Qian Mao | Biological Sciences |Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Qian Mao | Biological Sciences |Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Liaoning university, China

Dr. Qian Mao is a distinguished lecturer and researcher in food science and engineering at Liaoning University, where she also serves as a master’s supervisor. She earned her Ph.D. from Jilin University and focuses her research on food oral processing, biodegradable materials, and bionic chewing systems. Dr. Mao has successfully led several key research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation and provincial programs. Her contributions to the field are reflected in numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. In addition to her research, Dr. Mao is an innovative educator, actively involved in teaching reform and curriculum development, and has received several awards for her excellence in education and teaching. Her work integrates scientific inquiry with practical applications, aiming to improve both food processing techniques and sustainability. With a strong academic background and a commitment to advancing her field, Dr. Mao continues to make significant contributions to food science research and education.

profile:

Education:

Dr. Qian Mao has a strong academic foundation in food science and engineering. She earned her Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Jilin University, where she conducted advanced research from September 2011 to December 2016. Her doctoral studies focused on food texture evaluation and sensory science, laying the groundwork for her future research in food oral processing and biodegradable materials. Prior to her Ph.D., Dr. Mao completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Food Science and Engineering at Southwest University for Nationalities from September 2007 to June 2011. During her undergraduate studies, she gained a solid understanding of food processing technologies and the science behind food production. This comprehensive academic background has equipped Dr. Mao with the expertise needed to excel in both teaching and research, contributing to her development as a leader in her field and enabling her to make significant advancements in food science and engineering.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Qian Mao has extensive professional experience in academia, focusing on both research and teaching. Since October 2018, she has been a lecturer at the College of Light Industry at Liaoning University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in food science, including Food Chemistry, Food Processing Technology, and Advances in Modern Food Science Research. Prior to this, from March 2017 to September 2018, she served as a lecturer at the Key Laboratory of Deep Processing of Agricultural Products at Changchun University. During her tenure at these institutions, Dr. Mao has led several high-profile research projects, including studies on bionic chewing systems and food texture evaluation funded by national and provincial organizations. Her hands-on experience as a Principal Investigator has allowed her to contribute significantly to the advancement of food science, while her teaching responsibilities highlight her dedication to education and mentorship, helping to shape the next generation of food science professionals.

Research Skills:

Dr. Qian Mao possesses a robust set of research skills that make her a leader in the field of food science and engineering. Her expertise lies in food oral processing, sensory science, and the development of biodegradable materials. She has a strong background in designing and implementing innovative research methodologies, such as developing bionic chewing systems for texture evaluation, which bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical application. Dr. Mao is proficient in numerical simulation techniques, allowing her to model complex food processing systems and evaluate the texture of food in various environments. Her research also extends to sustainable food technologies, with projects focused on biodegradable materials and food packaging. As a Principal Investigator, she has successfully secured and managed multiple high-profile research grants, showcasing her project management skills. Additionally, her experience in interdisciplinary research allows her to collaborate effectively across different scientific domains, further enhancing the impact of her work.

Award and Recognition:

Dr. Qian Mao has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to both research and education in the field of food science. In 2023, she was honored with the First Prize for Information-Based Innovation in Education and Teaching in Liaoning Province, recognizing her innovative approaches to integrating technology in the classroom. She also received the Second Prize for Excellent Teaching Plans at Liaoning University in the same year. Her dedication to undergraduate teaching was further acknowledged in 2022 when she was awarded the Second Prize in the Undergraduate Teaching Achievement Award. Additionally, Dr. Mao has been recognized as an Outstanding Instructor for her involvement in student innovation competitions, and she has been lauded for her organizational skills in events like the Liaoning Province Food Safety Innovation Competition. These accolades highlight her excellence not only in research but also in fostering academic growth and innovation among students.

