Ms. Nour Merhi | Materials Science | Young Researcher Award

Ms. Nour Merhi | Materials Science | Young Researcher Award

Nour Merhi is a dedicated Research Assistant at the American University of Beirut, specializing in thermal sensing and materials chemistry. With a strong academic background in chemistry and a passion for scientific discovery, she has contributed to advanced research in conjugated polymers and metal-organic frameworks. Her academic and extracurricular pursuits demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and initiative. She has held prominent roles such as president of student-led STEM organizations, while also participating in community outreach. Nour’s work blends rigorous experimental techniques with analytical insight, aimed at innovating in the field of chemical sensing. Her efforts have been recognized through multiple academic honors and grants.

American University of Beirut | Lebanon

Author Profiles

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Academic Background

Ms. Nour earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the American University of Beirut between August 2019 and June 2022, followed by a Master of Science in Chemistry from the same institution, completed between August 2022 and June 2024. Prior to university, she obtained the Lebanese Baccalaureate in Life Sciences from Bourj International College in June 2019.

Research Experience

As a Graduate Research Assistant at AUB since August 2022, Nour works in a cutting-edge physical and analytical laboratory. Her research centers around thermal sensing technologies, leveraging advanced instrumentation to conduct precise material characterization for thermal and biosensing applications. Her work involves data collection, interpretation, and collaborative innovation in sensing strategy development. She has also served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant from May 2021 to July 2022, where she focused on heterocyclic chemistry, specifically synthesizing and analyzing triazine derivatives using FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, while also mentoring junior researchers.

Teaching Experience

From August 2022 to May 2024, Nour has contributed to chemistry education as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Laboratory Instructor. She supported senior students in CHEM 234 (Biosensing), led experimental sessions for CHEM 220, covering thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and computational chemistry, and facilitated problem-solving sessions in CHEM 200 and CHEM 201. She also took responsibility for proctoring and evaluating undergraduate exams, ensuring academic integrity and learning outcomes.

Leadership & Extracurricular Activities

Nour actively engages in leadership and outreach. She is scheduled to present her research on MOFs for thermal sensing at the International Workshop on Advanced Materials (IWAM), February 2024. From July 2021 to July 2022, she served as President of the Chemistry Student Society (CSS) at AUB, organizing academic events for chemistry students. As President of the AGFE STEMer Club (2020–2022), she led initiatives focused on career development, mentorship, and networking for STEM students. She was also a representative in the AUB LEAD Initiative, hosting panels on Lebanon’s financial crisis, and volunteered with Dar Al Fatwa and Al Imdad Foundation, supporting marginalized communities and orphan outreach programs between 2020 and 2021.

Awards & Honors

Nour has been consistently recognized for her excellence. She was named to the Dean’s Honor List (2021–2022) at the American University of Beirut for academic distinction. She was awarded the prestigious Al Ghurair STEM Scholarship (2019–2022) for her exceptional academic potential in STEM fields. Most recently, she received the IWAM Travel Grant (2024), acknowledging her valuable research contributions and enabling her participation in a global materials science conference.

Notable Publications

Luminescence Nanothermometry: Investigating Thermal Memory in UiO-66-NH2 Nanocrystals
Authors: Nour Merhi, Abdullah Hakeem, Mohamad Hmadeh, Pierre Karam
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2024

Sustainable Strategies for Converting Organic, Electronic, and Plastic Waste From Municipal Solid Waste Into Functional Materials
Authors: Abdelaziz Gouda, Nour Merhi, Mohamad Hmadeh, Teresa Cecchi, Clara Santato, Mohini Sain
Journal: Global Challenges
Year: 2025

Single Particle Insights into the Thermal Sensing of Conjugated Polyelectrolyte–Nanoparticle Assemblies
Authors: Kareem Alhafi, Nour Merhi, Pierre Karam
Journal: ACS Applied Optical Materials
Year: 2024

Sustainable Strategies for Converting Organic, Electronic, and Plastic Waste From Municipal Solid Waste Into Functional Materials (Global Challenges 4/2025)
Authors: Abdelaziz Gouda, Nour Merhi, Mohamad Hmadeh, Teresa Cecchi, Clara Santato, Mohini Sain
Journal: Global Challenges
Year: 2025

Self‐Assembly of UiO‐66 on Conjugated Polyelectrolytes: Toward Enhanced Photophysical Properties
Authors: Abdullah Hakeem, Nour Merhi, Pierre Karam, Mohamad Hmadeh
Journal: Particle & Particle Systems Characterization
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Through her academic journey and hands-on research experience, Nour Merhi has established herself as a promising contributor to the field of chemistry. Her dedication to advancing thermal and biosensing technologies through experimental research highlights her commitment to scientific development. In addition to her technical skills, her leadership in student societies and community initiatives reflects a well-rounded and proactive approach to education and service. As she continues to explore complex material systems and sensing applications, she is poised to make impactful contributions to both academic research and practical innovations in chemical science. Her career trajectory demonstrates clarity of purpose and a drive for excellence.

