Chunpeng He | Marine Biology | Breakthrough Innovations Laureate Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chunpeng He | Marine Biology | Breakthrough Innovations Laureate Award

Associate professor | Southeast University | China

Chunpeng is an Associate Professor at the State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University. With a focus on marine biology, he has significantly advanced our understanding of coral ecosystems and the intracellular digestion mechanisms in marine organisms. His groundbreaking research has implications for both ecological restoration and sustainable aquaculture.

Profile 🌊

Scholar

Strengths for the Award 🏆

Chunpeng has made significant contributions to marine biology, particularly with the discovery of the intracellular digestion mechanism in amphioxus, which was highlighted in Nature. This research opens avenues for understanding marine organism physiology and potential applications in biotechnology.

He developed methods to convert harmful algae into protein feedstuff, addressing both ecological and economic challenges. This innovation demonstrates a direct impact on marine resource management.

His work in assembling high-quality chromosome-scale reference genomes for stony corals provides essential resources for global coral reef restoration, highlighting his commitment to conservation.

Chunpeng has successfully led multiple funded projects focused on reef protection and management, showcasing his capability to attract financial support for critical research.

With numerous publications in high-impact journals, including several as corresponding author, his research is well-recognized in the scientific community.

Education 🎓

Chunpeng He completed his academic training in biological sciences, specializing in marine biology. His educational background provided a solid foundation for his innovative research, leading to numerous discoveries in coral reef systems and marine organism biology.

Experience 🧑‍🔬

Since 2007, Chunpeng has collaborated with esteemed researchers, including Professors Zuhong Lu and Junyuan Chen. His research achievements include elucidating the intracellular digestion mechanism in amphioxus and developing novel methods to convert harmful algae into valuable feedstuff. He has also contributed to the assembly of high-quality coral genomes, vital for reef restoration.

Research Interests 🔍

  • Developing enzyme preparations to degrade harmful algae.
  • Bio-reef building and stabilization technologies.
  • Exploring evolutionary origins in vertebrates using amphioxus and ancient fossils.

Awards 🏆

He was awarded the Gold Medal at the 2019 iGEM International Genetic Engineering Machine Design Competition for his project on “Algae Terminator.” This recognition highlights his contributions to innovative solutions in marine biology.

Publications 📚

Deciphering temporal gene expression dynamics in multiple coral species exposed to heat stress: Implications for predicting resilience

    • Authors: T Han, X Liao, Z Guo, JY Chen, C He, Z Lu
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

Polyp-Canal Reconstruction Reveals Evolution Toward Complexity in Corals

    • Authors: Y Li, X Liao, X Wang, Y Li, H Zhao, Y Zhao, J Chen, C He, Z Lu
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 3

Three amphioxus reference genomes reveal gene and chromosome evolution of chordates

    • Authors: Z Huang, L Xu, C Cai, Y Zhou, J Liu, Z Xu, Z Zhu, W Kang, W Cen, S Pei, …
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 31

Full-length transcriptome maps of reef-building coral illuminate the molecular basis of calcification, symbiosis, and circadian genes

    • Authors: T Han, X Liao, Y Zhu, Y Liu, N Lu, Y Li, Z Guo, JY Chen, C He, Z Lu
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 3

Symbiodiniaceae microRNAs and their targeting sites in coral holobionts: A transcriptomics-based exploration

    • Authors: Y Zhu, X Liao, T Han, JY Chen, C He, Z Lu
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 3

The formation of biogenic reef stone: From coral skeleton to reef rubble

    • Authors: Y Li, F Wang, Z Liu, J Jiang, T Han, X Liao, C He, Z Lu
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 7

Full-Length Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals Tissue-Specific Gene Expression Profile of Mangrove Clam Geloina erosa

    • Authors: X Liao, Y Liu, T Han, M Yang, W Liu, Y Wang, C He, Z Lu
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 5

Deep whole-genome resequencing sheds light on the distribution and effect of amphioxus SNPs

    • Authors: Y Zhu, N Lu, JY Chen, C He, Z Huang, Z Lu
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 4

Chemically and electrostatically double-crosslinked composite underwater adhesive

    • Authors: T Zhang, Y Fu, M Liang, L Xu, C He, Z Lu
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2

Binding pattern reconstructions of FGF-FGFR budding-inducing signaling in reef-building corals

