is evident in her work on fruit cracking and greenhouse cultivation techniques. She also actively mentors students in research methodologies, ensuring that her lab serves as a training ground for future scientists. Overall, her research skills encompass experimental design, data analysis, and interdisciplinary integration, making her well-equipped to conduct high-level investigations in plant biology.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Shumei Hei has received several honors and awards that reflect both her scientific achievements and her contributions to education. She has been recognized multiple times by Yan’an University with Outstanding Teaching Awards, receiving this accolade in 2010, 2019, 2022, and 2023. These awards affirm her excellence and consistency in teaching and student engagement. Her scientific contributions have also been acknowledged at both municipal and provincial levels. In 2014, she received the Third Prize in the Shaanxi Provincial Science and Technology Awards, while in 2013, she was awarded the Second Prize by Yan’an City for contributions to local scientific development. In 2022, she was honored with the title of “Model Female Contributor” by Yan’an University, highlighting her role as a leader and role model within the academic community. These awards underscore her balanced commitment to both scientific inquiry and educational service. Her accolades serve as a testament to her credibility, influence, and dedication within the research and academic landscape of China, especially in the field of plant physiology.
Conclusion
Dr. Shumei Hei exemplifies the qualities of a well-rounded researcher and educator, making her a compelling candidate for a Best Researcher Award. Her academic journey is marked by focused specialization in plant physiology, particularly in the area of CO₂-regulated stomatal movement. Through her leadership of nationally and provincially funded research projects, she has contributed valuable insights into plant-environment interactions. Her body of work includes high-impact international publications, regional applied research on jujube fruit physiology, and a demonstrated ability to mentor the next generation of scientists. Additionally, her consistent recognition through teaching awards and science prizes illustrates her dual commitment to research and education. Although her international visibility and collaborative footprint could be expanded, her foundational and applied research skills are strong and impactful. She also serves her institution and field through editorial and evaluation roles. Taken together, Dr. Hei’s achievements in research, education, and service reflect a distinguished career that aligns well with the values of scholarly excellence and academic contribution. Her work is not only scientifically rigorous but also contextually relevant, addressing both global challenges and local agricultural issues.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Gα protein mediates high-concentration CO₂-induced stomata closure through interaction with carbonic anhydrase to promote guard cell hydrogen peroxide production in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen‐Xi Zhang, Xue Kang, Qun‐Wei Bai, Jin‐Xia Li, Ming‐Tao Mu, Xiao‐Yu Ma, Shu‐Mei Hei
Journal: Plant, Cell & Environment
Year: 2025
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Title: The regulator of G-protein signalling protein mediates D-glucose-induced stomatal closure via triggering hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide production in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shu-Mei Hei, Zhi-Feng Liu, Ai-Xia Huang, Xiao-Ping She
Journal: Functional Plant Biology
Year: 2018
Volume(Issue): 45(5), Pages: 509–518
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Title: Ethylene mediates brassinosteroid-induced stomatal closure via Ga protein-activated hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide production in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen-Yu Shi, Cheng Qi, Hong-Yan Ren, Ai-Xia Huang, Shu-Mei Hei, Xiao-Ping She
Journal: The Plant Journal
Year: 2015
Volume(Issue): 82(2), Pages: 280–301
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Title: Relationship between H₂O₂ and NO and their enzymatic sources in high-concentration CO₂-induced stomatal closure
Authors: Shu-Mei Hei, Xiao-Ping She
Journal: Journal of Shaanxi Normal University (Natural Science Edition)
Year: 2018
Volume(Issue): 46(3), Pages: 80–86
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Title: Correlation between water dynamics and fruit cracking during jujube maturation
Authors: Shu-Mei Hei, Zhi-Qian Hao, Ting Li, Xue-Yan Zhang, Rui Li
Journal: Northern Horticulture
Year: 2015
Issue: (22), Pages: 34–36
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Title: Research advances on the relationship between jujube fruit tissue structure and fruit cracking
Authors: Shu-Mei Hei, Xiao-Dong Feng, Hai-Fei Chang
Journal: Journal of Shanxi Agricultural Sciences
Year: 2015
Volume(Issue): 43(7), Pages: 916–918
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Title: Relationship between water metabolism changes and fruit cracking in jujube
Authors: Shu-Mei Hei, Juan-Yun Cao, Xiao-Dong Feng, Hai-Fei Chang
Journal: Journal of Yunnan Normal University (Natural Science Edition)
Year: 2016
Volume(Issue): 36(1), Pages: 62–65
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Title: Rooting study on Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ in hydroponic culture
Authors: Shu-Mei Hei, Jin Wang, Hai-Fei Chang, Xiao-Dong Feng
Journal: Journal of Yunnan Normal University (Natural Science Edition)
Year: 2015
Volume(Issue): 36(5), Pages: 56–59
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Title: Research progress on the relationship between physiological characteristics of jujube fruit and fruit cracking
Authors: Shu-Mei Hei, Xiao-Dong Feng, Hai-Fei Chang
Journal: Journal of Minzu University of China (Natural Sciences Edition)
Year: 2015
Volume(Issue): 24(2), Pages: 10–12, 20
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Title: Growth adaptability of black tomato ‘Kezhi’ in Yan’an greenhouse cultivation
Authors: Xue Kang, Dong-Ping Zhang, Xiao-Dong Feng, Hai-Fei Chang, Shu-Mei Hei
Journal: Journal of Yan’an University (Natural Science Edition)
Year: 2023
Volume: 42, Pages: 47–49, 57