KYU SHIK MUN | Personalized Medicine | Best Researcher Award

KYU SHIK MUN | Personalized Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. KYU SHIK MUN, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, United States

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kyu Shik Mun is a distinguished researcher in cystic fibrosis (CF) and biomedical engineering 🧬. As a Principal Investigator and Co-Director, he has led groundbreaking projects on CF-related diabetes, organ-on-a-chip models, and personalized CF therapy 🏥. His work, funded by organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, has yielded significant patents and high-impact publications 📑. With 733 citations, an h-index of 10, and an i10-index of 10, Dr. Mun continues to drive innovations in CF research, bridging biomedical science and translational medicine 🔬.

Publication Profile

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Professional Background

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kyu Shik Mun earned his Ph.D. in the Materials Science and Engineering Program at the University of Cincinnati 🎓. In 2016, he joined the Cystic Fibrosis Research Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where he pioneered a microfluidic-based organ-on-chip program from scratch 🏥🧬. His groundbreaking research focused on studying cystic fibrosis and related disorders. In 2021, he was promoted to Assistant Professor at Cedars-Sinai 🏆, where he continues to advance in vitro cell culture models using organ-on-chip technology and 3D bioprinting 🖨️🔬, contributing to innovative solutions in biomedical research and personalized medicine.

Awards

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kyu Shik Mun has received numerous prestigious honors and awards throughout his academic and professional journey 🎖️. He was awarded multiple Outstanding Grade Scholarships at Gangneung National University 🏅 (2000–2009) and recognized for excellence with department and presidential awards 🏆. His achievements include a scholarship from the Korean Broadcasting System 📺 and the Korea Research Foundation 🌏. During his Ph.D. at the University of Cincinnati, he earned a University Graduate Scholarship 🎓 (2010–2014). His research has been recognized by the American Gastroenterological Association and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 🧬, receiving multiple Best Abstract and Early Career Investigator awards (2017–2024) 🥇.

Experience 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kyu Shik Mun has been actively involved in non-clinical teaching, contributing to journal clubs and lab mentoring 📚🎤. He has delivered key presentations on organ-on-a-chip technology 🧬, including talks at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (2020) and Cedars-Sinai (2021) 🏥. His mentorship spans postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and Ph.D. students, guiding projects in 3D bioprinting 🖨️ and patient-derived lung-on-a-chip models 🌬️. Since 2016, he has mentored 15 summer and rotation students—including high school, college, Ph.D., and MD candidates—on fabricating organ-on-a-chips and culturing cells, fostering the next generation of biomedical researchers 🔬.

Research Focus

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kyu Shik Mun’s research primarily focuses on nanotechnology 🧪, biosensors 🧫, and biomedical engineering 🏥. His work spans optical interferometric biosensors for label-free detection, organ-on-a-chip models for diseases like cystic fibrosis 🫁, and TiO₂ nanotube arrays for applications in solar cells ☀️ and photocatalysis. He also explores drug discovery 💊 by targeting molecular pathways in cystic fibrosis and related disorders. His interdisciplinary research integrates materials science 🏗️, biophysics ⚛️, and microfluidics 🔬 to develop innovative medical technologies, aiming to advance precision medicine 🎯 and renewable energy solutions 🌱.

Publication Top Notes

A Stable, Label-free Optical Interferometric Biosensor Based on TiO2 Nanotube Arrays

Patient-derived pancreas-on-a-chip to model cystic fibrosis-related disorders

Guided construction of single cell reference for human and mouse lung

Targeting the pregnane X receptor using microbial metabolite mimicry

Personalized medicine in CF: from modulator development to therapy for cystic fibrosis patients with rare CFTR mutations

Surface passivation of highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays and application to dye-sensitized solar cells using the concept of isoelectric point

Targeting DNAJB9, a novel ER luminal co-chaperone, to rescue ΔF508-CFTR

Guanylate cyclase 2C agonism corrects CFTR mutants

Cystic Fibrosis Human Organs-on-a-Chip

Taro Shibuki | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Taro Shibuki | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Dr Taro Shibuki, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Japan

Dr. Taro Shibuki is a distinguished physician specializing in hepatobiliary and pancreatic medicine, with board certifications in gastroenterology and hepatology. 🎓 He earned his medical degree from Jichi Medical University and trained at Saga University Hospital before joining the National Cancer Center Hospital East. 🏥 His expertise lies in drug development, diagnostics for pancreatic and biliary cancers, and advanced endoscopic procedures such as ERCP and interventional EUS. 🧬 His research focuses on precision oncology, multi-omics analysis, and biomarker discovery. As an active member of prestigious medical societies, Dr. Shibuki continues to advance cancer research and clinical care. 🔍✨