Conclusion:

Dr. Qian Mao’s substantial contributions to research and teaching make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With continued focus on expanding her international presence and fostering future talent, she is poised to further elevate her already impressive academic and research achievements.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Formation of incipient soot particles from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: A ReaxFF molecular dynamics study
    • Authors: Q. Mao, A.C.T. Van Duin, K.H. Luo
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 199
    • Published in: Carbon 121, 380-388
  2. A new detailed kinetic model for surrogate fuels: C3MechV3.3
    • Authors: S. Dong, S.W. Wagnon, L.P. Maffei, G. Kukkadapu, A. Nobili, Q. Mao, et al.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 72
    • Published in: Applications in Energy and Combustion Science 9, 100043
  3. Classical and reactive molecular dynamics: Principles and applications in combustion and energy systems
    • Authors: Q. Mao, M. Feng, X.Z. Jiang, Y. Ren, K.H. Luo, A.C.T. Van Duin
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 57
    • Published in: Progress in Energy and Combustion Science 97, 101084
  4. Effects of moisture and salinity on methane adsorption in kerogen: A molecular simulation study
    • Authors: J. Zhou, Q. Mao, K.H. Luo
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 53
    • Published in: Energy & Fuels 33 (6), 5368-5376
  5. Initiation mechanisms of enhanced pyrolysis and oxidation of JP-10 (exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene) on functionalized graphene sheets: Insights from ReaxFF molecular dynamics
    • Authors: M. Feng, X.Z. Jiang, Q. Mao, K.H. Luo, P. Hellier
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 48
    • Published in: Fuel 254, 115643
  6. Investigation of methane oxidation by palladium-based catalyst via ReaxFF Molecular Dynamics simulation
    • Authors: Q. Mao, A.C.T. Van Duin, K.H. Luo
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 48
    • Published in: Proceedings of the Combustion Institute 36 (3), 4339-4346
  7. Role of ring-enlargement reactions in the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons
    • Authors: M. Baroncelli, Q. Mao, S. Galle, N. Hansen, H. Pitsch
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 41
    • Published in: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 22 (8), 4699-4714
  8. Fundamental study on mechanisms of thermal decomposition and oxidation of aluminum hydride
    • Authors: M. Feng, H. Li, Q. Mao, K.H. Luo, P. Hellier
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 41
    • Published in: The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 123 (40), 24436-24445
  9. Dynamics and kinetics of reversible homo-molecular dimerization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
    • Authors: Q. Mao, Y. Ren, K.H. Luo, A.C.T. Van Duin
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 39
    • Published in: The Journal of Chemical Physics 147 (24)
  10. Dimerization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules and radicals under flame conditions
    • Authors: Q. Mao, D. Hou, K.H. Luo, X. You
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 38
    • Published in: The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 122 (44), 8701-8708

Hyppolite Aïgnon | Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Hyppolite Aïgnon | Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award 

Northeastern University, China.

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon, a Beninese researcher born in 1991, specializes in fungal ecology and conservation. He earned his Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Parakou in 2021, focusing on the diversity and molecular taxonomy of the Inocybaceae family in West Africa. Aignon’s work spans fungal taxonomy, biogeography, and the application of fungi in ecosystem restoration and conservation. His research includes significant contributions to understanding fungal communities in West Africa, with a strong emphasis on the Inocybaceae family. He has held various positions, including research assistant and visiting researcher at institutions in Rwanda, Zambia, and Sweden. Aignon has been involved in numerous symposiums, including organizing the Symposium of Young Mycologists from Tropical Africa. His research is well-supported by grants from various organizations, and he has published extensively, contributing to several new taxa descriptions and international conferences.

Profile
Education

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon holds a distinguished academic background in the field of Botany and Agronomy. He earned his Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Parakou, Benin, in August 2021. His doctoral research focused on the diversity, molecular taxonomy, and phylogeny of the Inocybaceae family in West Africa. Prior to this, he completed his M.Sc. in Agronomy at the same institution in April 2016, where his thesis investigated the influence of soil characteristics on ectomycorrhizal fungi communities. His undergraduate studies in Agronomy, culminating in a B.Sc. degree in April 2013, involved research on the effects of thinning on teak growth in peasant forestry. Throughout his academic journey, Aignon has been guided by notable advisors including Nourou S. Yorou and Nestor Sokpon, contributing significantly to the field of fungal ecology and conservation.

Professional Experience

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon is an accomplished researcher with a strong focus on fungal ecology and conservation. He has held a position as a research assistant at the Tropical Mycology and Plant-Soil Fungi Interactions Unit at the University of Parakou, Benin, from January 2016 to June 2023. During this time, he managed the herbarium, supervised molecular and microscopic analyses, and contributed to conservation education and the monitoring of ectomycorrhizal fungi communities. Aignon has also been involved in several high-profile research visits, including stints as a visiting researcher at the University of Rwanda, University of Zambia, and Uppsala University. He has played a key role in organizing the Symposium of Young Mycologists from Tropical Africa and has led applied research projects aimed at ecosystem restoration and conservation of rare fungal species. His collaborative efforts extend to interdisciplinary projects and community science initiatives.

