Mr. William Niemiec | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Researcher Award

Mr. William Niemiec | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Author Profile

Scopus 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

William Niemiec’s journey into the world of computer science and software engineering began with a keen interest in problem-solving and innovative system design. His formal academic pursuit took shape at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), one of Brazil’s most esteemed institutions. Even before entering the Ph.D. program in 2024 at UFRGS’s Institute of Informatics, William was actively involved in research and academic exploration. Between 2021 and 2023, he engaged in Scientific Initiation projects, where he explored critical areas like the generalization of functionalities in health applications and data mining for software testing. These early ventures laid the foundation for his expertise in applying informatics solutions to real-world healthcare challenges.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Parallel to his academic trajectory, William Niemiec has built a robust professional career. He currently holds multiple roles in a Brazil-based software house: Project Manager, Team Lead, and Senior Software Developer. These roles are not only testament to his technical prowess but also to his leadership and management skills.

With a track record of managing around 10 industry projects, William has overseen the full lifecycle of several software systems — from design and development to deployment. His experience spans back-end, front-end, and mobile development, making him a full-stack engineer with a keen eye for user-centric design and robust architectures. His work environment often mirrors agile frameworks, emphasizing collaboration, scalability, and continuous innovation.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

William Niemiec’s research efforts focus on the intersection of Software Engineering and Healthcare, a domain where technology can profoundly enhance quality of life. Since 2021, he has been actively researching methods to improve health informatics, participating in health conferences and organizing collaborative workshops with healthcare professionals. His interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between technical innovation and clinical needs.

One of his standout contributions is the design and development of a no-code platform for mHealth (mobile health) applications. This platform is structured around care plans, enabling healthcare practitioners with minimal technical knowledge to create and manage health-monitoring applications. This innovation demonstrates his commitment to democratizing digital health tools through intuitive and customizable software solutions.

In addition, his Ph.D. work investigates the use of Model-Driven Development (MDD) and Component-Based Software Engineering (CBSE) to streamline health software production. He is also exploring how Artificial Intelligence can be embedded into healthcare applications to support diagnostic and patient follow-up processes.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

While still early in his academic career, William Niemiec has already garnered recognition for his innovative thinking and multidisciplinary collaboration. His citation index of 1 represents his early steps into impactful academic publishing, with much more expected as his Ph.D. progresses. His frequent invitations to participate in healthcare technology workshops and academic panels reflect the trust that both the academic and clinical communities place in his expertise.

🌍 Impact and Influence

William’s dual expertise in software development and health informatics allows him to play a vital role in transforming healthcare delivery through digital innovation. His research directly contributes to improving patient outcomes, enhancing clinician workflow, and bridging the tech-literacy gap in clinical settings. His mHealth initiatives are especially significant in a country like Brazil, where geographic and economic disparities often limit access to continuous care. His solutions aim to empower healthcare providers with low-code tools and to provide patients with easy-to-use applications for chronic disease management and follow-ups.

Moreover, by working closely with both technical teams and medical professionals, William facilitates cross-disciplinary dialogue, ensuring that software solutions are not only technically sound but also clinically relevant and accessible.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, William Niemiec is poised to become a leading voice in healthcare software engineering. With a strong foundation in academic research, professional leadership, and technical excellence, he aims to further expand his research portfolio into AI-driven clinical decision support systems and interoperable health platforms. His vision is to create sustainable and scalable digital health ecosystems that can be adapted globally, particularly in low-resource settings.

As he continues his doctoral studies and professional endeavors, William is likely to make substantial contributions to both academia and industry. His future goals include publishing in top-tier journals, mentoring emerging researchers, and influencing health policy through evidence-based digital tools.

His blend of technical mastery, managerial acumen, and human-centered research promises a career of lasting impact — not only in Brazil but across global health technology landscapes. 🌐💡

📝Notable Publications

Mobilex: A Generic Framework for Cross-Platform Mobile Development Based on Web Language

Authors: William W. Niemiec, Rafael R. Borges, Érika É. Cota

Journal/Conference: Proceedings of the 36th Brazilian Symposium on Software Engineering (SBES 2022)

Year: 2022

Dr. Jinyang Li | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Young Researcher Award

Dr. Jinyang Li | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Young Researcher Award

University of Chicago, United States

Author Profile

Google Scholar 

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Jinyang Li’s journey into the world of biomedical research began with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences. Born on June 13, 1993, in China, he exhibited academic promise early in life. He embarked on his undergraduate education at Sichuan University, one of China’s top-tier institutions, enrolling in the West China School of Pharmacy. There, he cultivated a deep understanding of core pharmaceutical principles and began shaping his identity as a future scientist. Upon graduating in June 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, he had already demonstrated an eagerness to explore the complex intersections of chemistry, biology, and medicine.