    • Authors: Z Guo, X Liao, JY Chen, C He, Z Lu
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2
  • Utilizing an artificial intelligence system to build the digital structural proteome of reef-building corals
    • Authors: Y Zhu, X Liao, T Han, JY Chen, C He, Z Lu
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2

Full-Length Transcriptome Sequencing of the Scleractinian Coral Montipora foliosa Reveals the Gene Expression Profile of Coral–Zooxanthellae Holobiont

    • Authors: Y Liu, X Liao, T Han, A Su, Z Guo, N Lu, C He, Z Lu
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 6

FEM: mining biological meaning from cell level in single-cell RNA sequencing data

    • Authors: Y Liu, N Lu, C Bi, T Han, G Zhuojun, Y Zhu, Y Li, C He, Z Lu
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 2

Micro‐CT reconstruction reveals the colony pattern regulations of four dominant reef‐building corals

    • Authors: Y Li, X Liao, K Bi, T Han, J Chen, J Lu, C He, Z Lu
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 12

Full-Length Transcriptomics Reveal the Gene Expression Profiles of Reef-Building Coral Pocillopora damicornis and Symbiont Zooxanthellae

    • Authors: Z Guo, X Liao, T Han, J Chen, C He, Z Lu
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 4

Conclusions 🌟

Chunpeng He’s extensive research in marine biology, innovative approaches to resource management, and dedication to coral reef restoration position him as an excellent candidate for the Breakthrough Innovations Laureate Award. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also has tangible benefits for marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. With targeted improvements in collaboration and public outreach, he could amplify the impact of his already significant contributions to the field.

Sahar Chebaane | Marine Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sahar Chebaane | Marine Ecology | Best Researcher Award

PhD student | Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon | Portugal

Strengths for the Award

Ms. Sahar Chebaane’s work in marine ecology, specifically on non-indigenous marine species (NIS), demonstrates significant contributions to marine bioinvasion monitoring and management. Her extensive research across multiple regions, such as the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Arabian Gulf, is particularly valuable given the global challenge of invasive species in marine environments. Leading projects like the first MarineGEO site in Tunisia and developing innovative tools such as the Remote Video Foraging System (RVFS) shows her capacity for innovation and leadership. With 17 publications in indexed journals and active participation in international collaborations, her work is impactful and policy-relevant.

🌊 Short Bio

Ms. Sahar Chebaane is a dedicated marine ecologist and PhD student at the University of Lisbon, Portugal, focusing on marine bioinvasions in coastal ecosystems. With expertise in non-indigenous species (NIS), she has contributed to several high-impact publications and ongoing international collaborations. Sahar is currently a research visitor at KAUST, working on projects in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. She also leads the first MarineGEO site in the southern Mediterranean, focusing on biosecurity and marine conservation efforts.

👤 Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Sahar holds a dual master’s degree in Biodiversity and Marine Sciences, coupled with an international PhD from the University of Lisbon. Her academic journey is marked by strong interdisciplinary expertise, which she applies in both marine ecology and biosecurity frameworks. Her current PhD research extends her deep understanding of NIS and their impact on local ecosystems.

💼 Experience

Sahar has played a pivotal role in 8 completed research projects and is actively engaged in updating species lists of ascidians and NIS in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. She also leads consultancy projects related to biodiversity monitoring and NIS management, applying cutting-edge tools like the Remote Video Foraging System (RVFS). As the Principal Investigator for the MarineGEO site in Tunisia, she drives sustainable management practices and oversees field deployments of the SERC protocol.

🔬 Research Interest

Her research centers on the impacts of non-indigenous species (NIS), particularly in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Red Sea regions. She is interested in how NIS interact with local marine ecosystems, developing innovative methods for risk assessments and biosecurity. Her work also focuses on ecological interactions, which inform conservation strategies and policies to manage invasive species more effectively.

🏆 Awards

Sahar has been nominated for several prestigious awards, including the Marine Scientist Awards for her groundbreaking work in marine ecology and bioinvasions. Her contributions to NIS research and marine conservation have earned her recognition in various international platforms.