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Taro Shibuki 🎓 is a distinguished neuroscientist with a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences. He has made significant contributions to brain research 🧠, particularly in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. As a professor and researcher, Dr. Shibuki has published groundbreaking studies 📖, advancing the understanding of neural mechanisms. His expertise in electrophysiology and neuroimaging has earned him global recognition 🌍. Throughout his career, he has received prestigious awards 🏆 for his pioneering work. Passionate about scientific discovery, Dr. Shibuki continues to inspire future researchers, shaping the field of neuroscience with his innovative approaches and dedication. 🚀

Research and Innovations

Dr. Taro Shibuki 🔬 is a leading researcher in hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer, pioneering advancements in multi-omics analysis 🧬, biomarker development 🏷️, and precision oncology 🎯. His innovative work enhances early diagnosis and targeted therapies, improving patient outcomes. Notably, his research on the depth of response in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (JCOG1407 study) 📑, published in Pancreatology (2025), underscores his influence in high-impact clinical research. Through cutting-edge investigations and a forward-thinking approach 🚀, Dr. Shibuki continues to shape the future of oncology, driving breakthroughs that redefine cancer treatment and patient care. 🏥

Scientific Contributions

Dr. Taro Shibuki 📚 is a highly regarded scientist whose contributions to Pancreatology and other indexed journals highlight his research credibility. His work bridges genomics 🧬, proteomics 🔍, and metabolomics 🧪 to advance cancer diagnostics and treatment. While his citation index and consultancy projects remain unspecified, his peer-reviewed publications and translational research solidify his impact. Notably, his efforts in developing minimal residual disease (MRD) 🦠 and multi-cancer early detection (MCED) 🏥 assays are paving the way for groundbreaking innovations in oncology. Through his expertise and dedication, Dr. Shibuki continues to shape the future of cancer research. 🚀

Editorial Roles

Dr. Taro Shibuki ⚕️ is a distinguished researcher whose collaborative efforts drive advancements in pancreatic and biliary cancer treatment. While he does not hold editorial appointments, his expertise in interventional endoscopy (ERCP, EUS) 🏥 plays a crucial role in clinical innovation. His research in drug development 💊 and precision oncology 🎯 significantly impacts patient care. Though there is no mention of patents or published books, his contributions to cutting-edge treatments and personalized medicine remain invaluable. Through his dedication to scientific progress 🔬, Dr. Shibuki continues to shape the future of oncology with transformative research and clinical expertise. 🚀

Professional Memberships

Dr. Taro Shibuki 🌍 is a respected figure in the medical research community, with affiliations in leading gastroenterology and hepatology societies 🏥. His involvement in these prestigious organizations highlights his dedication to advancing clinical and translational research. While specific awards or honors 🏆 for his research excellence are not explicitly mentioned, his contributions to the field remain impactful. Through his expertise in hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases 🔬, Dr. Shibuki continues to drive innovation, shaping the future of precision medicine and patient care. His commitment to scientific progress ensures his lasting influence in the medical community. 🚀

Research Focus

Dr. Taro Shibuki is a researcher specializing in oncology 🔬, with a particular focus on precision medicine 🧬, pancreatic cancer 🏥, and biliary tract cancer 🧑‍⚕️. His work involves optimizing chemotherapy 💊 and developing advanced stent deployment techniques 🏗️ for malignant biliary obstructions. He also contributes to large-scale cancer genomics projects 🧑‍🔬, such as the SCRUM-MONSTAR Cancer-Omics Ecosystem 🌍, which aims to revolutionize personalized treatments 🎯. His research plays a vital role in enhancing cancer diagnostics 🏥 and therapeutic strategies 💡, striving for a quantum leap in oncology 🚀 by integrating molecular profiling 🧬 and cutting-edge clinical approaches 🏥.

Publication Top Notes

Ms. Faezeh Aghajannataj Ahangarkola|Drug Delivery Systems | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Faezeh Aghajannataj Ahangarkola |Drug Delivery Systems|Best Researcher Award|

Ms. Faezeh Aghajannataj Ahangarkola at Babol Noshirvani University of Technology,Iran

PROFILE  

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Faezeh Aghajannataj began her academic journey with a strong foundation in pure chemistry, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Mazandaran (UMZ) in Babolsar, Iran, in September 2018. Her undergraduate studies focused on the synthesis of pharmaceutical heterocyclics, particularly through multi-component reactions. Under the guidance of Dr. Robabeh Baharfar, Faezeh’s final project received a stellar grade of 4.0/4.0, demonstrating her early aptitude for research and her keen interest in the intersection of chemistry and pharmaceuticals.

Building on her success at UMZ, Faezeh pursued a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology at the Babol Noshirvani University of Technology (BNUT), Babol, Iran. Her graduate research centered on the development of enteric hard capsules for targeting the small intestine, utilizing innovative materials like Pullulan and Eudragit L-100. This research culminated in a thesis titled “Enteric Hard Capsules for Targeting Small Intestine by Pullulan and Eudragit L-100: Processing, Characterization, and In-vitro Drug Release,” which was awarded a perfect grade of 4.0/4.0 (19/20), reflecting the high quality and significance of her work under the mentorship of Dr. Ghasem Najafpour.