Driven by an intense curiosity and a thirst for deeper discovery, Li enrolled in a prestigious B.A. to Ph.D. program at the School of Pharmacy, Fudan University—a leading research institution in Shanghai. From September 2015 to June 2020, he pursued his Doctor of Science degree in Pharmaceutics. During this critical academic phase, he laid the groundwork for his future innovations by immersing himself in translational research, lab experimentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. His rigorous doctoral training honed not only his technical prowess but also his ability to approach scientific problems from multiple angles.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

After receiving his doctorate, Jinyang Li continued his scientific journey through postdoctoral research positions, first at Fudan University’s School of Basic Medical Sciences from August 2020 to March 2023. Here, he transitioned from student to early-career researcher, taking on greater responsibilities and pursuing independent research lines. His role as a postdoctoral scholar enabled him to refine his experimental design skills, expand his understanding of biophysical mechanisms, and contribute meaningfully to peer-reviewed publications.

In March 2023, Li made a significant leap in his academic career by joining the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at the University of Chicago, one of the United States’ most prestigious research universities. As a postdoctoral scholar in the Biological Sciences Division, he now operates at the cutting edge of molecular biology. The move not only marked his entry into the global scientific community but also signaled his growing stature as a promising international researcher. At the University of Chicago, Li has been immersed in high-level investigations, working alongside experts and mentors whose influence is shaping the next generation of biomedical discovery.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Jinyang Li’s research spans an impressive range of biomedical topics, with a strong emphasis on biochemistry, molecular biophysics, and pharmaceutics. His work investigates the intricate behavior of biological molecules—unraveling the molecular mechanisms that underpin disease and drug action. Whether it’s exploring protein interactions, developing novel delivery systems for therapeutics, or elucidating cellular pathways, Li consistently demonstrates a commitment to translating fundamental science into solutions with clinical relevance.

At Fudan University, his research was focused on innovative drug delivery systems, nanotechnology applications in medicine, and pharmaceutical formulations. These endeavors not only advanced academic understanding but also laid the foundation for real-world pharmaceutical innovation. His current research at the University of Chicago likely continues this trend—bridging molecular structure with biomedical application, with potential implications in areas like cancer biology, immunotherapy, or neurodegeneration.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

While specific awards are not detailed in the current profile, Jinyang Li’s trajectory speaks volumes about his merit. Securing postdoctoral positions at both Fudan University and the University of Chicago reflects his scientific credibility, academic discipline, and collaborative spirit. Being selected to work at globally recognized institutions is itself a testament to his research abilities and intellectual rigor. The competitive nature of postdoctoral appointments—especially at elite institutions—underscores the recognition he has earned from mentors and academic peers alike.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Jinyang Li’s impact extends beyond laboratory benches and academic publications. His research contributes to the broader scientific effort to develop more effective therapies, understand disease mechanisms at the molecular level, and inform future clinical strategies. As an international scholar working in both China and the United States, he represents a bridge between two major scientific communities—facilitating global collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Moreover, his interdisciplinary approach fosters innovation across scientific domains. His background in pharmaceutics, combined with biophysical expertise, positions him uniquely to tackle some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. In doing so, he not only advances science but also inspires younger researchers, particularly those from China aspiring to make their mark on the global stage.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Jinyang Li’s scientific career is still in its early stages, yet the foundations he has built are formidable. As he continues his work at the University of Chicago, his trajectory suggests a future filled with breakthroughs and leadership roles. His experience in two major research ecosystems equips him with a diverse and adaptive mindset—one that is critical in the ever-evolving world of biomedical science.

Looking ahead, Li is likely to contribute significantly to drug discovery, molecular diagnostics, or personalized medicine. His long-term legacy may include not just impactful publications and patents, but also mentoring emerging scientists and shaping collaborative networks between East and West. With his background, dedication, and vision, Jinyang Li is poised to become a defining figure in 21st-century biomedical research.

