Joshua Berenbaum | Biology | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Joshua Berenbaum | Biology | Research Excellence Award

PhD Candidate | Boston University | United States

Mr. Joshua G. Berenbaum is an early-career neuroscientist and clinical research professional affiliated with the VA Boston Healthcare System, where his work centers on the complex interplay between frontal lobe dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and disorders of consciousness. His research contributions, reflected in 2 Scopus-indexed documents, 2 citations, and an h-index of 1, highlight a developing yet meaningful scholarly presence within neuropsychology and clinical neuroscience. Mr. Berenbaum’s primary research interests include frontal lobe syndromes, mechanisms of consciousness, executive dysfunction, neurocognitive assessment, functional brain–behavior relationships, and the neurobiological foundations of impaired awareness in neurological and psychiatric conditions. His notable publication, Frontal Disorders and Consciousness: A Review, demonstrates his focus on synthesizing multidisciplinary evidence to better understand how disruptions in frontal circuits affect awareness, emotional control, behavioral regulation, and higher-order cognitive processes. His research skills include systematic literature analysis, clinical data interpretation, neuropsychological evaluation frameworks, critical appraisal of neuroimaging findings, and scientific synthesis across neurology, psychiatry, and cognitive neuroscience. In collaborative settings, he contributes to multidisciplinary research teams investigating traumatic brain injury, degenerative disorders, and neuropsychiatric symptoms linked to frontal system deficits. Although early in his academic trajectory, Mr. Berenbaum has received recognition through institutional research support, scholarly participation at clinical neuroscience seminars, and contributions to research activities within the Veterans Health Administration, reflecting emerging honors consistent with promising junior investigators. His work aims to bridge theoretical neuroscience with clinical application, improving diagnostic clarity and care pathways for individuals experiencing impairments in consciousness and executive functioning. In conclusion, Mr. Joshua Berenbaum represents a developing researcher committed to advancing understanding of frontal lobe–related cognitive disorders, integrating rigorous analysis with clinically grounded perspectives, and contributing to the growing scientific discourse on consciousness and neurobehavioral dysfunction.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Berenbaum, J. G., Nadkarni, P. A., & Marvel, C. L. (2023). An fMRI analysis of verbal and non-verbal working memory in people with a past history of opioid dependence. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 17, 1053500.

Berenbaum, J. G., Morrison, B., Hagan, B., Xie, K. Y., Turk, K. W., & Budson, A. E. (2025). Frontal disorders and consciousness: A review. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 25(1), 1–12.

Mr. Joshua G. Berenbaum’s work advances scientific understanding of how frontal lobe dysfunction affects consciousness, cognition, and behavior, providing insights essential for improving neurological and psychiatric care. His research supports society by informing better diagnostic tools and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with brain injury and cognitive disorders. Ultimately, his contributions strengthen clinical practice and inspire innovations that enhance patient outcomes and neurocognitive health worldwide.

Huili Ye | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huili Ye | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Associated Researcher at Lanzhou University Second Hospital, China

Dr. Huili Ye is an emerging researcher in the fields of tumor immunotherapy, epigenetics, and the tumor microenvironment, with a strong focus on gastric cancer. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in General Surgery at Lanzhou University while serving as an Assistant Researcher and Master’s supervisor at The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University. Dr. Ye has led and contributed to multiple nationally funded and provincial projects, including studies on CAR-T cell therapy, lipid metabolism reprogramming, and novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Her research output is distinguished by high-impact publications in renowned journals such as Cancer Research, Nature Communications, Science Advances, and Gastroenterology, reflecting both depth and international collaboration. Beyond her scientific work, she is actively engaged in academic mentorship, interdisciplinary initiatives, and fostering innovative approaches in translational oncology. With her blend of academic rigor, leadership capacity, and collaborative vision, Dr. Ye represents a promising force in advancing future cancer research.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile  

Education

Dr. Huili Ye has pursued an impressive academic journey across some of China’s leading institutions. She began her scientific training at the School of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, earning a Bachelor’s degree, where she built a strong foundation in biological sciences. To deepen her expertise, she joined Zhejiang University, completing a Master’s degree in Cell Biology, focusing on molecular and cellular processes with translational potential. Driven by her passion for advancing cancer research, Dr. Ye is currently completing her Doctoral studies in General Surgery at Lanzhou University’s Second Clinical Medical College. Her doctoral research integrates clinical perspectives with molecular biology, emphasizing tumor biology and innovative treatment strategies. Through this trajectory, she has built a rare combination of laboratory research skills and clinical insight, equipping her to contribute to the frontiers of tumor immunology, cancer epigenetics, and translational medicine with both depth and precision.