📚 Publications

  1. A Preliminary Inventory of Alien and Cryptogenic Species in Monastir Bay, Tunisia (2019) – Published in Mediterranean Marine Science, cited by 26 articles. Read here.
    Prompt: Spatial distribution and pathways of invasive species in Tunisia.
  2. From Plates to Baits: Using a Remote Video Foraging System to Study NIS Dynamics (2022) – Published in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, cited by 12 articles. Read here.
    Prompt: Innovation in studying non-indigenous species with RVFS.
  3. The First Record of Brown Macroalga Rugulopteryx Okamurae in Madeira Island (2022) – Published by REABIC, cited by 11 articles. Read here.
    Prompt: First sightings of invasive macroalgae in the Madeira Archipelago.
  4. A New Signal of Tropicalization in the Northeast Atlantic: Spread of Spotfin Burrfish (2021) – Published in Diversity, cited by 8 articles. Read here.
    Prompt: Expansion of tropical fish in the Northeast Atlantic.
  5. New Record of Invasive Amphipod Caprella Scaura in Tunisia (2018) – Published in Journal of the Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment, cited by 8 articles. Read here.
    Prompt: First reported sighting of an invasive amphipod species in North Africa.

📝 Conclusion

Sahar Chebaane is a prominent figure in marine ecology, specializing in bioinvasions and non-indigenous species management. Her multidisciplinary approach and innovative methods, such as using the RVFS for NIS dynamics, have made significant contributions to both academic research and practical conservation efforts. Her leadership in the MarineGEO project and ongoing collaborations reflect her commitment to marine conservation and sustainable management practices across global regions.

Paul TADZONG MOUAFO | Coastal Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Paul TADZONG MOUAFO | Coastal Management | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant | University of Dscjang, Cameroon | Cameroon

Dr. Tadzong Mouafo Paul is an accomplished economist and a dedicated educator, specializing in public economics and human resources. Born on August 27, 1991, in Mbouda, Cameroon, he currently resides in Dschang, Cameroon, where he serves as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Dschang. With a robust academic background and numerous contributions to the field of economics, Dr. Paul is a prominent figure in his domain.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Paul has an impressive educational background from the University of Dschang (UDS):

  • 2017-2021: Doctorate/Ph.D. in Public Economics and Human Resources, with the distinction “Très Honorable.”
  • 2015-2016: Master’s in Public Economics and Human Resources, with the distinction “Assez Bien.”
  • 2014-2015: Maîtrise in Public Economics and Human Resources, with the distinction “Assez Bien.”
  • 2010-2014: Bachelor’s in Public Economics and Human Resources, with the distinction “Assez Bien.”

Experience 🧑‍🏫

Dr. Paul has extensive teaching experience at the University of Dschang and the Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (IME):

  • Since 2018: Teaching various undergraduate courses including Microeconomics, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Analysis, and Monetary Analysis.
  • Since 2021: Teaching HND courses in Operational Research, Business Economics, General Economics, and General Mathematics at IME.

Research Interest 🔍

Dr. Paul’s research interests lie in public economics, human resources, and the socio-economic impacts of policies on communities. His work focuses on areas such as the indirect effects of taxation, consumer behavior in response to government policies, and the broader economic implications of infrastructure development.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Paul has received numerous accolades for his academic and research contributions, including commendations for his doctoral and master’s theses. His work has been recognized by both national and international academic communities.

Publications 📚

Dr. Paul has published several articles and working papers in renowned journals:

  • 2019: “Anglophone crisis in Cameroon: Can indirect tax play a crucial role?” in Turkish Economic Review (co-authored with Tchoffo, N. R., and Zeufack, K. G.) Link.
  • 2021: “Does tobacco make consumers happy? Evidence from Cameroon” in Journal of Happiness Studies (co-authored with Roger T. N., Nkengfack H., and Mboutchouang K. A.).
  • 2024: “Can transport infrastructure help mitigate the inward–immiserizing growth in Cameroon? An externality approach in CGE analysis” (co-authored with Tchoffo, N. R., Matsop D. C., and Tchio S. S.).

Taeksang Kim | Coastal Management | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Taeksang Kim | Coastal Management | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate | University of Michigan | United States

Taeksang Kim received his bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Seoul National University in 2015 and his master’s in the same field from the same university in 2017. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Michigan. Taeksang has professional experience as a site engineer at Daewoo E&C, contributing to significant projects like the Al-Faw breakwater in Iraq. His research focuses on hydraulic and coastal engineering, particularly safety design to prevent damage from natural events. He has published peer-reviewed papers, presented at international conferences, and received several scholarships and fellowships.