📝Notable Publications

Ligand-modified cell membrane enables the targeted delivery of drug nanocrystals to glioma

Authors: Z. Chai, D. Ran, L. Lu, C. Zhan, H. Ruan, X. Hu, C. Xie, K. Jiang, J. Li, J. Zhou, …
Journal: ACS Nano
Year: 2019

Platelet membrane-functionalized nanoparticles with improved targeting ability and lower hemorrhagic risk for thrombolysis therapy

Authors: S. Wang, R. Wang, N. Meng, H. Guo, S. Wu, X. Wang, J. Li, H. Wang, K. Jiang, …
Journal: Journal of Controlled Release
Year: 2020

Deliver anti-PD-L1 into brain by p-hydroxybenzoic acid to enhance immunotherapeutic effect for glioblastoma

Authors: H. Guo, R. Wang, D. Wang, S. Wang, J. Zhou, Z. Chai, S. Yao, J. Li, L. Lu, Y. Liu, …
Journal: Journal of Controlled Release
Year: 2020

 Design of stapled peptide-based PROTACs for MDM2/MDMX atypical degradation and tumor suppression

Authors: S. Chen, X. Li, Y. Li, X. Yuan, C. Geng, S. Gao, J. Li, B. Ma, Z. Wang, W. Lu, …
Journal: Theranostics
Year: 2022

 All-stage precisional glioma targeted therapy enabled by a well-designed D-peptide

Authors: D. Ran, J. Zhou, Z. Chai, J. Li, C. Xie, J. Mao, L. Lu, Y. Zhang, S. Wu, C. Zhan, …
Journal: Theranostics
Year: 2020

Dr. Yiyuan Zheng | Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yiyuan Zheng | Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China

Author Profile

Scopus

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yiyuan Zheng’s journey into the world of medicine began with a strong foundational education in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Driven by a deep curiosity about the ancient wisdom of herbal remedies and natural healing, Dr. Zheng pursued higher education in TCM, laying a robust academic foundation. Her passion for blending tradition with modern science was evident from the outset, as she immersed herself in both classical texts of Chinese medicine and emerging scientific research.

🏥 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Zheng serves as an associate researcher and associate professor at Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where she seamlessly bridges clinical practice with research. Her dual roles allow her to not only guide patients towards better health through TCM techniques but also to explore and validate these techniques through rigorous scientific investigation. Her professional journey is marked by a commitment to enhancing the understanding and application of TCM for chronic metabolic diseases, particularly fatty liver and obesity.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

A defining aspect of Dr. Zheng’s work is her focus on the integrative application of traditional Chinese medicine techniques, including herbal tea formulations, aromatherapy, and acupoint embedding. Her research primarily targets the prevention and treatment of chronic metabolic diseases such as fatty liver disease and obesity. Notably, she has conducted extensive clinical and foundational research on the efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal tea in addressing metabolic dysfunction-related fatty liver disease. This work has provided valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of herbal medicine, bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern healthcare.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Zheng’s dedication to TCM research has earned her recognition within the medical community. As an associate professor and researcher at a prestigious institution, she has established herself as an expert in the field. Her contributions have been acknowledged through various academic and professional accolades, and she is frequently invited to share her insights at national and international conferences, contributing to the global understanding of TCM.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Beyond her direct research contributions, Dr. Zheng’s work has significantly impacted the field of TCM, particularly in the area of metabolic diseases. By validating the efficacy of traditional techniques through clinical research, she has strengthened the credibility of TCM within modern medical practice. Her research has also informed clinical guidelines, benefiting countless patients suffering from chronic metabolic disorders.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Yiyuan Zheng’s commitment to advancing traditional Chinese medicine is evident in her ongoing research and patient care. As she continues to explore the integrative application of TCM for metabolic health, her work is poised to further enhance the understanding of how ancient wisdom can complement modern medicine. Her legacy will be defined by her contributions to evidence-based TCM practice, her role in educating the next generation of TCM practitioners, and her unwavering dedication to patient well-being.”)

📝Notable Publications

📄 Ursolic Acid Modulates Estrogen Conversion to Relieve Inflammation in Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease via HSD17B14

Authors: Simin Gu, Hui Zhang, Zhekun Xiong, Yiyuan Zheng, Yong Li

Journal: Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology

Year: 2025

📄 Research Progress on the Molecular Mechanisms of Saikosaponin D in Various Diseases (Review)

Authors: Simin Gu, Yiyuan Zheng, Chong Chen, Jing Liu, Yanping Wang, Junmin Wang, Yong Li

Journal: International Journal of Molecular Medicine

Year: 2025