26 Feb 2025
Final Year Project students Yueshan Zhong (third from the right) , PhD student Yuanyuan Wang (far right) , Yulin Zhou (fourth from the right), and Penghui Wang (fifth from the right), along with their supervisor Dr. Faez Iqbal Khan (second from the right), during a weekly research meeting in AY2023-24.
Our School of Science and Department of Biosciences and Bioinformatics are thrilled to announce that Ms. Yueshan Zhong, who graduated with a First Class Honours degree in BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences in 2024 from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), has been awarded the International Accreditation Top Project Award 2024 by the Royal Society of Biology. This prestigious award recognizes her exceptional work in the final-year research project and remarkable potential as a young scientist.
Under the expert mentorship of Dr. Faez Iqbal Khan, Assistant Professor, Department of Biosciences and Bioinformatics, School of Science, Yueshan explored groundbreaking research in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on proteomics and neurometabolites. Her award-winning project, titled “Neurometabolite, myo-inositol, induces conformational distortion with enhanced aggregation of Carbonic Anhydrase: Implications for altered metabolite levels in Alzheimer's disease,” provided key insights into how neurometabolite imbalances can influence protein aggregation associated with Alzheimer's disease. Her research findings were published in the Journal of Molecular Structure (Impact Factor 4.0, CiteScore 7.1), highlighting the international significance of her scientific work.
Yueshan’s journey began when she was inspired by Dr. Faez Iqbal Khan’s passionate teaching and mentorship in proteomics. His innovative approach and supportive guidance motivated her to join his research group, where she received comprehensive training and support from a positive and collaborative team. Special thanks go to collaborators, including Professor Tanveer Ali Dar from the University of Kashmir, who contributed to the project’s success. Yuanyuan Wang, a dedicated PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Faez Iqbal Khan, who played a pivotal role in Yueshan's journey by providing invaluable academic guidance and emotional support, when she needed it the most.
The International Accreditation Top Project Award is an esteemed annual accolade conferred by the world renown Royal Society of Biology (RSB), a prestigious professional body in the UK dedicated to advancing biological sciences worldwide. XJTLU’s BSc Biological Sciences programme, internationally accredited by RSB, emphasizes hands-on research and global competitiveness, qualifying graduates for RSB membership and admission to highly sought after Postgraduate Degree (Masters and PhD) programmes. Each year, only a select few from accredited degree programmes across the world receive this top honor, marking them as future leaders in biosciences.
This award recognizes Yueshan’s exceptional individual achievement and underscores the impact of positive mentorship and supportive teamwork. It serves as a testament to the dedication of both the student and her supervisor, Dr. Faez Iqbal Khan, in advancing scientific knowledge and fostering a collaborative research environment.
Please join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Yueshan Zhong on this outstanding achievement and wishing her continued success in her pursuit of excellence in proteomics and neurodegenerative disease research.
26 Feb 2025