Professional Endeavors 🏢

Faezeh’s professional career is marked by a strong focus on research and development in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. During her time at Iran Gelatin Capsule in Tehran, she played a pivotal role as a member of the R&D team from February 2022 to May 2023. Her work primarily involved researching and formulating pullulan capsules at an industrial scale, a task that required both technical expertise and innovative thinking. Additionally, she contributed to the formulation and evaluation of controlled release systems designed to produce enteric-coated capsules without synthetic materials or external coatings, a project that aligns with the growing demand for more natural and sustainable pharmaceutical solutions.

Faezeh also gained significant experience as a teaching assistant during her academic career. She assisted in courses such as Organic Chemistry Laboratory and Physical Chemistry Laboratory at UMZ, and Advanced Engineering Mathematics at BNUT, showcasing her ability to convey complex scientific concepts to students. Her teaching roles not only enriched her understanding of the subjects but also allowed her to contribute to the academic growth of her peers.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Faezeh’s research interests lie at the crossroads of biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, and chemistry. Her master’s thesis on enteric hard capsules represents a significant contribution to the field of drug delivery systems, particularly in the development of targeted delivery mechanisms for the small intestine. This work, which involved detailed processing, characterization, and in-vitro drug release studies, has the potential to impact the way oral medications are formulated and administered, particularly in terms of improving drug efficacy and patient outcomes.

Her research has been recognized through the publication of her work in reputable scientific journals. One notable publication is “Towards a Novel Pullulan and Pullulan-Enteric Hard Capsules: Study of Drug Release and Crucial Capsule Features,” co-authored with Dr. Gh. Najafpour and R. Ramezani. This paper, accessible , highlights the innovative approach Faezeh has taken in her research, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of drug delivery systems.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Throughout her academic and professional career, Faezeh has consistently achieved high marks and recognition for her work. Her thesis was awarded a perfect grade, reflecting the high esteem in which her research is held. Additionally, her academic achievements during her bachelor’s and master’s studies are underscored by her strong GPA, which stands at 3.6/4.0 (16.95/20) for her master’s degree, and her consistently high grades in her coursework.

Her work has also been recognized within the academic community through her roles as a teaching assistant, where she earned the trust of her professors to guide and mentor students in complex scientific subjects.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Faezeh’s research on drug delivery systems, particularly her focus on enteric capsules, has the potential to significantly impact the pharmaceutical industry. By developing more effective and targeted drug delivery mechanisms, her work could lead to improved patient outcomes, particularly for those with conditions that require precise delivery of medication to the small intestine.

Her influence extends beyond her research, as her roles as a teaching assistant and R&D member have allowed her to mentor and collaborate with others in the field, spreading her knowledge and fostering innovation in both academic and industrial settings.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Faezeh Aghajannataj is poised to make lasting contributions to the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences. Her innovative approach to drug delivery systems and her commitment to research excellence set her apart as a leading figure in her field. As she continues her career, her work is likely to inspire future research and development in the industry, particularly in the creation of more sustainable and effective pharmaceutical solutions.

🎓Publication 

Ethanol fermentation in an immobilized cell reactor using Saccharomyces cerevisiae

  • Authors   :Ghasem Najafpour, Habibollah Younesi, Ku Syahidah Ku Ismail
  • Journal    :Bioresource technology
  • Year         :2024

Piperine—the bioactive compound of black pepper: from isolation to medicinal formulations

  • Authors   :Leila Gorgani, Maedeh Mohammadi, Ghasem D Najafpour, Maryam Nikzad
  • Journal    :Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety
  • Year         :2017

High-rate anaerobic digestion of palm oil mill effluent in an upflow anaerobic sludge-fixed film bioreactor

  • Authors   :GD Najafpour, AAL Zinatizadeh, AR Mohamed, M Hasnain Isa, H Nasrollahzadeh
  • Journal    :Process Biochemistry
  • Year         :2006

Treatment of pulp and paper mill wastewater by polyacrylamide (PAM) in polymer induced flocculation

  • Authors   :SS Wong, TT Teng, AL Ahmad, A Zuhairi, G Najafpour
  • Journal    :Journal of hazardous materials
  • Year         :2006

Power generation from organic substrate in batch and continuous flow microbial fuel cell operations

  • Authors   :Mostafa Rahimnejad, Ali Asghar Ghoreyshi, Ghasem Najafpour, Tahereh Jafary
  • Journal    :Applied Energy
  • Year         :2011

Dr. ANTHOULA LAZARIS| Precision Medicine|Best Researcher Award

Dr. ANTHOULA LAZARIS, Precision Medicine,Best Researcher Award

Dr. ANTHOULA LAZARIS, at MCGILL UNIV. HEALTH CTR,Canada

PROFILE

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📚 Early Academic Pursuits :

Anthoula Lazaris began her academic journey with a B.Sc. in Microbiology and Immunology from McGill University (1983-1986), where she developed a solid foundation in the biological sciences. She continued at McGill, earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Faculty of Medicine (1988-1992). Her postdoctoral studies took her to Leiden, The Netherlands, where she further honed her expertise in Medical Biochemistry (1992-1994). This robust educational background laid the groundwork for her illustrious career in academia and biotechnology.

