Oluwatobi Otun | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Hypothesis

Dr. Oluwatobi Otun | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Postdoctoral Reseacher, at University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), South Africa.

Dr. Oluwatobi Sarah Otun is a distinguished postdoctoral fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Protein Structure-Function Research Unit in Johannesburg, South Africa. With a robust academic foundation, she holds a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from the University of South Africa (2020), an M.Sc. in Life Sciences (2015), and a B.Sc. in Microbiology from Lagos State University, Nigeria (2007). Her research spans microbiology, plant science, and molecular biology, focusing on protein biochemistry and omics technologies. Dr. Otun has authored over 15 peer-reviewed publications and has several articles in review. She actively mentors postgraduate students and contributes to various scientific journals as a reviewer. Her interdisciplinary approach and dedication to scientific advancement have established her as a prominent figure in her field. 🌱🔬📚weblogoa.com+1scitcentralconferences.com+1

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education

Dr. Otun’s academic journey commenced with a B.Sc. in Microbiology from Lagos State University, Nigeria, where she investigated the survival of pathogens in traditional beverages. She then pursued an M.Sc. in Life Sciences at the University of South Africa, focusing on the microbiological and nutritional qualities of leafy vegetables. Her doctoral research delved into the transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a phytopathogenic fungus, earning her a Ph.D. in Life Sciences in 2020. Her educational background laid a solid foundation for her interdisciplinary research endeavors. 🎓📘🧬weblogoa.com

Experience

Dr. Otun’s professional trajectory includes significant roles in research and clinical settings. She currently serves as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand, focusing on protein structure-function analysis and omics applications in pathogen studies. Previously, she worked as a microbiology researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria, South Africa, contributing to various scientific projects. Additionally, she gained clinical experience as a medical laboratory technician at Ayodele Medical Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. These positions have enriched her research perspective, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications. 🔬🧪👩‍🔬

Research Interests

Dr. Otun’s research interests encompass several key areas:

  • Protein structure-function analysis of microbial and plant proteins.

  • Application of omics technologies (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) in pathogen studies.

  • Cancer research, focusing on therapeutic targets and natural compounds.

  • Investigation of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in ESKAPE pathogens.

  • Utilization of 3D cell culture models for cancer and drug response studies.

  • Engineering natural product biosynthesis for pharmaceutical applications.

  • Structure-based drug design using molecular docking and simulation tools.

  • Biotechnology-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture and food safety.
    Her interdisciplinary approach aims to bridge gaps between microbiology, biotechnology, and medicine. 🧬🧪🌿weblogoa.com+1scitcentralconferences.com+1

Awards

Dr. Otun’s exceptional contributions to science have been recognized through several prestigious awards:

  • 2023: Asia’s Outstanding Researcher Award by the Asia Research Awards, in association with Times of Research and the World Research Council, at ASTRA 2023.

  • 2025: Provisional Selection for Best Researcher Award by the International Research Hypothesis Excellence Award, recognizing her recent publication on muscadine grape extracts in cancer treatment.

  • 2025: UCL-Wits Preclinical 3D Modeling Team Science Award, awarded by the UCL-Wits University Strategic Partnership Platform for a meritorious project.
    These accolades underscore her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. 🏆🌍🔬

Top Noted Publications

Dr. Otun has an extensive publication record in renowned scientific journals

  1. Otun, S., & Ntushelo, K. (2020).
    Proteomic analysis of the phytogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.
    Journal of Chromatography B, 1144, 122053.
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122053

  • Published in volume 1144 of Journal of Chromatography B.

  • Article number: 122053 (often journals use article numbers instead of page ranges).

2. Mbovane, M.M.S., Gangireddygari, V.S.R., Otun, O.S., & Ntushelo, K. (2021).
Phylogenetic Analysis of Selected Genes of Pectobacterium carotovorum Subsp. Brasiliense.
SSRN (preprint server).
DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3992372

  • This is a preprint hosted on SSRN (Social Science Research Network).

  • No volume or issue because it’s a preprint.

3. Otun, S.O., Achilonu, I., & Ntushelo, K. (2022).
Proteomics analysis of the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: a narrative review.
Journal of Bio-XResearch, 5(3), 112–117.
DOI: 10.1097/JBR.0000000000000130

  • Volume 5, Issue 3, pages 112 to 117.

4. Pooe, K., Thulo, M., Makumbe, H., Akumadu, B., Otun, O., Aloke, C., & Achilonu, I. (2022).
Biophysical description of Bromosulfophthalein interaction with the 28-kDa glutathione transferase from Schistosoma japonicum.
Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology, 252, 111524.
DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111524

  • Volume 252, article number 111524.

5. Otun, S.O., & Ntushelo, K. (2024).
A data catalogue of alcohol dehydrogenases in the genome of a tissue macerating Pectobacterium brasiliense isolated from potato in South Africa.
Data in Brief, 52, 109918.
DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109918 (likely based on journal’s DOI pattern)

  • Volume 52, article number 109918.

Conclusion

Dr. Oluwatobi Sarah Otun exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher deserving of the Best Researcher Award. Her strong academic foundation, impressive research output, innovative work with societal relevance, and active professional engagement position her as a leading candidate. While minor enhancements in international collaboration and impact metrics reporting could further bolster her profile, her contributions to molecular biology, biotechnology, and cancer research clearly demonstrate her excellence and significant impact in her field.