Research Interest

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon’s research focuses on fungal ecology, taxonomy, and conservation, with a particular emphasis on the family Inocybaceae in West Africa. His work delves into the diversity, molecular taxonomy, and phylogeny of fungi, exploring their ecological roles and interactions within various ecosystems. Aignon investigates fungal toxicity and biogeography, aiming to understand the distribution patterns and environmental impacts on fungal species. His research also includes the application of fungi in ecosystem restoration projects, specifically utilizing mycorrhizal fungi to rehabilitate degraded habitats. Collaborating with NGOs, he contributes to conservation programs for rare and endangered fungal species, integrating community science and interdisciplinary approaches. Through his efforts, Aignon seeks to enhance fungal biodiversity conservation and advance the scientific knowledge of fungal systems in tropical Africa.

Research Skills

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon possesses a diverse and robust set of research skills in the field of fungal ecology and conservation. His expertise spans fungal taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, and biogeography, with a focus on the Inocybaceae family in West Africa. Aignon is proficient in advanced molecular techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis, which he has applied extensively during his research and training at institutions such as Uppsala University and the University of Rwanda. His experience in data analysis is reinforced by his skills in statistical software like R and Python, as well as GIS and remote sensing for studying fungal distributions. Additionally, Aignon’s role as a herbarium manager and his involvement in conservation education highlight his capacity to manage and analyze ecological data effectively. His collaborative work with ecologists, botanists, and soil scientists further underscores his interdisciplinary approach to research.

Awards and Recognition

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon has garnered significant recognition for his contributions to fungal ecology and conservation. In 2024, he received the prestigious Rufford Foundation grant for “Sustainable management and conservation of fungal biodiversity in West Africa,” highlighting his impact on regional biodiversity. He was awarded funding from the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks in June 2024 for his research on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, reflecting his commitment to advancing fungal science. His work on the Inocybaceae family was further acknowledged with the Hesler Visiting Researcher Fellowships in March 2024, supporting his phylogenetic classification studies. Additionally, Aignon’s role in organizing the Symposium of Young Mycologists from Tropical Africa in November 2023, supported by various international organizations, underscores his leadership in the mycology community. These accolades underscore Aignon’s dedication to fungal research and conservation efforts in West Africa.

Conclusion

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His expertise in fungal ecology and conservation, combined with his international research experience, organizational skills, and successful grant acquisitions, highlights his significant contributions to the field. To strengthen his candidacy further, focusing on increasing the impact factor of his publications, broadening the application of his research, and diversifying his research topics could be beneficial.

Publications Top Notes

  • Pseudosperma brunneopilosum, a new species of Inocybaceae from West Africa
    • Authors: Aïgnon, H.L., Fan, Y.-G., Matheny, P.B.
    • Year: 2024
  • A new species of Inosperma, and first record of I. afromelliolens (Inocybaceae, Fungi) from West Africa
    • Authors: Aïgnon, H.L., Fan, Y.-G., De Kesel, A., Ryberg, M., Yorou, N.S.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2
  • Four new nodulose-spored species of Inocybe (Agaricales) from West Africa
    • Authors: Aïgnon, H.L., Jabeen, S., Verbeken, A., Yorou, N.S., Ryberg, M.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 3
  • Mallocybe africana (Inocybaceae, Fungi), the first species of Mallocybe described from Africa
    • Authors: Aïgnon, H.L., Naseer, A., Matheny, B.P., Yorou, N.S., Ryberg, M.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 15
  • State of knowledge on the diversity, phylogeny and distribution of Inocybaceae in Africa
    • Authors: Aïgnon, H.L., Acar, İ., Naseer, A., Yorou, S.N.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 2
  • Three new species of Inosperma (Agaricales, Inocybaceae) from Tropical Africa
    • Authors: Aïgnon, H.L., Jabeen, S., Naseer, A., Yorou, N.S., Ryberg, M.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 16