Heng Zhang | Biomedical Research | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Heng Zhang | Biomedical Research | Best Researcher Award

Research Scientist at Versiti Blood Research Institute, United States

Dr. Heng Zhang is a Research Scientist specializing in integrin structure and signaling at the Blood Research Institute, Versiti, U.S. His expertise spans biochemical and structural biology, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. With a strong academic background from Waikato University and Shandong Normal University, he has contributed significantly to the fields of virology, protein interactions, and blood-related research. His work includes pioneering studies on integrins, viral receptors, and hemophilia mutations. Dr. Zhang has received numerous prestigious awards and serves as a reviewer for scientific journals. His research has led to patents and publications in high-impact journals, demonstrating his commitment to advancing biomedical science.

professional profilesšŸ“–

Scopus Profile

ORCID

Education šŸŽ“

Dr. Zhang earned his Ph.D. in Biochemical and Structural Biology from Waikato University, New Zealand, in 2019, where he focused on protein structure and function, particularly in relation to bovine salivary proteins and microbial interactions. Before that, he obtained an M.Sc. in Molecular Genetics with First-Class Honors from Waikato University, specializing in genetic and biochemical approaches to understanding molecular pathways. His academic journey began at Shandong Normal University, China, where he completed a B.Sc. in Biotechnology in 2009, gaining foundational knowledge in biotechnology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering.

work ExperiencešŸ’¼

Currently, Dr. Zhang serves as a Research Scientist at the Blood Research Institute, Versiti, where he investigates integrin structure and signaling. Previously, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the same institute from 2019 to 2023, focusing on molecular mechanisms in virology and blood coagulation. His experience also includes teaching molecular biology and biochemistry as a Teaching Assistant at Waikato University from 2013 to 2019, where he mentored students and supported laboratory research. Additionally, he worked as a Research Technologist at Waikato University from 2013 to 2014, conducting laboratory experiments related to protein structure and microbial interactions.

šŸ† Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhang has received multiple accolades throughout his career. In 2024, he was honored with the Education Committee Award from Versiti Blood Research Institute. During his graduate studies, he earned the DairyNZ Graduate Student Award from AgResearch Ltd (2015-2019) and multiple internal awards from Waikato University in 2014 and 2012. His academic excellence was recognized early on with First and Second Class Scholarships from Shandong Normal University (2005-2009) and a Second Prize award in the China High School Biology Olympiad in 2003.

Skills

Dr. Zhang is highly skilled in structural biology, with expertise in X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and protein modeling. He has strong computational biology skills, using tools such as AlphaFold and molecular dynamics simulations. His biochemical expertise includes protein purification, enzyme kinetics, and cellular assays, while his genetic engineering experience covers CRISPR, recombinant protein expression, and cloning. As an active contributor to the scientific community, he serves as a reviewer for Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine and has been involved in patent development for antiviral receptor-based technologies.

Research Focus

Dr. Zhangā€™s research revolves around integrin structure and signaling, exploring mechanisms of cell adhesion and immune response regulation. He has made significant contributions to understanding hemophilia and blood disorders, utilizing computational modeling to study coagulation factors. His work in virology includes investigating cell-attachable viral receptors for infectious disease control. Additionally, he applies structural biology techniques, including cryo-EM and AlphaFold-based predictions, to study protein interactions. His research extends to biomedical engineering and drug development, with a focus on innovative therapeutic approaches for blood-related diseases.

Conclusionāœ…

Dr. Heng Zhang is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his substantial contributions to biomedical and structural biology research. His impressive publication record, patents, mentorship roles, and international collaborations make him a strong contender. However, further advancements in leading research projects, securing independent funding, and expanding his first-author publications in top journals could further bolster his qualifications for the award. Overall, he demonstrates outstanding research excellence with strong potential for future leadership in his field.

šŸ“šPublications to Noted

 

Predicting the effects of single pathological mutations in Hemophilia A and Type 2N Von Willebrand Diseases using AlphaFold2ā€multimer and AlphaFold3

Authors: Not provided

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2025

Facilitating and restraining virus infection using cellā€attachable soluble viral receptors

Authors: Not provided

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2024

Integrin Ī± 5 Ī² 1 contributes to cell fusion and inflammation mediated by SARSā€CoVā€2 spike via RGDā€independent interaction

Authors: Not provided

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2023

Familyā€wide analysis of integrin structures predicted by AlphaFold2.

Authors: Heng Zhang (assumed)

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2023

Intracellular tPAā€“PAI-1 interaction determines VLDL assembly in hepatocytes

Authors: Not provided

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2023

Coagulopathy in COVIDā€19 and anticoagulation clinical trials

Authors: Not provided

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2022

The three dimensional structure of Bovine Salivary Protein 30b (BSP30b) and its interaction with specific rumen bacteria.

Authors: Heng Zhang (assumed)

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2019

A new method to extract and purify DNA from allophanic soils and paleosols, and potential for paleoenvironmental reconstruction and other applications

Authors: Heng Zhang (assumed)

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2016

What can the geographic distribution of mtDNA haplotypes tell us about the invasion of New Zealand by house mice Mus musculus?

Authors: Heng Zhang (assumed)

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2016

DNA adsorption by nanocrystalline allophane spherules and nanoaggregates, and implications for carbon sequestration in Andisols

Authors: Heng Zhang (assumed)

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2016