Kangyu Wang | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Hypothesis

Kangyu Wang | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Kangyu Wang,Jilin Agricultural University,China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kangyu Wang is a distinguished researcher in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics at Jilin Agricultural University, China. He earned his Ph.D. in Crop Science (2015), focusing on functional gene expression in Jilin Ginseng (Panax ginseng). With over a decade of academic experience, he has contributed significantly to plant molecular biology 🌱, particularly in ginsenoside biosynthesis. He serves on the Youth Editorial Board of Chinese Herbal Medicines and Journal of Jilin Agricultural University. Dr. Wang has secured multiple research grants and has authored impactful publications 📚 in plant science journals.

publication profile

scopus

Education

Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify key genes involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis in ginseng adventitious roots under methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment 🌱🧬. This study by Kangyu Wang explored gene expression patterns and co-expression modules to uncover potential regulatory genes. The findings revealed significant gene clusters linked to ginsenoside production, offering insights into metabolic pathways and secondary metabolite regulation 🔬🧪. The results provide a foundation for enhancing ginsenoside yield through genetic and biotechnological approaches, contributing to the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries 💊🌿. This research advances our understanding of molecular mechanisms in ginseng metabolism.

Employment History

Dr. Kangyu Wang has been an Associate Professor since 2021, following five years as a Lecturer. His expertise spans biotechnology 🧬, synthetic biology 🏗️, and bioinformatics 💻, reflecting his dedication to research-driven education. His rapid progression from Lecturer to Associate Professor within just five years highlights his strong research contributions 📚 and academic excellence 🎓. Dr. Wang plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge, mentoring students, and fostering innovation in his field. His commitment to cutting-edge research and teaching continues to shape the future of biotechnology and bioinformatics, making a significant impact on academia and industry alike.

Research Grant

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kangyu Wang has successfully secured multiple research grants from prestigious funding bodies, including the Department of Science and Technology of Jilin Province and the Department of Education of Jilin Province. 🏅 His ability to attract research funding highlights his strong research capabilities, innovation, and leadership in executing significant scientific projects. 🔬✨ These grants not only reflect his expertise in advancing scientific knowledge but also his dedication to pioneering research that contributes to technological and academic progress. 📚💡 Dr. Wang’s achievements showcase his commitment to excellence in research and his impact on the scientific community.

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kangyu Wang’s research primarily focuses on plant biology, with a special emphasis on the molecular mechanisms governing plant growth and stress responses. His recent studies delve into the physiological and biochemical processes in plants, aiming to enhance crop resilience and productivity. Dr. Wang has contributed significantly to understanding plant responses to various stressors, including hormonal influences and environmental challenges. His work not only advances fundamental plant science but also offers practical applications in agriculture, particularly in improving crop yields and stress tolerance. Through his leadership in research projects, Dr. Wang continues to impact the scientific community and agricultural practices.

Academic Service

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kangyu Wang is a distinguished researcher known for his significant contributions across multiple disciplines, including plant biology 🌿, civil engineering 🏗️, and philosophy 🧠. His interdisciplinary expertise has led to groundbreaking research that has been published in high-impact journals 📚, showcasing his ability to bridge diverse fields. With a keen interest in scientific exploration and innovation, Dr. Wang continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, making a lasting impact on both academia and practical applications. His work reflects a unique blend of scientific rigor and philosophical depth, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar.

Publication Top Notes

1️⃣ Regulation of ginseng adventitious root growth – Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2024 (📖 3 citations)
2️⃣ FAR1/FHY3 gene family & MeJA treatment – BMC Plant Biology, 2024 (📖 3 citations)
3️⃣ PgERF120 & ginsenoside biosynthesis – Biomolecules, 2024 (📖 2 citations)
4️⃣ TCP genes & ginsenoside biosynthesis – BMC Plant Biology, 2024 (📖 5 citations)
5️⃣ Small RNA-seq & miRNA expression in ginseng – Plants, 2023 (📖 5 citations)
6️⃣ Trihelix transcription factors & MeJA treatment – BMC Plant Biology, 2023 (📖 5 citations)
7️⃣ PgGT25-04 & ginsenoside biosynthesis – Plants, 2023 (📖 2 citations)
8️⃣ NF-Y transcription factors & salt stress response – BMC Plant Biology, 2022 (📖 13 citations)
9️⃣ WRKY gene family & salt stress response – Horticulturae, 2022 (📖 6 citations)
🔟 Ginsenoside Rb3 synthesis & MeJA treatment – Life, 2021 (📖 5 citations)
1️⃣1️⃣ SPL gene family & network interaction – Plants, 2020 (📖 5 citations)
1️⃣2️⃣ GRAS gene family & GA stress response – Plants, 2020 (📖 18 citations)
1️⃣3️⃣ Spatial & temporal transcriptomic landscapes of ginseng – Scientific Reports, 2015 (📖 64 citations)

📜 Patents:
🔹 PgMYC24 Gene Function & Application in Ginseng – Patent No. ZL 202310794775.X (2024)
🔹 PgJAZ12 Gene Function & Application in Ginseng – Patent No. ZL 202310794490.6 (2024)