Zhang Hu | Environmental Pollution | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhang Hu | Environmental Pollution | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhang Hu, Yangzhou University, China

Dr. Zhang Hu, PhD, is a tutor at Yangzhou University, China. He holds a doctorate from Southeast University (2023) and was recruited under the ‘Young Hundred’ program. His research focuses on the carcinogenic effects of environmental pollutants, particularly N-nitrosamines and their link to esophageal cancer (EC). Dr. Zhang has published over 20 SCI papers in top journals like Environment International and Environmental Pollution. He has led research projects funded by China’s National Natural Science Foundation and Postdoctoral Foundation. Dr. Zhang is a member of the Jiangsu Society of Environmental Mutagens. 🌍🧬

 

Publication Profile

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Academic and Professional Background 🎓🌍

Dr. Zhang Hu, PhD, is a Master’s Degree Supervisor at Yangzhou University, China, recruited under the prestigious ‘Young Hundred’ program. He earned his doctorate from Southeast University in 2023 and was selected for the ‘Green Yang Jinfeng Doctor’ program. His primary research focus lies in the carcinogenic effects of environmental pollutants and their mechanisms. Dr. Zhang has published over 20 SCI papers in prominent environmental toxicology journals such as Environment International and Environmental Pollution. He has led projects funded by the National Natural Science Youth Foundation of China and the China Postdoctoral Foundation, and contributed to projects under the National Natural Science Foundation of China. 🧬📚

 

Research and Innovations

Dr. Zhang Hu’s research focuses on the carcinogenicity of N-nitrosamines, which form during nitrite solidification in diets and chlorination by-products in drinking water. These compounds have raised significant concerns due to their toxicological effects, particularly in the development of esophageal cancer (EC). Humans are often exposed to multiple nitrosamines, increasing the risk of EC. Dr. Zhang’s studies have highlighted the crucial role of lipid metabolism disorders in the progression of EC induced by nitrosamines. While much research has been conducted, the link between nitrosamine exposure and lipid metabolism disorders in EC remains underexplored. 🧬🍽️

 

Areas of Research

Dr. Zhang Hu’s primary areas of research focus on the intersection of environment and health, with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms behind direct carcinogens. His work investigates how environmental pollutants, such as N-nitrosamines, contribute to the development of various cancers, especially esophageal cancer. By exploring the toxicological effects of these carcinogens, Dr. Zhang aims to understand their biological impact on human health. His research not only sheds light on the pathways through which environmental factors influence cancer but also seeks to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment. 🌱💡

 

Publication Top Notes  

  • The association between N-nitrosamines exposure and lipid metabolism in the high incidence area of esophageal cancer: A case-control analysisEnvironmental Pollution (2024) 🌿 | DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.125271 | Cited by: 20+ 📚
  • Multi-omics analysis revealed NMBA induced esophageal carcinoma tumorigenesis via regulating PPARα signaling pathwayEnvironmental Pollution (2023) 🧬 | DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121369 | Cited by: 15+ 🔬
  • LncRNA RPL34-AS1 suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via targeting miR-575/ACAA2 axisBMC Cancer (2022) 🧬 | DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10104-6 | Cited by: 12+ 📚
  • Lipid metabolism disorders contribute to hepatotoxicity of ICR mice induced by nitrosamines exposureEnvironment International (2022) 🌍 | DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107423 | Cited by: 10+ 🧪
  • The dysregulation of unsaturated fatty acid-based metabolomics in the MNNG-induced malignant transformation of Het-1A cellsEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research (2022) ⚗️ | DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17622-z | Cited by: 8+ 🧬
  • Dysregulation of fatty acid metabolism associated with esophageal inflammation of ICR mice induced by nitrosamines exposureEnvironmental Pollution (2021) 🌱 | DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118680 | Cited by: 5+ 🏥

Paul Afreh | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Paul Afreh | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Paul Afreh, Taiyuan University of Technology, China

Mr. Paul Afreh, a Ghanaian national currently residing in China, is pursuing an MSc in Environmental Science and Engineering at Taiyuan University of Technology under the supervision of Prof. Gao Lizhen. His research focuses on sustainable recycling and extraction of valuable elements from spent lithium-ion polymer batteries. Paul holds a BSc in Science Education from the University of Education, Winneba. He has extensive teaching experience, having served as Head of Science at Bosomtwe Oyoko Senior High School, Ghana. Paul has published research on lithium and cobalt recovery and is a qualified teacher in the UK. 🔋🌍📚

Education and Training 🎓

Mr. Paul Afreh is currently pursuing an MSc in Environmental Science and Engineering at Taiyuan University of Technology, China, under the supervision of Professor Gao Lizhen. His research focuses on sustainable recycling of lithium-ion polymer batteries through green technology. He has completed phases on high-temperature thermal pretreatment and selective cobalt recovery. His undergraduate degree, a BSc in Science Education (Biology/Chemistry), was obtained from the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.

Publication profile

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Work Experience 💼

Mr. Afreh has rich experience in both research and teaching. He has conducted extensive research on lithium-ion battery recycling and critiqued abstracts for international conferences. His teaching background includes roles as a university teaching assistant and head of the science department in Ghana, where he mentored both students and staff.

Honours and Awards 🏅

He holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from the UK’s Teaching Regulation Agency and has served as Chairperson of the Subcommittee for the 5th Africa Beyond Aid International Conference. Additionally, he is a reviewer for the “Result in Engineering” journal, which shows his credibility in the academic community.

 

Digital Skills and Involvement 🌐

Mr. Afreh is proficient in various digital tools like Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Zoom, and specialized software like Origin Lab and Jade for XRD analysis. He is also actively involved in academic committees, notably the National Union of Ghanaian Students-China, Taiyuan Chapter.

Publication Top Notes

  • Optimization of high-temperature thermal pretreatment conditions for maximum enrichment of lithium and cobalt from spent lithium-ion polymer batteries
  • Sustainable Lithium and Cobalt Recovery from Spent Lithium-ion Batteries: Best Practices for the Future. A review

Conclusion

Mr. Paul Afreh’s strong academic credentials, impactful research in sustainable energy solutions, and leadership in academic committees make him a fitting candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His innovative work on recycling lithium-ion batteries through green technology aligns with global research priorities, positioning him as a promising researcher.