🏢Professional Endeavors :

Lazaris has accumulated over 30 years of combined experience in academia and industry, holding management and senior-level positions. Currently, she is a scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), focusing on metastatic and metabolic diseases with an emphasis on translational research. Her career highlights include:

  • Liver Disease Biobank: In 2011, Lazaris established a Liver Disease Biobank in collaboration with Dr. P Metrakos, collecting biospecimens from patients with liver-related diseases.
  • Quebec Extracellular Vesicle Consortium: She spearheaded this consortium with Drs. Rak and Olivier, demonstrating her leadership in collaborative research initiatives.
  • CIHR Training Grant: Lazaris co-wrote and secured a substantial CIHR training grant for the Goodman Cancer Centre, illustrating her proficiency in obtaining competitive funding.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus :

Lazaris’s research contributions span several critical areas:

  • Metastatic Disease: She focuses on colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM), investigating molecular mechanisms to predict therapeutic responses and developing new biomarkers.
  • Translational Research: Her work bridges basic and clinical research, aiming to translate findings into precision therapies for cancer patients. Notably, her research on predictors of therapeutic responses to antiangiogenic agents has been groundbreaking.
  • Liver Diseases: Lazaris’s research also covers hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinomas, and NAFLD/NASH, contributing to the broader understanding of these conditions.

🏆Accolades and Recognition :

Throughout her career, Lazaris has received numerous accolades:

  • Scientific American Award: In 2002, she was recognized in the category of Research Leader in Chemical and Materials for her work on transgenic animals producing spider silk.
  • Genome Canada White Paper: She spearheaded the writing of a white paper on “Disease Mechanisms,” which was integrated into Genome Quebec’s strategic plan.
  • Scientific Publications: Her research has been published in prestigious journals like Nature and Science, highlighting her contributions to molecular biology and oncology.

🌍Impact and Influence :

Lazaris’s work has had a profound impact on both the scientific community and public health:

  • Innovations in Biotechnology: She was part of the team that demonstrated the first expression of soluble spider silk, which can be spun into fibers with remarkable mechanical properties.
  • Transgenic Research Network: As the Executive Director of the Quebec Transgenic Research Network, Lazaris unified the capabilities of researchers across Quebec, securing significant funding and fostering collaborative research.
  • Cloned Animals: She was part of the team that generated the world’s first cloned goat and Canada’s first large transgenic animal, showcasing her pioneering contributions to genetic engineering.

🌟Legacy and Future Contributions :

Anthoula Lazaris’s legacy is marked by her pioneering research, leadership in collaborative scientific endeavors, and significant contributions to translational medicine. Her work continues to influence the fields of molecular biology, biotechnology, and cancer research. Looking forward, Lazaris is expected to further her contributions to personalized medicine, leveraging her extensive experience and innovative approach to address pressing challenges in healthcare. Her dedication to translational research and collaborative spirit ensures that her impact will be felt for years to come.

🎓Publication 

Predictive biomarker discovery in cancer using a unique AI model based on set theory

Hepatic stellate cell stearoyl co-A desaturase activates leukotriene B4 receptor 2 – β-catenin cascade to promote liver tumorigenesis

    • Authors :Sinha, S., Aizawa, S., Nakano, Y., Guccione, E., Tsukamoto, H.
    • Journal   :Nature Communications
    • Year       : 2023

Targeting Liver Metastases to Potentiate Immunotherapy in MS-Stable Colorectal Cancer—A Review of the Literature

  • Authors  :, Zlotnik, O., Krzywon, L., Bloom, J., Lazaris, A., Metrakos, P.
  • Journal    :Cancers
  • Year         :  2023

Isolation of extracellular vesicles from human plasma samples: The importance of controls

  • Authors  :Tsamchoe, M., Petrillo, S., Lazaris, A., Metrakos, P.
  • Journal   : Biotechnology Journal
  • Year        :   2023

A Retrospective Study on the Role of Metformin in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases

  • Authors  :Rada, M., Krzywon, L., Petrillo, S., Lazaris, A., Metrakos, P.
  • Journal   : Biotechnology 
  • Year        :  2023