Experience

Dr. Ye has gained extensive academic and professional experience that bridges laboratory science with clinical application. she has served as an Assistant Researcher and Master’s Supervisor at The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, actively guiding graduate students while leading her independent research initiatives. She has secured competitive funding as Principal Investigator on projects supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and institutional innovation programs. Additionally, she has played key roles in large-scale provincial projects, such as the development of targeted immunotherapies for gastrointestinal tumors, strengthening her expertise in collaborative, multidisciplinary research. Dr. Ye has worked with international scholars from Europe and Japan, enhancing the global relevance of her studies. Her publication record in highly ranked journals highlights her ability to carry research from concept to impactful discovery. This experience reflects a dynamic blend of scientific innovation, clinical translation, mentorship, and international collaboration.

Research Interest

Dr. Ye’s research interests lie at the forefront of cancer biology and translational medicine, with a particular emphasis on tumor immunotherapy, tumor epigenetics, and the tumor microenvironment. Her work explores how molecular mechanisms drive immune escape, treatment resistance, and tumor progression, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets. She has made significant contributions to the study of PICH-mediated mechanisms in gastric cancer, uncovering pathways linked to lipid metabolism, S-phase transition, and chemoresistance. Furthermore, Dr. Ye is advancing innovative CAR-T cell therapies and nanobody-based delivery systems, positioning her research at the intersection of immunology and precision oncology. By integrating basic molecular biology with clinical applications, her projects are designed to accelerate the development of targeted interventions that improve treatment outcomes for gastrointestinal malignancies. Her ongoing investigations highlight not only her scientific creativity but also her determination to contribute meaningful solutions to one of medicine’s most pressing global challenges.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Ye’s academic journey has been marked by prestigious research grants, impactful publications, and recognition from the scientific community. She has successfully secured funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, underscoring the novelty and importance of her independent research. Her leadership in institutional and provincial innovation projects highlights her standing as a promising investigator in oncology. Several of her peer-reviewed papers have been published in top-tier international journals, including Cancer Research, Science Advances, Nature Communications, and Gastroenterology, reflecting both the quality and global relevance of her work. Beyond research, her role as a Master’s degree supervisor represents recognition of her academic mentorship and leadership potential. These achievements showcase her ability to drive high-impact discoveries, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and train future researchers. Together, they affirm her status as an emerging leader in cancer research and position her strongly for competitive international honors and awards.

Publication Top Notes

  • Title: ULBP2 CAR-T cells enhance gastric cancer immunotherapy by inhibiting CAF activation
    Authors: Wentao Zhang; Wen Ren; Shuyan Guo; Haobo Han; and a total of 18 authors
    Year: 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Huili Ye embodies the qualities of a dedicated and innovative researcher whose work significantly advances the fields of cancer biology and immunotherapy. Her journey reflects a rare combination of strong academic foundation, international collaborations, and translational research achievements. By successfully leading funded projects and publishing in highly reputed journals, she demonstrates both scientific rigor and visionary impact. As an educator and mentor, she is nurturing the next generation of biomedical scientists while contributing to the academic community at large. Her exploration of novel therapies, such as CAR-T approaches for gastric cancer, showcases her ability to merge cutting-edge science with clinical application. Looking ahead, Dr. Ye is well positioned to expand her influence through global collaborations, keynote contributions, and editorial involvement, further amplifying her leadership. These accomplishments and her clear trajectory of growth make her highly deserving of recognition as a Best Researcher Award recipient.