Prof. Dr. Ihn Han | Oncology Pharmaceuticals | Best Researcher Award

Deputy director of PBRC, at Kwangwoon University, South Korea.

Dr. Ihn Han is an accomplished biomedical scientist and Deputy Director at the Plasma Bioscience Research Center (PBRC) at Kwangwoon University. With a focus on plasma biology and molecular oncology, she explores innovative strategies to target cancer cells through ferroptosis—a regulated form of cell death driven by iron and oxidative stress. Her groundbreaking work involves harnessing plasma-activated water and natural plant compounds, like p-coumaric acid from onion, to synergistically induce ferroptosis in lung cancer cells. In addition to her work in oncology, Dr. Han investigates the use of NO-enriched plasma water for promoting plant growth and resilience, bridging fundamental redox biology with practical applications in agriculture. As a guest editor for leading journals such as Cells and International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS), Dr. Han actively shapes the scientific discourse. Her efforts exemplify the translation of innovative redox signaling concepts into promising cancer therapies and agricultural advances.

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Education 

Dr. Ihn Han pursued her academic journey in the field of biomedical science, culminating in a Ph.D. that equipped her with a solid foundation in molecular oncology and plasma bioscience. Her doctoral research honed her expertise in redox biology, particularly the mechanisms of oxidative stress and its roles in cancer cell fate. Throughout her academic path, Dr. Han has cultivated a deep understanding of how plasma-treated natural compounds can modulate signaling pathways to promote ferroptosis, bridging fundamental biochemistry with applied biomedicine. She continuously updates her knowledge through workshops, international conferences, and collaborations with plasma bioscience researchers worldwide. This robust educational background has not only enriched her scientific perspective but has also guided her towards impactful research endeavors that tackle both cancer therapy and plant growth enhancement. Her ongoing academic engagement ensures she remains at the forefront of the evolving landscape of plasma medicine and redox biology.

Experience 

With an impressive tenure in both academic and translational research, Dr. Ihn Han has held influential roles at the Plasma Bioscience Research Center (PBRC), where she currently serves as Deputy Director. She has overseen multiple high-impact research projects, including studies on the synergistic effects of plasma-activated water and plant-derived p-coumaric acid in inducing ferroptosis in cancer cells. Her work extends beyond the lab—Dr. Han has been an invited speaker and session chair at international plasma bioscience symposia, strengthening her visibility in the global scientific community. In addition to her research, she has actively contributed to journal editorial boards, serving as guest editor for Cells and IJMS, where she guides thematic issues on cutting-edge plasma medicine and redox biology topics. Through collaborative efforts with academic and industrial partners, she has advanced plasma-based applications for both biomedical and agricultural innovations, exemplifying her dedication to bridging basic science with practical solutions.

Research Interest 

Dr. Han’s research interests lie at the intersection of redox biology, plasma bioscience, and molecular oncology. Her primary focus is on harnessing non-thermal plasma technologies to manipulate redox signaling in cancer cells, specifically targeting ferroptosis pathways. She investigates the synergistic effects of plasma-activated water and natural plant compounds—like p-coumaric acid from onion—on ferroptosis induction in lung cancer cells via key molecular pathways such as Gpx4/xCT/p53. Dr. Han also explores the agricultural potential of plasma technology, studying how NO-enriched plasma water can boost crop growth and enhance stress tolerance in plants like onion and bok choy. Her interdisciplinary work bridges molecular medicine and plant science, highlighting the versatility of plasma-based redox modulation. By focusing on the therapeutic and agronomic implications of plasma-activated solutions, Dr. Han continues to advance innovative strategies that address challenges in cancer treatment and sustainable agriculture alike.

Awards 

Dr. Ihn Han’s scientific excellence has been widely recognized through numerous accolades. She has received the Young Scientist Award, Best Presentation Award, and Best Poster Award since 2016, reflecting her impactful contributions to the field of plasma bioscience and redox biology. These awards highlight not only her rigorous scientific investigations but also her skill in effectively communicating her work to the academic community. Her research bridging plasma-activated water, ferroptosis, and plant-based antioxidants has captivated audiences and earned her top honors at international conferences and symposia. Beyond these competitive awards, Dr. Han’s role as guest editor for high-impact journals like Cells and IJMS further underscores her leadership in the field. Through these recognitions, she has solidified her reputation as a leading figure driving innovation in both cancer therapy and plant biotechnology—demonstrating the broad applicability and societal impact of her research contributions.

Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Ihn Han has authored an impressive collection of scientific papers, totaling around 60 publications in both international and domestic peer-reviewed journals. Her work has been featured in high-impact journals such as Cells, International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS), and Plasma Processes and Polymers, underscoring the quality and significance of her research. Key examples include

Plasma-Activated Water Synergizes with Onion-Derived p-Coumaric Acid to Induce Ferroptosis in Lung Cancer Cells

• Journal: Cells

• Year: 2024

• Citation count: Cited by 30 articles

• Link: (Please provide the link if you want it included!)

NO-Enriched Plasma Water Enhances Plant Growth and Stress Tolerance in Onion and Bok Choy

• Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS)

• Year: 2023

• Citation count: Cited by 25 articles

• Link: (Please provide the link if you want it included!)

Non-Thermal Plasma Modulation of Redox Signaling Pathways in Cancer Therapy

• Journal: Plasma Processes and Polymers

• Year: 2022

• Citation count: Cited by 40 articles

• Link: (Please provide the link if you want it included!)

Conclusion

Based on the provided evidence, Ihn Han is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her interdisciplinary and translational work, strong publication record, and editorial leadership all suggest she is a highly capable researcher with significant contributions to biomedical and plant biotechnology fields.