Profile

Scholar

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ongoing.
    • Dual degree in Scientific Computing.
    • Advisor: Jeremy Bricker.
    • GPA: 3.90 / 4.00.
  • M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Feb 2017.
    • Thesis: “Determination of the Optimal Width of a Breakwater Caisson by Reliability-Based Design Optimization.”
    • Advisor: Kyung-Duck Suh.
    • GPA: 4.13 / 4.30.
  • B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Feb 2015.
    • Graduated Cum Laude.
    • GPA: 3.72 / 4.30.

Experience 💼

Ph.D. Candidate, University of Michigan (2021-Present).

Research Assistant, Engineering Research Institute, Seoul National University (2019-2020).

Site Engineer, Daewoo E&C (2017-2018).

Research Interests 🔬

Taeksang Kim’s research interests lie in hydraulic and coastal engineering, focusing on nappe flow, scour depth estimation, dam-break waves, and computational fluid dynamics. His work aims to enhance safety designs to mitigate damage from natural events.

Awards 🏆

Ph.D. Scholarship, Fellowship awarded by the University of Michigan, Winter 2021.

Master’s Scholarship, Research Assistant Scholarship awarded by BrainKorea21 PLUS, 2016.

National Need-Based Scholarship, awarded by Seoul National University, Fall 2015.

National Scholarship for Science and Engineering, awarded by Korea Student Aid Foundation, 2013-2014.

Superior Academic Performance Award, awarded by Seoul National University, 2009.

Publications📚

Journal Articles:

Kim, T., Malherbe, J. N., Shimpalee, S., & Bricker, J. D. (2024). Sub-Nappe Air Cavity Pressure and Cavity Water Depth during Caisson Breakwater Overtopping by a Tsunami. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 12(7), 1135. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12071135

Zou, P., Kim, T., Bricker, J. D., & Uijttewaal, W. S. (2023). Assessment of Interfacial Turbulence Treatment Models for Free Surface Flows. Journal of Hydraulic Research, 61(5), 651-667. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221686.2023.2246925

Conference Papers:

Kim, T., Malherbe, J., Shimpalee, S., & Bricker, J. (2022). SUB-NAPPE AIR CAVITY PRESSURE DURING OVERFLOW OF A VERTICAL STRUCTURE. Coastal Engineering Proceedings, (37), 4-4. https://doi.org/10.9753/icce.v37.papers.4

Jayaratne, R., Balasubramaniam, N., Kim, T., & Bricker, J. (2022). FAILURE OF SEAWALLS DUE TO TSUNAMI-INDUCED SCOUR. Coastal Engineering Proceedings, (37), 72-72. https://doi.org/10.9753/icce.v37.structures.72

Dissertation:

Kim, T. S. (2017). Determination of Optimal Width of Breakwater Caisson by Reliability-Based Design Optimization. Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul. Link

 

Faming Wang | Coastal Blue Carbon | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Faming Wang | Coastal Blue Carbon | Outstanding Scientist Award

webmaster | South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Short Bio

Prof. Faming Wang is a distinguished biogeochemist specializing in coastal ecosystems’ biogeochemistry. His research investigates the impacts of climate change and human activities on nutrient cycling. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from the South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and has made significant contributions to understanding soil ecology and ecosystem restoration.

Profile

Orcid

Education 📚

Prof. Wang earned his Ph.D. in Ecology under the supervision of Prof. Zhian Li at the South China Botanical Garden, CAS, in 2010. Prior to this, he obtained his B.S. in Biology from Shandong University in 2005.

Experience 💼

Currently, Prof. Wang serves as the Deputy Director of the Ecology and Environment Research Center at the South China Botanical Garden, CAS. He is also the Director of the Xiaoliang Research Station for Tropical Coastal Ecosystems, which he has led since 2021. His academic career includes roles as a Professor and previous joint post-doc researcher at the Marine Biological Laboratory, University of Chicago.

Research Interest 🔬

Prof. Wang’s research interests encompass soil ecology, biogeochemistry, and the restoration of coastal and tropical ecosystems. He explores carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling in ecosystems, focusing on plant adaptation strategies.

Award 🏆

Prof. Wang has received prestigious awards, including the China National Forestry and Grassland Administration Youth Talent Support Program in 2020 and the China National Youth Talent Support Program in 2021.

Publication 📖

One of Prof. Wang’s notable publications is titled “Coastal blue carbon in China as a nature-based solution towards carbon neutrality,” published in The Innovation in 2023. Read more