Dr. Lijun Yan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lijun Yan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital | China

Dr. Lijun Yan is an accomplished physician and researcher specializing in geriatric gastroenterology. Currently serving as an Attending Physician at the Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology at the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China, Dr. Yan combines clinical practice with cutting-edge research, focusing on novel therapeutic approaches in gastroenterology, oncology, and nanomaterials.

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education and Academic Background

Dr. Lijun Yan (严丽军) holds an impressive academic record in medicine, reflecting her dedication to advancing medical science. She earned her PhD in Gerontology from Nanjing Medical University (2019–2022), where she explored age-related diseases and their management. Her postgraduate journey began with a Master of Medicine in Gastroenterology at the same institution (2013–2016), highlighting her specialization in digestive system disorders. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Medicine in Clinical Medicine at Soochow University (2008–2013), laying the foundation for her clinical expertise.

🔬 Research Activities and Funded Grants

Dr. Lijun Yan has led and contributed to groundbreaking research projects in cancer biology and nanomedicine, showcasing her innovation and leadership. Her notable funded research includes exploring the mechanism of betulinic acid in alleviating liver injury through the Nrf-2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway (2017–2019, Health Commission, Nantong). She investigated LncRNAn336928-mediated SPP1 expression in gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (2019–2021, Health Commission, Jiangsu Province). Additionally, she developed a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment system for digestive system neuroendocrine neoplasms, utilizing cutting-edge techniques such as molecular detection, endoscopy, imaging, and nanotherapy (2020–2022, Science and Technology Office, Jiangsu Province). Dr. Yan also delved into VEGF-mediated neovascularization, employing controlled-release octreopeptide/baicalein nanomicelles for treating pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (2020–2022, National Natural Science Foundation). Most recently, she is exploring tyrosine kinase reducers synthesized from PROTAC in treating pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (2022–2024, as Project Leader). Her dedication to advancing medical science through innovative research is both inspiring and impactful.

🔎 Research Interests

Dr. Yan’s research spans the cutting-edge intersections of modern science and clinical applications, reflecting her passion for innovation. Her key areas of interest include Nanomaterials and Medicine, focusing on harnessing nanotechnology for therapeutic breakthroughs. She is also deeply engaged in Small Molecule Drugs and Biology, exploring their potential in disease treatment. Dr. Yan applies her expertise in Bioinformatics and Genomics to decipher the genetic underpinnings of health and disease. Furthermore, her commitment to Cancer Biology drives her to uncover mechanisms and develop strategies for cancer treatment, reinforcing her role as a leader in the field.

🧪 Laboratory Skills

Dr. Yan is highly skilled in a wide range of laboratory techniques, underscoring her hands-on expertise in medical research. She excels in Chemical Synthesis, with proficiency in creating small molecule drugs and designing photosensitive nanomaterials. Her expertise in Molecular Biology Techniques, such as quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, further highlights her technical mastery. Dr. Yan is adept in Microscopy, including light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, which she utilizes for detailed analysis. She also specializes in Cell Biology, with experience in cell culture, maintaining cell lines, and conducting mouse models for studying cancer and inflammation. Additionally, her knowledge of Bioinformatics and Medical Statistics enables her to analyze and interpret complex biological data effectively.

🌟 Professional Highlights

Dr. Lijun Yan’s pioneering contributions to geriatric gastroenterology and cancer research have significantly advanced medical knowledge and therapeutic approaches. Her innovative work, particularly in nanomedicine and small molecule drug development, has established her as a leading figure in the field. Through her dedication to both research and clinical practice, she continues to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic options while inspiring the next generation of medical researchers.

Publications Top Noted📚

A Hypoxia Signature for Predicting Prognosis and Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Authors: Xi Chen, Lijun Yan, Yu Lu, Feng Jiang, Ni Zeng, Shufang Yang, Xianghua Ma, Gagan Chhabra

Journal: Journal of Oncology

Year: 2021

Identification of a Ferroptosis-Related Signature Associated with Prognosis and Immune Infiltration in Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Authors: Xi Chen, Lijun Yan, Feng Jiang, Yu Lu, Ni Zeng, Shufang Yang, Xianghua Ma, Giuseppe Reimondo

Journal: International Journal of Endocrinology

Year: 2021

Ganoderic acid A against cyclophosphamide-induced hepatic toxicity in mice

Authors: Xu Lixin, Yan Lijun, Huang Songping

Journal: Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology

Year: 2019

Yi Guan Jian, a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, Alleviates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury

Authors: Xu Lixin, Gu Erli, Huang Songping, Zhu Yonggen, Wang Jianping, Yan Lijun

Journal: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Year: 2019

Pilose antler peptide attenuates high-fat-diet-induced liver injury

Authors: Xu Lixin, Yan Lijun, Tao Weiwei

Journal: Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods

Year: 2018